What It Is
A pressure washer is a motorized machine that blasts water at high speeds to clean hard surfaces. You hook it up to your standard garden hose. The machine uses a gas engine or an electric motor to pump the water through a small wand. This process squeezes the water and forces it out at a very high pressure. Most machines come with a set of colored nozzles. Each nozzle changes the angle and strength of the water spray. A wide spray is gentle for washing cars, while a narrow spray is meant for blasting tough stains off solid concrete. You can use this tool to strip away stubborn dirt, mildew, and loose paint from the outside of your house. It makes heavy cleaning jobs much faster than scrubbing by hand.
Where You Will Use It
You'll likely see or use a pressure washer when doing seasonal upkeep outside your home. It's a popular tool for cleaning concrete driveways and brick walkways. You can also use it to wash wooden fences and patio furniture. Many homeowners use a pressure washer to clean their house exterior before painting. If you plan to wash your house siding, you should read up on Exterior: Siding, Garage & Decks to learn which materials can handle the high water pressure. Vinyl siding cleans up well, but high pressure can damage soft wood or force water behind the boards. Always clear the area of fragile items before you start spraying.
Gas vs. Electric
When you shop for a pressure washer, you have two main choices. Gas pressure washers are very powerful. They give you the freedom to move anywhere on your property without dragging a power cord. They're great for large driveways and tough stains. However, they're loud, heavy, and require regular engine maintenance like oil changes and winterizing. Electric pressure washers are quieter, lighter, and easier to start. You just plug them into an outdoor outlet. They have less power than gas models, but they're plenty strong for washing cars, patio furniture, and small decks. If you use an electric model, make sure your outdoor outlets are safe and grounded. You can check the Electrical guide for tips on outdoor outlet safety.
What It Costs
Buying a pressure washer is an affordable investment for many homeowners. Electric models usually cost 100 to 300 dollars. Gas models cost a bit more, typically running 300 to 600 dollars. Professional grade machines can cost well over 1000 dollars. Keep in mind that prices and ranges vary based on your location and the brand you choose. If you only need one for a weekend project, you can rent a gas pressure washer from a local hardware store for 50 to 100 dollars a day. Hiring a professional service to pressure wash your driveway or house siding usually costs 200 to 500 dollars. If you aren't sure whether to buy a machine or pay a service, look at the DIY vs. Hiring a Pro page to weigh your options.
Safety and Mistakes to Avoid
A pressure washer isn't a toy. The water stream is strong enough to slice through skin and ruin your property. You must wear closed toe shoes and safety glasses when you operate the machine.
- Never point the wand at people or pets.
- Start with the widest nozzle and the lowest pressure setting.
- Keep the nozzle moving so you don't gouge the surface.
- Avoid spraying water directly into exterior vents or window seals.
