Every apparatus has its history. Every machine has its story. And every invention evolves with time and contribution of others. The tools and machines we use all derived from somewhere started as an idea and grew into a functional tool that facilitates a certain job. Today the pressure washer is used across industries to ensure the ultimate clean. In fact, pressure washing is used across the world and is a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of people. From restaurant floors to warehouses to drive-thrus, the pressure washer serves as an incredible machine that provides a much-needed function.
Like many great things in history, including penicillin, the pressure washer was kind of stumbled upon, or so the story goes. In 1926, a hard-working fella by the name of Ofeldt came upon the idea of the first steam pressure washer. He discovered this on the job as an employee of a Pennsylvania producer of gas-fired water heaters and boilers, as well as a maker of whiskey stills. Once he made his discovery, he set out to create a contraption that could capitalize on this idea/concept.
How does it work?
Water molecules have a slight electrical polarity— one is positive and one is negative—so they are good at sticking to things. When you add detergents or soap chemicals, you help water do its job even better by helping it break down grunge and grease. When you add the element of pressure, this process becomes even more effective. A power washer uses a pressurized stream of hot or cold water to blast dirt. The stream of pressure makes the water molecules travel fast and hits the surface with high kinetic energy knocking dirt and dust away.
The advancements of the pressure washer happened slowly as the demand for higher pressure increased and other industries like the car wash industry sought more efficient ways to perform their tasks. The development of uniflow design piston pumps was one step, as they lasted up to 10 times longer than other pumps being used and had capabilities up to 1000 psi. Later, this increased to 3000 psi. There was a high demand for operational improvement of the contraption from other sectors like the agricultural, roof cleaning, and water blasting sectors.
Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing — What’s the Difference?
If you’re a business owner and have looked into deep cleaning for your facilities, you’ve likely heard the term pressure washing and power washing. Perhaps you have even heard them used interchangeably, as many people do. Let’s take a moment to differentiate between the two. The idea and the contraption are usually the same, but the main difference is simply one element: heat. A power washer uses heated water, which is particularly effective in the total annihilation of grease, grime, and especially mildew.
Some of Today’s Advancements
Today’s power washers are a tad bit more sophisticated than they were twenty years ago, although the process and the concept are the same. The nozzles are better engineered and the motors are far more powerful. If we simplify the process as much as possible, it generally will function like this: detergent will flow from a container through one hose, then the water flows through and is filtered. An electric motor or diesel engine will power the washer. Powered by the motor the machine will mix the water and detergent together. The power washer will then heat the water. The pump will then blast out the hot soapy water through the reinforced high -pressure exit hose.
Benefits of Pressure Washing on a Commercial Property
Aside from cleanliness, of course, the utility of pressure washing extends even further. Pressure washing could be part of a regular maintenance routine that provides several benefits:
- Maintains the property value. If done regularly, power washing will help maintain your property, therefore ensuring it is not losing value due to damage.
- Prevents permanent damage on your property. Cleaning the property thoroughly will remove stains and grease that if allowed to sink in, cause permanent damage that might then be irreversible.
- Aesthetic appeal. It’ll give your property a sleek clean surface and enhance its beauty.
- Keeps employees and customers safe. Ensuring there is no grease or grime, can play an important role in safety when it comes to your employees and customers.
Get Real Solutions and Real Cleaning With EP Cleaning Solutions
Cleanliness means everything for a business. Whether you run a restaurant or a mechanic shop, the level of cleanliness communicates something very important to your customer. It says something about how you approach your business and even your work. Here at El Paso Cleaning Solutions, we help businesses stay clean and give the best impression to their customers.
