Pressure washer buying guide
How to choose the best pressure washer
Which is the best pressure washer to buy? Start by considering what you're going to clean with it.
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Light duty
Best for – Light patio cleaning, garden furniture, and small cars.
Pros – Lightweight and less expensive than more powerful models.
Cons – Not enough power for tougher jobs.
Which accessories do I need? – Detergent, pressure adjuster, car wash brush.
How much power do I need? – 1400 to 1600W.
Medium duty
Best for - Everyday patio cleaning, decking, fences, and family cars.
Pros – Versatile choice for garden jobs and as a car pressure washer.
Cons – More power needed for intense cleaning.
Which accessories do I need? – Patio cleaner, on-board storage, car wash brush, long hose and mains cable.
How much power do I need? – 1700 to 2000W.
Heavy duty
Best for - Large driveways, walls, vehicles, and tough tasks.
Pros – Powerful enough for any job.
Cons – Can be heavy.
Which accessories do I need? – Dirtblaster lance, long hose and mains cable, extension lance, adjustable pressure.
How much power do I need? – 2000W+.
How does a pressure washer work?
Pressure washers connect up to your garden hose and use electricity to power a pump system, which then accelerates the water at a high pressure. Despite being a lot more powerful, they actually use less water than your hose, making them incredibly efficient.
Confused with all the jet washer terms? We've got you covered with all you need to know. Use our jargon buster below for the meanings of common technical specifications.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Power (watts) | More watts = more power |
| Flow rate (litres) | Faster flow rate = water coming out quicker |
| Pressure | Average is rated bar, highest is max bar* |
*Please note that max bar is the maximum amount of pressure that a jet washer can reach, although it is unlikely to able to stay at that level consistently.
Pressure washer features and accessories
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Extension lance
An extension lance is a longer nozzle that helps you clean hard to reach areas.
Dirtblaster lance
As the name suggests, a dirtblaster lance is for when you need extra power to complete a particularly tough job.
Pressure adjustable lance
Adjustable pressure is an important feature if you need to do a variety of light, medium and heavy duty tasks.
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Patio cleaner
An attachment that makes light work of patio cleaning. The circular design concentrates spray into one area.
Brush and foam nozzle
Some pressure washers include a brush and foam nozzle attachment that can help you finish off smaller jobs like washing the car or garden furniture.
Wheels and on-board storage
The more wheels a pressure washer has, the easier it is to manoeuvre and having on-board storage gives you space to keep other essential cleaning equipment close to hand.
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Universal hose fitting
A universal fitting should be able to connect to all types of garden hose.
Cable tidy
Prevents the cable from getting in the way while you clean.
Detergent
Many pressure washers include a detergent which provides an even more comprehensive clean.
How to jet wash a patio: step-by-step guide
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Step 1
Clear your patio. Move any plants or furniture and give surfaces a good sweep. This will eliminate any risk of damage or injury from flying debris and having a clear patio will give you more uniform results.
Step 2
Connect your pressure washer to your hose and turn on the tap. Pull the trigger gun, letting the water run freely (approximately 20 seconds) which will expel any air from your machine. Then connect to your mains supply and turn on.
Step 3
If you're using a detergent, wet your paving first on a very light setting. Add the detergent to your pressure washer and spray onto your patio using the 'mix' or 'low' pressure setting, depending on your model. Leave for 5 – 10 minutes.
Step 4
If using a vario lance, turn to a medium pressure setting to wash the detergent off. Start from one corner or edge, and work across the patio using sweeping motions.
Step 5
Keep your pressure washer at a 45 degree angle, using a wide fan. Don't follow the joining lines with the water jet as this could risk forcing your paving stones apart. For a quicker clean, try using a patio cleaner which could clean the area up to 5 times faster.
Step 6
Turn off your pressure washer and disconnect from the water supply. Then turn it back on, pulling the trigger gun until all of the water leaves the machine. This will reduce any risk of residual water freezing and expanding inside which could cause damage to the pump.
Read more about pressure washing a patio for more information on how to use a pressure washer and selecting the best pressure washer for patio cleaning.
Frequently asked questions about pressure washers
What to know before buying a pressure washer?
Wondering how to choose a pressure washer? Consider what you are using it for. Use light duty pressure washers for patios and small cars. For larger vehicles and driveways, try heavy duty pressure washers. Look for additional features like a patio cleaner, an extension lance, and pressure adjustable options for improved cleaning.
What PSI pressure washer is best for home use?
Pressure washers of PSI 1300 to 2500 are suitable for most home cleaning.
What is a good detergent to use in a pressure washer?
From multipurpose detergents to vehicle-specific cleaners, choose your detergent based on what you're looking to clean. Keep an eye out to check that any detergent you use is pressure washer compatible, to avoid spoiling the machinery.
What is the difference between a pressure washer and a power washer?
The key difference is the presence of heat. Pressure washers simply use water pressure to clean surfaces, while a power washer makes use of heated water for targeted cleaning.
What do professionals use for pressure washing?
Professionals may use high PSI pressure washers when cleaning, with additional accessories like extendable lances and foam.
Can I use tap water for pressure washing?
Yes, you can use tap water for general cleaning with your pressure washer at home. However, you might need to be careful around some surfaces that get damaged under higher pressure. Read more about areas you shouldn't pressure wash to keep your space in good condition.
Can I pressure wash a driveway with just water?
A jet wash for driveways can be done with just water in your pressure washer. For tough cleaning, you might need to use an appropriate detergent. Learn more about what you can clean with a pressure washer for detailed information.
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