On test: pressure washers
Spring clean paths, patios and furniture with our tried-and-tested best buys
If you are planning a spring clean in the garden, and need to wash the patio and paths without too much scrubbing, then it may be worth investing in a pressure washer. We took a range of pressure washers for outdoor use, each costing under £250, and put them to the test on concrete, paving, wooden decking, glass, furniture, large planters and rigid plastic. The larger, more powerful machines were great for big patios that required heavy-duty cleaning, but it was clear that for small areas, a cheaper machine with a lower specification would be adequate – they just took longer to do the job.
Safety advice
For safety, goggles are a good idea to protect your eyes from the debris that is thrown up as you work. Never try to pressure wash in freezing weather. Ear defenders are also a good idea if you’ll be working for a long time. An RCD (residual current device) on the electrical supply is essential. This switches off the electricity automatically if there’s a fault to prevent electric shocks. Some machines come with one, but for most pressure washers you’ll need to buy an RCD separately and attach it to your electricity socket.
Choosing a pressure washer
You can expect to pay from £40 to £400, but you don’t have to buy the most expensive product – it all depends on what you’ll use it for. Look at models in a shop or at a garden show before buying. Examine how the fittings connect, for example, the trigger on the spray gun does a lot of work, so needs to be robust and comfortable to hold. Also make sure that a heavy machine has wheels for easy transportation and can be stored neatly. If you’re concerned about noise, look for one with an induction motor as these are quieter than those with universal motors. Some of the models need assembling before they can be used. Your hose will need a universal click-on water-stop connector. The following specific pointers are focused on what you’ll be cleaning. For decking and block paving: A low power and flow rate cleans well without damaging the surface, so you can get away with using a smaller machine. You must use only a gentle nozzle with a powerful machine to avoid damage. For large paved areas: A powerful machine with a high flow rate and a long hose reach will make the job much quicker. The Bar rating indicates the amount of water pressure you will get. For awkward areas: Some machines come with a multitude of accessories while for others you buy them separately. We found that a patio-cleaning hood, which prevents splashes coming up from the patio as you clean, is worth having but you don’t need to spend more on extra accessories unless you need to clean something more complicated, such as a car or boat. Other accessories include nozzles for patios, metal furniture and under cars; brushes for cars and windows; long-drain blasting hoses; detergent bottles that deliver diluted detergent through a specialised nozzle or an integrated system on the machine.
Over the page, you’ll see our detailed reviews. Our BEST BUYS are: Budget B&Q 1400W 100 Bar All rounder MacAllister 1800W Paving Kärcher K4 Full Control Home Kit Decking Nilfisk Compact 130-1.6 X-TRA