A pressure washer is a versatile tool to have in your arsenal for a number of reasons. For starters, it can be used to efficiently, easily, and quickly clean a wide range of domestic and commercial spaces, and various other locations, such as sidewalks, patios, and residential home interiors.

In fact, many real estate agents strongly recommend pressure washing a respective property before listing it for sale in an effort to increase its attractiveness and listing price. Investing in the best pressure washer can also make conventional cleaning tasks a pleasure, such as cleaning the vehicle, which usually takes a lot of time, energy, and effort.

Additionally, a pressure washer tool can be used by almost anyone, even those with back ailments, as it allows you to maintain an upright and strong posture. On top of this, setting up a pressure washer tool is literally a no-brainer, where you simply connect a water hose to the tool to the washing machine, add fuel or plug in, and it starts to remove dirt and grime.

Shopping guide

When choosing the best pressure washer for cars and for other tasks, you will come across two common types: gas and electric washers, and this is what sets them apart.

Types of pressure washers

Gas pressure washers, as the name suggests, are equipped with motors and feature either a manual starter or a pushbutton electric starter. They generally generate the highest water pressure, somewhere in the range of two thousand to three thousand PSI (pounds per square inch) of water pressure.

Another great benefit of using gas-powered washing tools is that there are no annoying cords to plug in, making it easier to do larger cleaning jobs. Electric pressure washers, by contrast, are less powerful and don’t offer the same mobility as their gas counterparts, but on a brighter note they weigh less, cost less, and are ideal for light jobs.

Things to consider

Since pressure washers can be had in a variety of different types and pressure levels, it is wise to first determine the tasks that you will be using them for to get the right one for your needs. Pressure output, also known as power from a washing machine, is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or GPM (gallons per minute).

And as you might have guessed, more units equals more cleaning power, making it easier to remove even stubborn stains in less time. However, on the downside, pressure washer tools with higher PSI and GPM often cost more than lower-rated models, but are generally worth the extra few dollars due to their superior performance.

To make your purchasing decision easier, if you are doing small jobs around your home, then a light duty machine with 1300 to 1900 PSI at 2 GPM is an ideal choice. Some of the tasks you can accomplish with this range of lightweight and compact tools include cleaning, grills, garden furniture, vehicles, small decks, and patios.

If you are looking for a washing machine for home and commercial use then you will need to increase it a couple of notches with a medium duty gas pressure washer. Medium duty pressure machines generate 2,000-2,800 PSI at 2-3 GPM and are equipped with premium components that together provide increased power to clean things like fences, siding, driveways, and hallways.

For a pressure washer tool for everyday business use, you should consider a model that offers 2800 PSI and more than 3-4 GPM. These are suitable for glaring cleaning jobs like removing paint, removing graffiti, washing a two-story home, and large-scale cleaning jobs.

If you haven’t gotten over the fence about the tasks you’ll be using the pressure washer for, whether they are light or medium, check out the models that allow you to adjust the water pressure and flow when needed. Other types of washers worth mentioning are cold water pressure washers (great for cleaning cars, removing loose paint, dirt build-up, etc.) and hot water pressure washers (great for industrial and agricultural use.

Things to consider

Whether you choose the best gas or the best electric pressure washer, the underlying functionality remains the same. When the water enters the machine at low pressure, the built-in electric motor or the gar motor pumps the water through a hose and then a connected spray nozzle.

Speaking of which, the best small pressure washers and even the large models come with an interchangeable nozzle set or an all-in-one variable spray wand. While the latter allows you to adjust the water pressure with a twist or two, the nozzle sizes vary and include 0 degrees (most powerful), 15 degrees (for heavy duty cleaning), 25 degrees (general cleaning tasks) and 65 degrees (low pressure). nozzle).

Most, if not all, of the best pressure washers come with a variety of accessories, so you can use the machine for your specific needs right out of the box rather than buying each accessory separately. Washer accessories include gun and lance, hose and hose reel, nozzles, and some even come with detergent.

Pressure washers for the most part are heavy machines, so they can be difficult to lift and transport in places. This makes it important to buy the best priced pressure washer that is equipped with a sturdy wheel set for easy maneuverability.

Safety

The fact is, more than 6,000 people end up in the emergency room each year with high pressure water-related injuries. The high pressure from high-pressure washers can tear your skin, sometimes leaving you with irreparable damage.

Regardless of the machine or tool you use, the first thing you need to learn is to use it the right way and without causing any harm to yourself or those around you. In addition to reading pressure washer safety tips, it is highly recommended that you read the manufacturer’s user guide on how to properly operate the machine.

Frequently asked questions about pressure washers

Question 1: Water flow or pressure? Which is more important?

Both are equally important and, in fact, they work in sync with each other! For example, if you are looking to clean stubborn dirt and stains, you will need both a pressure boost and high water flow to quickly remove the dirt.

Question 2: Should I buy a pressure washer?

Just because your neighbor has a pressure washer doesn’t mean it will offer the same ease of use for your needs. However, if you are going to clean your RV, car, caravan, or wash your yard, then you shouldn’t think twice about buying the best pressure washer for home use.

Question 3 – What detergent to use?

This completely depends on how clean you are, as some tasks will require strong detergents, while lighter tasks can be done with conventional household detergents. In that regard, it is worth mentioning that most of the best commercial pressurized water manufacturers offer advice in the included user guide on which detergent works best with their appliances.