You need a pressure washer. Here in Kwa-Zulu Natal in the Midlands it can get pretty wet and you are finding dirt and mould built-up on your roof. Or maybe you have solar panels and you need to clean them. So you go to Pietermaritzburg to some industrial or hardware shop, like Build-it or you try Makro or Game.
But then you are in the isle and you are faced with six or ten different options. Some of them have strange names like Hoffmann and Werner. You then see a South African house-brand — good old Bosch. You can’t go wrong with a Bosch, right?
But then you realise, there are three or four different sizes. They have all different in terms of their electric motor and nozzle options. Some sales rep then sneaks up behind you and asks you the dreading questions, “Can I help you?”
You mutter that you looking for something that has a low pressure option for solar panels, but a high pressure option for the roof. You explain that you not too keen on heights, so you want to stay on the ladder and clean, and avoid clumbering on the roof.
He nods at you, like he understands, but then he says, “What you looking for is maybe the Fonus 18v. It has a 15L inbuilt water tank and adjustable pressure modes with four spray patterns. Of couse the Fotus 18V is a little more expensive, but it has a 15L tank and a SmartBrush. The flow range is 1.5 litres per minute, which isn’t bad for a 15 bar. It also has a 50° fan jet for larger areas. If you looking for something witha high pressure detergent nozzle, you should rather be looking at the universal aquatak 125. That one has a 125 bar maxim pressure with a high pressure foam system and a 3 cylinder pump. “
You are nodding back, saying things like “sure” and “oh, right,” but the truth is you have no idea what the guy is rambling on about. So let’s take a closer look.
Two or Four Pole Electric Motor, or Gas?
Residential pressure washers, especially those powered by electricity, are popular for their convenience, lower maintenance requirements, and quiet operation compared to gas-powered models. But there are also advantages to using gas.
Four Pole Motors
Four-pole motors tend to be more efficient and durable than their two-pole counterparts. The lower speed results in less wear on the motor’s components, contributing to a longer lifespan. Four-pole motors generate higher torque at lower speeds, which is ideal for pressure washing applications that require substantial force to remove dirt, grime, and other materials from surfaces without damaging them.
Ideal for homeowners needing a reliable pressure washer for regular maintenance tasks, such as cleaning decks, patios, driveways, siding, and vehicles.
Two-Pole Electric Motors
Operate at higher speeds than four-pole motors, typically around 3,600 RPM at 60 Hz electrical supply. They are designed for applications requiring high speed but less torque.
Suitable for light-duty pressure washers where compactness and less weight are advantageous.
Gasoline-Powered Engines
Since they don’t require a connection to an electrical source, they are more portable and suited for outdoor use where power outlets are not available. Perfect for heavy-duty cleaning tasks, commercial use.

Operating Pressure Bars
This measurement indicates the pressure of water the machine can produce to clean surfaces. PSI stands for “Pounds per Square Inch.” It is a unit of pressure used to quantify the amount of force exerted on one square inch of area. In the context of pressure washers, PSI measures the pressure of the water stream produced by the machine. Here’s an overview:
Low Pressure (Up to 100 Bar / 1450 PSI)
Suitable for light cleaning tasks such as washing cars, bicycles, garden furniture, and small patios. These models are ideal for tasks where high pressure could cause damage to the surfaces being cleaned.
Medium Pressure (100 to 130 Bar / 1450 to 1885 PSI)
These pressure washers are versatile and can handle a wider range of tasks, including cleaning decks, fences, and medium-sized patios. They are suitable for most residential cleaning needs, offering a balance between power and safety for various surfaces.
High Pressure (130 to 160 Bar / 1885 to 2320 PSI)
Designed for more demanding residential tasks and light commercial use, such as cleaning large patios, driveways, exterior siding, and removing tough dirt and stains. These models provide the power needed for thorough cleaning without the need for professional-grade equipment.
Very High Pressure (Above 160 Bar / 2320 PSI)
Typically used in commercial and industrial settings, these pressure washers are capable of handling heavy-duty cleaning jobs, including graffiti removal, deep cleaning of commercial.

Water Volume
Ensure that the water supply (like your home water system) can meet the flow rate requirements of the pressure washer. Insufficient water supply can damage the pump or reduce the effectiveness of the pressure washer.
The cleaning effectiveness of a pressure washer is determined by the combination of its pressure (bar/PSI) and water volume (L/min or GPM). High pressure combined with a suitable flow rate ensures efficient dirt removal and surface cleaning.
GPM stands for “Gallons Per Minute.” It is a unit of flow rate that measures the volume of water that flows through a pressure washer’s nozzle every minute. In the context of pressure washers, GPM is a critical specification because it indicates how much water the machine uses and delivers during operation, affecting both the cleaning power and the efficiency of the cleaning process.
Choose a pressure washer that offers the right balance of pressure and flow rate for your specific cleaning needs. For example, delicate tasks may require lower pressure with a moderate flow, while extensive cleaning might need both high pressure and high flow.
Low Water Volume (Below 7 L/min or 1.85 GPM)
Ideal for light-duty cleaning tasks such as washing cars, outdoor furniture, and small patios. These models are suitable for residential use where the cleaning tasks do not require large volumes of water for effective cleaning, focusing instead on precision and water conservation.
Medium Water Volume (7 to 10 L/min or 1.85 to 2.64 GPM)
These pressure washers strike a balance between cleaning efficiency and water usage. They are versatile enough for a broader range of tasks, including cleaning decks, driveways, fences, and medium-sized areas. Suitable for most residential and some light commercial cleaning needs.
High Water Volume (10 to 15 L/min or 2.64 to 3.96 GPM)
Designed for more demanding tasks that require both high pressure and high flow rates to remove dirt and debris quickly. These models are often used in commercial settings, such as washing down large areas, fleet maintenance, or heavy equipment cleaning.
Very High Water Volume (Above 15 L/min or 3.96 GPM)
Typically found in professional-grade and industrial pressure washers, these units are capable of handling the toughest cleaning jobs with maximum efficiency. Ideal for industrial cleaning, large scale commercial jobs, construction sites, and any application where minimizing cleaning time is critical.

Maybe You Just Get a Professional
There is of course, another option where you don’t have to learn all the ins and out of a pressure washer, or have awkward conversations with Nigel in the cleaning isle of Game and that is to simple just get a professional in. I know, it might be a little more expensive to call someone in, every couple of months to clean for you, but that’s why we have the loyalty card. Chat with us about what you need cleaned and we’ll sort it out for you.