[WHOOSH]
Removing stubborn stains, debris, and paint
are just a few of the challenges pressure
washers face in Consumer Reports' testing labs.
We also measure how much power and pressure
each one delivers, rate them on how easy they are to use,
and even check noise levels.
This guide will arm you with expert advice
to pick a pressure washer that best suits
the jobs around your house.
Plus, Consumer Reports has important safety tips
you need to know before using any pressure washer.
Subscribers to our website can access our specific brand
recommendations and exclusive product ratings.
This video is interactive, so click any chapter
to skip around.
Pressure washers use a gas engine or electric motor
to power a pump, which forces water at high pressure
through a nozzle.
And now for a brief science lesson.
The amount of power a pressure washer can deliver
is measured in PSI.
That stands for pounds per square inch.
Generally, for cleaning hard surfaces
like concrete and tough stains, you'll
want about 2,000 to 3,000 PSI.
Cleaning a deck siding or patio furniture
requires less power, about 1,500 PSI.
Pressure washers come with either interchangeable nozzles
or a wand tip that you can adjust to different angles.
Adjustable wand tips are more convenient,
but nozzles give you specific angles.
Those angles usually range from a wider 65-degree angle
to a very narrow 0-degree angle.
No matter which spray setting you use,
a misplaced jet of water could land you
or a bystander in the emergency room.
[SPRAYING WATER]
Consumer Reports no longer recommends pressure washers
that come with nozzles or wands that produce
sprays of 15 degrees or less.
We're particularly concerned with the 0-degree angle spray.
It's typically a red nozzle that concentrates all the machine's
power into a single pinpoint blast with surprisingly
strong cutting capabilities.
Consumer Reports believes pressure washers should not
come with this attachment or setting.
Plus, our tests find wider-angle nozzles can get the job done.
We recommend buying one without a 0-degree nozzle,
not using that setting, or discarding the nozzle
after purchase.
Now you'll need to choose whether you want an electric
or gas-powered pressure washer.
Consumer Reports' tests find electric pressure washers
can handle most jobs around the home.
They're relatively light, and they cost the least.
[LOW ELECTRIC HUMMING]
Plus, they're quieter than gasoline-powered washers.
And because there's no fuel, you can store electric pressure
washers indoors.
There are some downsides, though.
You should never use an extension cord
with a pressure washer.
So your job must be near a power source-- about 50 feet.
Electric pressure washers generally deliver about half
as much power as gasoline models.
But Consumer Reports' tests find it's not
that an electric pressure washer can't handle tough jobs.
It just takes them longer.
If removing tough stubborn stains and debris fast
is your goal or if your jobs are far from a power source,
then consider a gas-powered pressure washer.
These pump out the highest PSI, typically 2,500 to 3,500.
However, that power comes with a higher price
tag compared to electric models and lots more noise.
[MOTOR]
Gasoline-powered models also produce carbon monoxide.
So they should never be used in a garage, basement,
or other enclosed area.
Never store a gasoline-powered pressure washer
inside your home.
There are a few features to look out for when shopping.
Cord storage instead of wrangling a knotted mass.
Wheels are a plus for heavier models.
Ones with good balance like this you can push off with just one
foot are convenient.
Some pressure washers offer soap tanks
to hold cleansers so you don't have
to use a separate container.
Remember, pressure washers are powerful tools
and can damage surfaces.
So follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Always begin with the widest spray angle,
and start your spraying from at least 2 feet away.
And move in slowly.
Wear safety goggles and protective shoes.
And never point the pressure washer
at yourself, others, or pets.
No matter which type of pressure washer you choose,
if you'll be storing it outdoors in colder months,
you'll need to winterize it.
That means you'll need to add antifreeze to the pump
and drain the hose and wand.
Now that you've got the basics, visit consumerreports.org
to subscribe.
And find our specific pressure washer ratings
based on our in-depth expert testing.
We're a not for profit.
And we pay for all of the items we test.
Thanks for your support.
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