Anyone who owns power wash equipment knows how important is to have the right supplies. You may own a lawn service that does pressure washing on the side, or you might run a property maintenance company that does power washing on a regular basis. Either way, having the proper supplies for your equipment will ensure that your company is prepared for any job you receive.

Depending on what you use pressure washing equipment for, some supplies for pressure washing equipment are needed more than others. You don't have to go out and buy everything at once if you're not sure you'll need it down the road. It is a good idea, however, to have a few extra parts on hand in case something breaks. When thinking about supplies, consider the following:

1. Buy a few extra of the nozzles you use most. Pressure washing units rely on these for power and precision.

2. Think about the spray guns and wands on your commercial pressure washing equipment. If you do specialized applications on a regular basis, having the proper parts will make your life easier.

3. Using the right cleaning solutions with your pressure washers can make your job more efficient. These help remove dirt, mildew, grease and grime.

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Get the right nozzles for your power washing equipment

Different nozzles are good for different applications. You might use a 15-degree nozzle for very high-pressure applications; if you're power washing a surface that might crack or shatter under high pressure, a 40-degree nozzle is a better choice. Also, it's a good idea to have a few extra nozzles on hand if you're in the business full time; you never know when you might lose or break one.

I recommend: Check out the nozzles available from Karcher Commercial Products. You can also find a nice selection of nozzles and spray tips at PressureParts.com.

Obtain special wands and replacement guns for power washing systems

Sometimes you'll need specialized equipment for certain applications. If you have a tall building you need to pressure wash but you don't want to have to set up scaffolding, consider using a telescoping wand instead. In addition, you can find brushes and curved wands to help you clean things like gutters. And, let's face it: Sometimes things break. You'll need to prepare yourself for this to happen, so having a backup gun and wand on hand is a good idea.

I recommend: Browse through the selection of telescoping wands and accessories from Sun Brite Supply. Consider using one of the spray guns or wands from PRI Industries.

Stock up on pressure washing supplies for cleaning

There are special chemical products designed for decks, fences, concrete, siding, roofs and greasy components. These products are formulated for each specific application, cutting down the amount of time you have to spend on a job. Many of these products are also environmentally friendly, which is a big plus.

I recommend: The Simple Green products from Sunshine Makers are eco-friendly; the company sells concentrated power washer cleaning solutions by the gallon. Consider using one of the mix kits from Ultimate Washer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to buy commercial-strength hoses for use with your pressure washing equipment. Services like the ones you offer require a continuous supply of water, so investing in good, sturdy hoses is necessary to ensure that you won't spring a leak during a job.

Pressure washing is an essential step needed to maintain the aesthetic appeal of a home or office building, as well as the healthy aspects of a business, such as sanitizing a grocery store's carts. To capitalize on your pressure washing equipment services, you need the right power washing supplies to meet demand.

Pressure washing units vary based on water output, the amount of pressure used, whether they are electric or require gas. The temperature of the water is also a factor when you choose power washing equipment as hot water high power pressure washing offers a better cleaning. It is more expensive, however. When you purchase power wash equipment, you should:

1. Buy power washing supplies that fit your budget.

2. Choose pressure washing equipment from a reputable company.

3. Learn how to properly use and maintain the power wash supplies.

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Choose reputable power washing supplies

A power wash business requires supplies that perform efficiently and pressure washing equipment that will endure many uses.

I recommend: PRI Industries carries a large selection of pressure washing equipment and power wash supplies searchable on the website by price or brand. With competitive pricing and low shipping costs, PRI also offers sale items at drastically reduced cost. Higher Power Supplies has an expansive inventory of pressure washing units and commercial pressure washing equipment that includes hoses, lances, wands and guns. Use the customer service center on the website to track your orders, make returns or ask questions about products. Use biodegradable cleaners with your power washing equipment. Napier Environmental Technologies offers a special eco-friendly wash that is cost-effective.

Maintain your power wash equipment

Pressure washing equipment is an investment that requires proper care to endure numerous uses. Learn how to maintain your power washing supplies to protect your investment.

I recommend: Pressure Tek offers tools to help you check and maintain your pressure washing equipment. Monitor the usage of your pressure washing units, routinely change the oil of your pressure washing equipment and clean your tools regularly for optimum performance.

Use your pressure washing equipment correctly

Correct use of power wash supplies improves efficiency and helps to maintain the functions of the equipment. Learn new trends in pressure washing equipment services to provide the best quality work for your customers.

I recommend: Deck Seal offers a training package loaded with essential tips and procedures useful to those in the high power pressure washing industry. Talk with other individuals involved in power washing using forums specifically created for the exchange of ideas. The Power Wash Network offers various forums to suit your interests.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase insurance for your power pressure washing supplies to protect your investments.

If you're considering adding power washing to your business's repertoire, you'll need the proper pressure washing equipment. Services offered by your company will be drastically affected by the type of machine you buy. For example, you can't do industrial cleaning if you only have a machine capable of 1,700 pounds of pressure (unless you want the job to take you a month).

So, instead of charging right ahead and buying the first machine you see, take a moment to consider your options. There are many types of pressure washing units out there, so it's worth your while; this will help you determine the pricing and costs of pressure washing equipment so you can set a budget and go shopping.

1. If you only plan on doing smaller jobs, like interior cleaning, car washing or small outdoor spaces, electric power wash equipment might be right for you.

2. Consider gas-powered pressure washing equipment if you'd like to do larger outdoor projects. Machines that run on gas are more powerful than those that are electric.

3. Buy a hot water unit if you plan to have industrial clients. Power washing systems that use heated water are more costly than machines that use cold water, but they're much more effective.

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Use compact, eco-friendly electric power washing systems

If your business does mostly interior jobs or projects involving smaller surface areas, an electric pressure washer might be for you. Since they don't use gasoline, they're more environmentally friendly. Electric engines are quieter than gas-powered engines, although they don't pack as much of a punch. Still, you can get a decent electric unit for as little as $100. More sophisticated equipment can run up to about $3,000 or so. The average business can expect to spend $1,000 to $2,000 for a quality machine.

I recommend: Consider the professional electric pressure washers from Power Equipment Direct. You can also find a nice selection of equipment at Maury Enterprises.

Go with dependable high-power pressure washing machines that run on gas

Gas-powered units are more powerful than electric ones, giving you greater efficiency and a broader range of uses. Good gas-powered pressure washers meant for commercial use usually push more than 3,800 PSI of pressure and are capable of handling at least four gallons per minute (GPM). You can do with less, though, depending on the type of applications you perform. The combination mentioned previously will run you anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500, while lower PSI and GPM combinations will cost you considerably less, usually under $500. Top-of-the-line machines can cost up to $10,000.

I recommend: Sears, Roebuck and Co. has a nice selection of inexpensive power washers if you're on a budget or just getting started; it does carry a few heavy-duty commercial units as well. Northern Tool + Equipment also carries a good selection of affordable power washers.

Buy the ultimate: hot water power washing equipment

As we all know, hot water can sanitize surfaces and clean more effectively than cold water, cutting grease in no time at all. The vast majority of hot water pressure washers run on gas or diesel. These machine are definitely more pricey than units that run on cold water. Expect to pay about $2,000 for a very basic commercial machine; you might spend up to around $11,000 for a complete package that includes a fill tank.

I recommend: Browse through the selection of hot water power washers at Every Pressure Washer. Check out the pressure washers at Water Cannon, which carries both portable and truck-mount units.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You'll most likely need some power washing supplies to go with your equipment. Nozzles will cost you only a few dollars; telescoping wands, about $100 to $130; spray guns, $40 to $60; and cleaning solution, about $15 per gallon.