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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.
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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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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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Using The Right Pressure When Applying Chemical Cleaners
When applying pressure washer chemicals to any surface you intend to clean, be it a graffiti-covered concrete wall or your car, it is important to use low pressure. By using low pressure, you are allowing the chemicals more time to penetrate the dirt, grime, spray paint or anything else.
If you apply the chemical with too much pressure, it does not have that valuable contact time. Instead, the chemicals tend to bounce off the surface rather than soaking into it. Always check the recommended pressure settings before applying any chemical to a surface. Different chemical sprayers can be used with your system, and each has various settings. Look at the UltimateWashers.com selection to see which model will work best for your needs.
Once the pressure washer detergent or other cleaner has had a chance to work its way into the surface, you can then increase the pressure for the water to start doing its job. While most pressure washer chemicals are Eco-friendly and pose no threat to Mother Nature, it is always a good idea to double check before buying or using one.
If you are using a steam pressure cleaner, make sure to slowly mix the detergent into the water in the tank. Do not add water to a tank that already has detergent in it; otherwise, it will not mix properly.
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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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Water Softeners
The first time most people hear the term “hard water,” they do not really know what it means, just that it is considered undesirable.
Simply put, hard water means there are dissolved ions of calcium and magnesium present in the water. This usually leads to two main problems. First, hard water reacts with soap to produce soap scum, or the residue commonly known as a “bathtub ring.”
The minerals in hard water can also latch on to the inside of your pipes and clog them. This can lead to leaks and a host of other problems. The minerals in hard water can also be very corrosive to your car’s engine and paint job. Washing a car with hard water might leave it looking even worse than before you cleaned it. Washing your carpet with a steam pressure cleaner using hard water is just as bad.
Water softeners are the best solution to this problem. Softeners remove the minerals from your water and make the cleaning chemicals you use with your pressure washer more effective. Once you start using the best water softeners, you will immediately notice a difference when cleaning cars, carpets and just about anything else, especially when using steam pressure washers.
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