A professional-grade pressure washer is one of those tools where the difference between a hire machine and a domestic purchase is immediately obvious. The machines available to hire from Olympus deliver significantly more pressure and flow rate than most consumer models, which means tasks that take hours with a domestic washer are completed in a fraction of the time. If you have a driveway, patio, decking, or exterior wall that needs serious cleaning, here is what to know before you collect.
Cold Water vs Hot Water Pressure Washers
Most pressure washers, including the majority of domestic machines, are cold water only. Cold water pressure washing is effective for removing loose dirt, algae, moss, and general soiling from hard surfaces. It is the right choice for most domestic cleaning tasks including driveways, patios, and paths.
Hot water pressure washers use heated water, typically between 60 and 90 degrees Celsius, which significantly improves the removal of grease, oil, and organic deposits. If you are cleaning a garage floor, commercial kitchen exterior, agricultural equipment, or any surface with oil contamination, a hot water machine is considerably more effective than cold water alone. We have both available at Olympus.
What Pressure Do You Need?
Pressure is measured in bar or PSI. For domestic cleaning tasks including block paving, concrete, tarmac, and rendered walls, a machine in the 130 to 180 bar range is appropriate and effective. Higher pressures are available for commercial applications and stubborn staining, but more pressure is not always better: soft surfaces including timber decking and some render types can be damaged by excessive pressure.
Our team will advise on the right machine for your specific task when you book. If in doubt, describe what you are cleaning and we will recommend accordingly.
Surface Cleaner Attachments
A surface cleaner attachment is a rotating disc that connects to the pressure washer lance and provides an even cleaning pattern across a flat surface. For large areas of paving or concrete, a surface cleaner is significantly faster than a lance alone and produces a much more even result without the striping that a fixed lance leaves. We have surface cleaners available to hire alongside the pressure washer.
Practical Preparation
- Clear the area before you start: furniture, pots, and any items that could be dislodged or damaged by high-pressure spray
- Protect adjacent planting: high-pressure water can damage plants. Cover borders or direct spray away from planting
- Wear appropriate footwear: non-slip shoes and consider eye protection when working at close range
- Plan your drainage: pressure washing releases significant water. Ensure it can drain away rather than ponding
- Work from high to low: on walls and stepped surfaces, start at the top so dirty water runs down over uncleaned areas
Hire Periods and Collection
Pressure washers are available on half-day, full day, and weekly hire from our Newton Abbot depot. Contact us to check availability and confirm the right machine for your project.
Contact Olympus Tool Hire Newton Abbot to book your pressure washer hire.
