The highest PSI for a steam cleaner typically ranges from around 100 PSI to 135 PSI. These are considered to be excellent pressure levels for a steam cleaner and are capable of effectively cleaning a variety of surfaces. However, it is important to note that these pressure levels are relatively low compared to those of a pressure washer.
A pressure washer, on the other hand, is designed to deliver much higher pressure levels for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Industrial models of pressure washers can have a PSI range starting from 600 PSI and going well over 3000 PSI. The specific PSI rating of a pressure washer will depend on the model and intended use.
The higher PSI of a pressure washer allows it to tackle more stubborn dirt, grime, and stains on surfaces such as concrete, brick, and outdoor equipment. It is commonly used for heavy-duty cleaning applications, such as removing grease from machinery, cleaning large outdoor areas, or preparing surfaces for painting.
In my personal experience, I have found that a steam cleaner with a PSI rating of around 100 to 135 is more than sufficient for most household cleaning tasks. It can effectively clean surfaces like tile, grout, countertops, and upholstery, providing deep cleaning and sanitization.
However, there have been instances where I needed the higher pressure of a pressure washer. For example, when cleaning my outdoor patio, which had accumulated caked-on dirt and moss, a steam cleaner could not provide the necessary force to remove it completely. In such cases, a pressure washer with its significantly higher PSI rating would have been more effective.
It’s important to consider the specific cleaning needs and surfaces you will be dealing with before deciding on the appropriate PSI level for your cleaning equipment. While a steam cleaner with a PSI rating of 100 to 135 can handle most household tasks, if you frequently encounter tougher cleaning challenges or have larger outdoor areas to clean, investing in a pressure washer with its higher PSI range would be more suitable.