Buying pressure washers: what to look for

Short answer: for a patio, driveway and garden furniture at home, a pressure washer with 120 to 150 bar and around 400 litres per hour is more than enough. If you use it often, for long periods or for heavy dirt, choose a model with an induction motor and brass pump. For small jobs without a power point or water connection, a cordless pressure washer is handy. Do not only look at the number of bar: the water flow and the accessories determine at least as much how fast and how well you work.

Read this article in Dutch as well: Hogedrukreinigers kopen: waar let je op?.

Bar and litres per hour: what do they mean?

Every pressure washer shows two numbers you should know:

• bar is the pressure. The higher it is, the harder the water loosens stuck-on dirt.
• litres per hour is the water flow. The more water, the faster you rinse away the loosened dirt and the sooner you are done.

High pressure with little water does loosen dirt, but you will be busy for a long time. A good balance works best. Also note the difference between working pressure and maximum pressure. The maximum pressure is a peak value; the working pressure is what you actually use while spraying.

💡 Always start with lower pressure and a wider spray angle. Only increase the pressure if the dirt does not come off.

Brushed motor or induction motor?

Most compact pressure washers have a brushed motor (universal motor). It is light and compact, and fine for cleaning the patio or the car a few times a year. Examples are the HPC120A pressure washer (1500 W), the HPC145AB pressure washer (1800 W), the HPC150A pressure washer (2000 W) and the HPC180AB pressure washer (2500 W).

An induction motor is heavier, but quieter, wears less and can run much longer in one go. If you use the machine often or for long periods, for example for large patios, business premises or machines, an induction model is the better choice. Think of the HPC170AI pressure washer with induction motor, the HPC180BI pressure washer with brass pump or the powerful HPC210BI pressure washer (3500 W).

Aluminium or brass pump?

The pump differs as well. An aluminium pump is light and suits occasional use. A brass pump is more robust, more resistant to wear and suitable for intensive and professional use. The HPC180BI pressure washer with brass pump, the HPC180BI-CRT pressure washer with trolley and the HPC210BI pressure washer (3500 W) have a brass pump.

Cordless or corded?

The HPS20-24 cordless pressure washer runs on the Stalco 20V battery system. With its suction hose it can draw water from a bucket, rain barrel or jerrycan. Ideal for bicycles, garden furniture, boats or campers, and for places without a power point or tap. For a whole patio or driveway you need the power of a corded machine. An extra 20V 4Ah battery gives you more working time. Read more about the battery system in our blog on the Stalco 20V battery system.

Ease of use: hose, reel and weight

Also look at the practical side:

• hose length: with a long hose you need to move the machine less. A hose with steel braiding is stronger and kinks less.
• hose reel: keeps the hose tidy and prevents kinks and tripping.
• wheels and trolley: heavy machines with wheels are easy to move. The HPC180BI-CRT pressure washer with trolley stands on a trolley and is made for daily work.
• automatic stop: the motor stops when you release the gun. That saves the pump and is quieter.
• detergent tank: handy for cars and greasy dirt.

Accessories that really help

With the right accessory you work faster and more neatly:

• a rotating patio brush cleans patio tiles evenly without streaks and with less splashing;
• a rotating turbo lance rotates the jet and removes stubborn dirt and moss faster;
• an extension lance helps with gutters, the underside of cars and awkward corners, without a ladder;
• a 8 m high-pressure hose with steel braiding gives more reach;
• an extra pressure washer gun is handy as a replacement during intensive use.

Also see our blog on cleaning patio tiles and our blog on removing weeds between paving tiles for tackling patio tiles and joints.

Working safely with a pressure washer

A high-pressure jet is more powerful than you think. Follow these rules:

• never aim the jet at people, animals, sockets or electrical equipment;
• use an outdoor socket with a residual current device and keep plug and cable dry;
• if you are unsure about your outdoor socket or the connection, have a qualified electrician check it;
• always test on an inconspicuous spot first, especially on natural stone, wood, sealant and joints;
• spray at an angle and not too close; that way you do not wash out joint sand or damage tiles;
• refill washed-out joint sand after cleaning;
• never let the machine run without water.

Tips for the garden in autumn and winter can be found in our blog on getting your garden ready for winter and our guide to Stalco Garden tools.

PPE when pressure washing

Wear safety goggles against splashing water, sand and dirt. Sturdy work gloves with nitrile coating give grip on the gun. On wet, slippery surfaces an S5 rubber safety boot is the best choice: waterproof, with a steel toe cap and anti-slip. A powerful pressure washer can be noisy; use earplugs for longer work.

⚠️ A high-pressure jet can penetrate your skin. If the jet does hit your skin, always see a doctor, even if the wound looks small.

Do it yourself or call a professional?

Cleaning a patio, driveway or garden furniture is something you can do well yourself. Facades, roofs, work at height and large business sites are a different matter. A facade can absorb moisture or lose mortar joints if the jet is too hard, and working on a ladder with a pressure washer is dangerous.

👷 For cleaning facades, roofs and gutters, or for work at height, call in a facade or roofing specialist. They work with the right pressure, products, scaffolding or rope access and know how to protect a facade after cleaning. If you are unsure about an outdoor socket, have a qualified electrician check it.

Quick choice

Curious about the brand behind these machines? Read our brand blog on Stalco.

Frequently asked questions

How many bar do I need for my patio?

For a patio, 120 to 150 bar with around 400 litres per hour is more than enough. Use a patio brush for an even result.

Can I wash my car with a pressure washer?

Yes, with a wider spray angle and at a sufficient distance. Do not spray close to paint, rubber seals and stickers.

Is an induction motor better?

For frequent and long use, yes. An induction motor is quieter and wears less. For occasional use, a brushed motor is fine.

Will a pressure washer wash out my joints?

It can with a hard jet from close by. Spray at an angle, use a patio brush and refill the joint sand after cleaning.

Can I pressure wash natural stone?

Test on an inconspicuous spot first with low pressure. Some natural stone is sensitive. If in doubt, ask a professional.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.