I’m just getting into pressure washing and I’ve been doing some research on surface cleaners and turbo nozzles. My pressure washer is a 3100 psi 2.3 gpm and I’m on a tight budget. Would I be better off getting a decent turbo nozzle or a crappy Surface cleaner?
I wouldn’t even mess with doing concrete until you get a machine with more gpm. Low gpm takes longer no matter what you’re cleaner it’s even worse on concrete. I would stick to houses, save up some cash, and buy a bigger machine when you’re ready. You could even just soft wash concrete at first to clean it.
Since you’re just getting into pressure washing be sure to do some research on here. You’re not suppose to use pressure on a lot of surfaces you clean and especially vinyl siding. You only want about the pressure as a garden hose.
Well, you don’t use a turbo on large concrete areas, just steps and brick walls mostly.
That Maxx surface cleaner isn’t horrible if you only have $100 to spend. Not professional grade though.
Like Brian said, just wait on the concrete stuff for now.
Thanks guys!
What would you recommend for a chemical to get to soft wash the concrete?
Concrete won’t come clean without a decent surface cleaner. Bleach will kill organic growth but won’t touch baked in dirt.
Stick with soft washing vinyl siding and soffits until you learn a few more things.
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Sodium Hypochlorite which is bleach. SH will be your most used chemical. That’s what you’ll use for house washing, roof washing, awnings, some wood, brick, stucco, or just about anything else with organic stains.
Ok thanks!
And for a surface cleaner what would you recommend? Also what kind of pressure washer as well?
As far as a pressure washer it depends. You want to try and get a truck or trailer setup so you don’t have to drag a machine around. You’re then able to get a buffer tank so you don’t have to worry about squeezing the gun every 30 seconds to keep your pump from overheating. A buffer tank allows you to recirculate water which will prevent your pump from overheating. You never know when you’re going to get a phone call, have to run back to the truck, or a customer pops out to chat. The last thing you want to have to worry about is squeezing the gun every 30 seconds.
As far as a surface cleaner Whisper Wash is the way to go. Although, you have to size them according to the gpm of your machine so you can’t just grab any one you want.
Your best bet is to learn how to down stream and wash houses. Save up some cash and reinvest in your business. You need to look into insurance before you start washing on other people’s property.
I think if I were in your shoes I would spend the next year reading through old posts on here and researching all you can on equipment, marketing, cleaning processes, etc. It’ll then give you a chance to save up some more money for insurance, marketing, equipment, etc. You’ll then be ready to roll by next spring and know exactly what you’re doing. I think I waited about a year and half from when I first decided I wanted to start my business and then opening day. I don’t regret that decision at all.
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I’m only 16 right now so I don’t really have a way to get enough money for a trailer setup. @marinegrunt
Any cheaper suggestions?
Cheapest suggestion is to read all you can on here about this profession and narrow down what you should start with before running out and buying a bunch if crap.
Been there, done that.
Buying a little washer and throwing it in the back of a two door sedan is no way to run a business.
Ok thanks
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