Choose Your Pressure Washer’s Duty Cycle
How will you use? For how long?
Knowing the correct duty cycle for your application is important — why buy more power than you need? Depending on the jobs and hours of usage, your washer will fall into one of the following categories:
Light Duty
Uses
- Siding and windows
- Cars and lawn equipment
- Outdoor furniture and grills
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Decks and patios
- Usage time: 2 - 5 hours per week
Details
- Electric (usually 115V) or gas powered
- Typically not high pressure or hot water compatible
- 1,000 - 2,000 psi
Medium / Heavy Duty
Uses
- Large homes, farms, or ranches
- Boats and large vehicles
- Construction site / worksite prep
- Usage time: Up to 10 hours per week
Details
- Longer run times before unit needs to cool down
- Higher pressure than the light-duty units
- Electric (230V) or gas powered
- 2,000 - 3,000 psi
Industrial
Uses
- Daily cleaning of pools, tennis courts, and parking lots
- Industrial cleaning
- Paint stripping and surface preparation
- Graffiti removal
- Construction site cleaning
- Fleet maintenance
- Usage time: 25+ hours per week
Details
- Higher horsepower and volume (GPM) to provide higher pressure
- Hot water options
- Gas powered or three-phase power types
- 3,000 - 5,000+ psi
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SIMPSON Heavy Duty 3800 psi 3.5 gpm Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer  |
DEWALT Heavy Duty 3800 psi 3.5 gpm Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer  |
Know Your Cleaning Power: Compare PSI, GPM & CU
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) and Gallons Per Minute (GPM) are two units used to measure the power of pressure washers. PSI refers to the amount of pressure or “stripping” action used to scrub off dirt, paint, or other unwanted material. GPM, the supply of water flow, rinses the scrubbed material away from the surface.
If two washers have the same PSI, the one with a higher GPM will work faster because it uses more water. This can save you time, as well as gas or electricity.
To better compare pressure washers, use Cleaning Units (CU) by multiplying PSI and GPM.
Compare Washers Using Cleaning Units (CU)
PSI x GPM
- Washer A: 3,000 PSI / 2 GPM = 6,000 CU
- Washer B: 3,000 PSI / 3 GPM = 9,000 CU
- Washer C: 3,500 PSI / 2 GPM = 7,000 CU
Washer B has the best cleaning power, because of its combination of PSI and GPM.
Select Your Power Source
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers usually have less power than gasoline-powered models. However, they can be used both indoors and outdoors and are less noisy.
Note: Look for safety features when working with electric washers near water, like double insulation and a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Shop electric pressure washers
Gas Pressure Washers
Gas pressure washers have more power and higher pressures, so can handle more heavy-duty projects. Because of their carbon monoxide emissions, gas-powered washers can only be used outdoors.
Note: Not all gas-powered washers include oil. Make sure oil is added before starting for the first time.
Add Tools and Accessories
Not all pressure washer nozzles and accessories have the same connections.
Many brands have unique locking mechanisms compatible only with accessories of the same brand.
Keep your user manual handy to reference parts and accessories.
Shop Accessories
Nozzle Color and Spray Pattern
Pressure washer nozzles are color-coded to indicate the narrowness and forcefulness of their spray pattern.
Nozzle Size Finder
Choosing the right pressure washer nozzle can increase your cleaning ability and minimize your washing time. An easy nozzle change can turn your less powerful pressure washer into a high-powered cleaning machine. Use this helpful chart to find the best nozzle for you.
Example: The correct nozzle size for 2.5 GPM at 1000 psi is 5.0.
NOTE: Make sure that the motor/engine, pump, and other components are rated for the applied pressure. Failure to match proper components could result in equipment damage.
Still Need Help?
If you are still having trouble choosing a power washer, contact our Customer Service team at askzoro@zoro.com or call 855-289-9676.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.