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Keep in mind what sort of work you need your Karcher pressure washer to perform before purchasing a model. Karcher offers both gas-powered and electric-powered pressure washer models. Purchase a gas-powered pressure washer if you plan on performing all of your work outside and away from any electrical outlets. Purchase an electric-powered pressure washer if you will be cleaning any inside surfaces and have easy access to electrical outlets.
Purchase a belt-drive model if you need to operate your Karcher pressure washer for longer than 25 hours per week. This model utilizes a belt connecting the pump and motor which absorbs excess vibration, increasing the lifespan of your pressure washer. Karcher direct-drive pressure washers are more compact and easier to store. -
Maintain a straight, steady spray path while operating your Karcher pressure washer. Even when it does not seem that a surface contains a lot of dirt or grime, pressurized spray from your Karcher appliance may clean out deeply embedded dirt. Spot washing with your pressure washer may result in a splotchy surface appearance, as the washed sections will be cleaner than the unwashed sections.
Start off on one corner or edge of the surface you want to wash, and maintain a slow, steady path straight across in a line. Move your spray to just below that line and operate your pressure washer in a straight line in the other direction. Don't worry about overlapping your work. Repeat this until you have used your Karcher pressure washer to clean every inch of the surface. - Use the Vario spray wand to adjust the pressure of your Karcher pressure washer. The Vario spray wand comes standard on some models of Karcher pressure washers; other models support it as an add-on, but it must be purchased separately. Rotate the collar of the Vario spray wand towards the plus sign to increase the pressure, or rotate the collar towards the minus sign to decrease the pressure. Higher pressure is acceptable for cleaning tough stains on a durable surface, such as concrete. Lower pressure is a better choice for light cleaning or softer surfaces, such as wood.
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Use the chemical hose to add detergent to your Karcher pressure washer's spray. Karcher offers four different styles of detergent: Degreaser, Deck Wash, Vehicle Wash and all-purpose Pressure Washer. Fill a bucket with your Karcher detergent and place it near your pressure washer. Adjust your Vario spray wand to a low pressure position, or use your Karcher pressure washer's low pressure spray wand. A low pressure setting is required to use detergents. Adjust your pressure washer's chemical hose by rotating the nozzle towards the plus sign for more detergent, or the minus sign for less detergent. Place the chemical hose in the bucket. Detergent will automatically be added to your pressure washer's spray during use.
Place the chemical hose into a bucket of water after use. Operate the pressure washer for one minute, letting the water flow through the chemical hose to clean it out.
