A pressure washer is an invaluable garden power tool that spruces up outdoor areas like patios, decking and car parks in a fraction of the time it would take to clean them by hand. Powered by gas or an electric motor, they accelerate water from your garden hose through a concentrated nozzle to produce high levels of water pressure. The blast washes away stubborn dirt, mildew and moss quickly to leave surfaces looking fresh and new again.
Unlike a normal hose, most pressure cleaners have multiple settings and attachments to make them suitable for different cleaning jobs. For example, you can use a higher-powered setting to get rid of tougher dirt on cars and concrete or lower-pressure ones for more delicate surfaces such as wooden decking. Many also dispense detergent in addition to water, either from a built-in tank or from a separate bottle, to help tackle stubborn stains.
Most people use a pressure washer for outdoor cleaning, but the machines are also useful in the home and can be used to clean vehicles, driveways, conservatories and other indoor spaces. They’re also ideal for gardeners, landscapers and construction workers who need to remove mud, loose paint and other debris from the surfaces they’re working on.
When choosing a pressure washer, the most important thing to consider is the amount of power it delivers and whether it’s petrol or electric. Electric models run off your household electricity supply, are quieter and lighter in weight than their gas-powered counterparts. They’re also good for light-duty cleaning such as washing 4x4s and caravans, and most have a built-in detergent tank.
The Ryobi RY142300 stood out in our tests for its durability, powerful spray and ease of use. It has a strong, brushless motor that will last for years and a sturdy body design that makes it difficult to tip over. It’s easy to manoeuvre thanks to wheels and a handle, while its seven-metre hose means you can reach most of your garden without repositioning the main machine. It also comes with two extra nozzles and has more generous warranty coverage than most of the competition.
If you’re looking for a more compact, portable option, try the WORX GWP1700 Pressure Washer. It’s a Best Buy for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and has the same power output as our top pick but weighs just 1.7kg. It’s self-priming so can draw water from a bucket, pool or river rather than relying on a mains tap and has an inlet filter to prevent clogging. It’s also very easy to store, with a wand that breaks down into three parts and the cord and hose tucked behind the outer roll cage.
A gas-powered pressure washer is a great choice if you’re working outside in remote locations or where running an extension cord is unsafe or inconvenient. Most are also easier to start than electric models, and you can choose between petrol or diesel engines. Whatever model you choose, we recommend always checking the manual for care and maintenance advice and keeping it stored safely in a garage or outbuilding when not in use.
