Pressure washers are so much fun to use-and show such dramatic and quick results-that you’ll be begging to clean your neighbors’ siding, driveways and cars once you’ve finished your own.

You can rent or buy a pressure washer to clean nearly any outdoor item. By following the tips in this article, you’ll learn how to use pressure washers safely and efficiently.

Two types of pressure washers and how they work

Pressure washers, whether they’re powered by electric motors or gas engines, run a pump that pressurizes the water from your garden hose to 1,000 lbs. or more, then forces it out through a spray wand. The higher the pressure (measured in pounds per square inch-psi), the tougher the cleaning jobs they can tackle. Both types require a steady, uninterrupted supply of water (in gallons per minute-gpm). For occasional use, most homeowners will find that a washer with a pressure range of 1,300 to 2,400 psi works best.

Pressure Washers Direct is your online pressure washer superstore. We carry the leading pressure washers from the leading power washer manufacturers, including Karcher, Briggs & Stratton and Campbell Hausfeld. Pressure Washers Direct also carries a complete selection of Honda pressure washers and power washer accessories, including Karcher Accessories, pressure washer hoses, pressure washer nozzles, pressure washer wands and more.

Electric pressure washers deliver 1,300 to 1,400 psi, require about 1-1/2 gpm and are the best choice for light-duty cleaning like washing cars (Photo 3), outdoor grills and garage floors (Photo 4). They generally cost less than $200 and are quieter, lighter in weight and more portable than gas-powered washers. Many have built-in tanks for optional detergent use. Always connect electric washers to power outlets that are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and use only 12- or 14-gauge extension cords.