As more and more people start picking up pressure washing as a DIY hobby or profession they are finding that they can’t pressure wash in just any old t-shirt or jeans.
Wearing the right clothing while working is essential to a successful experience. When pressure washing on the job you want to make sure that you protect yourself from an accidental laceration from an errant water jet.
So, what should you wear while pressure washing? Resilience, comfort, mobility and durability are the most important factors to consider when choosing your power washing uniform.
It’s important to look out for clothes rated with a high resiliency rating and made with PVC. PVC is the primary material used in rain gear. The more PVC the better especially when you’re working with high PSI power washers.
We’re rounding up the clothing you’ll definitely need for commercial pressure washing jobs, but are also recommended if you’re working around the house
What Pressure Washing Clothing Do You Need?
Heavy Duty Rain Jacket
When pressure washing, you’ll want a commercial rain jacket. Make sure the jacket is made of PVC and is 100% waterproof. The jacket should give your arms enough room to move comfortably without sacrificing protection.
Key features to look for in a jacket include quality material and durability. A great option is the Stormline Crew 211 jacket. It has two layers of PVC and is made especially to withstand large amounts of water.
This jacket is also specially made to withstand contact with oil, so the chemicals from your pressure washer should be no issue.
Another feature you should look out for when choosing a jacket is that the jacket should also have a secure hood to protect your head
Be wary of zippers, like the zippers on this jacket. Though is rated as durable and water repellent, the zipper on the jacket could break rendering the jacket useless for your purposes.
Also, zippers have been known to cause difficulty with gloves. Instead of enhancing your cleaning project, it may slow you down instead!
However, if you like zippers then there is nothing wrong with that. If you are a DIY/hobby or residential pressure washer you may not feel hindered by the zipper. It is important to choose protective gear you like and that is comfortable for you.
Commercial Rain Pants
You’ll also need to protect your legs while on the job, so be sure to purchase a rain suit or pants. Bib overalls offer an extra layer of protection for your torso. Again, look for PVC material.
The Stormline Crew 640 is a great option because it features a triple layer of PVC. They also feature a velcro strap around the ankle to keep the pants tight and prevent water from getting in.
Features like the velcro strap and the triple layers are something to look for when choosing the pants that work best for you. These features are great for optimal dryness and optimal efficiency.
Waterproof Safety Gloves
It’s important to protect your hands while working; especially while working in cold conditions. Waterproof commercial gloves will keep the water out.
Look for rubber or latex gloves that allow your fingers to move comfortably and won’t compromise your grip.
We recommend the Unglox Chemical Resistant Gloves to keep your hands dry and free from chemical contamination. Customers say these gloves are thick and sturdy. They report that the thickness does not interfere with their ability to pick items up and maneuver around with ease.
Rubber Boots
Waterproof work boots will protect your feet and clothing from the water. Nothing can ruin your day faster than wet socks and shoes.
You also don’t want chemicals to splash through your shoes. Rubber boots are great protection from wet feet and chemicals.
A great rubber boot option is Servus by Honeywell. These boots feature PVC material that acts as a barrier to chemicals and protection from injury.
Any cleaning project with a high pressure spray nozzle like power washing requires creates a necessity for closed-toe shoes.
Pressure cleaners have the capability of causing serious damage, so sandals and tennis shoes are not the ideal footwear to use. Always be careful where the spray nozzle is aimed, and make sure proper footwear is used.
Waterproof Boot Covers
Boot covers are an alternative to rubber boots, depending on the job. Protect your work boots and feet with commercial waterproof boot covers.
If you’re not ready to take the plunge into a fully rubber boot or prefer the freedom of sneakers, boot covers can transform your footwear into a rubber boot. Boot covers can also be made of PVC material.
You should look for a cover that reaches your mid calf or just below your knee. That way you can keep water from getting in your shoes.
There are a few features you should look for:
- Non-slip sole
- Elastic band
- PVC material
We recommend the AUHOO Waterproof Shoe Covers. They have a high rating on Amazon and contain all the above features. Reviewers say they are great in all types of wet conditions and keep their feet dry.
Safety Goggles
It’s important to protect your eyes from water and flying debris while you’re cleaning surfaces, even if using a surface cleaner. Commercial safety glasses with a fog-free coating can be a great addition to your gear.
Depending on the type of pressure washing you’re doing, blowback can be at eye level. For maximum safety, safety goggles are absolutely essential.
One of the more popular and affordable safety goggle options on Amazon is the Amazon Basics Safety Goggle. Reviewers say they are very comfortable, fit nicely to the face, and don’t fog up! A plus for pressure washing.
Why Do You Need Protective Clothing While Pressure Washing?
If you don’t believe us on the importance of correct pressure washing clothing, watch this video. Wearing the incorrect clothes while pressure washing has the potential to not only ruin your clothes, but cause damage to you as well.
Protective clothing while pressure washing is important for three main reasons:
Protection from Water
You’ll be pressure washing in all sorts of weather conditions, so getting wet is not an option. You need to protect yourself from the flying water in general, as well as the high pressure of the water stream.
Protection from Substances
As you clean surfaces, you’re removing many types of buildup. If chemicals and allergens are flying through the air, you want to protect yourself and your work clothing.
Without protective gear you’ll spend hours removing stubborn stains and grime from the extremely harsh chemicals you’re using. Your clothes need to be able to withstand said chemicals.
Your clothes are your skin’s barrier from these chemicals. It is important to ensure that you wear safe clothing to protect yourself from chemical burns, rashes, and other chemical ailments.
If you don’t wear pressure washing approved clothing the chemicals may eat through your clothing over time.
Efficiency
You don’t want to change your clothes before and after every pressure washing job. Most commercial waterproof clothing goes on top of your clothes, so you can simply take it off when you’re done and move on to the next task.
In the correct clothes, you won’t get overheated either. Pressure washing clothing is designed to allow air to circulate. You won’t have to take breaks or seek shade when you’re pressure washing in hotter climates.
What Features Should You Look For in Pressure Washer Clothing?
- Breathability: Condensation and precipitation are natural occurrences when using a pressure washer. Wearing the right clothes keeps the condensation and precipitation from getting trapped inside your clothes, and against your skin.
- Mobility: Mobility is important for a physically demanding job like pressure washing. To be successful & efficient, you need to be mobile and so do your clothes.
- 100% waterproof, PVC material: PVC material gives your clothes super strength to repel water. Keeping dry is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience.
- Lightweight material: Along with mobility, lightweight material is important. You don’t want to carry around any extra weight while on your job site.
Anyone working on commercial pressure washing jobs should wear protective clothing. Comment below if you have any questions about which gear you might need. We recommend the above products, but the best clothing for you will depend on the job.
Remember to keep an eye out for clothing made with PVC, avoid zippers, and look for hoods and Velcro straps to further secure your protective layer from water and chemical substances.
Get your protective gear on and get to your power wash jobs! We swear your experience will be much better when you’re wearing the right gear.
