9
NEPTUNE PE/DE
Original Instructions
5 Applications and methods
5.1 Techniques
Effi cient high pressure cleaning is achieved by following a few
guidelines, combined with your own personal experience of specifi c
cleaning tasks. Accessories and detergents, when correctly chosen,
can increase the effi ciency of your pressure washer. Here is some
basic information about cleaning.
5.1.1 Soaking
Encrusted or thick layers of dirt can be loosened or softened up by a
period of soaking. This is for example an ideal method within agricul-
ture – for example, within pig sties. The ideal soaking method can be
achieved by using foam or simple alkaline detergent. Let the product
lie on the dirty surfaces for about 30 minutes before pressure wash-
ing. The result will be a much quicker high pressure cleaning pro-
cess.
5.1.2 Detergent and Foam
Foam or detergent should be applied onto dry surfaces so that the
chemical product is in direct contact with the dirt. Detergents are ap-
plied from bottom to top, for example on a automobile bodywork, in
order to avoid “super clean” areas, where the detergent may collect
in higher concentrations and streams downwards. Let the detergent
work for several minutes before rinsing before rinsing and never let it
dry on the surface being cleaned.
5.1.3 Temperature
Detergents are more effective at higher temperatures. Greases, oils
and fats can be broken down more effectively at higher tempera-
tures also. Proteins can be cleaned at temperatures of around 60°C
(140°F). Oils and traffi c fi lm around 70°C (158°F), and grease can
be cleaned at 80°-90°C (176-194°F).
5.1.4 Mechanical Effect
In order to break down tough layers of dirt, additional mechanical
effect may be required. Special lances and rotary or wash brushes
offer this supplementary effect that cuts through dirt.
5.1.5 High Water Flow or
High pressure is not always the best solution and may also damage
High Pressure
surfaces. The cleaning effect also depends upon water fl ow. Pres-
sure levels of around 100 bar (1450 psi) may be suffi cient for vehicle
cleaning (in association with hot water) and higher fl ow levels give
the ability to rinse and fl ush away large amounts of dirt easily.
