Captive pressure washing, also known as captive-head washing, is a method of cleaning that combines pressurised water with a wet vacuum attachment to create less mess and minimise the need for cleanup.

Let’s take a look at captive pressure washing in more detail, and its benefits over regular pressure washing.

How does captive pressure washing work?

Standard pressure washers usually consist of a nozzle that blasts water at a high PSI to remove dirt and stains. Once the water has been sprayed onto the surface, it then needs to be drained or dried.

Captive-head pressure washers comprise a high-pressure nozzle and wet vacuum attachment to suck up the waste water into a tank. This type of pressure washer features a flexible cover to create a seal around the surface to be washed and prevent water from escaping. They often also include rotary scrubbers or other attachments, and some models are used for dust-free cleaning of brickwork and render.

You can view one of our captive pressure washers in action below.

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What are the benefits of captive pressure washing?

High-pressure cleaning

Like standard pressure washing, captive-head washing uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime, so chemical cleaning agents aren’t always required to tackle deep staining. The PSI is variable, allowing the cleaning operative to select a suitable pressure for the job at hand to ensure a thorough clean without damaging the surface.

Less mess and cleanup

By sucking up the waste water as it is created, captive pressure washing is less messy than other methods. This makes it the perfect choice for cleaning internal tiles and stone without any mess or spray. It’s a good method for jobs that require a fast turnaround, as the area can be thoroughly cleaned without needing to be out of action for long periods of time.

Increased safety

Where hazardous materials have been spilled or chemical cleaners used to loosen tough stains, captive washing ensures that contaminants are sucked into the waste water tank and removed rather than being washed away into the surrounding environment. It also poses a lower risk of slipping than cleaning methods that leave water to sit on the surface.

More efficient

Because there’s no need to rinse away dirty waste water or dry the surface, the entire cleaning job can be completed quickly and efficiently with just one piece of equipment. This means that captive washing is often more cost effective than other methods, particularly as the area to be cleaned is ready for use again in no time at all.

No drainage required

In areas with no drainage or poor water runoff, standard pressure washing can leave a lot of excess water. As well as requiring additional cleanup, leaving the water to stand for long periods of time may cause damage to the surface. Captive pressure washers suck up the waste water almost instantly, so there’s no need for additional drying where drainage is poor.

Ideal for flooding

Where flooding has occurred, the flood water is often contaminated with a variety of unpleasant things like harmful bacteria and sewage. Captive washing allows dirt and other soiling to be removed from internal surfaces and sucked straight into the waste water tank to be safely disposed of and ensure a clean, safe environment.

Your captive pressure washing experts

At Cleopatra, we’re dedicated to investing in the highest-quality equipment to ensure the best possible results for our clients. With decades of experience and access to all the right tools for the job, you can be sure of a pristine clean no matter what you need us to tackle.

If you’d like us to quote for your pressure washing job, contact us online or give us a call on 1300 253 672 and we’ll be happy to help.