How to Select a Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are wonderfully versatile cleaning machines. They are most commonly used to clean the exterior of the house itself, but you can also pressure wash patio furniture, garage floors, grills and pool decks. Pressure washers are generally easy to use and store making them ideal additions to homeowners' maintenance closets. There are many types of these machines, so you may need a little advice in deciding which one to select.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide between gas-powered and electric-powered pressure washers. Gas-powered washers are more powerful and more durable than electric and can be moved around much more easily, as they require no plug. Electric washers are less expensive, weigh less, make less noise and are good for small jobs such as washing your car.

2. Select a hot water or cold water model. Hot water generally cleans more thoroughly, especially on grease and oil, but is expensive and generally industrially used for very large jobs. Cold water cleans well with the use of a good detergent, is less costly and easier to maintain, rendering it the choice of most homeowners.

3. Choose a machine with moderate pressure between 1,000 and 1,300 pressure per square inch (p.s.i.). This will clean your house's vinyl siding and the sidewalk, and can also strip paint. If you only need to clean your car and other relatively small items, you can get by with a lower- pressure machine.

4. Choose a pressure washer with a brand name engine for durability. Brand name engines generally need fewer repairs, but when they do the parts are more easily accessed than in a "no-name" engine. Research online to find out the engine brand in different models of washers. Look at the warranty information as well.

5. Purchase a machine with a direct drive pump rather than a belt drive pump for home use. Belt-driven machines are usually only needed by those who are going to pressure wash more than 30 hours a week and are more expensive than direct drive washers. A brand name direct-drive pump is recommended for the same reasons as a brand name engine.

6. Look at the pressure washer's CPU rating. This rating assesses the unit's cleaning power by multiplying its p.s.i. by its gpm (gallons per minute). In general, you want the washer with the highest CPU rating among your narrowed down choices.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consider the type of jobs you will most often perform with the washer before purchasing one.
• Pressure washers can break windows and cause extensive damage if not used correctly. Never direct a pressure washer toward a person, as severe injury can result.