Advantages of Hot Water Pressure Washers

Learn why hot water pressure washers are the preferred choice when it comes to effective professional and industrial cleaning. 

A worker uses a hot water pressure washer in a shop.

Why Clean With Hot Water?

Pressure washers are a must when looking for a sensible approach to cleaning and hygiene. These cleaning tools have a lower rate of water consumption and greater cleaning power compared to unpressurized methods. Pressure washers that heat water up to or near 185°F help to remove stubborn dirt more quickly and effectively than their cold water counterparts. Additionally, the combination of hot water and high pressure is more economical for commercial operators. Besides the clear advantage of requiring less or no detergent, they also offer much shorter drying times.

Hot water pressure washers can increase the temperature of water from 54°F to 311°F in the steam stage. The water is heated in a burner boiler in the pressure washer that features a double twisted heating coil for a space saving construction and high heating capacity. By reducing the volume of water, steam is created in the heating coil at up to 311°F, which initiates the intense steam cleaning stage that is ideal for surface cleaning.

A pig worker stands with a Kärcher wand in hand.


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Hot Water Improves the Cleaning Process

Heat energy plays a key role in speeding up and improving the effectiveness of the cleaning process. In addition to the physical water pressure, cleaning agents or detergents applied, and the amount of time cleaning is performed, temperature is also one of the four interdependent parameters that help to determine the success of the cleaning process. If you have ever washed a dish in your sink, you understand the effectiveness that hot water plays as compared to cleaning with cold water. The full cleansing effect is not unleashed until you introduce hot water, and this applies to professional cleaning as well.

Every 50°F increase accelerates the chemical processes and halves reaction times. Oil, grease and soot are dislodged and removed more easily. Oils and grease also emulsify at a quicker rate when heat is applied. Various practical examples - from a car garage or workshop to a large industrial company - show that the use of hot water can reduce cleaning time by up to 40%, leading to lower labor costs. Another benefit in the use of heated pressure washers is the reduced drying time. Surfaces that are cleaned with hot water remain slightly heated, evaporating water and drying more quickly.



Decrease Use of Detergents and Fewer Germs

While conventional cold water units can generally achieve the desired results when combined with a suitable cleaning agent, using hot water pressure washers gets the job done faster. Stubborn dirt, encrusted grease, resin or oil residue start to break down when hot water is applied, and in some cases, detergent may not be needed.

Hot water pressure washers are particularly popular in areas that require the highest standards of hygiene and have a need to focus the cleaning effort on microorganisms and germs. This not only applies to the food industry - from independent butchers to industrial mass production - but also to the agricultural industry. The use of cold water can simply spread the germs about, whereas the combination of high pressure and hot water up to 185°F can significantly reduce the number of germs. Often, the reduction in germs achieved with just hot water and no disinfectant is enough to meet the standards of hygiene required in the barnyard and does not lower the basic room temperature. Which can be crucial to chicks which are especially sensitive to low temperatures.

A worker uses a Kärcher pressure washer to clean a milking parlor


A Kärcher nozzle sprays water

Gentle on Sensitive Surfaces

Heated pressure washers are well-suited for the most demanding of cleaning tasks. By applying mineral-free steam at temperatures up to 311°F, even the most stubborn dirt can be removed gently without any need for cleaning agents. This procedure is particularly appropriate for cleaning sensitive surfaces, where the full cleaning effect is achieved with much lower working pressure and less volume of water. An environmentally friendly method for removing bitumen coatings, paints, soot deposits, lichens and algae. Lower water consumption means less waste water. Plus, the use of hot steam makes it possible to eliminate up to 99% of the bacteria and germs.



Extremely Efficient

The most important hot water advantage is when the pressure washer is used for commercial purposes. The longer and more often you use the machine, the clearer the cost advantage becomes. The purchase and maintenance costs for a hot water pressure washer are initially higher compared to a cold water pressure washer. However, by using hot water, you can make significant time savings of up to 40% and achieve improved cleaning results. In addition, the costs for cleaning agents are almost completely eliminated with hot water.

The decisive factor is the labor costs, which are far higher than the purchase and maintenance costs over the entire lifetime of a pressure washer. For this reason, using a hot water pressure washer machine is often the more economical solution. Hot really does pay!

A man stands with a Kärcher pressure washer wand slung over his shoulder


Find a Hot Water Pressure Washer For Your Application

Gas and Diesel Hot Water Pressure Washers

Kärcher gas and diesel hot water pressure washers are engineered for removing grease, grime and oil, stripping paint, and performing other tough outdoor cleaning applications. All models are certified to UL and CSA safety standards.

Electric Hot Water Pressure Washers

Kärcher electric hot water pressure washers remove grease and grime. Their low emissions and reduced noise level allow cleaning in more sensitive outdoor applications. All models are certified to UL and CSA safety standards.

Hot Water Generators

Kärcher's hot water generators provide on-demand hot water – perfect for removing grease, grime and oil. All cabinets are electric powered, and most models are ideal for indoor use when users need a heated pressure washer. Kärcher models are certified to UL and CSA safety standards.


Your Local Kärcher Dealer Can Help!

Let a local Kärcher dealer help answer your questions, provide service on an existing machine, or assist you with the purchase of a new Kärcher pressure washer. Click below to have a dealer representative contact you.

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