Our guide to pressure washers

What is a pressure washer?

A pressure washer can tackle the toughest and dirtiest jobs ensuring forecourts, driveways, patios, and decking are kept spotlessly clean. Using a high-pressure water jet, pressure washers are capable of removing all sorts of dirt and grime including moss, paint, mould, mud, and dust from buildings, concrete and vehicles.

Whether you’re a professional in landscaping or construction, or just hoping to spruce up your property in time for summer, our guide to pressure washers will help you decide which one is the best tool for the job.

Which pressure washer should I buy?

When it comes to pressure washers, there are numerous versions on the market with a variety of motors and accessories. Depending on how often you intend to use your pressure washer, and the type of work you will be undertaking, the best pressure washer for your needs may change.

Pressure washers tend to be rated by the number of hours they can be used. If you are looking for something that can be used for general jobs around the home, you can expect this to equate to around 50 hours per year. Therefore, a pressure washer of 500 hours with a 1500 psi should be sufficient. For more high maintenance, daily tasks, a heavy-duty 2000 plus hours rated machine with a 3,000 psi will be needed.

If you are looking for a pressure washer that works well for household tasks, for instance washing the patio or cleaning the car, the STIHL RE 109 Compact Power Washer has everything you need to get the job done. Complete with an aluminium pump head with a high pressure pump and stainless steel pistons, it is particularly resilient and durable. The rotary nozzle provides a concentrated power output over a large area, while the fan-jet boasts variable pressure allowing larger areas to be cleaned quickly and efficiently. The high quality, extendable telescopic handle makes for more compact and easier transport.

If it’s a cost effective, entry level pressure washer you’re after, then try the STIHL RE98 Cold Water Pressure Washer. A fantastic addition to any garden, and designed to be ergonomically-optimised, it offers 440 litres per minute maximum water throughput. The integrated nozzle means the machine is ready to use whenever required and the built-in wheels and handle make it easy to move the pressure washer around the garden. Complete with a 6m high press hose, rotary and fan jet nozzles, this is an ideal pressure washer for homeowners.

For heavy-duty jobs or regular daily or weekly washing, look no further than the STIHL RE129 Plus Petrol High Pressure Cleaner which offers a maximum water throughput of 500 l/h. Fitted with a telescopic handle and trolley for easy transport and storage, this robust pressure washer has an induction motor offering superb performance with low noise and long service life. The steel-reinforced 9m high pressure hose and large wheel diameter make moving it on and off road much smoother. The rotor nozzle provides concentrated cleaning power with large area output and a powerful pencil jet with a rapidly rotating motion.

What maintenance does my pressure washer need?

Before purchasing a pressure washer, check that it comes with a warranty. Be sure to register your pressure washer once purchased so the warranty is valid if it is ever required in the future.

All the pressure washers mentioned above come with a 3-year domestic warranty.

Pressure washer pumps and engines will need to have a regular oil change every 200 to 250 working hours. A good quality, two-stroke engine oil will keep it performing at its very best. Try STIHL HP Super 2-Troke Engine Oilwhich is a semi-synthetic oil with low ash additives for clean, low smoke burning. Always check that the oil you are using in your pressure washer is compatible with the make and model before topping up.

It goes without saying that taking good care of your pressure washer is the best way to keep it in tip top condition. Always remember to shut off the engine and let it cool after use. Once the water is turned off, relieve the pressure in the system by pressing and holding the spray-gun trigger until all the remaining water is gone. Ensure you store your pressure washer in a dry, secure location, and remember to clean it regularly and check for oil, fuel, and water leaks. If you need any help with your pressure washer, our team of expert engineers at our power tool repairs and servicing workshop in Surrey will be happy to help you.

All the products mentioned in this blog can be ordered online for delivery, or pop into our store where we will be happy to advise you. If you’d like to chat on the phone to a team member, don’t hesitate to give us a call.