Cleaning UnitA more powerful pump type with three pistons, offering higher pressure and flow rates compared to axial cam pumps. Related terms: High-pressure pump, pressure washer pump, cleaning unit Triplex Pump, Pressure Washing & Power Washing Triple Threat Power: Why Three Pistons Make a Difference Unlike... More: This is a rough estimate of cleaning power calculated by multiplying PSI and GPM. It’s not a perfect measure, but it can help you compare different pressure washersThe tools and equipment used to clean driveways, including pressure washers, surface cleaners, detergent injection systems, extension wands, and safety gear. Related terms: Pressure washers, surface cleaners, detergent injection systems, extension wands, high-pressure hoses, safety equipment Also se... More.
Related terms: cleaning unit, cleaning power
CU, Pressure Washing & Power Washing
CU, or Cleaning Unit, is a term used in the pressure washingPressure washing is a cleaning method that utilizes a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and stains from various surfaces and objects. Also known as power washing, pressure wash, power-washing, pressure cleaning, pressure wash it, washing power, high-pressure power wa... More and power washing industry to provide a rough estimate of a pressure washer’s cleaning power. It is calculated by multiplying two key factors:
- PSI (Pounds per Square InchPounds per Square Inch: This measurement indicates the force of the water coming out of the pressure washer. Think of it as the "power" of the spray. Related terms: Pounds per square inch, pressure rating, pressure level PSI, Pressure Washing & Power Washing PSI, or pounds per square inch, is a ... More): This refers to the pressure of the water stream, which determines its ability to remove dirt and grime.
- GPM (Gallons per MinuteGallons per Minute: This measurement indicates the amount of water flowing through the pressure washer per minute. Higher GPM means more water coverage, while lower GPM offers more concentrated cleaning. Related terms: Gallons per minute, pressure washer flow rate GPM, Pressure Washing & Power W... More): This indicates the volume of water flow, which affects the cleaning speed and coverage area.
Therefore, the formula for CU is:
CU = PSI x GPM
While not a perfect measure of cleaning power, CU provides a helpful comparison tool between different pressure washerA common pump type with a rotating cam that pushes plungers for high pressure. Related terms: axial cam pump pressure washer Axial Cam Pump, Pressure Washing & Power Washing Unlike other pump types, the Axial Cam Pump harnesses a unique rotating cam and piston design to generate the muscle neede... More models. A higher CU generally indicates more cleaning power, allowing you to remove tougher stains and clean larger areas faster. However, it’s crucial to consider other factors like nozzle selectionChoosing the right nozzle for the cleaning task and surface type to ensure effective cleaning without damaging the surface. Related terms: Choosing the right nozzle, nozzle size chart, nozzle type guide Nozzle Selection, Pressure Washing & Power Washing Why Nozzle Selection Matters So, why dive ... More and cleaning solutionsAdditional attachments like surface cleaners, gutter cleaners, and undercarriage cleaners that expand the capabilities of your pressure washer for specific cleaning tasks. Related terms: Pressure washer attachments, cleaning tools, cleaning solutions Pressure Washer Accessories, Pressure Washing &am... More when evaluating cleaning effectiveness.
Limitations of CU:
- Does not account for nozzle efficiency: Different nozzlesAttachments that determine the shape and intensity of the water spray, allowing for different cleaning tasks and surfaces. Related terms: Spray tips, spray nozzles, cleaning nozzles Nozzles, Pressure Washing & Power Washing Nozzles are crucial components of pressure washers and power washers, pl... More can significantly impact cleaning performance, even with the same CU.
- Ignores cleaning solutionCleaning solution added to the water to enhance cleaning effectiveness. Related terms: cleaning solution, soap Detergent, Power Washing & Pressure Washing Detergent, also known as cleaning solution or soap, is a crucial component of effective pressure washing and power washing. It plays a key ro... More effectiveness: The type and concentration of cleaning solution can greatly influence cleaning results.
- Focuses on raw power without considering surface type: Applying high CU on delicate surfaces can be detrimental.
Using CU in Practice:
- Comparing models: When comparing pressure washer models with similar features, CU can help you choose the one with potentially higher cleaning power.
- Estimating cleaning time: Knowing the CU helps estimate the cleaning time for specific tasks, allowing for better planning and resource allocation.
- Understanding limitations: While valuable for comparison, CU shouldn’t be the sole factor in choosing a pressure washer. Always consider other factors and specific cleaning needs.
Related Terms:
- Cleaning power
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
- GPM (Gallons per Minute)
- Nozzle
- Cleaning solution
- Pressure washing
- Power washing
CU serves as a simple yet helpful metric for comparing cleaning power between different pressure washers. While not a definitive measure, it provides valuable information when used alongside other factors and proper cleaning techniques. By understanding its limitations and applications, you can leverage CU effectively when selecting the right pressure washer for your cleaning needs.