Cold Water Pressure Washers

It removes mud, dust, process residues and ordinary dirt from vehicles, equipment, paving and surfaces on building sites and in workshops. The pressurised jet removes dirt mechanically, without heating the water. For heavily caked-on grease and oil, it is better to consider a hot water model instead, which is more effective on that type of residue.

The main figures are pressure, expressed in bar, and flow rate, expressed in litres per hour: they determine cleaning power and working speed. Then there is the power supply, which can be single-phase or three-phase electric, petrol or battery. Choose according to where you will be working and whether a socket is available, reading the technical data sheet of each model.

Portable battery-powered cleaners, such as the Kärcher OC series or the DeWalt and Stanley pressure spray guns, need no electrical connection and are handy for short jobs, cars, bicycles and tight spaces. Electric-motor pressure washers on a trolley offer more continuous running and are used for frequent work. With a battery, check the run time against your real working time.

It is used by maintenance technicians, cleaning companies, car rental firms, mechanical workshops and building contractors. It washes site vehicles, cleans outdoor paving, removes mud from equipment and prepares surfaces before painting. In a workshop it is also used to wash parts and vehicle bodies, where a cold jet is enough for ordinary dirt.

Wear goggles, gloves and non-slip footwear, because the jet can injure skin and make you lose your balance. Never point the jet at people, animals or electrical components. Engage the gun's safety catch when you are not working, check that the hose is not damaged and disconnect the power supply before changing nozzles or working on the pump unit.

Pressure washers sold in Europe must carry CE marking and the instruction manual. In the workplace, Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 on workplace safety applies to equipment, requiring use, checks and maintenance in line with the manufacturer's instructions. It is worth checking that the machine is declared for professional use and not only for domestic use.

Adjustable lances, flat-jet or rotary nozzles, brushes and extensions change the result. A wide jet works on large surfaces at gentler pressure, while a concentrated jet removes caked-on dirt at one spot. Before buying accessories, check that the connection and fitting are compatible with the chosen machine.