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Pressure washers are an invaluable outdoor cleaning tool. They can be used on multiple surfaces – concrete, pavers, windows, facades, decks, gutters, downpipes, wheelie bins, garden furniture, gardening tools and even cars. Using a pressure washer is also immensely satisfying. The results are instantaneous: dirt and muck are lifted away, transforming surfaces.
Pressure washers are motor-driven devices that are commonly attached to your garden hose; they use a high-pressure water jet to clean exterior surfaces.
“All pressure washers are equipped with different length high-pressure hoses, so check the length,” advises Simon Warmington, Bunnings power garden buyer. “Some pressure washers include a handy hose reel, which makes it easy to reach all areas. It also makes them easy to store, with the hose wound up and accessories neatly placed in their holders on the machine.”.
Consider whether you want the convenience of plugging into an electric source, or the flexibility of battery- or petrol-powered machines. It’s also important to understand pressure and flow rate, which affect performance.As a guide, the greater the flow rate (the amount of water passing through the nozzle per minute), the greater the area you can clean. “For small tasks or small objects such as a bicycle or garden furniture, a flow rate of seven litres can be sufficient. For larger areas like driveways, a flow rate of 10 litres will be faster and more effective," says Mark Giannakopoulos of Karcher.
“For timber surfaces like decks, start on a soft or low setting, clean in the direction of the grain and hold the lance at a distance of 10-30cm from where you’re spraying”, Mark adds.
For casual use around the home, choose a pressure washer model that comes with different power jets with nozzles to shape the water stream. “A sharper bundled point jet is ideal to dislodge stubborn dirt, while a flat stream can cover a larger area quickly. The Karcher Dirt Blaster nozzle, with a rotating pencil jet, combines the best of both,” says Mark.
Attachments such as brushes and extension lances, as well as detergents, can enhance functionality.
Always wear safety glasses, enclosed shoes and earmuffs while operating pressure washers. “Know that you will likely get wet, and always be cautious of what you’re about to clean. Some pressure washers can be extremely powerful, which may damage the surface.” advises Ryobi’s Luke Payne.
“If in doubt, check with the surface manufacturer’s guidelines and trial the settings you’ve selected on an inconspicuous area”, Mark adds.
Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.
Check out our video on how to get your timber deck spick and span.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, Ryobi, Karcher and Gerni
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
