Frequently Asked Questions - Pressure Washers
Expert answers from RealKleen - the UK's most trusted pressure washer specialists since 1980. Got a question? We've got answers based on 40+ years of experience.
General Pressure Washer Questions
What pressure washer do I need?
It depends on your application:
- Domestic use (patios, cars, driveways): 100-150 bar, 6-10 L/min - Kranzle K 1050 P ideal
- Mobile valeting: 150-200 bar, 15-21 L/min - BOSS BOYS PM21200 or Kranzle professional
- Agricultural/Industrial: 200+ bar, 21-30 L/min - BOSS BOYS PM30200 or hot water models
- Commercial kitchens: Hot water essential - Kranzle e-therm or BOSS BOYS MHD series
Call RealKleen for expert advice tailored to your specific needs - we've been helping customers choose the right equipment since 1980.
What's the difference between bar and PSI?
Bar and PSI both measure pressure:
- 1 bar = 14.5 PSI
- 100 bar = 1,450 PSI
- 200 bar = 2,900 PSI
In the UK, we typically use bar. Most professional machines are 100-250 bar.
What's more important - pressure or flow rate?
Both matter, but for different reasons:
- Pressure (bar): Breaks down stubborn dirt and grime
- Flow rate (L/min): Rinses away dirt quickly
For most applications: Higher flow rate (15-30 L/min) is more important than maximum pressure. A 200 bar machine at 21 L/min will clean faster than a 250 bar machine at 10 L/min.
Do I need hot water or cold water?
Cold water is fine for:
- Patios and driveways
- Vehicle exteriors
- General dirt and mud
- Most outdoor cleaning
Hot water is essential for:
- Grease and oil removal
- Engine cleaning
- Commercial kitchens
- Food processing
- Sanitization requirements
- Agricultural biosecurity
Hot water cuts through grease that cold water can't touch and reduces cleaning time by up to 50%.
How long do pressure washers last?
It depends on quality:
- Cheap imports: 2-3 years typical
- Quality brands (Kranzle, BOSS BOYS): 10-20+ years with proper maintenance
- Professional use: Quality machines regularly exceed 2,000 hours
At RealKleen, we regularly service Kranzle machines from the 1990s still running perfectly. Quality equipment is an investment that lasts decades.
Buying Questions
Why should I buy from RealKleen?
RealKleen has been the UK's trusted pressure washer specialist since 1980:
- 40+ years of expertise - we've seen it all
- Five-star Google reviews - our customers love us
- Expert engineers - not just salespeople
- Authorized dealer - Kranzle, BOSS BOYS, Autoglym
- Complete support - sales, installation, servicing, parts
- Honest advice - we recommend what's right for you
Do you offer finance?
Yes! We offer flexible payment options for business customers. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we deliver across the UK. Many items are available for next-day delivery.
Can I collect from your showroom?
Absolutely! Visit our showroom to see equipment in person, speak to our expert team, and collect same-day (subject to stock availability).
What warranty do you offer?
All new equipment comes with full manufacturer warranty:
- Kranzle: Manufacturer warranty
- BOSS BOYS: Manufacturer warranty
- Genuine parts: Warranty protected
Plus RealKleen's ongoing support for the life of your equipment.
Brand-Specific Questions
Why choose BOSS BOYS?
BOSS BOYS are the best quality machines available:
- British-built to last
- Honda GX390 engines - legendary reliability
- Interpump professional pumps - world's best
- Heavy-duty construction - proper equipment
- Exceptional value - lower total cost of ownership
RealKleen was the FIRST dealer to sell BOSS BOYS. After thousands sold, we still believe they're the best.
Why choose Kranzle?
Kranzle represents German engineering excellence:
- 50 years of innovation since 1974
- Compact design - smaller than competitors
- Quiet operation - significantly quieter
- Legendary reliability - machines last decades
- Made in Germany - uncompromising quality
We've serviced Kranzle machines from the 1990s still running perfectly.
What about Ehrle car washes?
RealKleen is the UK's exclusive Ehrle car wash specialist:
- We ONLY sell and service Ehrle car washes
- Stock ready for same week installation
- German engineering excellence
- Complete installation and support
Maintenance & Service Questions
How often should I service my pressure washer?
Domestic use: Annually or every 50 hours
Commercial use: Every 6 months or every 200 hours
Intensive use: Every 3 months or every 500 hours
Regular servicing prevents breakdowns and extends equipment life. RealKleen offers mobile servicing - we come to you!
What maintenance can I do myself?
Basic maintenance you can do:
- Check and clean inlet filter regularly
- Inspect hoses for damage
- Check oil level (on oil-lubricated pumps)
- Flush with clean water after use
- Store properly (frost protection in winter)
Leave pump servicing, seal replacement, and major repairs to professionals.
Do you service machines bought elsewhere?
Yes! Our expert engineers service all major brands, regardless of where you bought them. We stock genuine parts for Kranzle, BOSS BOYS, and other leading brands.
Do you offer mobile servicing?
Yes! Our fully-equipped mobile workshops come to your location, minimizing your downtime. Perfect for businesses that can't afford to be without their equipment.
How do I winterize my pressure washer?
Essential for frost protection:
- Disconnect from water supply
- Run pump until water stops flowing
- Add pump saver/antifreeze through inlet
- Run briefly to circulate
- Store in frost-free location if possible
Read our complete winterization guide on our blog for detailed instructions.
Technical Questions
What size hose do I need?
Hose length depends on your application:
- Domestic use: 10-15m usually sufficient
- Mobile valeting: 20-30m for flexibility
- Large areas: 40m+ for commercial cleaning
RealKleen stocks high-quality hoses from 10m to 40m+.
Can I use any detergent?
No! Only use detergents designed for pressure washers:
- Never use household detergents - they foam too much
- Use proper TFR for vehicle cleaning
- Match chemical to application
RealKleen stocks the complete Autoglym professional range - the right chemical for every job.
What's a surface cleaner and do I need one?
A surface cleaner (like Kranzle UFO) is a rotating attachment for flat surfaces:
- 3-5x faster than using a lance
- Even results - no tiger striping
- Splash-free operation
- Less fatigue - easier to use
Essential for: Patios, driveways, car parks, large flat areas
What pressure is safe for my car?
For vehicle washing:
- 100-150 bar is ideal
- Keep lance 30cm+ from surface
- Use wide-angle nozzle
- Never use turbo nozzle on paintwork
Most professional car washes use 100-120 bar for safety.
Problem-Solving Questions
Why won't my pressure washer start?
Common causes:
- Petrol machines: Check fuel, oil level, spark plug
- Electric machines: Check power supply, RCD, connections
- Both: Check water supply is connected and turned on
If problems persist, contact RealKleen for expert diagnosis.
Why is my pressure washer losing pressure?
Common causes:
- Blocked inlet filter
- Worn pump seals
- Incorrect nozzle size
- Air in system
- Worn pump valves
RealKleen's engineers can diagnose and fix pressure issues quickly.
Why is my pressure washer leaking?
Leaks can occur from:
- Worn pump seals (normal wear item)
- Damaged hoses or fittings
- Loose connections
- Cracked pump head (rare)
Most leaks are easily fixed with genuine parts from RealKleen.
Can pressure washers be repaired?
Yes! Quality machines like Kranzle and BOSS BOYS are designed to be serviced and repaired:
- Pump seals can be replaced
- Valves can be rebuilt
- Components can be serviced
- Machines can last decades with proper maintenance
Cheap imports are often throw-away - quality equipment is repairable.
Application-Specific Questions
What's the best pressure washer for mobile valeting?
For mobile car valeting, we recommend:
- BOSS BOYS PM21200: 21 L/min high flow, Honda reliability
- Kranzle professional models: Compact, quiet, German quality
- Complete packages: With foam lance, hoses, accessories
RealKleen has helped hundreds of mobile valeters start and grow their businesses.
What's the best pressure washer for farming?
Agricultural use demands rugged reliability:
- BOSS BOYS PM30200: 30 L/min for large areas
- Hot water models: For biosecurity and sanitization
- Petrol power: Work anywhere on the farm
What do I need for a car wash business?
For professional car washing:
- High flow rates: 15-30 L/min
- Three-phase electric: Lower running costs
- Hot water option: For engine cleaning
- Ehrle car wash systems: Automated solutions
RealKleen is the UK's exclusive Ehrle car wash specialist with same week installation available.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find your answer? Contact RealKleen:
- Call us for immediate expert advice
- Email us with your question
- Visit our showroom to speak face-to-face
RealKleen: 40+ Years of Expert Answers
Since 1980, we've been answering pressure washer questions and solving problems. Whatever you need to know, we've got the answer.