Within the arena of industrial cleaning equipment debates, one of the constant arguments circling pressure washers is the debate between a hot vs cold water pressure washer. Whereas both model-types are highly effective in their own rights, both types have their time-and-place to be used most effectively. So let’s dive into a bit of a breakdown of the characteristics of hot & cold pressure washers, the appropriate settings to use both, and the popular models representing the two categories of pressure washers for a dirty job.
Hot Water Pressure Washers
Probably the most common reason to use a hot water pressure washer is cutting through waste and muck. In particular, the hot water method of pressure washing isn’t temperamental when it comes to oil, grease, oily residue and other forms of grime that is difficult to deal with due to its molecular nature. An added benefit to hot water is the germ/bacteria minimization that is accompanied with the high temperatures being used to clean. 200 degree Fahrenheit water pumped out at 1000 – 3000 PSI will cut through just about anything.
The greatest differentiator between cold and hot pressure washers is the cleaning power. Let’s be honest, hot water cleans better. Hot water offers extra cleaning power when you need it most, but combining the detergent, agitation & heated water the ease associated with tough cleaning, sanitization jobs & hot water pressure washers is evident.
Hotsy 555 model hot water pressure washer is one of the most popular models available. Considered one of the most efficient hot water pressure washers in Hotsy’s line-up, featuring a technologically advanced heat exchanger that heats water to higher temperatures much faster & with 2.2 GPM (gallons/minute) @ 1300 PSI cleaning power.
Cold Water Pressure Washers
For cleaning dirt and grime off surfaces, a cold water pressure washer is ideal. Whether a driveway, the car in the driveway and/or the floor mats inside the car, cold water pressure washing is perfect. But cleaning the engine parts or the oil spot building underneath the car’s engine, that’s a job for a hot water pressure washer.
Much of the cleaning power & ability of hot water pressure washing is directly from the hot water itself. Cold pressure washers’ ultimate strength rests on the pressurized water pressure power produced by the machine to break up any dirt on a surface. Added detergent to the water solution will assist in cleaning surfaces more effectively. Cold-water pressure washing can dispense of soil & sediment without the extra expense of hot-water washing. Additionally, cold water is preferred for some surfaces like wood or plastics that may warp/alter under high temperatures.
Cold water pressure washer options such as the Hotsy HD Series Gas Engine Cold Water Pressure Washers provide such desired cleaning power. These Hotsy modular cold water pressure washers are equipped with corrosion-resistant aluminum frame and 3.0 GPM @ 2700 PSI that is more than enough to send dirt and sand flying with ease.
The biggest difference between the hot vs cold water pressure washer is simple…what are you cleaning, both the filth and the surfaces. Most resoundingly, hot water is the best for cleaning material that is residual in nature like oil, grease, etc. Cold water is best for sedentary, like dirt and sand that once blasted goes with the literal flow. A good way to look at it is you use a hot water pressure washer to clean something on a surface, you use a cold water pressure washer to clean something off a surface. With this knowledge, let Dakota Fluid Power provide you with the best hot water or cold water pressure washer to clean your mess whatever it might be.