The amount of pounds per square inch (PSI) you will need for pressure washing is from 1500 to 1900. This range is sufficient for regular household maintenance and cleaning tasks. It would also be enough to eliminate common dirt and stains.
Low pressure is ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces outside of the home. However, trying to pressure wash with too much PSI can damage surfaces and objects nearby. It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek help from a professional power washing company to avoid issues.
In this blog, we’ll expand more on the importance of pressure washer PSI and the different PSI ratings available.
Importance of Pressure Washer PSI
These are some of the main reasons why pressure washer PSI is important:
- Cleaning power: A powerful pressure washer will have a high PSI. This means it can clean surfaces more effectively and efficiently by removing dirt, grime, and other stubborn stains.
- Speed: A pressure washer with a high PSI can help you clean surfaces faster, which can be useful for large areas, such as driveways or decks.
- Versatility: Depending on the type of task you have, a higher or lower PSI may be required. A pressure washer with an adjustable PSI setting can give you more versatility, as you can adjust the pressure to meet your needs.
- Efficiency: A gas pressure washer with a higher PSI can help you save time and water, as you’ll be able to clean surfaces more effectively in a shorter amount of time.
Different PSI Ratings
The following are the different PSI ratings for pressure washers:
Light Duty 1400-1800 PSI
A light-duty pressure washer will suffice for routine maintenance and minor household cleaning tasks. These models typically have a PSI of 1400 to 1800 and are adequate for removing dirt and light stains.
This is the most suitable PSI rating for all surfaces, as it poses the least risk of damage. However, it may not be effective in removing stubborn stains.
Medium Duty 1900-2700 PSI
Medium-duty pressure washers are more effective at removing dirt buildup and oil stains than light-duty models. This category includes models with a PSI range of 1900 to 2700.
A medium-duty pressure washer can be used on nearly any surface and is particularly well-suited for cleaning concrete, brick, and wood. It is also ideal for eliminating buildup on patios, siding, roofs, decks, and fences.
Heavy Duty 2800-3100 PSI
If you need more pressure, you may want to consider a heavy-duty power washer with a PSI range of 2800-3100. People who own a boat or yacht will find a heavy-duty pressure washer ideal for removing algae and barnacles attached to the bottom of their vessels.
These models are also widely used for cleaning driveways, sidewalks, and pathways and preparing surfaces for painting.
Extra Heavy Duty 3200 and Higher PSI
In the case of heavily stained driveways and thick layers of dirt, an extra heavy-duty pressure washer may be necessary. However, it is essential to note that if you plan to use this type of pressure washer on painted surfaces, it could strip away the colouring, especially at around 3900 PSI.
While this may be undesirable if you are not intentionally trying to remove the paint, these pressure washers are ideal for removing graffiti from walls.
Want to learn which pressure washer nozzle you should be using? Read our blog today to find out.