Power Washers vs. Pressure Washers
Both pressure washers and power washers use high-pressure water to clean exterior surfaces. The only difference is that a power washer uses heated water to clean tough stains, grime, mildew and grease. In pressure washers, water enters the machine and a gas engine or electric motor pumps water through a hose and the spray nozzle at higher pressure. For heavy-duty jobs a garden hose can't handle, pressure washers deliver the efficient cleaning power you need.
Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers
Both gas and electric pressure washers can tackle a variety of outdoor cleaning projects, but the right choice depends on the size and frequency of your jobs. Electric pressure washers are typically quieter, lighter and easier to maintain since they don't require fuel, oil changes or engine upkeep. They're a great option for cleaning cars, patio furniture, decks, walkways and other routine household surfaces.
Gas pressure washers deliver higher PSI and greater water flow, making them better suited for large driveways, fences, siding and other demanding cleaning tasks. Because they don't need to be plugged into an outlet, gas models offer greater mobility for working in larger outdoor spaces. When comparing gas and electric pressure washers, consider the cleaning power you need, the size of the areas you'll be cleaning, portability requirements and how much maintenance you're willing to perform.
Electric Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers are perfect for light- to heavy-duty jobs. An electric pressure washer removes dirt and grime from patio furniture, grills, vehicles, fencing, decks patios, siding and more.
Electric Pressure Washer Pros:
- Usually cost less than gas models
- Run quieter and cleaner than gas models
- Start with the flip of a switch
- Lighter in weight
- Require less maintenance
Electric Pressure Washer Considerations:
- Corded models aren’t very portable
- Lower cleaning power than gas models
While corded models are more common, battery-operated pressure washers are available, making many cleaning jobs even easier. Battery pressure washers are convenient and great for light cleaning, with up to 11 times more pressure than a garden hose. The batteries are also compatible with other power tools, saving you money.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some electric pressure washers must be plugged directly into an outlet using the machine's built-in cord, while others allow the use of an extension cord. This will determine how much area you'll be able to clean.
If your pressure washer works with an extension cord, use the type specified by the manufacturer. See Power Cord Safety Tips.
Gas Pressure Washers
Gas pressure washers give you the mobility and power you need to tackle large jobs, like driveways, sidewalks, home exteriors and, depending on the model, heavy-duty work like removing paint.
Gas Pressure Washer Pros:
- Perfect for large areas
- Cord-free design offers better mobility
- It’s powerful, making it perfect for tough jobs
- Some gas pressure washers feature a push-button starter for a one-handed start-up.
Gas Pressure Washer Considerations:
- Most models have a manual pull start
- Require more maintenance
- Need gas on hand to run
- Gas pressure washers can be more expensive
Choose Your Pressure Washer’s PSI
In addition to water volume in gallons per minute (GPM), a pressure washer's cleaning power is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), which indicates the force of the water spray. Choosing the right PSI is important because different surfaces require different levels of cleaning power. Lower PSI settings are best for delicate surfaces like outdoor furniture, vehicles and painted wood, while higher PSI models are better suited for tough jobs such as cleaning concrete driveways, brick surfaces and heavily soiled decks. Matching the PSI to the cleaning task helps you achieve the best results while reducing the risk of surface damage.
Here’s how to choose the right PSI for your pressure washer:
- Light Duty Pressure Washers: 1899 PSI and ½ - 2 GPM, perfect for smaller jobs around the home like cleaning outdoor furniture, grills and vehicles
- Medium Duty Pressure Washers: 1900 - 2788 PSI and 1-3 GPM, best for home and shop use, cleaning everything from exterior siding and fences to patios and decks
- Heavy Duty Pressure Washers: 2800 PSI at 2 GPM or more, great for large-scale cleaning jobs, including cleaning decks and driveways, as well as washing two-story homes
- Commercial Pressure Washers: Start at 3100 PSI and up to 4 GPM, suitable for heavy cleaning, removing graffiti and stripping paint.
Cold-water pressure washers are designed for use only with cold water. Hot water can damage the pump.
Pressure Washer PSI for Driveways
For cleaning concrete and asphalt driveways, a pressure washer with a PSI rating between 2,500 and 3,500 is typically the best choice. This range provides enough cleaning power to remove dirt, mud, mildew, oil stains and other tough buildup without excessive effort. For heavily stained or large driveways, pairing a higher-PSI pressure washer with a surface cleaner attachment can help you clean more efficiently and achieve more consistent results.
Selecting Pressure Washer Nozzles by Job
Selecting the right pressure washer nozzle is just as important as choosing the correct PSI. Nozzles control the spray pattern and cleaning intensity, helping you match the water pressure to the surface you're cleaning. Wider spray angles, such as 40-degree nozzles, are best for delicate surfaces like vehicles, painted siding and outdoor furniture, while narrower spray angles, such as 15-degree nozzles, provide more concentrated cleaning power for driveways, patios and other hard surfaces. Always start with the widest spray pattern and test it in an inconspicuous area before moving to a more powerful nozzle.
All pressure washers come with interchangeable pressure washer nozzles so you can pick the right spray pattern for any cleaning job. There are five universal spray tips, each with a different spray pattern, and typically color-coded for easy use:
- 0 degrees (red nozzle) is the most powerful, concentrated nozzle setting.
- 15 degrees (yellow nozzle) is used for heavy-duty cleaning.
- 25 degrees (green nozzle) is used for general cleaning.
- 40 degrees (white nozzle) is used for vehicles, patio furniture, boats and easily damaged surfaces.
- 65 degrees (black nozzle) is a low-pressure nozzle used to apply soap and other cleaning agents.
To avoid injury and damage, make sure you’re using the correct nozzle for the job.
Pressure Washer Accessories and Tools
To make the most of your pressure washer, it’s a good idea to keep a few tools and accessories handy. Pressure washer parts like brushes, spray guns and extendable wands help you clean even faster with better results. Pressure washer surface cleaners are great for deep cleaning driveways, decks and more. Refer to the owner’s manual to see which products are compatible with your machine. It’s also important to pick the right cleaning solution for the job:
- Pressure washer brushes let you apply scrubbing power to cleaning projects.
- Extension wands and specialized quick-connect spray tips help you clean two-story homes.
- Surface cleaners use spinning jets to help you clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Pressure washer detergents or chemicals help with a variety of cleaning tasks.
Cleaning With a Pressure Washer
When properly used, a pressure washer is a fast and efficient way to handle some of the toughest cleaning projects around your home's exterior. See our additional how-to articles for instructions on how to pressure wash everything from your siding to your car with your new pressure washer: