A good pressure washer will clean all sorts of surfaces around your house. Whether you’re cleaning your car, sidewalks, patio furniture, or a dirty compost bin, a pressure washer can help get the job done quickly and easily.
There are plenty of pressure washers available, ranging from light-duty models to professional-grade machines that offer more power and cleaning options than you’ll ever need at home.
Power
A pressure washer can help you quickly get rid of mildew, grime and other stains. They’re also great for stripping paint and removing graffiti.
They’re available in several different power levels, from light-duty electric models to professional-grade gas options that can remove stubborn stains and grime. You should choose a washer that’s powerful enough for the task at hand, but not so powerful that it’s overly noisy or dangerous to use.
The power of a pressure washer is measured in psi (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). Most consumer-grade models start at 1,300 to 1,800 psi, which is enough for basic cleaning jobs around your house, including washing cars, patio furniture and light stains.
A higher-end pressure washer can reach 3,000 psi, which is ideal for industrial cleaning tasks such as paint stripping or graffiti removal. However, these units are typically too expensive for most homeowners. They’re better for professional contractors and other professionals who need a large amount of power.
Hose
A pressure washer is an invaluable power tool that’s perfect for tackling mildew, dirt, and debris on your deck, fence, and outdoor furniture. It’s also a great way to clean up oil stains on your driveway and muddy cars.
To get the most out of your pressure washer, you’ll need a hose that can withstand the water pressure it puts out. A standard hose will typically have a diameter of 1/4 inch, but high-quality options are available that are rated for a higher amount of water pressure.
For example, this SIMPSON Cleaning Monster hose has a 3/8-inch diameter and a working pressure of 4500 psi. It’s 100 feet long, giving you plenty of maneuverability around the area you’re cleaning. It also comes with quick connects in male or female, so you can quickly hook up your pressure washer to this hose and begin cleaning.
Nozzles
There are plenty of different nozzles available to suit all your watering needs. Some work well for a wide range of tasks, while others are specialized for specific uses, such as cleaning greasy messes or spraying on cars.
Choosing the best hose nozzle depends on your needs and budget. You’ll want a nozzle that fits your hose and a handle that’s comfortable to use.
You may also need one that’s easy to use, especially if you have arthritis or strength issues in your hands and wrists. Ergonomic nozzles, such as no-press grips and trigger models with metal loops that lock the trigger in place, can keep your hands free to move.
If you don’t mind spending a little more money, you can get an all-metal hose nozzle that will hold up well to the elements. Alternatively, look for a hybrid nozzle that’s made from both metal and plastic. These are lighter and less likely to break down under heavy use than all-metal nozzles.
Storage
The Best pressure washer wirecutter is a close match to a top-shelf industrial cleaning machine when it comes to cleaning your home, car and garden. The name of the game is to get the job done as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest levels of cleanliness and a healthy work ethic. There are many different models to choose from, but we found the best bet to be a midrange model with a fair price to pay. Choosing the best one for you will likely require a little trial and error, but you can be sure to find a high quality unit to suit your needs.
