Starting a new career in commercial cleaning or pressure washing? Whether you’re kitting out yourself or your whole crew, you’ll need to get the highest quality workwear you can. It’s crucial for comfort, protection and safety. And it’s best to go high-spec first time – otherwise, you’ll end up replacing your gear in a few months’ time.
Read on for a look at the best waterproof workwear for pressure washing professionals, including tips on what to look for.
What to look for when buying professional pressure washing workwear
Key features to look for in industry-standard pressure washing gear include:
- Waterproofing – there’s no getting away from the fact that this is a very wet job, so waterproofing needs to be as high a standard as you can find.
- Durability and protection – remember that with some commercial pressure washers, the water pressure can reach up to 30,000 psi. You also need protection from cleaning chemicals.
- Comfort, freedom of movement and breathability – alongside heavy-duty protection, you need to be able to move freely in your gear and not overheat.
- Coverage – ideally, you’ll need to be covered top to toe, which may mean extra accessories such as gloves and face protection.
- High visibility – high pressure water sprays can obscure visibility, especially on darker days or evening work. A hi-vis design ensures you’ll be seen, and stay safe.
What waterproof ratings actually mean
Waterproof ratings for clothing are measured in millimetres (mm) and tell you how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it starts to seep through. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.
However, this mm figure doesn’t necessarily tell you what kind of work or how wet an environment the garment is suitable for. Here’s a breakdown, including the minimum recommended waterproof rating for professional pressure washing:
| Waterproof rating | Suitable for | Recommended for pressure washing? |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 to 2,000mm | Light showers, urban use | No |
| 5,000 to 8,000mm | Moderate outdoor activities | No |
| 10,000 to 15,000mm | Farm work, construction, general outdoor work | No |
| 15,000 to 25,000mm | Fishing, marine work | Yes – but higher is recommended |
| 30,000mm+ | Commercial fishing, professional pressure washing | Yes |
Is PVC the best material for pressure washing gear?
Yes – PVC is widely considered an industry-standard material for professional pressure washing workwear. It’s tough, durable and waterproof, as well as offering resistance against chemical cleaning products. Yet it’s also lightweight and flexible enough to keep you mobile and comfortable while working.
Design matters though. It’s best to look for PVC gear with double-welded seams, reinforced oversized zips and a hi-vis finish, so it stands up to the pressure and keeps you visible on site.
Best waterproof workwear for pressure washing
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best waterproof jackets, trousers and overalls for pressure washing work.
Best waterproof jackets for pressure washing
| Jacket | Material | Best features |
|---|---|---|
| Crew 211 Heavy Duty Foul Weather Jacket | 650gsm PVC, double-layer front | Reinforced upsized zip Internal adjustable cuffs Hi-vis design Double welded seams |
| Stormtex 248G Midweight PVC Commercial Rain Gear Jacket | 500gsm PVC, oil resistant | Midweight for comfort and mobility Raglan sleeve for freedom of movement Velcro storm flap Reinforced upsized zip |
| Stormtex-Air 203 Wet Weather Jacket | 340gsm PVC with PU coating, nylon lined | Double-welded seams Hi-vis design Longer back for water protection Elasticated cuffs Angled pockets for easy access |
Best waterproof trousers for pressure washing
By far our most popular waterproof trousers for pressure washing are our Stormtex 701G Heavy Duty PVC waterproof workwear overtrousers. This is because they’re super tough, made from 550gsm PVC with double welded seams to keep every drop of water out and to extend their lifespan. What’s more, they’re fully reversible, which effectively doubles their usable life.
Best waterproof overalls for pressure washing
There’s also an alternative to trousers which can work better for this line of work. Bib and brace overalls give you ankle to chest protection, and work as the ideal under layer for a waterproof jacket.
Top pick: Crew 654 Foul Weather Heavy Duty Waterproof Fishing Bib and Brace Pants
FAQs
What type of boots are best for pressure washing?
Waterproof, ankle-high or knee-high rubber boots with slip-resistant soles are best for pressure washing – ideally with steel toe caps.
Does pressure washing gear resist chemicals?
Only if you choose purpose-designed, high quality gear made from specialised fabrics such as oil and chemical resistant PVC.
Do I need hi-vis workwear for pressure washing?
Yes – high pressure water spray can reduce visibility, which along with low light or evening work can be dangerous. All workers should have hi-vis gear so they can be clearly seen even in low light.
Heavy duty vs. extra heavy duty – which type of waterproof workwear do I need?
Heavy-duty waterproofs should be sufficient for standard residential or light commercial pressure washing, but extra heavy-duty gear is essential for industrial use, working with abrasive materials or chemicals, or high-exposure jobs like roof cleaning.
Kitting out a crew? Get in touch and we’ll help you spec the right gear.