What’s the difference between a company with a van-mounted machine and a portable one? We often get this question at Art of Clean, especially at this time of the year.
Yes, It is that time of year again… spring cleaning both in and outside your beautiful homes! After all, the BBQ season won’t be long. The time of year many of us love as we welcome our loved ones and close friend’s around to enjoy the outdoors once again!
In this blog, I will cover:
- What a van-mounted machine is.
- What a portable pressure washer is.
- Does a van-mounted machine affect the cost of a professional cleaning your patio & driveway?
- What are the advantages of a van-mounted versus a portable pressure washer?
- Can a van-mounted machine damage your driveway more than a portable one?
What a van-mounted machine is:
A professional company generally uses a van-mounted pressure washer for cleaning patios. This pressure washing system is mounted on a van or trailer and used to clean outdoor surfaces, mainly patios & driveways.
These pressure washers usually are larger and more powerful than portable pressure washers, allowing for more effective and efficient cleaning of large outdoor areas.
They have a larger water tank capacity, greatly reducing the need for refilling. Professional cleaning companies often use van-mounted pressure washers to clean patios, driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor surfaces.
Our vans also generate their power so there is no need to use your electricity, we’ll bring our own!
What a portable pressure washer is:
A portable pressure washer is a machine that uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces like outdoor furniture & cars. Some people use them for doing patios and driveways themselves as it is typically lightweight and compact, designed for easy mobility and transport.
Portable pressure washers usually have a built-in water tank or can be connected to a water source. You power them with electricity, gas, or battery.
These machines are an ideal solution for outdoor cleaning tasks requiring mobility and flexibility, allowing users to tackle cleaning jobs in various locations easily.
What are the advantages of a van-mounted versus a portable pressure washer?
There are several advantages to using a van-mounted pressure washer over a portable pressure washer for cleaning patios:
1. Power and Efficiency:
Van-mounted pressure washers are typically more powerful than portable pressure washers, allowing for more efficient and effective cleaning of large outdoor areas. They have larger engines and pumps, which can produce more pressure and flow rate, leading to faster and more thorough cleaning.
2. Water Tank Capacity:
Van-mounted pressure washers have a larger water tank capacity than portable pressure washers. This reduces the need for refilling and enables longer cleaning sessions without interruption.
3. Mobility:
Van-mounted pressure washers are on a van or trailer, which makes them easier to transport from one job site to another. You can move them around easily and quickly, making them ideal for professional cleaning companies that need to service multiple locations daily.
4. Safety:
Van-mounted pressure washers are designed with safety features such as anti-vibration mounts and locking mechanisms to make sure the equipment is stable and secure. This reduces the risk of injuries and accidents while operating the pressure washer.
5. Professionalism:
Van-mounted pressure washers give a more professional image to a cleaning company.
Overall, van-mounted pressure washers offer greater power, efficiency, mobility, safety, and professionalism than portable pressure washers, making them the preferred choice for many professional cleaning companies.
Does a van-mounted machine affect the cost of a professional cleaning your patio & driveway?
Yes, using a van-mounted pressure washer for patio and driveway cleaning may affect the price of a professional cleaning service.
Van-mounted pressure washers are generally more powerful and efficient than portable pressure washers. They allow for longer periods of continuous cleaning without frequent water tank refilling. This can lead to faster and more effective cleaning of larger areas, which may result in a higher cost for the cleaning service.
In addition, using a van-mounted pressure washer also involves additional costs for the cleaning company, including the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the equipment, as well as fuel and transportation costs.
However, the cost of professional patio and driveway cleaning will depend on many factors, including the area’s size and condition, the cleaning process’s complexity, and the property’s location. It is always best to get a quote from a reputable cleaning company that considers all of these factors.
Overall, while a van-mounted pressure washer may increase the cost of a professional cleaning service, it can also lead to faster, more efficient, and more thorough cleaning of your patio and driveway, which may be well worth the investment.
Can a van-mounted machine damage my driveway more than a portable one?
Any pressure washer, whether a van-mounted or portable machine, can damage your driveway if misused. However, a van-mounted pressure washer is less likely to damage your driveway than a portable pressure washer. If the van-mounted pressure washer is operated by a trained and experienced professional, it may be less likely to cause damage than a portable pressure washer.
One advantage of a van-mounted pressure washer is that it is typically more powerful than a portable pressure washer. This means it can clean your driveway more efficiently and effectively without harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. However, this also means that if the pressure is too high or the operator is not sure how to use the equipment, it can cause damage to the surface.
To avoid doing damage to your driveway, it’s important to hire a professional cleaning company with experience in using pressure washers. They should be able to assess the condition of your driveway and adjust the pressure accordingly to avoid damage. They may also use specialized nozzles and cleaning solutions to clean your driveway safely and effectively.
In summary, a van-mounted pressure washer can be just as safe for your driveway as a portable pressure washer if you use it correctly or by a trained professional.
Here is a short video showing our Patio cleaning service:
If you would like to know how to get rid of black spots on your patio, read this blog:
Have you read somewhere you don’t need to have your patio sealed, but you’re not sure? This blog will help you:
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning. Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing. Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge