There are many different options for pressure washing. Both water brooms and surface cleaners are excellent options for the pressure washing industry. They are easy to operate and reduce cleaning time, and understanding their benefits can improve efficiency, performance and customer satisfaction. But surface cleaners vs water brooms, which is best? As a pressure washer manufacturer, BISON helps our customers, including pressure washer companies and pressure washer dealers, make an informed choice between pressure washer surface cleaners and water brooms. In this comparison, BISON will explore the benefits and best use cases of surface cleaners and water brooms.
What is a water broom?
A water broom is simply a cleaning tool that uses high-pressure water jets from straight nozzles to clean surfaces. A water broom has a long, cylindrical brush that spins to sweep up dirt and debris. A regular water broom rinses the surface as it cleans, so you no longer have to use a separate hose for rinsing.
Water brooms are available in different sizes and lengths, depending on your cleaning area’s size.
They can be used on outdoor and indoor surfaces such as carpets, flooring, wood decks, boats, and cars.
Pressure washer brooms are great for quickly cleaning large surfaces without harsh chemicals. Electric wash brooms are very effective on cars as undercarriage cleaners.
1. Portability and Ease of Use: Water brooms are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them highly portable and suitable for quick, light cleaning tasks. They are ideal for small residential areas, such as patios, decks, and garage floors, where a full-size pressure washer surface cleaner might be cumbersome.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to pressure washer surface cleaners, water brooms are generally more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for individuals or businesses just starting in the pressure washing industry. They are also an excellent add-on tool for pressure washer dealers to offer customers as an entry-level solution.
3. Water Conservation: Water brooms use less water compared to pressure washer surface cleaners, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in regions with water restrictions. They achieve a balance between providing adequate cleaning power and minimizing water wastage.
4. Delicate Surface Cleaning: For more delicate surfaces like painted wood, vinyl siding, or fragile tiles, water brooms offer a gentler cleaning option compared to high-pressure surface cleaners. They are less likely to cause damage and are a safer choice for certain applications.
What is a surface cleaner?
Pressure washer surface cleaners have rotating nozzles that spray water in all directions simultaneously and have multiple small brushes that rotate to clean the surface. Surface cleaners come in sizes from 18″ to 36″ to create a wide spray width.
Surface cleaners are better for larger areas, such as patios or decks. Pressure washer cleaners are also best for flat surfaces like warehouse floors and balconies.
1. Superior Cleaning Efficiency: Pressure washer surface cleaners are designed for heavy-duty cleaning tasks and offer superior efficiency over water brooms. Their spinning nozzles cover a larger surface area, allowing for quick and thorough cleaning of flat surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. With their high-pressure spray, they can remove tough stains, dirt, and grime more effectively than water brooms.
2. Time and Labor Savings: Due to their wider coverage area and powerful cleaning capabilities, pressure washer surface cleaners significantly reduce cleaning time and labor costs. Businesses can complete projects faster and take on more jobs, ultimately increasing their revenue potential. The ergonomic design of these tools also minimizes operator fatigue during extended use.
3. Enhanced Safety and Reduced Splashing: Pressure washer surface cleaners are equipped with splash guards, which not only enhance safety for the operator and bystanders but also prevent debris and dirty water from splashing onto adjacent surfaces. This feature ensures a cleaner work environment and minimizes the risk of accidents.
4. Versatility for Multiple Surfaces: Pressure washer surface cleaners are suitable for a wide range of flat surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, pavers, and wood decks. They come in various sizes to accommodate different pressure washer capacities and can handle both residential and commercial cleaning projects.
Pressure washer water broom vs surface cleaner
Advantages of water brooms
- Uses less water than surface cleaners, which is better for the environment. Energy saving is also advantageous, as they require less electricity to operate.
- There is a rubber baffle that prevents water from spraying in all directions. Plus, the water broom has an adjustable nozzle that lets you customize the water pressure and direction of the water flow based on what you’re cleaning.
- They are more portable than surface cleaners because they are smaller and lighter.
- It can be used on uneven surfaces such as decks and patios. The water broom has a handle that allows it to be used on uneven ground without tipping over or getting stuck in one spot.
- The nozzles are less prone to clogging than surface cleaner nozzles, requiring less maintenance.
Disadvantages of water brooms
- It’s inconvenient to move around in tight spaces.
- It may be challenging to maneuver on stairs.
Advantages of surface cleaners
- Because they have wheels, moving around tight corners or under furniture is easier.
- Has a narrower nozzle for easier access to tight spaces.
- Comes with various accessories such as brushes, squeegees or scrubbers for different types of surfaces.
- Great for cleaning windows
Disadvantages of surface cleaners
- Not good at covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
- Uneven spray marks are a common problem with surface cleaners. This is due to the uneven distribution of the water jet.
- The nozzles may become clogged if the wrong detergent is used or the water needs to be cleaned.
Wide selection for pressure washer accessories or attachments
No matter your business’s cleaning needs, BISON has a pressure washer solution that works for you. We offer various types of pressure washer and extensive selection of parts and accessories, including telescoping wands, hose reels and nozzles, will make any cleaning job a breeze. Contact us today for more information or to request a free quote.
FAQs About Surface Cleaners vs Water Brooms
How much water do you need to use, a surface cleaner or a water broom?
You should always follow the instructions of manufacturers for your particular product. In general, though, it is recommended that you use at least one gallon of water per minute when cleaning surfaces. The water flow can be adjusted to suit your needs.
What are the GPM requirements?
GPM, or gallons per minute, is the rate at which water flows from the tap. Surface cleaning typically requires around 3.0 GPM, which is high for many electric pressure washers and mid-range for gas pressure washers. The GPM requirement is crucial as it guides how much the motor can handle. You don't want a smaller machine trying to clean with a more giant (36") cleaner. It can be done, but the engine will be overwhelmed.
How much pressure should you use?
Again, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular product. Please follow the compatibility guide specified by your product. The low-pressure guide for most models will be around 2000 PSI. For homeowners, a higher PSI/GPM usually means a gas-pressure washer is better than an electric washer. It depends on how much work the motor can handle.
