How We Test

Our testing is designed to answer a practical question: which finish-safe setup will clean this surface fastest, with the least water and noise, and the lowest total cost of clean? To do that, we run standardized protocols on representative surfaces and document every variable that affects safety and speed.

Surfaces and Soils We maintain test panels for vinyl siding, painted wood, composite decking, brick/pavers, concrete, and automotive clear coat. Panels are conditioned with consistent soils—dust/mineral film, organic growth, and traffic grime—so results are comparable over time. We log ambient conditions (temperature, humidity) for each run.

Instrumentation and Controls

• Pressure and Flow: in-line glycerin-filled pressure gauge and a calibrated flow meter at the wand to confirm PSI/GPM under load.
• Noise: Class 2 sound level meter at the operator’s ear and 25 feet away, A-weighted, with RPM measurements for engine units.
• Water Use: inline and/or containerized measurement to record gallons per job and per minute.
• Timing and Coverage: marked grids with high-contrast baseline to calculate square feet per minute.

Setup Variables We size nozzles/orifices to the machine’s true GPM, document nozzle angle/type (15°, 25°, 40°, rotary, fan), set standoff distance, stroke pattern (overlap and cadence), and define detergent selection, dilution, dwell, and neutralization/rinse steps. Safety checks include finish inspection under consistent lighting to spot micro-marring, etching, or fuzzing.

Performance Metrics

• Cleaning Rate: sq ft/min averaged across multiple passes.
• Water Budget: gallons per job and gallons per 100 sq ft.
• Noise Profile: dBA at ear/25 ft and practical noise-control tactics (nozzle choice, RPM management, muffling, scheduling).
• Total Cost of Clean: estimated cost per 100 sq ft factoring equipment amortization, water, chemicals, fuel/power, and time.

Scoring and Recommendations We weight finish safety first, then speed, water use, noise, and ownership costs. A setup only earns a recommendation if it meets the surface’s safety threshold and delivers efficient, repeatable results. We publish clear trade-offs and compatible bundles so you can replicate our outcomes.

Quality Assurance and Limits We calibrate instruments regularly, repeat tests across days to reduce bias, and report ranges where appropriate. Field variables (water hardness, local noise rules, surface age) can influence results; our guides include adjustments to keep you within finish-safe margins. When data changes, we update our recommendations and mark the revision date.