Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Power Washer
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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OrchidCrazy
Joined: Nov 6, 2003
Points: 55
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Power Washer
Original Message Feb 13, 2005 7:46 am |
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Thinking ahead to spring, wondering about buying hubby a power washer. What advice can you guys give me on what to look for, decent brands, etc. I do not want to break the bank. It would be used for things like washing the house, deck, front walkway. Not sure what other uses it might have. House is a 2 story colonial, we live on a hill so one area is about 2 1/2 stories about ground when you add in the foundation that is above ground there. Wouldn't something with as small a footprint as can be had for it's size. Thanks again for helping me out! Sandy
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Dave___in___CT
Deliberate often... ...decide once...
Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159
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Re: Power Washer
Reply #7 Feb 13, 2005 5:12 pm |
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Hi... Mildew on siding... "Can soemthing like this be used effectively to wash outside windows or will it just leave major streaking?" Do no expect a power washer to remove the mildew spots completely... this usually takes scrubbing by hand then washing off... I tried it on vinyl siding... black spots remained... had to scrub by hand... Power washers take off the "big" stuff... not the fine dirt film... so windows won't be totally clean... Ever wash a vehicle at a quarter car wash with the power hand-held wand ? Big dirt goes bye-bye... the film of dirt has to be removed by hand washing... then spraying... An electric washer may meet your needs... Dave...
Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.Henry Ford BCS Tractor & snowblower
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Richie
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Power Washer
Reply #8 Feb 13, 2005 8:16 pm |
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Do you think the Windex that can be connected to a hose would work in a power washer without causing harm ?
Hi Patsfan,
That is an interesting question. When I originally purchased my pressure washer, I also picked up several one gallon solutions, one for washing the house and the other for washing the car. As you may know, these solutions will only siphon to the nozzle using the low pressure nozzle. Even so, these machines still tend to use huge amounts of it to the point it wasn't economical for me to keep purchasing them. As with all things, the manufacturers frown on using any type of solution other than what is considered to be made for the pressure washer pump. I can't say if Windex or the like would hurt the components that make up the pump, but if you find out dfferently, let us know. What I would suggest if you find you want to use Windex, just make sure you run a good amount of regular water through the pump afterwards. I myself would also look at the cost of what a gallon of Windex costs as opposed to a gallon of pressure washer cleaning solution.
Richie
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itzbinnice
Joined: Nov 1, 2002
Points: 85
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Re: Power Washer
Reply #9 Feb 13, 2005 9:39 pm |
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Sandy, I have a Sears 6 HP witha Briggs Intek Engine rated at 2350 PSI, quite frankly I do not recommend this unit. It has a very poor functioning solution dispensing system, comes out more a stream than a spray. Spent hours reading the manual and adjusting but got no results. I thought perhaps I had a bad unit but I spoke with a friend who has the same unit, his behaves the same. It's about 4 years old now so maybe the newer ones are better, but I sure as heck wouldn't buy another Sears. Walt was correct in stating that your husband should not get too close to the cedar with the wand, it will gouge the wood since cedar is very soft. I learned the hard way, have several gouges in my cedar trellis structure. Way too deep for a sander to remove.
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