Just imagine no longer needing to rent a pressure washer from Lowes or Home Depot, but instead owning your very own pressure washing machine.
So many people feel that they wouldn’t get enough use out of a pressure washer to justify owning one, but this opinion changes almost immediately after purchasing a high-quality pressure washer.
With one of the best pressure washers on the market, you’ll be able to wash the car, clean the house exterior, and keep the patio in pristine condition. But no matter what your pressure washer needs may be, deciding on the right one for you can be a challenge.
This guide to the best pressure washers includes a pressure washer model for everyone.
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How Do Pressure Washers Work?
The typical pressure washer uses either gasoline or electrical power to operate the motor. The first step after fueling up/plugging in is to connect the machine to your home’s water supply - typically through a garden hose.
Water travels through the hose to the machine, and it then goes through a high-power pump to powerfully push the water through a second hose (the high-pressure hose). The highly pressurized water is then delivered through the pressure washer's spray gun, and it's perfect for a variety of cleaning situations.
They're most commonly used for outdoor cleaning of driveways, patios, lawn furniture, house/building siding, cars and boats, decks, and windows. Small electric pressure washers can be used indoors, but this is never the case with gas-powered machines.
Here you can find a breakdown of each essential pressure washer part and its function:
Water Inlet
The water inlet is where the low-pressure hose (like a garden hose) enters the machine. This connects to the main water supply and often comes with a filter to keep dirt and debris from entering the machine’s pump and causing damage.
Motor/Engine
Just like high-quality generators, pressure washers use a motor to operate. The motor can run on either gas or electricity, but more powerful pressure washers use gasoline. The motor is responsible for powering the machine’s water pump, and there are 3 main motor types: universal, induction, and water-cooled.
Universal motors are often found in small, portable pressure washers and are best for light-duty cleaning tasks. Induction motors are common in powerful electric pressure washing machines, and many induction motors come with a water-cooling feature. This means that the water is cooled as it passes through the pump, which helps to keep the pressure washer running for longer.
Water Pump
The best pressure washer pump is responsible for pumping water from the low-pressure to the high-pressure hose. Thanks to the motor, the pump is driven at high speed and can handle a water intake between 1 and 2 gallons per minute. There are 3 pump types contained within pressure washers: wobble, axial cam, and triplex.
An entry-level pressure washer will most likely contain a wobble pump, which uses moving pistons to create suction and push water out through the high-pressure hose. Axial cam pumps are used in medium-duty pressure washers and create a higher pressure than wobble pumps. A triplex pump is the most powerful and only found in a commercial pressure washer, but it is also the most expensive.
High-Pressure Hose
Every pressure washer comes with a high-pressure hose that is much better at handling high water pressure than an ordinary garden hose. If you were to use an ordinary hose in place of an HP pressure washer hose, there’s a good chance it would burst or tear in the process.
Spray Wand/Spray Nozzles
The water travels through the high-pressure hose and eventually makes its way through the pressure washer wand. This cleaning attachment can be customized based on your cleaning needs (like a rotating scrub brush or a powerful jet sprayer). Your pressure washer will also come with a set of colored pressure washer nozzles that are interchangeable. Each color represents a different degree of spraying:
Top Pressure Washers Compared
Image | Product | Pressure | GPM | Cleaning Power | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125 | 3200 PSI | 2.5 | 8000 CU | ||
Sun Joe SPX3000 | 2030 PSI | 1.76 | 3573 CU | ||
SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228 | 3300 PSI | 2.5 | 8250 CU | ||
KranzleUSA K1122TST | 1400 PSI | 2 | 2800 CU | ||
No products found. | NorthStar Electric | 2000 PSI | 1.5 | 3000 CU | |
Stanley SHP2150 | 2150 PSI | 1.4 | 3010 CU | ||
No products found. | Sun Joe SPX6001C-CT iON | 1160 PSI | .79 | 1160 CU | |
No products found. | Greenworks GPW1501 | 1500 PSI | 1.2 | 1800 CU | |
Briggs & Stratton 20680 | 1800 PSI | 1.2 | 2160 CU | ||
Generac SpeedWash 712 | 3200 PSI | 2.7 | 8640 CU |
Advantages of Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
The main advantage of choosing a high-quality pressure washer is that you'll never have to rent again. No longer will you need to make a trip to Home Depot on a Saturday morning to fill out the rental paperwork, just to be back a few hours later to drop it off again. You'll have so much cleaning potential right at your fingertips by owning a pressure washer.
Here are a few more benefits that come along with owning a high-quality pressure washer:
Buying a High-Quality Pressure Washer
Pressure & Cleaning Power
The very first thing to look at in your new pressure washer is PSI. This is the machine’s pressure rating, which is measured in pounds per square inch. The higher the PSI, the greater the water pressure, but that doesn’t mean everyone should choose the highest PSI pressure washer possible.
The best residential pressure washer ranges from 1200 to 3000 PSI, so think about whether you need light, medium, or heavy-duty cleaning. Any 3000 PSI pressure washer or greater is considered commercial-grade washing, which isn’t necessary for at-home cleaning tasks.
PSI isn’t the only thing that determines a pressure washer’s cleaning power - you’ll also want to consider the flow rate. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute, or GPM. A low flow rate is more economical since it uses less water, but a high GPM paired with a high PSI increases cleaning power (cleaning power, or CP, is measured by multiplying PSI and GPM).
Type/Fuel Source
Comparing an electric pressure washer to a gas-powered pressure washer is another crucial step. We'll talk more about gas vs. electric later, but you should know that there are pros and cons to each. Gas-powered machines are more powerful, but they require more maintenance, and they're typically noisier. Electric machines are more eco-friendly, but they lack the power of gasoline.
Washing Surface/Usage
Determining how you plan on using your new pressure washer is another biggie. “What surfaces will you be washing?” and “How often will you be using the machine?” are two questions you need to ask yourself. Some pressure washers are gentle enough to use for cleaning windows, while others are only suitable for heavy-duty washing of concrete and metal.
Whatever you do, try to find a pressure washer with adjustable water pressure. If you’re unsure about how the machine will handle delicate surfaces, an adjustable pressure setting can help. This will let you start on a low setting and work your way up to higher pressure.
Storage & Portability
Most manufacturers of high-quality pressure washers include plenty of extra accessories and attachments, but not all pressure washers come with room to store these extras. Onboard storage is extremely helpful in keeping all the added nozzles, spray attachments, and hoses neat and tidy. On top of that, look for a machine that will be easy to handle with additions like trailer wheels or carrying handles.
Convenience
The internet is full of pressure washer reviews that make one thing obvious: some pressure washers are much easier to use than others. This is especially true when comparing the best home pressure washer to the best commercial pressure washer. Residential pressure washers are more portable, easier to assemble, and easier to handle overall. They also don’t require as much maintenance.
Extra Features & Accessories
Some extra pressure washer features are strictly about adding to the overall washing experience, but others are all about safety. Choose a pressure washer that comes with an auto-shutdown function; if the machine ever overheats, gets low on oil, or the motor is running without spray gun activation, it will automatically shut down for added pressure washer safety.
In terms of convenience features, extra pressure washer attachments are always helpful, like a pressure washer surface cleaner, foam cannon, spray wands, and colored nozzle set. Also, consider hot vs. cold water operation - hot water is great for heavy-duty cleaning, but it also increases the risk of overheating the pump. Not to mention, the best hot water pressure washer won't be cheap.
Price & Warranty
As you’ll soon see from the best pressure washer reviews that these products are all over the board when it comes to price. It’s possible to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand, so set your budget wisely. If you don’t need a pressure washer that comes with all the bells and whistles and you’re just looking for a light-duty cleaning solution, it’s easy to stay within budget.
As far as warranties go, all of the products on our list come with warranty coverage. That being said, some policies are much more thorough and extensive than others, so read the full warranty details before purchasing. Even if a manufacturer claims to have a 5-year warranty, this could be 5 years on the pressure washer pump, but only 1 year on the motor.
10 Best Pressure Washers Reviewed
1. SIMPSON Cleaning MSH3125
Our Top Pick (Gas Model)
Pressure | 3200 PSI |
GPM | 2.5 |
Cleaning Power | 8000 CU |
Weight | 55 lbs |
Dimensions | 35” x 18” x 26” |
Warranty | 1 year |
There are so many good things to say about the MSH3125 Simpson pressure washer, but let’s start with the premium Honda engine. This machine is built with a Honda GC190 residential engine, and like any Honda pressure washer, it does not lack in power. It has 3200 PSI operation while using 2.5 gallons of water per minute, perfect for medium to heavy-duty cleaning. In addition to the powerful engine, the Simpson MSH3125 is built with a maintenance-free axial cam pump from OEM Technologies.
“Clean siding, driveways, cars, prep for painting and more quickly and easily,” says the Simpson Cleaning Company. "This is a perfect option for homeowners because it's lightweight, easy to maneuver and can be transported by one person."
The common consensus across Simpson pressure washer reviews is that this is not only the best pressure washer for home use, but the 3200 PSI also makes it powerful enough for many commercial settings. It comes with a 25' high-pressure hose, 5 quick-connect nozzle tips, an ergonomic spray gun, and 10" pneumatic wheels for added mobility.
This gas-powered machine comes with just one flaw; the pressure can't be adjusted - it remains at 3200 PSI throughout the cleaning process. That means it's not the best option for cleaning delicate surfaces, and it's not recommended for cleaning the car.
Pros
Cons
2. Sun Joe SPX3000
Best Electric Pressure Washer
Pressure | 2030 PSI |
GPM | 1.76 |
Cleaning Power | 3573 CU |
Weight | 31 lbs |
Dimensions | 15.6” x 33.9” x 13.5” |
Warranty | 2 year |
The Simpson model doesn’t suit everyone, particularly those not interested in purchasing a gas-powered pressure washer. For a more portable, more eco-friendly machine, the Sun Joe SPX3000 electric pressure washer is a great choice. This lightweight machine is the ideal choice when it comes to versatility; it's great for cleaning boats, cars, RVs, decks, patios, and lawn equipment.
The Sun Joe has a maximum pressure of 2030 PSI, but the standard working pressure is 1450, which means you don’t have to worry about damaging the paint on your car. Although it’s gentle enough for the car, the SPX3000 is powerful enough to“remove tar and grease from concrete, heavy mildew stains, oil stains, rust from steel, caked mud on equipment, and other stubborn gunk and grime.”
The Sun Joe is equipped with a dual detergent tank system that allows users to store two different types of detergent at once. This is especially helpful if you plan on going from the wooden deck to the concrete patio in one cleaning session. The detergent tanks hold 0.9 liters of soap at a time, and they can be removed for easy cleaning and refill.
Another loved feature of the SPX3000 is its Total Stop System. If the pump is not engaged for a certain amount of time, it will automatically shut off to save energy and prolong the pump life. The high-pressure hose is a bit short for our liking - just 20’ -, and it does take a bit of time to fully assemble the unit, but other than that, this is an excellent choice for electric pressure washing.
Pros
Cons
3. SIMPSON Cleaning PS3228
Runner Up (Gas Model)
Pressure | 3300 PSI |
GPM | 2.5 |
Cleaning Power | 8250 CU |
Weight | 138 lbs |
Dimensions | 37.5” x 23.5” x 28” |
Warranty | 3 years (engine) |
The Simpson PS3228 has a lot of similarities to the MSH3125, but we’ve dubbed this as the best gas pressure washer thanks to its higher pressure rating. This Simpson model shoots water out of the spray wand at 3300 PSI, just slightly higher than the first Simpson, but still enough to make a difference. The Honda engine is slightly more powerful (GX200 instead of GC190).
As the best gas-powered pressure washer, you can expect this machine to come with more maintenance requirements than an electric pressure washer like the Sun Joe. But this is the case with any gas pressure washer, and that's the price you pay for heavy-duty washing. The commercial engine is great for cleaning siding, driveways, concrete, and pavement, but it isn't recommended for cleaning the car or windows.
Here's what Simpson has to say about their top-selling PowerShot:“Engineered to meet the demands of the cleaning professional, the SIMPSON PowerShot 3300 PSI @ 2.5 GPM is built to perform. With a powerful commercial engine, reliable triplex pump, and welded steel frame construction, this gas pressure washer is great for construction, equipment upkeep, facility & fleet maintenance cleaning.”
Considering how powerful this pressure washer is, the PowerShot is priced extremely reasonably. You won't find a gas pressure washer built with a commercial-grade engine and steel frame for a price this low anywhere else. That being said, not every homeowner needs such a powerful cleaning tool, so consider your cleaning applications before buying.
Pros
Cons
4. KranzleUSA K1122TST
Best Commercial Pressure Washer
Pressure | 1400 PSI |
GPM | 2 |
Cleaning Power | 2800 CU |
Weight | 80 lbs |
Dimensions | 40” x 13” x 17” |
Warranty | 1 year |
Both Simpsons reviewed are suitable for commercial pressure washing, but the best commercial pressure washer with electric operation is the KranzleUSA. This cold water machine is the best-selling product of the KranzleUSA company, and it’s
“perfect for the professional who cleans hotels and buildings, does auto detailing, HVAC maintenance, screen printing, or washes boats or vehicles.”
It has a 1400 PSI power rating, a flow rate of 2 GPM, and an easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain corded electric design. The feature that makes this the best for commercial pressure washing is the industrial-grade pump, which comes with built-in easy start and automatic gun-jet control. The 15-amp TEFC electric motor doesn’t hurt, either. The K1122TST self-primes and is freeze-proof, so you don’t have to worry about winterizing your machine before putting it in storage.
The Kranzle comes with all the cleaning accessories a professional (or homeowner) would ever need. It includes a professional gun-jet lance, a 50’ high-pressure hose and hose reel, an accurate pressure gauge, and two industrial nozzles. It does NOT include the 5-piece colored nozzle set that is included with many of the best pressure washers, so you'll have to get by with just 2 nozzle options or purchase them separately.
There's a reason that the K1122TST is the best-selling product from the German-founded Kranzle company. Kranzle feels so confident in their product that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for anyone who isn't satisfied with what the pressure washer can do. The main negativity of the Kranzle is its high price tag, but if this is going to serve as a professional cleaning tool, you're probably already expecting this.
Pros
Cons
5. NorthStar Electric
No products found.
Best Hot Water Pressure Washer
Pressure | 2000 PSI |
GPM | 1.5 |
Cleaning Power | 3000 CU |
Weight | 300 lbs |
Dimensions | 38” x 26” x 43” |
Warranty | 2 years |
The only hot water pressure washer that we can recommend is the NorthStar Electric Wet Steam and Hot Water. 99.9% of top-rated pressure washers max out at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and going above this water temperature could cause some serious damage to the pump and engine.
But if you’re looking for hot water cleaning, all is not lost with the 2000-PSI NorthStar Electric. This pressure washer can handle water temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and the industrial triplex pump and direct-drive Leeson motor were explicitly designed to handle high temperatures.
"Coil assembly is fully encased in a custom-molded ceramic fiber refractory combustion chamber with low thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock," says NorthStar.
There are a lot of fancy words in this sentence, but it just means that the NorthStar can handle the heat. So why clean with hot water? Hot water cleaning is better for releasing caked-on gunk and grime, it’s more efficient, and it means you won’t have to put in any extra elbow grease.
The downside? Hot water pressure washers are way more expensive, and the NorthStar Electric is no exception. Because of the high cost, this pressure washer is most often used in industrial/commercial settings.
Pros
Cons
6. Stanley SHP2150
Best Pressure Washer for Car Detailing
Pressure | 2150 PSI |
GPM | 1.4 |
Cleaning Power | 3010 CU |
Weight | 26 lbs |
Dimensions | 14.57” x 13.58” x 26.77” |
Warranty | 2 years |
There’s some debate on whether or not pressure washers should be used for car detailing, but when it comes to the Stanley SHP2150, there’s no question that this device was made to wash cars. This car pressure washer comes with all the right attachments for car washing, including a foam cannon and pressure washer extension wand.
The included high-pressure foamer is what we love most about the SHP2150. This specially designed detergent bottle doubles as a high-pressure foamer to loosen dirt and debris and remove stubborn stains - not just from cars, trucks, and SUVs, but from all types of surfaces. The powerful 2150 PSI cleaning force makes this not only the best pressure washer for cars, but for all sorts of cleaning tasks.
Stanley Tools is one of the most reputable pressure washer manufacturers, and it shows with the SHP2150. It comes with all the attachments you could ever need for common around-the-house cleaning projects, including replacement parts like an O-ring kit. The entire machine is built with leakproof connections, so the likelihood of actually needing the O-ring kit anytime soon is slim to none.
The SHP2150 has been called many things, like best pressure washer for foam cannon and best car wash pressure washer, but try to remember that this is so much more than just a car pressure washer. It’s a great cleaning solution for just about any outdoor task, but it just goes above and beyond for washing cars. The only thing that could be improved is the addition of adjustable pressure, which it’s lacking.
Pros
Cons
7. Sun Joe SPX6001C-CT iON
No products found.
Best Cordless/Battery Powered Pressure Washer
Pressure | 1160 PSI |
GPM | .79 |
Cleaning Power | 1160 CU |
Weight | 22.7 lbs |
Dimensions | 18.5” x 16.1” x 22.45” |
Warranty | 2 years |
The Sun Joe SPX6001C-CT iOn is like no other product on this list of the best pressure washers. This completely cordless machine requires no gas and no electricity to run. The motor is battery-operated, so you can use this pressure washer essentially anywhere - you don’t even need running water. You’re probably wondering how this is possible, so here’s what you should know from Sun Joe:
“The innovative, top-loading detachable bucket design fills quickly with fresh water, or can be connected for continuous use with a garden hose. The self-priming pump provides superior performance and ease of operation, while iON's exclusive Pressure Select Technology lets you choose the perfect pressure to suit the cleaning task.”
So all you have to do is make sure the battery is charged, fill the bucket, and start cleaning. According to every Sun Joe pressure washer review of the SPX6001-CT, this is a light-duty cleaning tool with 1160 PSI, so don't expect to achieve commercial-grade cleaning with this one. You'll still see a great performance from the self-priming pump, but for heavy-duty cleaning, you'll need to go with a higher-PSI pressure washer.
The Sun Joe comes with a 34” extension wand, a 20’ pressure hose, a garden hose adapter, and a needle cleanout tool. The pressure select technology allows you to choose your pressure based on each cleaning task, ranging from 500 to 1160 PSI. The 0.79 GPM flow rate is a bit too low for some, but if you’re looking for an efficient pressure washer for easy cleaning, this is a great choice.
Pros
Cons
8. Greenworks GPW1501
No products found.
Value for Money
Pressure | 1500 PSI |
GPM | 1.2 |
Cleaning Power | 1800 CU |
Weight | 16 lbs |
Dimensions | 11.4” x 17.1” x 9.4” |
Warranty | 1 year |
Greenworks pressure washers are known for being eco-friendly, but on top of that, they’re also budget-friendly. The best pressure washer for the money is the GPW1501 Greenworks pressure washer. This model stays within anyone’s budget, hovering right above $100. On top of being affordable, it’s lightweight, portable, eco-friendly, easy to assemble, and convenient to use.
According to GPW1501 Greenworks pressure washer reviews, this is one of the best choices for light cleaning tasks. Since it’s an electric machine, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. In fact, this has been rated as the best pressure washer for indoor use thanks to its lightweight and easy to handle design. It can be used both vertically and horizontally, depending on each user's preference.
This pressure washer has 1500 PSI operation, a flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute, and a maximum water inlet temperature of 104°F. It comes with a durable 20' high-pressure hose and a twist-on trigger handle. If you prefer to clean with soap, this pressure washer comes with a soap applicator that makes it easy to apply soap to any surface while washing.
When it comes to the Greenworks GPW1501, the saying "you get what you pay for" doesn't apply. Even with such a low price tag, this pressure washer is a fantastic cleaning tool to have at your fingertips. Many people prefer a machine with a higher pressure rating, but the low PSI is beneficial in some ways; it's gentler on delicate surfaces like the car exterior and window panes, so you don't have to worry about causing any damage while pressure washing with the GPW1501.
Pros
Cons
9. Briggs & Stratton 20680
Best Small Pressure Washer for Home Use
Pressure | 1800 PSI |
GPM | 1.2 |
Cleaning Power | 2160 CU |
Weight | 26.5 lbs |
Dimensions | 15.5” x 18.75” x 34.5” |
Warranty | 1 year |
The 20680 Briggs and Stratton pressure washer is an excellent choice for homeowners. Most pressure washers are suitable for at-home use, but this one goes above and beyond in many ways. It's durable with a steel-welded frame, sturdy enough for medium-duty cleaning around the house, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg to buy.
The B&S 20680 is one of the most portable pressure washers to date. The steel frame sits on a set of pneumatic wheels, and the wide carrying handle adds even further to this pressure washer’s mobility. Aside from amazing mobility, you’ll love what this pressure washer can do in terms of cleaning. It has an 1800 PSI rating, a 1.2 GPM flow rate, and an integrated detergent tank for pressure washer soap.
You know that you can trust any pressure washer that has the stamp of approval from Pressure Washer Manufacturers' Association, and this one does.The company says that
“as a member of the Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association (PWMA), Briggs & Stratton tests every power washer it designs through a third-party testing program to validate our claims of performance.”
There are just a few small flaws that come along with the 20680. The first is the short high-pressure hose, which reaches just 20'. This is relatively standard, but an extra 5' would make a huge difference and add even more mobility. The second flaw is that the motor is prone to overheating if the machine runs for too long, so it's suggested that you take short breaks as you wash.
Pros
Cons
10. Generac SpeedWash 712
Best Mobile Pressure Washer Trailer
Pressure | 3200 PSI |
GPM | 2.7 |
Cleaning Power | 8640 CU |
Weight | 62 lbs |
Dimensions | 24.2” x 18.9” x 35.5” |
Warranty | 3 years |
The Generac company specializes in all sorts of home and garden equipment, but we love them most for their high-quality SpeedWash 712 pressure washer trailer. The majority of Generac pressure washer reviews agree that this is the best trailer-designed pressure washer on the market, and we agree with them. It’s a bit bulky, but the trailer style adds mobility and makes the SpeedWash712 easy to handle.
Like most Generac pressure washers, the SpeedWash712 is all about power and efficiency. It cleans up to 50% faster thanks to the Power Dial ergonomic spray gun that allows the user to adjust the water pressure easily. You can adjust between 4 different tasks, including car, wood, concrete, and soap - switch between settings by merely turning the dial.
With a 3200 PSI pressure rating, this is a powerful machine, and the price reflects that. It’s for more than just cleaning off dirt and debris from the patio; this pressure washer is capable of ridding surfaces of caked-on gunk and grime. That said, be careful using this Generac on delicate surfaces, and if you do, be sure to switch to the lowest pressure setting.
This pressure washer is just one step shy of being considered a professional-grade cleaning machine. It’s not something that every homeowner needs, but if you’re looking for a heavy-duty washer trailer, you can’t go wrong with this one. The main downside is the high flow rate of 2.7 gallons per minute, so you should expect to use a lot of water while using this pressure washer.
Pros
Cons
Comparing Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers
A significant step in any pressure washer buying process is comparing gas vs. electric. We won't preach to you about which one is better since they each have their own pros and cons, but there are some major differences between the two. Electric pressure washer reviews rave about the ease of use, eco-friendliness, quiet operation, and portability.
In terms of cleaning power, gas-powered pressure washers will always win. If you’re looking for heavy-duty cleaning at home or a commercial pressure washing solution, gas is the better choice. However, gasoline-powered machines aren’t nearly as environmentally-friendly, portable, quiet, or maintenance-free as the best electric pressure washers.
Pressure Washer Assembly & Operation
Setting up your new pressure washer is dependent on the specific model, so be sure to read the user manual carefully. Almost on pressure washers will come partly assembled, and you’ll just be required to connect the hoses, spray wand, and nozzle attachment. If you have any questions about setting up your pressure washer, this assembly video from AR Blue can help.
Once assembled and fueled up/plugged in, it’s time to put your new cleaning machine to the test. Once again, ALWAYS read the user manual to learn how to operate your specific machine. This will give you information on starting/stopping the pressure washer, tips for use, how to change the nozzle, and more. Follow these general steps for operating your pressure washer:
- 1Clean the surface of loose dust and debris before pressure washing.
- 2Connect the garden hose to the water inlet. Always make sure to use a hose that can supply the required GPM of the machine.
- 3Check the garden hose and high-pressure hose for twists, clogs, or kinks.
- 4If you're using a cleaning detergent, fill the detergent reservoir with an appropriate cleaning agent.
- 5Turn your home’s water supply on and squeeze the wand spray gun trigger to release air pressure.
- 6Turn the pressure washer on by either pulling the throttle (gas) or flipping the switch to the “on” position (electric).
- 7Starting with the lowest pressure, squeeze the spray gun trigger while always using both hands.
Some Helpful Safety Tips
No matter how fun it is to pressure wash the car, the deck, or the patio, always remember that your pressure washer isn’t a toy. Never, ever aim the spray gun at another person (or yourself), never use the pressure washer while on a ladder, and never use a gas-powered machine indoors.
On the flip side, always wear the proper protective gear, always protect your equipment (we’ll talk about this next), and always stay aware of your surroundings.
Pressure Washer Troubleshooting
These machines aren't guaranteed to last forever, which is even more accurate when you don't follow the proper operational steps and safety tips. There are many answers to the question, "why do pressure washer pumps fail?" but the good news is that many of them are simple fixes. One of the most common issues in gas pressures is that the engine won't start.
In this scenario, the very first thing to do is TURN OFF THE ENGINE. Once the engine is off, pull the spray gun trigger to release air and water from the hose. Check the air filter; if it's dirty or damaged, clean it, or replace it. Check the oil level; if it’s low, top it off. Lastly, check the fuel; top it off it needed, or if it’s been over 30 days since it was changed, switch it out for fresh fuel.
The most common issue in electric pressure washers is no or low water pressure. The first thing to do is to check the hose, spray gun, and nozzle connections to ensure that everything is securely tightened. Then, check the hoses to see if there are any kinks, clogs, or twists. In some cases, you'll need to replace the high-pressure hose altogether; be sure to choose a hose that is compatible with the machine (they come in 3 sizes: 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8").
Pressure Washer Care & Maintenance
A major part of owning your own pressure washer is taking proper care of it. After use, you’ll want to clean your pressure washer’s detergent intake with water to prevent mineral and residue buildup from clogging the intake valve. Before storing the machine, always drain excess water and air from the hoses, and remove any remaining fuel if you have a gas-powered pressure washer.
If you can avoid it, try not to store your pressure washer in cold temperatures. But if the garage/storage shed is prone to freezing temps, take the proper steps to winterize your pressure washer. Using an anti-freeze pump saver will protect the pump from cold temperatures.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is it better to use a cold or hot water pressure washer?
To be honest, it's challenging to find a high-quality hot water pressure washer - the only one we recommend is the NorthStar electric. Cold water pressure washers are often just as efficient at cleaning tasks, plus it's easier to stay within budget with a cold water machine.
Can power washers damage car paint? What PSI is safe for washing cars?
According to Consumer Reports, “plenty of people use a pressure washer to clean their car, of course, but it can do more harm than good. Using a pressure washer can damage or nick the paint…” However, if you use a pressure washer PSI between 1200 and 1900, pressure washing the car is completely safe.
What are the best brands of pressure washers in the market today?
There are tons of high-quality pressure washer brands to choose from, but some of our favorites are Greenworks, Craftsman, Simpson, Sun Joe, Generac, and Karcher. Each of these brands brings something unique to the table. For example, Greenworks is the best pressure washer brand specializing in eco-friendly electric pressure washers, but Simpson is the better option for powerful gas models.
What is a good PSI for a pressure washer?
This depends entirely on your cleaning needs, which is why it’s so important to consider the surfaces you’ll be cleaning when shopping around. A 1200-1900 PSI pressure washer is ideal for washing the car, but a 2500 PSI pressure washer is better for heavy-duty cleaning of concrete sidewalks and driveways.
How long do pressure washers last?
The lifespan of your pressure washer depends on the manufacturing quality, as well as how you treat and care for the machine. When properly maintained, you could be using your pressure washer for the next 10 years. This timeframe also depends on how often you plan on using the machine, but the average pressure washing time for most homeowners if 50 hours per year.
How often should you change the oil in a pressure washer?
Similar to changing the oil in your car, a pressure washer needs regular oil changes. Here’s the general rule of thumb on changing a pressure washer's oil, according to Hunker:
"During normal service, replace the oil every 200 to 250 work hours, about every three months if you use your machine often, and at least every year if not.”
What is the best pressure washer soap?
The soap you choose depends on the surface you’re cleaning - you wouldn’t use the same soap to clean your car as you wood to clean the siding of your home. Keep this in mind as you carefully choose your pressure washer detergent, but one of our favorites for general cleaning is Krud Kutter Multi-Purpose Pressure Washer Concentrate. This is the best pressure washer soap for all types of applications.
Where can I find the best deals on pressure washers?
Amazon is, without a doubt, the best place to find the exact best-rated pressure washer (and pressure washer parts) you're looking for. Amazon has the best deals on pressure washers, the most reviews, and the greatest selection of high-quality products.
Conclusion
The Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot is our top pick for so many reasons; it’s powerful, efficient, fairly priced, and comes with all the added pressure washer accessories you could ever ask for.
But if you’re trying to steer away from gas-operated machines and take the eco-friendly route, the next best option is the SPX3000 Sun Joe pressure washer.