Hot water can be safely run through a cold water pressure washer up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit — 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You cannot run hot water, especially at extremely high temperatures, through the cold water unit. It could melt the pump seals and overheat the unit. You can't use hot water in a pressure washer that isn't built to withstand high temperatures.
Yes, there are pressure washers specially designed to be used with hot water only. But never use hot water in your cold-water pressure washer. Putting hot water in a pressure washer is a dangerous thing. Because pressure washers use cold water to keep the water pump cold when it's running, introducing hot water into the system can seriously damage the water pump.
Not just the pump, many internal components can be damaged if the water temperature is too high. Think of it as washing greasy dishes in the sink. No matter how much soap you use, you'll only rub the fat with cold water. Add hot water and you'll get rid of fat and oil in no time.
The same applies to cleaning with a pressure washer. If there is oil or grease in any form, you'll need a hot-water pressure washer to remove them quickly. Many buyers also make the mistake of thinking that they can turn a cold washing machine into a hot one simply by using hot water from a fountain. Hot-water pressure washers combine a perfect balance between these three key elements: heat, agitation and soap, to provide unparalleled pressure cleaning.
Maybe you've noticed that your pressure washer doesn't work as well as you'd like and you want to know if adding hot water will help increase its performance. If you're thinking of using hot water in your pressure washer, it's important to know the pros and cons. A water temperature higher than this will end up irreparably damaging the pump of your cold water pressure washer and will cause serious defects in all its components. However, the strength of cold pressure washers is significantly less powerful against greasy stains or oily surfaces.
You can also save some money with detergent, since this washing machine requires less detergent, as it pushes water at a powerful speed that reduces the need for detergent. You should be aware that hot-water pressure washers are specially designed for use with hot water only. This makes hot-water pressure washing even more ideal, as the temperature levels of hot-water pressure washers can range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. But to be sure, it's best to consult the pressure washer manual and see what temperatures your particular model can withstand.
The purchaser should choose a hot-water pressure washer if they are going to clean surfaces or items that often contain grease or oil. The water in a hot-water pressure washer is heated to 200°F (93°C), but the heating element is positioned so that the water is heated after the water pump to avoid damaging the pump. For example, it is best for those who intend to use the equipment to clean parts of cars, engines or garages to invest in the hot water pressure washer. While there are some applications, such as defrosting or disinfection, that require steam, it has been demonstrated over the years that high-pressure hot water is a much more effective cleaning method than steam.
Another great advantage of a hot water pressure washer is that it produces steam, which is a natural disinfectant and will leave the surface flawless.
