Hey Roger here, I met a few people over the weekend, and one of them got me talking about my favorite topic - pressure washers. As I chatted with the group, I realized that there are many people out there who are actually hesitant to use a pressure washer as it appears like an unsurmountable challenge.
It took me just a few minutes to explain that pressure washers are a great device and are very easy to use. However, I knew that I had to write a post that can help people just like those guys. A resource that will give them the exact information they need, without causing information overload, and help them grasp the story about pressure washers.
Well this is my attempt to do just that, and I hope it gets you moving on your journey with pressure washers.
What does a pressure washers do?
A pressure washers sends out a jet of water in high pressure that can clean away dirt, stains and marks from a variety of objects and surfaces such as cars, motorbikes, sidewalks, wooden flooring, patios, garage floors, grills, outdoor furniture, sidings, boats, metal objects, machinery etc.
What is needed to run a pressure washer?
You need a power socket to power the pressure washer, you need running water from a faucet to supply water to the pressure washer, you need protective glasses for your eyes and proper protective clothing and shoes, you need your wits about you to prevent any accidents etc.
What safety measures do I need to take when using a pressure washer?
- The jet from the pressure washer can tear away skin and flesh from bone, so NEVER point it at anyone even by mistake. Obviously you should never point it at yourself, your feet or hands, either.
- The jet of water can travel very far and penetrate into things, so NEVER point it at power lines, electrical circuit boxes, sockets or any place with live electricity.
- The force of the pressure washer’s jet of water can send small stones and objects ricocheting in different directions, including towards you, so ALWAYS wear protective goggles.
- ALWAYS keep children and young kids out of sight when pressure washing, they can get injured if they stray near the jet of the pressure washer.
- Gas powered pressure washers should not be used indoors and NEVER in an enclosed space as they give out fumes that can be dangerous.
Should I get a gas pressure washer or an electric pressure washer?
A gas pressure washer runs on gas and is generally more powerful, and can do more than an electric pressure washer. So choose a gas powered pressure washer only if you have big cleaning jobs to do like stripping paint, cleaning decks, sidings, dirty sidewalks etc. Gas pressure washers are better commercial cleaning purposes. They are more expensive that electric pressure washers.
An electric pressure washer is better for home cleaning jobs, like cleaning outdoor furniture, plastic chairs, cars, garage floors etc. They are safer to use indoors, and require less maintenance. For home cleaning purposes, the electric pressure washer is a better choice. Electric pressure washers are cheaper than gas pressure washers.
What PSI and GPM rating pressure washer should I get?
PSI is pounds per square inch and GPM is gallons (of water) per minute. Each pressure washer has the PSI and GPM given in its specifications.
To figure out what PSI pressure washer you need, have a look at this simple chart and you will know what to go for.
Pressure Washer PSI | What it can clean | Best Pressure Washers |
|---|---|---|
1300 to 2000 (GPM up to 1.5) | Ideal: Bicycles, plastic cycles, toys, lawn mowers, electric bikes, motorbikes, mobility vehicles, golf carts, battery carts, all kinds of cars, grills, barbecues, garden and outdoor furniture Possible but not ideal: Decks and patios, wood and metal fences, small boats, walls | |
2000 to 3000 (GPM up to 2.5) | Ideal: Bicycles, plastic cycles, toys, lawn mowers, electric bikes, motorbikes, mobility vehicles, golf carts, battery carts, all kinds of cars, grills, barbecues, garden and outdoor furniture, kayaks, canoes, decks and patios, wood and metal fences, small boats, house siding (made of vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood, stucco and brick), walls Possible but not ideal: Trailers, RVs | |
3000 to 4000 + (GPM up to 4) | Ideal: Bicycles, plastic cycles, toys, lawn mowers, electric bikes, motorbikes, mobility vehicles, golf carts, battery carts, all kinds of cars, grills, barbecues, garden and outdoor furniture, kayaks, canoes, trailers, RVs, small boats, decks and patios, wood and metal fences, drive ways, paths, walls, mold, oil stained garage floors, walkways, garden paths, ATVs, beach buggies, house siding (made of vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood, stucco and brick), paint stripping, trucks, trailers, multistory houses |
You will also find a great Pressure Washer PSI GPM and what they can clean table here.
Gallons per Minute
In the United States, a typical garden hose faucet has a flow rate of about 8 gallons per minute. The average pressure washer uses 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute, so your garden water faucet should be able to easily supply enough water to the pressure washer. However to be on the safe side, measure the gallons per minute flow of the garden water faucet that you plan to use with the pressure washer, check out the specifications of the pressure washer to see what its GPM is.
Which pressure washer should I buy?
If you have never bought a pressure washer and know very little about them, then you should simply go in for a Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI electric pressure washer. It does all your regular home pressure washing jobs easily and it is very affordable. Once you use the Sun Joe SPX3000 for a year or so, you can think about upgrading if you think you will benefit from a more powerful pressure washer.
If you know exactly what you need to clean and you have figured out the PSI rating that you need to achieve your cleaning needs, then have a look at the chart below to see which will be your best pressure washer. We have divided it into Budget, Superior and Premium categories, so that you can pick what you need more easily.
Your first choice should always be a budget pressure washer. The chart is simple and as you raise your budget and move up a category, you get more features and bells and whistles. So if you want those extra things then go in for the more premium version.
Pressure Washer PSI | Best Budget | Best Regular | Best Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
1300 to 2000 | |||
2000 to 3000 | |||
3000 to 4000+ |
How do I take care of my pressure washer?
Electric Pressure washers need less maintenance. During winters you should winterize your pressure washer by using a good anti-freeze fluid like - Briggs & Stratton 6151 Pressure Washer Pump Saver.
Gas Pressure Washers need more regular maintenance. They need to be winterized with an anti-freeze like - Briggs & Stratton 6151 Pressure Washer Pump Saver. The gas needs to be drained out or a stabilizer ( like ) needs to be added for long storage. It is advised to empty out the pump before storage. Fresh engine oil should be sued for a new season.
How do I repair my pressure washer?
Simple, you DO NOT REPAIR your pressure washer. Take it to a professional repair center or get in touch with the manufacturer. If you are an expert mechanic and have been trained to repair pressure washers then it is different, otherwise leave it to professional pressure washer repairers. It is FOOLISH to try and repair a pressure washer if you aren’t a certified expert, as it could cause an accident and cause grievous injury or even death.
Which are the top 10 best selling pressure washers?
To have a look at the top 10 best sellers in pressure washers updated today, click here.
Which are the top 10 best selling electric pressure washers?
To have a look at the top 10 best sellers in electric pressure washers updated today, click here.
Which are the top 10 best selling gas pressure washers?
To have a look at the top 10 best sellers in gas pressure washers updated today, click here.
Which are the best pressure washers made in the USA?
You will find a detailed article on the best pressure washers made in the United States here.
Do I really need a pressure washer?
You don’t need a pressure washer to clean any of these –
- Cycles
- Motorbikes
- Indoor floors – wooden or tiles
- Car interiors
- Tools
- Cars
- Toys
You need a pressure washer to clean these -
- Sidewalk
- House Sidings
- Paint striping
- Patio
- Wooden Decks
- Grills and Barbecues
- Metal Furniture
- Garage Floor
- Outdoor furniture
- RVs
- Boats
- Plastic Furniture
- Trucks and Trailers
- Walls and Mold
A pressure washer will make it much faster and easier to clean these –
- Cars
- Cycles
- Motorbikes
- Plastic Furniture
- Outdoor Seating
- Toys
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