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Pressure washers are not just for getting rid of dirt and grime on your house or car. They are also great for cleaning machinery and tools, as well as other pieces of property that might need a deeper clean than what you can get with a mop or sponge. So before you rush out to buy a pressure washer and start making plans to tackle some major cleaning projects, it’s best to first make sure you’re getting the right machine for the job. That means understanding what features are important and which ones aren’t so necessary. Luckily, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing—and using—a pressure washer.

What to Look for When Choosing a Pressure Washer

Phew, that’s a mouthful. But, as they say, the devil is in the details. These are the most important factors when choosing a pressure washer: • Power Source: Gas or electric? Both have their pros and cons, but gas-powered models are more powerful, cost less upfront, and don’t require an electrical hookup. If you can, test the machine out before you buy to see how heavy and easy it is to hold. • GPM: Gallons per minute indicate how much water is being pushed out of the nozzle. This isn’t something you should really worry about, but there are two different types of pressure washers—low pressure and high pressure—and you should use the appropriate model for the job. Low-pressure models are designed for lighter cleaning tasks like washing a car or light-duty gardening; whereas high-pressure models are for heavier-duty tasks like removing dirt and grime from concrete or cinder blocks.

Tank Size

Again, this isn’t something you need to worry too much about, but it is important. The size of the tank on your pressure washer will have a direct impact on how long you’ll be able to use it between refueling. A rule of thumb is that a smaller tank will run out of water faster than a larger tank. If you’re looking to tackle some heavy-duty cleaning tasks, you’ll probably want to go with a larger tank—or multiple smaller tanks—for added convenience.

Different Types of Nozzles

Nozzle types are important when it comes to choosing a pressure washer. But don’t stress about getting the perfect one for the job. You can always swap out your current nozzle for a different type if you find that it’s not working as well as you’d like. You’ll want to pay close attention to the PSI and GPM ratings for each nozzle type so that you’re using the appropriate nozzle for each cleaning task. The best thing about pressure washers is that they do most of the work for you. You just have to be sure to use the right nozzle and have enough water pressure to do the job. For general cleaning tasks, you’ll most likely want to go with a combination nozzle, which features both a straight stream and a fan spray. These are great for cleaning a variety of things like decks, sidewalks, and cars.

PSI and GPM Ratings

If you’re worried about getting the exact pressure you want out of your machine, you’re not alone. Luckily, most models will feature built-in PSI and GPM gauges so that you can easily monitor the water pressure. A low-pressure washer will have a rating of between 1,200 and 2,000 PSI, while a high-pressure washer will have a rating of between 2,500 and 4,000 PSI. Generally, high-pressure models are used for heavier-duty cleaning tasks, while low-pressure models are used for lighter jobs like washing a car or cleaning a patio. Some models also feature a dial that allows you to select the amount of PSI you want the washer to use. This is helpful if you’re cleaning something delicate like a car or a deck made of wood.

Detergent and Cleaning Agents

Some models come with chemical injectors, while others do not. If you want to use cleaning agents, like bleach or chemicals designed to kill weeds, you’ll need to make sure the model you buy comes with a chemical injector. Other than that, you should choose a cleaning agent based on the job you want to tackle. You’ll want to use something different for cleaning a patio than you would for cleaning the car.

High Pressure Nozzle

Some models come with a high-pressure nozzle, which is great for cleaning some tough spots. However, if you find that you’re not getting the cleaning results you need, simply replace the nozzle with another type.

Conclusion

Choosing a pressure washer is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. You need to make sure you’re getting a machine that will be powerful enough to handle the jobs you have in mind. Luckily, with this information, you’ll have no problems finding the right pressure washer for your home. It’s best to take a look at the different models, compare their features, and then decide which one is best for you and your cleaning needs. You don’t want to fall in love with a model only to find out it’s not the best one for you.