Steam Pressure Washer

steam pressure washer

Compared to other cleaning machines, pressure washers are the most powerful. They have a pump that enables them to release water at high pressure. As a result, they are very effective in blasting away even the toughest form of dirt, debris, or unwanted plants from hard surfaces. These machines are designed to clean large outdoor spaces such as pavements, parks, and patios.   

There are different types of pressure washers, such as cold water pressure washers, hot water pressure washers, and steam pressure washers. 

In terms of performance, steam pressure washers provide unmatched performance compared to other types. Check out our exclusive guide to learn how steam pressure washers work and how they differ from the rest.  

What is a Steam Pressure Washer?

steam pressure washer electric

A steam pressure washer is a rugged machine that uses super-hot steam to melt oils, grease, and all forms of dirt. These machines are designed to handle complex cleaning tasks where a combination of high-pressure steam and water is needed. They are more powerful than steam cleaners and cold water pressure washers. 

Compared to the cold pressure washers, these are more effective because their hot steam enables them to break down the buildup of oils and grease from the surface. You can use them for various cleaning tasks such as cleaning; 

  •  Concrete floors: When cleaning concrete floors, you will need a reliable cleaning machine to get the job done quickly. Steam pressure machines will perform better than any other machine when cleaning such surfaces.  
  • Removing graffiti: These machines are used to remove graffiti from surfaces without causing damage.  
  • Sidewalks and pavements: Sticky substances such as chewing gums are easy to find on sidewalks or pavements around your home. A quality steam pressure machine can quickly blast them away without too much pressure. 
  • Restaurants and food joints: If you are searching for a powerful cleaning machine you can use to remove the buildup of grease or tough stains from the surface, steam pressure machines will give you the best results.   
  • Mechanic shops and industries: You cannot use a regular cleaner or a mop to clean industries or mechanic shops due to grease buildup. In such instances, you need a powerful machine like a steam pressure cleaner to break down grease and oils easily.  
  • Other areas where you can use these machines include food industries, engineering, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries or businesses.  

What are the Benefits of Steam Pressure Washers?

Steam pressure washers come with many benefits, such as; 

  1. Powerful and effective: The significant benefit of using these machines is their power. Steam is released at a high pressure of more than 2000 PSI, enabling the pressure cleaner to remove even the toughest dirt or messes, such as oily residues.  
  2. Less water wastage: Since steam pressure cleaners release super hot steam combined with water, they help save water. Other types like the cold pressure washers require a lot of water which may increase your water bills if you use them frequently. 
  3. Durable construction: In terms of design, these machines are made of rugged materials to enhance durability. Their sturdy construction enables them to withstand harsh conditions such as extreme water temperatures.  

Which is the Best Steam Pressure Washer?

If you are searching for the best steam pressure washer, take a look at the following products: 

Northstar Hot Water Pressure Washer with Wet Steam
$712.45

A combination of diesel, kerosene and fuel oil powers this 250 degree Fahrenheit powerhouse. Combining high heat, high pressure and increased flow rate of water, you get the benefit of steam + the power of the water to melt away grease and grime at 3500 PSI.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/17/2024 04:31 pm GMT
NorthStar Gas Wet Steam and Hot Water Pressure Power Washer
$2,599.99 $1,999.99

This heavy duty gas hot water pressure washer is powered by a honda engine, operates up to 3000 PSI and 4.0 GPM. You can adjust the pressure depending on your needs, and add detergents via the chemical injector. It heats water up to 250F for effective steam pressure washing.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/17/2024 06:05 pm GMT

Compared to other steam pressure washers, this one will give you unmatched value for your money. It comes with many accessories to make your work easier and more effective when cleaning. The machine is mighty in terms of performance since it sprays hot water with a pressure of 4 GPM and 3000 PSI. To enhance its performance, it uses a top-quality cat triplex pump which is easy to maintain since it doesn’t have many movable parts. It is a large machine but has 14-inch pneumatic tires for easier movements. The rugged 1 ¼-inch steel cage provides maximum protection during operations. A diagnostic light also lets you know if the machine is working as expected. Besides that, it features rubber V-mounts to minimize vibrations.  

Northstar Diesel Burner Pressure Washer Upgrade

This add on by Northstar converts a cold water pressure washer into a hot water and steam pressure washer. It works with any pressure washer between 2-4 GPM and up to 4000 PSI. Connecting with a 5ft quick couple hose for added versatility to your existing pressure washer.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This add on by Northstar converts a cold water pressure washer into a hot water and steam pressure washer. It works with any pressure washer between 2-4 GPM and up to 4000 PSI. Connecting with a 5ft quick couple hose for added versatility to your existing pressure washer.   

Types of Steam Pressure Washers

There are 4 types of steam pressure washes which include; 

pressure washer with steam

Electric Steam Pressure Washers 

Electric models are the most popular compared to other types of steam pressure washers. They also have a compact design, making them easy to use. Due to their compact design, they are more affordable than gas-powered units. However, their power output is limited by the electrical outlet from which they are getting their power.   

Gas Pressure Washer 

Gas-powered steam pressure washers are more powerful than electrical models. Due to this, they are the best for complex cleaning tasks that require a heavy-duty machine. Since you don’t need to use them when connected to a power source, they are more portable than electric pressure washers. However, you need to be careful because they emit toxic fumes – a gas pressure washer should not be used indoors. Besides that, they are very noisy, making them ideal for outdoor projects.  

Diesel Powered Steam Pressure Washers 

These machines are fueled by diesel, meaning they don’t require electricity. They are very big due to the fuel tank, but they have durable wheels to enhance mobility. Just like the gas steam pressure washers, these too can be dangerous if misused. Ensure you understand how they work before buying because they can easily cause fire hazards. 

Dry Steam Pressure Washers 

The dry steam pressure washers release hot steam instead of water. The good thing about them is their unmatched ability to kill microorganisms. Water is converted to steam to melt away any mess you are trying to tackle.

Steam pressure washers will give you a better performance when cleaning. They are more powerful than cold pressure washers but costly. They are strong enough to dissolve grease, grime, and oils. However, they are not as versatile as cold pressure washers.  

How to use a Steam Pressure Washer

When using a steam pressure washer, you should follow these steps; 

  •  Remove loose dirt or debris from the surface using a broom or vacuum cleaner. 
  • Add water to the reservoir and connect the machine to a power source. If you are using a diesel or gas-powered unit, you should ensure that the fuel tank is connected well. 
  • Allow the water to reach the maximum temperatures. You should never add chemicals to the water reservoir.  
  • Steam pressure machines come with different nozzles and attachments for various cleaning tasks. Make sure you have connected the right accessory that suits the type of cleaning you want. 
  • When cleaning, you should move the nozzle over the surface. 

Steam Pressure Washer vs Cold Water Pressure Washers

Steam pressure washers and cold pressure washers are among the most powerful machines you can use for complex cleaning tasks. Even though these machines have some similarities, they do not work the same. Check out their differences below: 

  1. Performance: If you are searching for the most powerful machine, steam pressure machines with steam are the best. The hot steam they provide helps dissolve oils, tough stains, grease, and other forms of dirt. As a result, they are the best for commercial or heavy-duty cleaning tasks. 
  2. Versatility: One of the primary reasons most people prefer cold pressure washers is their unmatched versatility. You can use them to clean concrete, walls, floors, or other hard surfaces. 
  3. Price: In terms of price, cold pressure washers are more affordable than steam pressure washers. This is because they have a smaller size and lack some features such as the heating element.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Pressure Washers

diesel steam pressure washer

What is a Steam Pressure Washer Used For?

A steam pressure washer is the most effective machine for cleaning oily and grease residues from hard surfaces. These machines use super-hot steam, which helps to disintegrate oils, grease, and grime buildup. As a result, they are the best pressure washers you use in mechanical shops or industries where a heavy-duty caning machine is required. They are more effective and reliable than cold pressure washers, which explains why they are costly.  

Can you Steam Clean with a Pressure Washer?

There are different types of pressure washers, and not all of them can be used to steam clean. For example, cold water pressure washes can’t sanitize surfaces like steam cleaners. If you are searching for a powerful unit, hot water washers and steam pressure washers will be the most suitable machines. 

These use hot water, enabling them to quickly kill microorganisms when cleaning. They are also capable of cleaning oily or grease residues from the surfaces. As a result, they can be used as steam cleaners. However, hot water pressure washers don’t dry the surface immediately like steam pressure washers. In terms of performance, they work the same as steam pressure washers.  

What is the difference Between a Pressure Washer and a Steam Cleaner?

The difference between a pressure washer and a steam cleaner is the water usage and the home area they are used in. Steam cleaners clean indoor surfaces, floors, bathrooms, etc. Pressure cleaners use more water and pressure, making them best used outdoors. 

Other differences include:

  1. Design: One of the major differences between these two machines is design. Even if there are some large steam cleaners, pressure washers are larger since they are designed to handle more complex cleaning tasks. 
  2. Functionality: Steam cleaners are the best for indoor cleaning tasks. They are also versatile since you can use them to clean cars, windows, carpets, floors, upholstery, and home appliances, among other items. On the other hand, pressure washers are the best for outdoor cleaning, meaning that they are perfect for pavements, parks, garage floors, patios, etc.   
  3. Power: Pressure washers are typically connected to the garden hose and release water at a higher pressure than steam cleaners. Depending on your cleaning needs, you can opt to use either hot pressure washers or cold pressure washers.  
  4. Ability to sanitize: Even if pressure washers are very effective in blasting away tough dirt and debris from the surface, they do not sanitize surfaces. Steam cleaners produce scorching steam, which effectively kills 99.9% of all types of microorganisms.  
  5. Drying time: Since the steam produced by some steam cleaners is almost dry, these machines dry the surface almost instantly. However, pressure washers release larger amounts of water, with surfaces remaining damp for longer, depending on the weather. 

What is the Difference Between Power Washers and Pressure Washers?

steam cleaning pressure washer

It is easy to confuse these two machines due to their close similarities. Power washers are also referred to as heated pressure washers. They release hot water at very high pressure, making them more effective in debris and stain removal. 

On the other hand, pressure washers are powerful machines designed to blast away grime and dirt from pavements, concrete, rocks, and other hard surfaces. These use cold water, unlike the power washers, which use hot water.

In terms of performance, power washers are the best for cleaning oily or greasy surfaces. Pressure washers can remove grime, dirt, or tough debris from outdoor surfaces like pavements or extensive concrete areas. 

Conclusion 

Whether searching for a heavy-duty cleaning machine for commercial or home use, a steam pressure washer is an investment to consider. The most impressive thing about these machines is their ability to instantly clean oily and greasy surfaces. Since they release scorching steam, they effectively sanitize and kill microorganisms. Compared to cold pressure washers, steam pressure washers offer far better performance, although they come with a much higher price tag.

Lauren