Renew Design

How To Choose The Best Pressure Washer For Commercial Use

Interested in buying a pressure washer for your business but don’t know which one is the best? Read this guide to help you out!

Pressure washers are great when it comes to cleaning loose grime, dirt, paint, and other things. It can be used to clean various exteriors such as fences, walls, decks, and also vehicles.

The pressure and flow from pressure washers are measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or gallons per minute (GPM) respectively.

The Difference Between A Pressure Washer For Commercial And Residential Use

Pressure washers can differ most especially in usage: commercial and residential or personal use. A pressure washer for commercial use is more heavy duty and powerful compared to pressure washers for personal or residential use.

The power of a pressure washer is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI and gallons per minute or GPM. The higher the power, the more efficient it will clean.

There are three types of pressure washers categorized by cleaning power: light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty.

1. Light-Duty Pressure Washer

Light-duty pressure washers are suited for residential use. They are considered as more low-maintenance and more eco-friendly. The PSI of a light-duty pressure washer ranges from 1300 PSI to 1900 PSI. Electric and battery-powered pressure washer types are common for this power. Pressure washers with a GPM lower than 2.0 are considered light-duty. This type of washer is ideal for cleaning patios, outdoor furniture, grills, and vehicles.

2. Medium-Duty Pressure Washer

Medium-duty pressure washers have the PSI range of 2000 PSI to 3100 PSI. This type can be used for both residential or commercial use. Built with premium components that can juggle between home and business use, its gallon per minute flow rate ranges from 2.0 to 2.5 GPM. These come in gas and electric types. Medium-duty washers are ideal for cleaning driveways, vinyl siding, bricks, and walkways.

3. Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer

Heavy-duty pressure washers are suited for commercial use because of their 3200 to 4200 PSI range that can withstand tough stains and dirt. They are capable of having an average flow rate of 2.8 to 4.0 GPM. Factory and construction site clean-ups, graffiti removal, and stripping away paint are some uses of a heavy-duty pressure washer. Similar to medium-duty pressure washers, most heavy-duty pressure washers are electric and gas types.

Electric and gas types of pressure washers are usually medium and heavy-duty washers.

Tips On How To Choose The Best Pressure Washer For Commercial Use

Identify Your Application for Your Commercial Use

Picking out the best pressure washer for your business means that you have a particular service or application in mind. As previously stated, different uses require different types.

Read About the Different Types of Pressure Washers

There is always a variety of pressure washers available in the market. Before picking out particular brands, pinpoint what kind of pressure washer your business needs. There are two types of heavy-duty pressure washers suited for commercial use: gas-powered and electric-powered.

Gas-Powered

Gas-powered types of pressure washer are known to last longer, given that they are manufactured with materials and components that can withstand long and hard usage. It is mobile because of its gas source, and it has more cleaning power and can cover large spaces and areas.

Electric-Powered

The best electric pressure washer is known to be a more environment-friendly option because of their zero fumes emission and renewable energy source which is electricity. They are also known to be more affordable and requires less maintenance.

Read Reviews

Picking out particular brands can be easier when you read power washer reviews. People who have already used the particular brands you are eyeing to buy can tell you their experiences, and you can use such information in your buying venture. This is essential in knowing if a brand or type of pressure washer is fit for your commercial needs. No one wants to waste their money’s worth on a product that is not suited for their needs after all.

If you have decided to get a gas-powered pressure washer, it’s important for your to be able to choose the best gas pressure washer. On the other hand, if you opt for an electric one, you can decide on which is the best rated electric pressure washer for your commercial needs.

Picking between a gas-powered pressure washer and an electric-powered washer depends on your application and environment.

Arming yourself with the important information on where and how to use your pressure washer can help in evaluating which type of pressure washer you need and what PSI or GPM it has to have. Weighing the pros and cons of each product you see can also help in checking which can be worth your money.

Snap On 2000 psi Electric Pressure Washer Review

Are you looking for a strong power washer that will help you tackle your cleaning duty tasks faster? Stick around for our review of the Snap On Pressure Washer 2000 PSI Electric.

An easy and convenient way to ensure that our home is looking great is by using an electric pressure washer. The Snap On Pressure Washer 2000 PSI is a top-notch unit that is highly recognized for tackling the toughest jobs. Here is our review of this model that will enable you to decide if it will work perfectly for you. It’s always best to read 2000 psi electric pressure washer reviews to ensure that you’re making the right investment.

Pressure washers help make your cleaning projects go much quicker and easier.

Features of the Snap On 2000 psi Electric Pressure Washer

1. Water Power

A great spec of this unit is that it comes with 2000PSI that makes it powerful enough to do efficient cleaning. This kind of water power will make it easy for you to do tough jobs like cleaning patios, decks, boats, vehicles and more. What’s more, it comes with a water flow of 1.4 GPM, meaning that you will be able to complete your cleaning tasks relatively quickly.

2. Electric Components

This washer features a 13amp electric motor that is long-lasting and runs the water pump. This electric motor runs on a 120-volt outlet and comes with a 35-feet-long power cord that has a GFCI protector. The length of the power cord makes it possible to use the washer in hard-to-reach areas. For storage, you just need to roll it around the brackets found at the back of the unit.

3. 25 Foot Hose

A 25-foot high-pressure hose is attached to this unit, making it easier to move the pressure washer wherever you want. The quarter-inch hose can also be rolled up on the onboard reel and stored away without any difficulty.

4. Nozzles

It is highly recommendable to use the correct nozzle for specific cleaning tasks.

What I love about the Snap-On 2000 psi Electric Pressure Washer is the availability of four different nozzles, including the zero-degree nozzle, 25-degree nozzle, chemical nozzle, and turbo nozzle. These types of pressure washer nozzles have colors so as to help you choose the right spray tip and avoid damaging the area by using a very strong spray. Let’s take a look at them:

Zero Degree Nozzle (Red)

This nozzle produces a direct stream of water onto the surface and is very powerful. For this reason, it is used to remove dirt and debris from surfaces like concrete and cement. It may, however, cause damage when used on cars, woods, and sidings.

Because of the product’s high pressure, dirt and weeds on the concrete are no match for the zero-degree nozzle.

25 Degree Nozzle (Green)

The green nozzle tip delivers a less-intense spray that makes it suitable for sweeping dirt from larger areas like sidewalks, patio furniture, and driveways. While it produces less pressure, it is still highly powerful, and caution should be taken when using it.

Chemical Nozzle (Black)

The chemical nozzle tip is used together with the detergent tank to apply chemicals and detergents to wet surfaces. It produces a low-pressure spray that allows you to spray soap automatically from the soap tank. Consider using this nozzle if you want to clean a large area in a relatively short time.

Turbo Nozzle

This tip emits high-pressure water in a circular pattern and is suitable for working on large areas. Because of its high power, it should not be used on delicate surfaces.

5. Additional Features

You will also be amazed by the accessory cart that is attached at the back of this unit to allow you to store your accessories neatly. What’s more, it features large wheels and a handle for portability.

Cons of the Snap On 2000 Psi Electric Pressure Washer

Just like with any other machine, the Snap-On 2000 psi Electric Pressure Washer has some downsides to it.

Leaking Connections

There is a likelihood of leaking where the unit is connected to the hose and spray gun. This is because the fittings used to make the connections are not made of brass.

Reduced Water Pressure

Loose connections may result in reduced water pressure.

Wheel-Locks May Not Work

The wheel locks may not work appropriately, and this may be a problem when you want to position the machine in a specific place. They are quite expensive compared to other models with the same features.

Warranty Offered

Snap On is a well-known brand that offers quality parts and services. Hence, you can be assured that they will provide you with a quality warranty as proof that their products are top notch. They offer a 1-year warranty that covers the unit against parts defects and manufacturer errors. However, this warranty is only offered on units that are used for personal and residential use.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a pressure washer with powerful functions to help make your home or car sparkling clean, look no further. This electric pressure washer from Snap On is absolutely perfect for tackling tough jobs. It comes with different nozzles and high-quality accessories that will get the job done. It may, however, not be suitable if you have jobs that require a lot more power. For such jobs, you may require electric model at Pressure Washer Guides which are expensive and hard to maintain.

How Much Water Does a Pressure Washer Use?

Understand the water consumption rate of a pressure washer in terms of PSI and GSM and how this translates to the gallons of water you will require whenever you’re cleaning.

Pressures washers are used to clean dirt and grime using high-pressure water force. The intensity of the pressure washer will depend on your equipment’s capability in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification. In contrast to an ordinary garden hose, jet washer can be used to clean dirt and grime within a very short span of time and to the surprise of many, a pressure washer uses less water as compared to a gardening horse.

A cleaner using a pressure washer to clean dirt.

Understanding pressure washers can be useful to cleaners in understanding the efficiency and extent to which they can use the washers to clean dirt and grime. Due to the efficiency and working mechanisms of pressure washers, they use minimal water for cleaning purposes. However, you need to understand that the water usage capacity will depend on the brand and type of pressure washer machine used. Some are more economical than others. The common rule for the washer is that the higher the machine’s pressure, the more efficient the device will be and the lesser the amount of water used.

An average pressure washer uses about 8 water gallons per minute.

Average pressure washers will use around 8 gallons of water per minute (GPM). Note that the effectiveness of a pressure washer machine depends on two factors: GPM and PSI. GPM or gallons of water per minute refers to the measure of water that flows through spray or nozzle gun whereas PSI or pounds per square inch refers to the water pressure per output. A washer pressure with very high pressure will have a lower GPM which is explained by more air molecules carrying fewer water molecules through the device. For a washer that’s low in pressure, it has a high GPM which is explained by fewer air molecules carrying more water molecules.

A cleaner using a high-velocity pressure washer.

If you are considering purchasing a pressure washer, then opt for one that ranges about five GPM as that range is efficient. And if you are interested in a pressure washer that is strong enough to literally blow anything away, then go for a washer with around 1500 to 2000 PSI. With this amount of pressure, it’s possible to clean or remove resistant dirt and grime with a much-reduced volume of water.

Professional cleaners fancy pressure washers because they don’t need to exert much pressure when cleaning surfaces with dirt and grime. The devices also come in handy when water conservation is an issue for cleaners. Moreover, washer pressures are economical in the sense that you can only use water as your cleaning agent and there’s no need to use soap or detergent. But in certain cases, you can also use other cleaning agents for your set preferences. Caution should be taken when using washer pressures so as to guarantee the safety of the equipment as well as that of equipment, tool or furniture that you might be cleaning.

It is also useful to use the tool when it’s less windy especially when you are using low-pressure washers. Using low-pressure washers during windy conditions can waste a lot of water. But if you have to use a pressure washer in windy environments, then opt for washers that have high pressure. There are also several safety precautions to keep in mind when using a pressure washer. Always follow them to keep you safe as you clean your area.

5 Tips to Opening a Successful Cafe

Are you considering giving away your day job and embarking on the exciting journey of opening your own café? It can be a rewarding to see you dream business take shape. However, many potential cafe owners find that the myriad unknowns of going into business for the first time combined with trying to juggle mounting expenses against a limited budget take some of the joy out of this exciting time. Here are six simple tips to making your new Café a success.

1. Choose a great location

The very first thing to consider when looking for the new home for your Cafe is the type of customers you want to attract to your business. There are many ways to do this including;
·         Speak with a leasing agent or business broker about your business concept and which suburbs they recommend.
·         Walk the streets and talk to local business owners, ask them about when the busy and quiet times are and what product sells well. What does this say about the customer demographic?
·         Talk with a coffee roaster about which areas they would recommend for your type of business.
·         Sit outside a café close to your desired location at different times of the day and count the number of customers.
As café’s rely on passing pedestrians as well as business and homes located in the area, it pays to do your research thoroughly.

2. A little bit of paperwork

Once you have decided on the location of you Café there are a couple of little hurdles to get over before you can settle in and set up shop. The first involves a visit to your local council to get the required approvals. If the location you have selected used to be a warehouse, garage or other premises (not licensed for food) you may need to apply for a Design Assessment and a number of permits.
·         Change of use permit (if not existing food premises)
·         Trade waste permit
·         Building permit
·         Plumbing permit
·         Signage permit
·         Design Assessment and Licence Application Assessment

The list above is a guide, check which permits you need with your local council. You may choose to make this process easier for yourself by bringing on board an Architect to manage the assessment process and draw up your plans and a building surveyor to check them off. While this process is being approved, you have a little bit of time to work on your business and make sure you are set to start trading the day you open the door.

3. Creating a point of difference

Coming up with a strong brand that will make you stand out in a competitive market is about more than just the name over your front door. Your brand is the whole experience your customer associates with your business. The first question I ask when coming up with a brand strategy is “What is special about your business that makes your customers come to you rather than anywhere else?” Your point of difference may be anything, but it is important that you know what it is because this is the basis for all you decision related to the look and feel of your café. Before you work on the details for your table settings, make sure you decide on the overall vision for your café because this will mean you create a consistent brand message.

4. Look, Feel, Function

Once you have the overall vision about what makes your cafe unique and different, it is time to create that vision. The look and feel of the space should be relevant to your target demographic and flavoured by your brand message. The colours, materials and furniture you choose should create a Café that is inviting to your customer and makes them feel comfortable. Consider who will be sitting in your Café. Will they prefer bright colours or subdued pastels? Are they going to be happy perched on a milk crate or would they prefer to sink into an arm chair?

Key areas to consider include;
·         Layout of counters
·         Kitchen layout and staff service flow
·         Visibility and access from the street
·         Seating layout

5. But how much does that cost?

Everyone’s favourite question when they are starting their own business is “How much does that cost?” This is because we are juggling mounting expenses against a tight budget. Finance for Hospitality owners is notoriously difficult for the first couple of years, the exact time when most business owners need it the most. So what are the options?

The key is knowing in advance what expenses to look out for as well as educating yourself about what can be covered by financed. Specialist Hospitality Finance Brokers such as Silerchef and Relion Finance cover most equipment, kitchen fit-out, POS systems and furniture but will not cover your painting, signage and front counter expenses.

When it comes to interior fit out I always go with the rule; spend first where it is going to benefit your customers the most. Some things you may be able to build up over time but try not to scrimp on the elements that are going to make your Café appealing to your customer.

FRANCHISING YOUR BUSINESS – 3 STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BRAND STRATEGY

You have gone through the hard yards of setting up your business and now it is performing really well. You have loyal customers, the business is turning over a profit and you are offering a product or service that there is a growing demand for. The question is now, what next? Have you thought about replicating the success of your first business in another one or two or fifty just like it?

Franchising is a growing trend in the business world and could be worth considering for your business. Australian brands Souvlaki Hut, Xpresso Delight, and Zambrero are just a few of the businesses that have gone from one successful store to many over the past couple of years. What makes franchising a popular model for growing your business? You may have heard about the turn key revolution in popular business books such as Michael E. Gerber’s E Myth. What makes your business successful and special is more than just the product you sell. It is the experience you offer your customer and the business systems that allow you to offer that experience consistently time after time.

1. Do you have a stand out brand?

Developing your brand, your customer experience and what sets you apart in the market is what attracts customers to you and makes your business a success. What value does your business offer your customers? What experience does your customer associate with visiting your business? How could you replicate this in another store or another ten stores that would provide the exact same experience? Finding your answer to these questions is the first step in developing your franchise model.

2. What experience do you offer that keep your customers coming back?

I have worked with business owners of restaurants, burger stores, barbers and beauty salons who have one or a handful of successful business and want to franchise. My response is always the same, before you can franchise something you need to know what experience it is you are trying to replicate. Your customer experience is more than your logo and the colour of your shopfront, your customer experience is everything your customer sees, hears, feels and associates with your brand. It may be the bubbly girl at the front counter or the recycled armchairs in your coffee shop.

3. Can you replicate your success?

Do you know why you are successful? Do you know what your customers love about your store/ coffee shop / salon? Before you create copies of something you want the first one to be as close to perfect as you can make it, this is your franchise model. I ask my customers not only what they love about their brand and their current store but also what they don’t like. Is there anything you are unhappy with or would like to change? Once you know what you want (and don’t want) in your store document EVERYTHING. You may choose to work with a designer and a franchise consultant to document the look and feel of your business, the layout and the business systems that keep the experience your customer expects from your brand the same every time.

The Edge finalists

Shortlisted / Concept: Son light by Andre Hnatojko, (HNAK).

The forty finalists have been selected for the 2013 design competition, The Edge, part of the 2013 Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF).

Open to both design students and professionals, The Edge is a platform to the Australian market for aspiring talent. Designers enter their work under four categories: Commercial, Concept, Green and Student – the most entered category.

Seating, lights and tables have been widely explored among entries for 2013, and among among the innovative shortlisted designs are the Clam Chair (which can be folded and carried to the beach) by Ben Brayshaw, the flat-packed, sustainable and customisable Holiday Table by Callum Campbell, and the Emerge Display Screen by Alisa Newey.

The AIFF will be held at Sydney Exhibition Centre, 6–8 February. Full list of The Edge finalists here.