Pressure washers are incredibly useful tools that few homeowners have much experience with. You can transform a simple garden hose into a powerful and efficient cleaning machine, perfect for countless items in your home and garden . Some of the most common uses of a residential pressure washer include removing dirt from concrete, removing debris from gutters, and removing dirt and mold from siding, patio furniture, boats, ATVs, old tools , cars and trucks, concrete driveways, garage floors, grills , terraces and fences. Not bad for a single tool, right?
Ultimately, when used correctly, a pressure washer is the best exterior cleaning tool. It can provide gentle cleaning with water and detergent or a powerful jet of water that removes years of accumulated dirt and debris.
The Expert: I have been in the construction industry for over 15 years and pressure washers have always been one of my favorite tools. There's something immensely satisfying about the immediate and obvious difference it makes, especially when clearing a driveway or patio. I've used electric and gas pressure washers for everything from removing mud from oil rigs to revitalizing concrete sidewalks. I always have at least one pressure washer in my garage; I prefer a corded electric model with large wheels as I enjoy the portability around the garden.
What to look for in a pressure washer
Our advice is based on the needs of a typical homeowner. We check where you might want to increase your performance. However, if you are a contractor or using a pressure washer in a commercial setting, our suggestions may require some modifications.
The first factor to consider is the power source as it affects price, performance, performance and maintenance. Corded electric washing machines are cheaper to purchase and require less maintenance. Electric models for home use typically cost between $300 and $300, while gas models cost between $300 and $800 (and professional washers can cost much more).
Because no extension cord is required, gas washing machines have more freedom of movement than electric models. However, gas and electric washing machines are connected to your water supply and their mobility is limited to the length of your garden hose.
Although there are battery-operated high-pressure cleaners on the market, they are currently underpowered or too expensive. Their prices range from $70 to $700.
Once you've decided what type of pressure washer you need, the most important metric to evaluate is the water pressure it produces. The PSI (pounds per square inch) measured at the nozzle is the maximum pressure the washer can deliver. PSI is often used to classify the pressure washer as a light pressure washer or a heavy duty pressure washer. – Where the true dividing line is is subjective to the brand. Generally, light-duty washers have 1800 PSI or less, while heavy-duty washers have 2800 PSI or more.
To spray more or harder, a higher PSI is required. Therefore, a heavy-duty washing machine is best suited for homes with two or more floors for cleaning gutters or removing grease or oil stains from the garage floor.
Since high-pressure cleaner nozzles spray at an angle, the closer you get to the work material, the smaller the surface to be cleaned. For example, if you want to clean a particularly dirty driveway with a lightweight washer, you may need to move closer and have a smaller spray area to achieve the unit's maximum power, whereas with a more powerful washer you could move further away and achieve a larger spray area same or better results. This means you can clean larger swaths in less time with a more powerful washer.
In addition to PSI, there is another measurement to consider: GPM (gallons per minute of water), which indicates the amount of water the washing machine uses. The higher the GPM, the faster the released dirt is washed away.
Pressure washers have a simple design. You force water through a tube to the stick, the gun-shaped part you hold in your hand. At the end of the rod is the nozzle that controls and limits the water jet. The smaller the nozzle angle, the higher the PSI. (It's like covering the end of a garden hose with your thumb: the same flow of water is forced through a smaller opening, at significantly higher pressure.) Look for a pressure washer with at least three nozzles, preferably rapid jet nozzles. - Disconnect the connections.
In terms of portability and range, hand washing machines are the easiest to transport, but they are generally only suitable for light tasks such as cleaning cars or quickly washing floor upholstery. The most powerful high-pressure cleaners usually have two wheels and a metal frame. Some washing machines have even larger or larger wheels for added stability.
The length of the drain hose also determines the range of the washing machine. I recommend at least 20 feet of hose.
Best practices and what you should know before you start
To get started, you'll need the following: a garden hose and, if you're using an electric model, an electrical outlet. And the washing machine should be equipped with a ground fault circuit breaker (GFCI) to protect it from electric shock from all that water splashing.
Safety equipment is essential. Focus on protecting your feet and eyes. Splashes from pressure-washed dirt can easily get into your eyes. The result is unpleasant at best (a bit of mud) or hospitalization at worst (a splinter of wood or metal). Many people use their pressure washer in the summer and are tempted to wear sandals or flip flops. At least wear boots. If you are using a heavy-duty pressure washer, consider using steel-toed boots.
There are numerous accessories that make cleaning certain elements easier. There are car cleaning kits to ensure you don't accidentally damage the vehicle, gutter cleaning kits to help remove dirt while keeping your feet firmly on the ground, and surface cleaners to help clean paths and floors accelerate. None of these things are absolutely necessary, but if you use the washing machine for certain tasks, they can speed up the process.
How to prepare for pressure washing tasks
What you need to do upfront is minimal. The main problem is the water that is splashed during the cleaning process. Walk away or cover anything you don't want to get wet and check the area to make sure there are no exposed electrical boxes.
Check where the water drains. Your home's siding may look shiny, but gallons of water could be pouring onto your foundation.
How to use a pressure washer
First screw the garden hose onto the washing machine, put the wider spray nozzle on the rod and you can start cleaning.
Whatever the task, start with a minimum of aggressiveness and adjust as needed. Work from a distance with a wide-angle tip, then move closer and change the tip as needed to clean the material. Working too closely can damage the material being cleaned and there is a risk of dirt being thrown in your face. Remember that it is easy to get the nozzle close to the material, but once you damage the material you will have a much bigger headache.
To avoid overloading the high-pressure cleaner motor, work in short bursts. Think for 5 to 10 seconds, then release the trigger and allow the engine to cool for a second or two. Move the sprayer in a constant, controlled motion during operation. Staying in a certain area leads to a concentration of water pressure. While this can clean a difficult-to-clean area, it also increases the risk of damage to the material being cleaned.
Finding the right balance between distance, nozzle and cleaning speed may require some trial and error. When in doubt, start at a healthy distance and work your way slowly across the material.
Maintenance of the pressure washer
Gasoline pressure washers require more maintenance than electric models. In exchange for the increased performance, you will need to top up the oil level, change the spark plugs, and replace clean filters. This is essentially the same maintenance requirement as other small power tools like lawn mowers or chainsaws.
All pressure washers should be winterized if stored in a location where temperatures drop below freezing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, to do this you usually need to add some antifreeze to the soap tank and let it run until the water is drained from the system.
We recommend high-pressure cleaners
Now that you know a little more about what high-pressure cleaners can do and what you need to look out for, here are some product recommendations. When making this selection, I looked for a balance of PSI, GPM, and portability in these washers, assuming that if you're looking for a gas model, you're looking for a higher PSI.
I also trusted established brands. I have extensive experience with Karcher and Westinghouse washing machines (my own Karcher electric washing machine has worked well for almost eight years). Simpson pressure washers were recommended to me when I asked other contractors for their opinions. I checked the specifications on the manufacturers' websites and confirmed that the following models were available at the time of writing.
Overall, the best electric pressure washer
Karcher 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
Now 20% off
Advantages
- Sustainable
- Comes with accessories
Disadvantages
- Lowest PSI of our featured pressure washers
This Karcher model offers a PSI that sits right on the border between light and medium duty, making it a good choice for projects and general home cleaning. The washer comes with several cleaning wands and sets that make the transition from pressure washing concrete to a much gentler car wash easier.
The mobile base makes it easy to move, and the Karcher mobile app includes tips on setting up your washing machine and user guides. It doesn't have the PSI and GPM ratings of other electric models, but it does have accessories like a foam cannon as well as Karcher's reputation as a tough performer, making it an optimal choice for DIY enthusiasts.
Electric pressure washer with the best price-performance ratio
Westinghouse ePX3500
Advantages
- PSI and GPM above average for this price
Disadvantages
- Smaller bikes have difficulty on uneven surfaces
The Westinghouse ePX3500 offers a respectable 2,500 PSI in a compact, lightweight package (just 19 pounds).
With a height of less than 17 inches and four individual swivel wheels (which are also lockable) for maximum mobility, it is an incredibly stable package that resists the tendency of small portable models to tip over during transport. However, smaller diameter wheels have difficulty negotiating uneven terrain. The pressure washer's full shut-off system automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger is not activated. This saves energy, extends the life of the pump and prevents accidental use.
The small body makes it a great option for DIYers with limited storage space and the price is great.
The best petrol pressure washer
Simpson PS3228 PowerShot
Advantages
- Reliable Honda engine
Disadvantages
- Difficult
- Not available in California
The Simpson PowerShot walks the line between a consumer and a professional pressure washer. With its higher PSI (3,300) and GPM (2.5 gallons per minute), it can be used for more demanding tasks like removing graffiti and cleaning grease and oil stains, in addition to more common household tasks like cleaning fences or decks.
The PS3228 is powered by a Honda GX200 engine and sits on a sturdy, welded steel frame with a powder-coated finish. Weighing 77 pounds, it's neither small nor light, but the 10-inch wheels make it easy to move around.
FAQ with our expert Dan Stout
Dan Stout, former home maintenance and remodeling manager, has worked in nearly every facet of the construction and home improvement industry, from project planning and permitting to plumbing, drywall, carpentry and more. She loves writing about the strange history of everyday objects and helping readers make informed decisions about their homes.
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