General Information; Soaking; Detergent And Foam; Temperature - Nilfisk-Advance ALPHA BOOSTER 3 User Manual

5 Applications and methods
5.1

General information

5.1.1 Soaking

5.1.2 Detergent and foam

5.1.3 Temperature

5.1.4 Mechanical effect

5.1.5 High water flow or high
pressure
Efficient high pressure cleaning is achieved by following a few gui-
delines, combined with your own personal experience of specific
cleaning tasks. Accessories and detergents, when correctly cho-
sen, can increase the efficiency of your pressure washer. Here is
some basic information about cleaning.
Incrusted or thick layers of dirt can be loosened or softened up by
a period of soaking. This is for example an ideal method within ag-
riculture – for example, within pig sties. The ideal soaking method
can be achieved via use of foam or simple alcaline detergent. Let
the product lie on the dirty surfaces for around 30 minutes before
pressure washing. The result will be a much quicker high-pressure
cleaning process.
Foam or detergent should be applied onto dry surfaces so that the
chemical product is in direct contact with the dirt. Detergents are
applied from bottom to top, for example on a car bodywork, in order
to avoid "super clean" areas, where the detergent collects in higher
concentration and streams downwards. Let the detergent react se-
veral minutes before cleaning off.
Detergents are more effective at higher temperatures. Greases,
oils and fats can be broken down more easily at higher tempe-
ratures also. Proteins can be cleaned at temperatures of around
60°C/140°F. Oils, pollution and grease can be cleaned between
70°/158°F and 90°C/194°F.
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. Use a brush
to cut through e.g. traffic film.
High pressure is not always the best solution and high pressure
may damage surfaces. The cleaning effect also depends upon
water flow. Pressure levels of around 100 bar may be sufficient for
vehicle cleaning (in association with hot water). Higher flow levels
give the possibility to rinse and flush away large amounts of dirt
easily.
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