Fact Checked By Daniel Wood | Post Updated On: April 29, 2023
It’s a common assumption among many consumers that bigger things are better, but it’s not always the case. In terms of surface cleaner, the size must match with the power of your machine. In general, PSI and GPM are both important in measuring the suitable surface cleaner for your machine. Unfortunately, many of the users don’t even know that there are sizes in a surface cleaner; they just go to the shop and buy one that looks good.
In the end, they fall into trouble and blame the manufacturer. Instead of doing this, they should ask what size surface cleaner do I need before confirming their purchase. GPM of a pressure washer is the main factor that decides what size surface cleaner you should choose.
A surface cleaner size depends on the gallon per minute (GPM) of a machine. For one gallon per minute, a surface cleaner diameter should not exceed 4-5 inches. So, for example, if you have a machine of 3 GPM, you can purchase 12-15 inches surface cleaner to get an appropriate power.
Contents
What size pressure washer surface cleaner is right for me?
You have to do a little math in order to choose the right surface cleaner for your machine. As mentioned earlier, the size of a surface cleaner depends on your machine’s power (PSI and GPM).
GPM is the water flow rate of a machine that decides how much water the machine will provide in a minute. Therefore, the PSI of a pressure washer is always matched with its GPM for optimum performance.
For every GPM, you should count 4-5 inches diameter surface cleaner. For example, you have a pressure washer with 4 GPM water flow, and you want to buy a surface cleaner. You multiply the GPM with 4-5, which comes up to 16-20 inches.
Therefore, 16-20 inches should be the diameter of the surface cleaner that you want to buy. Anything below or above the size of surface cleaner will not provide you with the best result.
How much PSI do you need for a surface cleaner?
A surface cleaner contains multiple nozzles through which pressurized water comes out and hits a surface to clean.
The GPM of a machine is divided between the nozzles that a surface cleaner contains. For instance, if you have a pressure washer with 4 GPM and your surface cleaner has 2 nozzles, then you will get 2 GPM water flow in each nozzle.
With a 3 nozzle surface cleaner, you will get a water flow of 1.3 GPM in each nozzle. A higher GPM machine also needs higher PSI to keep up with the water flow rate.
Generally, a pressure washer should have at least 2000 PSI and 3 GPM to use a surface cleaner. Anything less will not provide you with a good cleaning experience, and you will be frustrated.
If a surface cleaner nozzle provides less than 1 GPM water flow, it’ll not be effective in cleaning even the weak dirt.
To have a higher GPM in each nozzle, the gross GPM or the GPM of your machine should also be higher.
What should I look for in a surface cleaner?
Choosing a surface cleaner is not a difficult task if you have some of the things in mind.
First of all, you have to understand that surface cleaner can only be used on flat surfaces; for any uneven surface, your regular spray nozzle will be perfect.
Next is to check the PSI and GPM of your pressure washer to select the suitable surface cleaner for you. You can also check the nozzle chart list available on the internet for the right nozzle of your surface cleaner.
A good surface cleaner should have speed, efficiency, and ease of cleanup factors.
What size pressure washer do I need to clean a driveway?
Patio, driveway, garage, etc., are the areas that we feel comfortable cleaning with a surface cleaner.
A rotating surface cleaner is best to clean a large driveway; you just have to hold the cleaner over the surface and move slowly, your cleaning will be done. In this type of surface, the attracted dirt is stronger than the other surfaces, and to clean them; you need a powerful machine.
Your machine should have at least 3000 PSI and 4 GPM, which can provide enough power to the surface cleaner.
18-20 inches diameter surface cleaners are best to clean a driveway. They can provide appropriate water forces with an adequate water supply. Hold the cleaner longer on a surface and move very slowly for better results.
Conclusion
Choose a surface cleaner wisely rather than buying anyone from the market. The size of your surface cleaner plays a significant role in cleaning an area.
Always select the lower size surface cleaner than your machine can handle. This will help your cleaner to become powerful.
If you plan to use a surface cleaner, you should buy a powerful pressure washer so that its power doesn’t fall short.
