It depends. With pressure cleaners that are designed for it, hot water will work exceptionally well. In others, it could potentially destroy the washer. These are washers that have been specifically designed for use with hot water. Trying to run a regular cold water pressure washer using hot water will cause problems.

That’s because regular water pressure washers are designed for use with water of a cooler temperature. If you’re using water that’s above 40 degrees in those, then you run the risk of damaging the interior. If you’re committed to using hot water when washing your driveway, you should invest in a hot water pressure washer.

Absolutely, if you frequently do cleaning that requires cleaning up of dirt, grime or grease. Hot water pressure cleaners are extremely useful in commercial environments and are manufactured to shift dirt and grease in a way cold water pressure washers cannot do. We stock various options that can meet a range of tasks, with certain models having additional power or pressure to capacity that meets the requirements of commercial cleaning.

When shopping for a hot water pressure cleaner, the four main things to look at are :

• Performance: The PSI level (‘Pounds per square inch’ – a water pressure measurement) measures the pressure level of water.
• LPM: Known as ‘Litres per Minute’, this measures how much water flow pressure washers are capable of. It is a powerful performance indicator, more so than PSI in many ways. ‘3000 PSI @ 20 Litres per Minute’ will give you a clear idea of how powerful your pressure cleaner is. A higher PSI and a higher LPM are ideal for commercial jobs. These two factors should be compared when purchasing a hot water high-pressure washer.
• Motor: Gas or electric, the voltage, RPM, kW and HP all combine to indicate the power levels and performance capacity of different hot water pressure cleaners.
• Pump Size & Type: There are a variety of pump speeds and sizes when it comes to hot water pressure cleaners. Commercial cleaning and frequent use require a high-quality pump, so it must be considered before purchase.
• Maximum Heat: Hot water pressure washers used for general cleaning jobs are generally not needed for sanitisation. If a high-pressure cleaner is going to be used on machines in factories or commercial kitchens that require a certain heat output, you will need to choose one that has been designed for that purpose. It’s also important to understand your industry and state regulations in these areas when choosing a high-pressure device.

It depends on what your house is made out of! Using a hot-wash pressure washer can be a great option for the outer surfaces of your house. They are designed to be used on surfaces such as concrete, cement, stone, tiles, pavers and wood. High pressure is only suitable for some surfaces though, and different pressure levels and heat levels are needed for various purposes. Too much heat or pressure from your hot water pressure cleaner can damage materials, including glues and other items used to bond them. A necessary step before using high-pressure machines is understanding the care and maintenance requirements of what you intend to clean. They are not designed to be used at full power, or with the highest heat in many cases. Choosing the right pressure washer and the right settings is much easier when you know what surfaces you intend to use them on.

Care and respect are required when using pressure washers, whether private or commercial. They are high-performance machines and should be used with caution.

We suggest:

• Keep well out of reach of children, at all times
• Never direct the pressure washer at yourself, someone else, or an animal, as it can cause serious injury, especially when high heat is used.
• Be very cautious of electrical cords when being used around water pressure washers
• Refrain from using gas washers without adequate ventilation
• Never attempt to push or move objects with spray from the washer.
• If using extension cords, ensure they are in good repair and designed for use around water, and do not step on them or spray the pressure cleaner near them.
• Ensure your pressure cleaner is well maintained, and that spare parts are supplied and installed by a professional. Have any issues attended to prior to use.
• Wear the right safety gear, which may include eye protection, rubber boots
• Wear rubber-soled shoes that provide some insulation when using the pressure washer.
• Never cut or splice the pressure washer’s power cord or extension cords.
• Never remove the grounding prong from the pressure washer’s power cord plug or the extension cord.
• Always have a qualified electrician check the pressure washer for electrical problems after it has tripped a circuit breaker.
• Never allow children to operate a pressure washer. Keep children at a safe distance when an adult is using a pressure washer.

It’s important to keep your hot water pressure cleaner well maintained, and ensure regular servicing.

This will prevent the need for expensive repairs longer term, and ensure that your hot water pressure cleaner is able to be used to its maximum capacity.

Check your maintenance schedule when you purchase an item and talk to your retailer about whether it needs to be brought in for services to maintain a warranty. Gas and electric pressure washers will have different care regimes, so it’s important to understand these before you start using your pressure washer.

Maintaining oil and fuel levels and testing individual parts such as the hose and the air filter is required. Many models can be routinely checked without needing a professional, but when it comes to servicing, it’s best to enlist help unless this is an area you are well versed in. It’s also wise to source spare parts from a reputable retailer, to ensure that they fit their intended purpose.

Yes! If a pressure washer was designed for cold water, running hot water through it isn’t a good idea at all. Hot water pressure cleaners were designed to withstand heat, standard pressure washers were not. Some standard pressure washers can be used with warm water (check your manual or ask your retailer!), but running hot water through a normal pressure washer is a recipe for disaster. You run the risk of damaging your pressure washer by overheating it, melting parts that aren’t heat resistant, and having an accident or serious malfunction. Cold water pressure machines are not intended for use with hot water, which is why hot water pressure cleaners were designed.

No! Some surfaces will be damaged on contact by using a pressure washer, with hot or cold water. Using a hot water pressure cleaner increases the risk of damage, as they have been manufactured for certain purposes, rather than for general use.

Many commercial cleaners use hot water pressure washers for heavy-duty tasks, such as removing grease from commercial kitchens, cleaning factory surfaces and removing oil stains and grease from automotive and transport company driveways and workshops.

Using them on items or surfaces that aren’t heat resistant can result in damage, such as melting or loosening of grout or sealants. If in doubt, please refer to the cleaning instructions for the item in question.

Yes, some can – but please read our answer fully, and refer to the safety instructions for your device. Electric hot water pressure cleaners can be used indoors, and are frequently used in commercial kitchens and factories for high-quality cleaning results. They can also be used to sanitise surfaces, which makes them popular for cleaning areas that require a level of disinfection.

On the other hand, gas hot water pressure cleaners can be deadly to use indoors without ventilation, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. This can happen quickly, with no visible signs, due to the colourless escaping gas. Dizziness, fatigue and confusion can come on so quickly that a user is overcome before they are aware of what is happening. The use of any gas-powered appliance indoors is not advised, as the results can be fatal.

Always take a safety-first approach to hot water pressure washing. Never aim it at a person or animal, and be careful to never direct it towards yourself while using it. If you are using a detergent or cleaning mix with your pressure cleaner, please check that it is safe and suitable for use with a hot water pressure cleaner.

We recommend starting a hot water pressure wash from a good distance from the surface you are applying pressure to, around 90cm. If this isn’t sufficient, move the nozzle closer to the surface, but always leave around 15cm distance.

Always ensure that any surfaces being cleaned with a hot water pressure cleaner are suitable for use with heat.