Is a pressure washer worth it?

A pressure washer can be a great investment for your home. They are perfect for cleaning off dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces like concrete, wood, metal, and more. Not only are they handy for around the house projects, but they can also come in handy when you need to clean your car or boat.  

Let’s dive in 

What are Pressure Washers? 

Pressure washers are machines that use pressurized water to clean surfaces. They can be either electric or gas-powered and range in size from small hand-held models to large commercial units. 

Types of Pressure Washers

Gas Powered Pressure Washer 

Gas  pressure washers are powered by gas, and they offer more power than electric models. They are usually used for commercial purposes such as cleaning buildings or fleet vehicles – although many homeowners also use them on their driveways and decks at home. 

Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers can be either corded (plug into the wall outlet) or cordless (battery powered). They are great for homeowners and DIYers who want to clean their car, boat, driveway without spending too much money on a gas-powered pressure washer. 

Industrial Pressure Washers 

Industrial pressure washers are used by commercial businesses to clean large areas like parking lots, warehouses, and more. They usually have higher PSI ratings than residential models so they can handle heavy-duty jobs without breaking down as fast or having their pumps overheat from too much use at one time.

What Can Pressure Washers Be Used For?

There are endless possibilities for what you can use a pressure washer for. Here are just a few ideas: 

– Cleaning your car or boat 

– Removing paint or graffiti from surfaces 

– Washing the exterior of your home 

– Cleaning driveways, decks, and patios  

– Cleaning windows and screens 

– Removing mold, mildew, moss or algae from siding or gutters. You can also use a pressure washer to clean the inside of your home by using it with other tools such as extension wands so you don’t have to climb up ladders anymore!

Weigh the cost and your needs

So yes  pressure washers are worth a go but there’s one thing you need to consider the cost and your needs.

 If you’re just looking to clean your car or boat every now and then, an electric pressure washer is a great option.

 However, if you have bigger projects in mind – like cleaning the exterior of your home – then you may want to invest in a gas-powered model. 

Just be sure to weigh the cost and benefits before making your final decision. 

What should I know before buying a pressure washer?

Pressure washer being used to wash a car (Pexels)

Before you buy a pressure washer, there are a few things you should know: 

– What type of surfaces will you be cleaning?

 Not all pressure washers are created equal – some are better for certain types of surfaces than others. For example, an electric pressure washer is not as powerful as a gas-powered model and may not be able to handle tougher jobs like cleaning brick pavers or concrete driveways. 

– What size of a project do you have planned?

 If you need something that can clean up large areas quickly, then an industrial pressure washer is probably what’s right for you. However if all you’re doing is getting rid of dirt on your car, then a small hand-held model will do the trick. 

– How often will you be using it?

 If you plan on using your pressure washer frequently, then you’ll want to invest in one that has a longer lifespan and is more durable. However, if it’s only going to be used every now and again, then a less expensive model will work just fine.

– What are your budget restrictions? 

Cost saving Illustration (Shutterstock)

Pressure washers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, so make sure you set a budget before you start shopping. 

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to find the perfect pressure washer for your needs

Tell me the life expectancy of pressure washers! 

Pressure washers can last anywhere from a few years to a decade, depending on the type and how often it’s used. If you’re looking for something that will last a long time, be sure to invest in a quality model with durable parts. 

Tell me the difference between a pressure washer and a power washer?

A pressure washer is a high-powered water source, while a power washer uses electricity to generate its own internal energy. Pressure washers are typically more powerful and can be used for larger jobs like washing cars or cleaning driveways; however, they take up much more space than power cleaners do because of their need for an outlet to plug into. 

What should you not use a pressure washer?

Don’t use a pressure washer on wood or painted surfaces. Pressure washing can remove paint and cause damage to wood, so it’s best not to use them in these areas unless you’re absolutely sure that there won’t be any problems with either one of those materials beforehand.

FAQs

Are pressure washers harmful to cars?

Chemical free illustration (Shutterstock)

No, pressure washers are not harmful to cars. In fact, they’re a great way to clean them quickly and easily without having to scrub or use harsh chemicals. Just be sure to keep the nozzle at least 18 inches away from the surface of the car when you’re washing it to avoid any damage.

What should I spray my house before pressure washing?

Before you spray your house with pressure washer, it’s a good idea to use some kind of soap or detergent first. You can buy these at most hardware stores and they come in different varieties like mildew remover (which works well on algae stains), bleach solution for removing mold spores, and more. 

Can I just wash my car with water?

You can wash your car with water alone if you mind the soap residue left behind. However, most people prefer using some kind of detergent because it helps remove dirt and grime better than plain H20 does on its own. 

How do I know when to replace my pressure washer? 

A good indicator that your pressure washer needs replacing is if it’s no longer spraying water in a steady stream or has weak pressure. Also, check for leaks around the hose connection points which might mean an O-ring seal has worn out and will need replacement soon (if not right away). 

When should I pressure wash my driveway?

We recommend pressure washing your driveway in the fall and spring to get rid of any dirt, grime, or other debris that has built up over time. You might also want to consider doing so after a heavy snowfall as well since this is when there’s likely going be an abundance of salt on those surfaces from cars driving through puddles.