The 8 Best Electric Pressure Washers to Make Your Home Look Brand New (2023)

FAQs

What psi pressure washer is best for home use? ›

For regular maintenance and light household cleaning jobs, a light-duty pressure washer will do. These feature PSI ranging from 1500 to 1900 and would be enough to get rid of dirt and mild stains. This is the safest pressure washer PSI rating for all surfaces, but it isn't ideal for getting rid of tough stains.

Greenworks Pro 3000 PSI Brushless Pressure Washer

With 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM (1.1 GPM @ 3000 PSI) and PWMA certification to back it up, the Greenworks 5110502VT is the most powerful electric pressure washer we've seen and it earns our pick as the best electric pressure washer of the year.

Electrical pressure washers have the benefit of lower upfront costs and few additional maintenance needs. Electric pressure washers cost less on average, are easier to start and weigh less than gas models. They are also quieter than gas models, due to the lower psi.

When it comes to durability, gas pressure washers trump electric pressure washers. Gas-powered units can last for ten years, easy. Electric pressure washers, on the other hand, tend to only last 3 to 5 years, depending on the maintenance.

Simpson PowerShot 4400 PSI 4.0 GPM Gas Pressure Washer PS60843. It's tough to beat the power and price of Simpson's PowerShot PS60843 as the best commercial pressure washer. With 4400 PSI and 4.0 GPM, it has all the power most professionals need before moving up to pull-behind pressure washers.

What PSI pressure washer do I need to clean concrete? To clean concrete effectively, use a power washer with a pressure rating of at least 3000 psi and a flow rate of at least 4 gallons per minute (gpm).

What Pressure Washer Should You Use To Clean A Home? If you need to clean a two-story house, you'll need a heavy-duty or extra heavy-duty pressure washer. This will give you a water pressure of 2,800 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) or higher and three to four GPM (gallons per minute) of water.

The main difference is that power washing uses highly pressurized steam to do the cleaning while pressure washing just uses unheated tap water, without the help of a heating element.

Gas will give you more power, but you really only need 1300 to 1600 PSI for most exterior cleaning needs, including vinyl siding. Gas pressure washers usually range from 2000 – 4000 PSI and cost more than electric.

How can I make my electric pressure washer more powerful? ›

In general, a pressure washer can be made more powerful by using a different nozzle. Other options are changing the pressure regulator or under loader valve, use a different gas type, or optimizing the gas engine. For maximum power, use a red 0-degree nozzle. Nozzles determine the angle of the output water stream.

You can use Dawn dish soap in your pressure washer, but you need to dilute it properly with hot water. Take 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and dilute it in 1-1.5 quarts of hot water. However, the results of cleaning with Dawn dish soap might not be as effective as some special pressure washer detergents.

Absolutely. Detergent is necessary because it will make the job simple. Without it you risk damaging your house siding because more water force will be required to remove the dirt and grime. There are specific detergent solutions formulated for cleaning your house siding – whether it be vinyl, stucco, brick or wood.

Never pressure wash humans, pets, or plants. The force of water coming from a pressure washer can cause physical harm — even penetrate skin—and will most certainly destroy your plants. When you pressure wash appropriate surfaces, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.

There's no doubt that electric pressure washers from 1,300 to 2,300 psi can wash a concrete driveway, but it'll take longer. If you have a large driveway with lots of stains, you'll want more power to do the job faster.

Best for Concrete: DEWALT 4400 PSI at 4.0 GPM Gas Pressure Washer Powered by Honda. For washing concrete and other surfaces that require serious power, you need a model like the DEWALT 4400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer. This tough piece of machinery is designed for professionals.

GPM is usually more important to contractors than PSI. Since most contractors use cleaning chemicals to do all of the cleaning, their job becomes one primarily of rinsing the dirt away.

Do not use an extension cord. They can drastically shorten the life of your machine. If you must use one, it must be 12 gauge wire if over 25 feet in length. Using any length of 16, 18 or lighter gauge extension cord will not supply enough power to your pressure washer and the motor will not start or run properly.

In general, most well know pressure washer companies guaranty their machine for at least 500 hours. Most persons use it for around 50 hours each year. That means that a well-maintained pressure washer should last at least 10 years.

The two most common reasons behind the pressure washer pump going bad are a faulty unloader valve and a clogged carburetor (in the case of gas-powered washers).

How much PSI should a pressure washer have for washing a car? ›

You should also never set your pressure washer above 2,200 psi when washing your car. 1,500 psi is really all you need to get a good deep clean; any pressure higher than that won't make a noticeable performance difference.

In 2009 they reached a deal with The Black & Decker Corp (owners of the DeWalt trademark) to manufacture and sell their washers under the DeWalt name. Yes, this does mean that DeWalt and Simpson washers are exactly the same. In fact, they are made on the exact same assembly line in Decatur, Arkansas.

A commercial pressure washer is designed with daily use in mind. They have better engines, better pumps and better components everywhere. They avoid plastic. They come with high-grade hoses, stainless lances and brass connections.

Applying a degreaser will loosen stains in the concrete, allowing you to pressure wash them away. Some pressure washers have an attachment tool for applying degreaser. Otherwise, scrub the degreaser into the concrete with a stiff-bristled brush or push broom.

If you want to clean your driveway quickly and efficiently, use a pressure washer of at least 3100 PSI. Using pressure washers with pressures ranging from 1000 to 2300 PSI will also help you clean your driveway, but it will take a long time. Small pressure washers are cheap but inefficient for house washing.

While pressurized water can be enough to clean your driveway, cleaning agents such as soap or detergent help loosen up all the dirt, grime, and grease. They're also great for targeting stubborn stains. Choose a cleaning agent that is specifically made for your driveway pressure washer.

In general, you only need an additional pump between a tank and a pressure washer if the current pressure is insufficient. Most budget-friendly pressure washers need around 20PSI, but most will still work fine with somewhat lower pressure.

Using vinegar and your surface cleaner pressure washer can help keep your outdoor space looking great. Vinegar is a safe option to use in your pressure washer because it is an alternative to harsh chemicals, and it's natural disinfectant, deodorizer, cleaner and mold killer properties make it perfect for the job.

Don't try to pressure wash a roof like you would a fence or a sidewalk as doing so could cause damage to surface tiles or shingles— while also creating moisture damage.

What chemicals do you use to pressure wash a house? ›

Sodium hypochlorite – disinfects and removes stains. Sodium hydroxide – dissolves grease and fats and works well on glass and steel. Bleach – sanitizes and disinfects aggressively. This is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.

How to Clean Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old House - YouTube

In general, houses should be power washed at least once a year any time between March and November. As it gets later in a calendar year, you'll want to make sure your home is taken care of before the freezing temperatures and winter weather arrive.

Your house is going to need at least 24 hours to fully dry up. Don't worry — it is not in any way “ruined” or less effective if, after the power washing, there are natural weather occurrences. Either way, the power washing will remove the dirt and grime and give you back an impressive, great-looking home.

But if you ask the experts, “Is 2000 PSI safe for washing a vehicle?”, they would say it would be risky for a car's paintwork. In fact, the best PSI for car wash that can effectively and safely clean a car is around 1200 to 1900 PSI. The max PSI for car wash you can use should be only 1900 PSI.

You simply turn the dial to increase or decrease the pressure. Others have a regulator on the spray wand, similar to the Vario wand on our electric power washer. You can also change out the nozzle tips which alter the impact pressure when spraying.

To clean concrete effectively, use a power washer with a pressure rating of at least 3000 psi and a flow rate of at least 4 gallons per minute (gpm).

Gas will give you more power, but you really only need 1300 to 1600 PSI for most exterior cleaning needs, including vinyl siding. Gas pressure washers usually range from 2000 – 4000 PSI and cost more than electric.

Which is more important PSI or GPM? PSI and GPM are both equally important when choosing a pressure washer. The PSI refers to the amount of pressure and GPM refers to the flow. You must have the correct combination of PSI and GPM to have the most ideal pressure washing system for your needs.

How much PSI do I need to clean my deck? ›

For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. Choose the right tip to use as well.

Applying a degreaser will loosen stains in the concrete, allowing you to pressure wash them away. Some pressure washers have an attachment tool for applying degreaser. Otherwise, scrub the degreaser into the concrete with a stiff-bristled brush or push broom.

Best for Concrete: DEWALT 4400 PSI at 4.0 GPM Gas Pressure Washer Powered by Honda. For washing concrete and other surfaces that require serious power, you need a model like the DEWALT 4400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer. This tough piece of machinery is designed for professionals.

While pressurized water can be enough to clean your driveway, cleaning agents such as soap or detergent help loosen up all the dirt, grime, and grease. They're also great for targeting stubborn stains. Choose a cleaning agent that is specifically made for your driveway pressure washer.

Simpson PowerShot 4400 PSI 4.0 GPM Gas Pressure Washer PS60843. It's tough to beat the power and price of Simpson's PowerShot PS60843 as the best commercial pressure washer. With 4400 PSI and 4.0 GPM, it has all the power most professionals need before moving up to pull-behind pressure washers.

How to Clean Vinyl Siding | Ask This Old House - YouTube

Absolutely. Detergent is necessary because it will make the job simple. Without it you risk damaging your house siding because more water force will be required to remove the dirt and grime. There are specific detergent solutions formulated for cleaning your house siding – whether it be vinyl, stucco, brick or wood.

The Bottom Line

If you're still wondering what the best combination is, we recommend starting with something in the 3000 – 3500 PSI/2.0 – 2.5 GPM range. These pressure washers are good for most homeowners, as they tend to work very efficiently and are still affordable.

Never use a nozzle with less than a 25-degree spray pattern to pressure wash your car. If you aren't sure which size nozzles came with your pressure washer, check the manual or consult the manufacturer. You should also never set your pressure washer above 2,200 psi when washing your car.

What size pressure washer do I need for a 2 story house? ›

What Pressure Washer Should You Use To Clean A Home? If you need to clean a two-story house, you'll need a heavy-duty or extra heavy-duty pressure washer. This will give you a water pressure of 2,800 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) or higher and three to four GPM (gallons per minute) of water.

If you are power washing to remove the surface of your decking, then yes, you'll need to sand your deck after power washing. If you are power washing just to clean your deck, then no you won't need to sand.

Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers. This is normal, and does not indicate damage. These fuzzies will generally go away in 2 or 3 weeks.