We are firm believers that, in order to be successful in the pressure washing business, you must focus on operating equipment with the top performing features. Obviously, the pressure washer that has exactly what you need to be successful is key in this business.
This can be subjective though, right? The best pressure washer for residential and commercial work would be way different than the best for car detailing.
In this article, we are going to go over, both, the best pressure washer for residential and commercial work, as well as the best pressure washer for car detailing, but first we thought we would leave you with some information.
What is Psi?
Psi stands for pounds per square inch. It is the amount of pressure that the water is coming out at.
This is different than gpm, or gallons per minute. We will explain gpm shortly.
First, the right psi for auto detailing is going to be drastically different than the psi for driveways, houses and commercial applications.
Pressure Washer for Auto Detailing
For car detailing, the psi should be anywhere from 1200 psi to 2000. Maybe slightly more, but really any more than that puts the cars paint at risk of damage, which obviously you don’t want.
The machine should be high quality and durable.
Expect to pay 2-$8,000 on a complete setup, depending on your proposed application.
We recommend the K2020 T, which goes for $2,803.00, but at this moment it is on sale for $2,001.99.
This is the K2020 T machine, which boasts 1600-2000 psi at 1.7-1.9 GPM. If you are looking to do automotive detailing work, this set-up is primed for success. You can check out the specs, and see for yourself.
Pressure Washer for Automotive Detailing Pros
Whereas there is nothing wrong with the K2020 T’s underline functionality, some pros’ may need a more efficient set-up. For that, expect to spend a bit more money, but this pressure washer will pretty much last a lifetime. With proper upkeep of the 100% maintainable engine, this pressure washer can last 20-30 years with regular/professional use. The Kranzle 2020 PMUSR – Shelf Mounted Pressure Washer is our #1 pick and an absolute work horse.
This auto detailing powerhouse comes with an adjustable 2000 MAX psi, and 1.9 gallons per minute. With 65 feet of hose on a Kranzle reel, you can’t go wrong.
With a price tag of $7,344 normally, it might be a good time to hop on to the sale they are having. Right now, you can get it for $5,508 which will pay back in spades over many years.
The GPM, and psi are perfect. With GPM, you want to aim for as close to 2.0 GPM as possible when it comes to pressure washers for your car detailing business.
What is Gpm?
As mentioned before, gpm stands for gallons per minute. This is the amount of water that comes out per minute, as you might have guessed.
To recap, for automotive detailing you want to aim to get as close to 2.0 gallons per minute out of your machine. Ideally, as close as you can get to a pressure washer that puts out 2 gpm the better, while still keeping the right psi in mind.
This allows for enough water to come out, and essentially wash away mud, and other things stuck in emblems etc.
Alternative Ryobi Pressure Washer for Automotive Detailing
The cleaning machines mentioned in this article can all stand up to the test of time with commercial grade use. If you want a temporary, cheaper option, you could get yourself a ryobi pressure washer.
Any ryobi pressure washer will get the job done, and will cost you a fraction of the cost. So, if you are looking to get a few jobs under your belt before upgrading, you can get yours on Ebay here. We don’t suggest this as a long term business model, though.
A lot of these ryobi machines are typically graded for residential use. Many people swear by their ryobi they have had for years, however.
Ryobi Pressure Washer Examples
When you look up ryobi pressure washer on Ebay, you get countless listings of new, open-box, used listings so we thought we would filter them down for you.
Best Machine for Cleaning Concrete
This is the Dirt Killer H360 pressure washer 3500 PSI 4.2 GPM – Honda, and goes for $2,500 every day of the week.
Worth every penny its 3500 MAX adjustable psi, and 4.2 gpm will do a heck of a job cleaning that concrete driveway, offering the best ROI.
Specifications:
Accessories:
Check out all accessories for this pressure washer.
Other Useful Accessories
Don’t forget to pick up the Silver Helix Surface Cleaners – Commercial Grade – Stainless Steel. Using a surface cleaner cuts down the time it takes to do a driveway significantly. This one comes with a 12 inch, 21 inch or 30 inch option, ranging from $648- $1,060.
Best Pressure Washer for Cleaning Wood Siding
Since wood siding is softer, and it can be damaged with too high of a psi, we recommend a psi up to 2000. At 2000 psi, you really should be careful.
We recommend the Kranzle 1122 TST Pressure Washer for this.
This pressure washer operates at 1400 psi and 2.1 gallons per minute.
If you are in the lower 48, you can get this with free shipping.
Kranzle washers are meant to last the test of time. As previously stated, they last a couple decades at least. This one comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and is usually $1,990.00, but right now it is $1,522.00.
Order you Kranzle 1122 TST pressure washer today. This machine would also be good for other soft surfaces such as stucco or aluminum siding.
Conclusion
You see, the right pressure washer depends on what type of job you will be doing. Check out our other article, “How to Start a Window Cleaning Business and Thrive”.