At what pressure does a pressure washer clean which materials?

By Christian Augustin
3 min read

At what pressure does a pressure washer clean which materials?

High-pressure cleaners offer a wide range of pressure levels – from low pressure for delicate surfaces to extremely high pressure for industrial applications. Pressures of around 200 bar and above are referred to as "ultra-high-pressure cleaners," and even reach pressures of up to 1000 bar. Here you'll learn which pressure is optimal for each cleaning task and where the respective application limits lie.

1. Light soiling on sensitive surfaces: 20 - 110 bar

For sensitive surfaces such as plastic furniture, bicycles or garden tools, a low pressure of 20 to 110 bar is sufficient.

  • Recommended pressure : 20 - 110 bar
  • Areas of application : Garden furniture, bicycles, patio furniture, glass surfaces, light soiling on vehicles
  • Note : Use a wide jet and keep a certain distance to avoid damage.

2. Vehicles and sensitive paints: 110 - 130 bar

A pressure of 110 to 130 bar is ideal for car washing, as well as caravans, boats, and motorcycles. This pressure reliably removes dirt without damaging the paint or delicate vehicle components.

  • Recommended pressure : 110 - 130 bar
  • Application areas : cars, motorcycles, mobile homes, boats
  • Note : Keep sufficient distance from the surface and use attachments that are as soft as possible.

3. Medium soiling on wood and stone: 130 - 160 bar

Wooden terraces, stone paths, and paved surfaces require slightly higher pressure to remove moss, algae, and medium dirt. 130 to 160 bar is ideal for these purposes without damaging the structure of the material.

  • Recommended pressure : 130 - 160 bar
  • Application areas : wooden decks, paving stones, garden paths, garage floors
  • Note : Use a flat jet nozzle and avoid point-like rotating nozzles on delicate stones to avoid damage.

4. Heavy soiling on robust materials: 160 - 300 bar

For heavy soiling on robust materials such as concrete surfaces or metal fences, a pressure of 160 to 300 bar is suitable. This pressure is sufficient to completely remove stubborn dirt, grease deposits, and even compacted mud.

  • Recommended pressure : 160 - 300 bar
  • Application areas : concrete surfaces, paving stones, garage floors, agricultural machinery, metal fences
  • Note : On concrete surfaces, a rotating nozzle can be helpful to remove stubborn stains, but caution should be used on delicate surfaces.

5. Extremely stubborn dirt and industrial applications: 300 - 500 bar

The ultra-high pressure range begins at 300 bar, which is primarily used for industrial and commercial applications. With a pressure of 300 to 500 bar, you can remove graffiti, rust, and concrete residue. This pressure range is ideal for robust materials that require intensive cleaning.

  • Recommended pressure : 300 - 500 bar
  • Areas of application : Removal of graffiti, concrete surfaces, stubborn oil and grease stains, industrial machine cleaning
  • Note : These pressures require safety measures and protective clothing, as the water jet is extremely powerful and can cause material damage if used improperly.

6. High pressure up to ultra-high pressure for special applications: 500 - 1000 bar

For the most demanding industrial applications and extremely stubborn dirt, high-pressure cleaners with pressures between 500 and 1000 bar are used. These devices are designed for removing concrete layers, cutting materials, and derusting large metal surfaces and are frequently used in the construction and metalworking industries.

  • Recommended pressure : 500 - 1000 bar
  • Areas of application : Removal of concrete formwork, cutting of steel and concrete, derusting of large metal surfaces, industrial surface cleaning, special cleaning in construction
  • Note : Ultra-high-pressure devices may only be operated by trained personnel wearing professional protective equipment. The water jet can cause serious damage if handled incorrectly.

Summary: The right pressure for your cleaning tasks

Choosing the right pressure depends heavily on the material and the type of dirt. For home use and sensitive surfaces, a pressure range of 20 to 130 bar is usually sufficient, while 160 to 300 bar is recommended for robust surfaces. Pressures above 300 bar are intended for industrial applications and require special expertise and safety precautions. With the right pressure range and a suitable nozzle, you can achieve optimal cleaning results without damaging the material.