14Jan 2023
table of contents
Pressure washers are key tools for home cleaning. They speed up tasks like washing your car or driveway. But did you know there are two main kinds?
Pressure washer suppliers on the market today primarily offer two basic designs: hot water pressure washers or cold water pressure washers. You might think that the difference between the two is simply the difference between using cold water versus hot water, but these machines have more differences in application, cleaning ability and cost.
Cold water pressure washers are ideal for cleaning surface dirt and grime. From concrete driveways to metal vehicles, multiple surfaces can be cleaned with a BISON cold water pressure washer.
Cold pressure washers rely on the pressurized cold water produced by the machine to break down any dirt on the surface, works by using small engine to drive a water pump to pressurize water, directing it through a hose and spray gun, and using the resulting forceful stream to clean various surfaces. Users can also add detergent to the mix to more effectively clean surfaces without the added expense of hot water washing.
Also, cold water is preferred for certain surfaces that may warp at high temperatures, such as wood or plastic. Because of this, cold water is one of the best ways to power decks, siding, and even cars and boats.
The only weakness of the BISON cold water pressure washer is that it doesn't clean grease as effectively as hot water models.
hot water pressure washer works by pressurizing water, heating it to a high temperature, are capable of producing hot water up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. and using the resulting hot, forceful stream to clean surfaces.The hot water is particularly effective at breaking down greasy or oily substances, as the heat can make these materials less viscous and easier to remove.
Hot water pressure washer has three key elements—heat, agitation, and soap—to successfully remove grease and grime.
The heat creates high-speed molecular action, making the detergent more active and lowering the surface tension of the water, allowing it to effectively penetrate dirt at the molecular level.
Agitation is the effect of the volume and pressure of the water hitting the surface - similar to scrubbing dishes by hand in the kitchen sink.
Soap (often referred to as "detergent" by pressure washer users) chemically breaks the bond between the dirt and the surface. It starts when oil and grease molecules attach to dirt and trap or bind them to the surface. Detergents use emollients to emulsify oils and greases—the process by which two or more immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, no longer repel each other but instead mix. Once the oil and water are able to mix to form an emulsion, the dirt still attached to the oil and grease is carried away by the wash water.
Hot water pressure washers typically have a larger size compared to cold water washers. They are designed this way to accommodate the heating element. This component heats the water before it is expelled. Because of its size, it adds bulk to the washer. However, their larger size often means they are less portable. They may require more storage space and be harder to manoeuvre. But for many, the enhanced cleaning power outweighs these drawbacks. These hot water pressure washers are also often a better choice in colder climates where water pipes may freeze.
For pressure washers, cold water is best for smaller messes. If your business is housing related, such as cleaning services, this is the equipment you want.
But BISON cold water pressure washers are generally not suitable for industrial work. Oil and grease are an ever-present problem in most industries that run heavy machinery. Cold water won't work on oil or grease because the high pressure isn't high enough to break up really stubborn spills. In these cases, pressure washers really only have one option.
That's a hot water pressure washer. Hot water pressure washers are designed for industrial cleaning jobs. Cold water pressure washers are generally not very useful when you need to clean heavy machinery.
Hot water pressure washing is the most effective method of dealing with the grease that coats the surfaces of various vital mechanical parts. Let's take a look at some of the industries that typically benefit from purchasing a hot water pressure washer.
Catering Services
In commercial food service, oil is an essential ingredient in the preparation of a variety of dishes. Whether you're adding oil to a deep fryer or sizzling a pan, oil often spills out of its intended container. Once on the floor, this creates an accident waiting to happen, as a fast-moving cook could slip and injure himself.
Hot water pressure washers quickly degrease kitchen surfaces, allowing staff to move with the speed necessary to continue serving hungry customers. Not only that, but the heat does a great job of killing any bacteria that might spoil stored food.
Put up
Properly lubricated machinery is the cornerstone of a well-run job site, and grease is a natural byproduct of efficient equipment maintenance. You don't want excessive oil or grease coverage, you need to keep the surface clean, reducing productivity.
In these cases, using a cold water pressure washer will not do much to degrease these surfaces and will end up just pushing around to remove whatever grease it is trying to remove. Hot water is the only correct option for spot cleaning.
Freight
Hot water washers take care of road grime, gas leaks and more to keep your truck looking clean and tidy. Not only that, but excess oil and grease can be dangerous when loading and unloading truck chassis. Hot water pressure washers are designed to handle these situations.
Car
For anyone who works in an automotive workshop, grease is just part of the day-to-day operations. Cars need oil to run, and grease is necessary to keep all of the vehicle's components well lubricated and running efficiently. This means that most messes to be tackled require serious cleaning power.
Chemical spills not only create a fall hazard, but also emit toxic fumes that can injure employees. Hot water pressure washer is the best solution for any amount of sticky mess.
Now that we've identified the pros and cons of hot and cold pressure washers, it’s time to really decide which pressure washer is better for your needs. Making the wrong decisions can ultimately cost your sourcing business – both financially and in terms of reduced customer satisfaction.
Before importing pressure washing machine, also consider the following to help you make the right decision.
While not the ultimate question, a relatively easy way to decide between BISON hot and cold pressure washer is to consider the industry it is primarily sold into. Oil and gas, food service and waste management industries that routinely deal with caked grease, oil and dirt may benefit from the enhanced cleaning capabilities of a hot pressure washer. Meanwhile, those who use a pressure washer for transportation, agriculture, and personal use can often use a cold pressure washer to clean dirt.
Another factor to consider is cost. The average cost of a hot water pressure washer is three times that of a cold water system. This comes from the direct cost of the machine and the indirect cost of constantly heating the water throughout the operation, requiring additional mechanical parts and higher fuel costs.
Cold water pressure washers are versatile due to the use of cold water in the system. Some BISON models will even come with nozzles and other features. These nozzle tips mean that the user can adjust the angle of the water flow and pressure according to the job being done, making the pressure washer even more versatile and suitable for personal use.
Hot water pressure washers are not as versatile as cold water models due to their increased cleaning power. Hot water can do more damage if used on plastic or other materials that would melt or crack at high temperatures.
When using a hot water pressure washer, you need to be more careful about what it hits. In addition to pressure wounds, hot water can cause severe burns.
when deciding whether to use hot or cold water pressure washing, it is important to consider several other factors:
surface type: evaluate the material to be cleaned and its heat tolerance. High temperatures can damage delicate materials, so cold water is a safer choice.
environmental concerns: consider the environmental impact of your cleaning methods, including water usage and potential runoff of detergents. Hot water can reduce the use of chemicals, thereby lessening the environmental impact.
Choosing between hot and cold water pressure washers hinges on your particular needs. Cold water models are perfect for general cleaning tasks and heat-sensitive surfaces, providing an economical option for regular maintenance. In contrast, hot water pressure washers are ideal for challenging situations, efficiently removing grease, oil, and stubborn dirt, while also offering the advantage of disinfection.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both hot and cold water pressure washers. Both types of pressure washers have their own advantages and disadvantages. The BISON export service team is happy to assist you, we can help you find out more about your pressure washer models.
Cold water pressure washing relies on strong high pressure to remove dirt, grime and debris from various surfaces. The process primarily uses room temperature, high pressure water to achieve its cleaning power.
advantages
cost effective: with lower initial and operating expenses than hot water pressure washers. Their straightforward design also makes them cheaper to maintain.
ease of use: cold water pressure washers are lighter, more compact, and easier to move and store.
surface friendly: cold water is often preferred for cleaning sensitive surfaces or materials that could be damaged by heat. This attribute increases the adaptability of cold water pressure washers, making them suitable for various cleaning tasks and reducing the chance of heat related damage.
disadvantages
less effective on greasy, oily or deep seated dirt: cold water can't break down grease well.
may require more time and detergent: to compensate for the lack of heat, cold water pressure washing typically requires use of more detergent and longer cleaning times. This not only increases the overall cleaning workload, but also results in higher detergent and water costs.
inefficient on stubborn stains: when it comes to removing deep-rooted stains, such as those found on porous surfaces like concrete driveways or heavily stained patios, cold water pressure washing can struggle to clean thoroughly without repeated efforts.
Hot water pressure washing uses high pressure and heat. Hot water loosens and dissolves grease, making removal easier. It breaks down dirt quickly, boosting cleaning efficiency.
advantages
effective against tough stains: hot water pressure washing uses heat and pressure to power away tough grease and oil.
kills bacteria: the heat in hot water pressure washing can disinfect surfaces by killing bacteria.
speeds up cleaning: hot water cleans more quickly, breaking down contaminants for faster, more thorough results.
less detergent needed: with hot water, less detergent is required, cutting costs and environmental impact.
disadvantages
more expensive: hot water pressure washers generally have higher purchase and maintenance costs. They have advanced parts like heating elements and insulated boilers that raise both upfront and ongoing expenses.
poor portability: the need for a heating mechanism and more robust construction means these pressure washers are bulkier and less portable than cold water models.
can damage surfaces if used improperly: the combination of high temperatures and high pressures can damage delicate surfaces or heat sensitive materials. Proper training is essential to prevent accidental damage.
cold water pressure washing is best for:
general cleaning tasks
heat sensitive surfaces
hot water pressure washing is best for:
intense cleaning applications
elimination of tough residues
sanitization and mold eradication
inquiry form here
BISON BLOG, All the latest news and views from Bison Machinery.
what's hot?
Related Products
