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Pressure Washer Chemicals Tips
Non-Chemical Water Softening
Hard water makes pressure washer chemicals less effective, and the mineral build up can shorten the life of your pressure washer chemical injector. Commercial water softeners create brine waste, and in many locations there are large fines if you dispose of the waste improperly. Need an alternative to chemical water softeners? Electronic descalers work through two electro-magnetic coils wrapped around your water pipes. This process changes the adhesion properties of the lime scale on a molecular level, so you don't have a constant battle with build up in your pressure washer chemical injector, and your pressure washer chemicals will work properly. However, no substances are added or removed, so there is no resulting waste. Electronic descalers should be installed at the mains cold water supply pipe. They are suitable for residential and small industrial size settings.
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When to Use a Butyl-Based Pressure Washer Detergent
It is important to use the right pressure washer chemicals for specific cleaning needs. Do you have a cleaning job dealing with tough grease or heavy soil? Try using a butyl-based pressure washer detergent. Butyl-based cleaners can dull or destroy the finish of painted surfaces if left on too long, so butyl users will need to do a careful rinse after the cleaning. It's important to remember that rubber surfaces can be destroyed by butyl, but durable surfaces can benefit from a butyl-based pressure washer detergent. It's a big labor saver for stubborn grime and dirt.
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Pressure Washer Chmicals and Skin Damage
Do you know the pH factor of your pressure washer chemicals? pH is the standard of measurement for the acidity and alkalinity of substances. The pH of human skin is measured at about five, water is near seven, and the pH of most pressure washer chemicals is 11 or higher. Unprotected exposure to pressure washer chemicals with a pH of 12 or above can damage your skin. Always wear gloves when working with pressure washer detergents to protect yourself. Remember, it's not just your hands that need protecting. If your ungloved hands are contaminated with detergents and you rub your eyes, they can be injured as well.
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Benefits of Using a Water Softener with a Pressure Washer
After purchasing a pressure washer system, be sure to test your water for hardness. If the water exceeds seven grains of hardness, you can protect your pressure washer system by using water softeners to prevent deposits and to help you get maximum cleaning power from pressure washer detergents. The water softener reduces lime and mineral build up in your pressure washer components and leaves surfaces with less residue after washing. In soft water, your pressure washer chemicals will work more efficiently, so less will be needed to get the results that you want.
If you buy what's called a "regenerative" water softener system, make sure that you know your local regulations governing disposal of by-products of the softening process. A regenerative water softener works by transforming hard water minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, into sodium or potassium by passing the water over an ion-charged resin. The result is a briney discharge you'll need to dispose of properly. Many areas have strict laws governing waste water, water table pollution and water recovery, so check regulations that could affect where and how you dispose of the brine.
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Mixing Pressure Washer Chemicals
Before starting a pressure washer job, give your water-soluble pressure washer chemicals enough time to completely dissolve before starting the chemical injector. If the chemicals are dissolving fast enough, you may be able to dissolve the pressure washer chemical in warm water, depending on the chemicals you're using. When using this technique, be sure to let the mixture cool to at least 100 degrees (or lower if your hoses aren't rated for those temperatures) before starting the pressure washer chemical injector.
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Injecting Two Chemicals at the Same Time
If you have a cleaning job that requires the use of more than one chemical during the process, don't make the mistake of combining two chemicals in the solution tank of a pressure washer. It can produce a chemical reaction and damage the pressure washer chemical injector, or even worse cause an explosion and injury. If you need to use two or more chemicals during the same cleaning job, install a separate pressure washer chemical injector for each chemical, set them up in a series, and then activate using a remote injection kit. A remote injection kit gives you the ability to program and electronically activate the injectors in sequence without having to manually adjust hoses, attachments, etc.
