How Do You Use a Pressure Washer?

Introduction

Gas or electric pressure washers will clean almost anything outdoors, and they work so quickly and dramatically that they're actually fun. Learn how to use one safely and efficiently.

Pressure washers are a useful tool for any DIYer. Whether you’re washing the car or blasting years of accumulated dirt off the side of your house, you’ll see dramatic and quick results. They’re also fun to use, so much so that you may find yourself begging to clean your neighbors’ siding, driveways and cars once you’ve finished your own. You can even use a pressure washer to carve a pumpkin.

You can rent or buy a pressure washer to clean nearly any outdoor item. By following the pressure washer tips in this article, you’ll learn how to use pressure washers safely and efficiently.

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

Pressure washers, whether they’re powered by electric motors or gas engines, run a pump that pressurizes the water from your garden hose to 1,000 lbs. or more, then forces it out through a spray wand. The higher the pressure (measured in pounds per square inch—psi), the tougher the cleaning jobs they can tackle.

Both types require a steady, uninterrupted supply of water (in gallons per minute—gpm). For occasional use, most homeowners will find that a washer with a pressure range of 1,300 to 2,400 psi works best. Here are a few tips for pressure washer maintenance.

What Kind of Pressure Washers Should You Use?

Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers deliver 1,300 to 1,400 psi, require about 1-1/2 gpm and are the best choice for light-duty cleaning like washing cars (Photo 3), outdoor grills and garage floors. They generally cost less and are quieter, lighter in weight and more portable than gas-powered washers. Many have built-in tanks for optional detergent use. Looking for more options? Get to know the benefits of a hot pressure washer.

Always connect electric washers to power outlets that are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and use only 12- or 14-gauge extension cords.

Gas Pressure Washers

Most pressure washers that you’ll find for rent or sale are gas-powered. This type can deliver higher water pressure than the electric kind, some more than 3,000 psi. But gas-powered washers also require more water: 2 to 3 gpm.

These washers are the best choice for bigger jobs like preparing siding for painting, removing “aging” stains from wood decks and deep-cleaning concrete. You can rent one at most home centers or tool rental stores, along with attachments and accessories like chemical injectors or longer spray wands for reaching high places. Learn why your gas-powered pressure washer won’t start.

The cost of a gas-powered washer (non-commercial units) can range from a few hundred to more than a thousand dollars, depending on the pressure they deliver, their features and the engine and pump quality.