If you need to get something sparkling clean then it’s likely you need a hot water pressure washer. At Hydro Tek, we run across potential customers all the time who are interested in this option but aren’t sure exactly why it’s a good idea or how it works. You can always reach out to us for more information, but the following three key elements are the core of why these hot water pressure washers work so well.
-
Heat
-
Agitation
-
Soap
When you want to remove dirt and grime, there may be no better option than heat. While cold water pressure washers have their own unique purposes, the heat in hot water pressure washers creates a molecular action that’s high-speed and results in cleaning agents being more active. The heat also lowers the surface tension of the water, which allows it to penetrate grime at a molecular level. In short, the heat helps the water do its job much more easily and thoroughly.
Think about washing dishes in your kitchen sink. You may let them soak in soap and water for a while, but you know that it’s not enough. Instead, you need to get in there and scrub them with your hands. That scrubbing is what we refer to as agitation. The great thing about pressure washers is that they create the agitation by adding impact from the water volume and water pressure. It then hits the surface that you’re trying to clean and creates the agitation you need without having to grab your rags and put in the elbow grease yourself.
Also referred to as detergent, soap actually breaks down the chemical bond between dirt and the surface you’re cleaning. It all begins when the molecules of the grease and oil attach themselves to the dirt and then keep that dirt trapped or bounded to the surface you’re trying to clean. When you use soap (or a detergent), they include softening agents. Actually, you’ll see them technically referred to as “surfactants” which is just a shorter way of saying “surface active reagents.”
They actually emulsify the grease. What does emulsify mean? It’s the process where two or more liquids, such as oil and water, that normally repel each other no longer do. In fact, they actually mix. When the oil and water mix they form what’s called an emulsion. The dirt will still be clinging to the oil and grease like it has been, but it will now be carried away with the wash water.
If you have additional questions about how pressure washers work, you can always turn to Hydro Tek, your source for commercial and residential pressure washers and more!
