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For cars, aim lowaround 1,200 psi to avoid paint erosion.

A person uses the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer to clean bricks outside

The Spruce

Decks need more elbow grease1,800 to 2,200 psi cleans deeply without splintering wood.

More flow, faster results, says Pedraza.

But, keep in mind, an overly high gpm without proper pressure control can lead to damage.

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The Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is lightweight, easy to move around, and compact for easy storage.PHOTO: The Spruce

Battery-powered pressure washers are also available, but theyre not nearly as powerful as the other options.

Nothing compares to the cleaning power of gas when dealing with tough dirt, says Pedraza.

Commercial pressure washers are typically gas-powered machines, and most homeowners dont need this kind of power.

The Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer upright on concrete before use

The Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is lightweight, easy to move around, and compact for easy storage.PHOTO: The Spruce

Next, we turned to a set of dirty metal stair railings.

Finally, we turned to stucco siding.

Swapping out the nozzles was very easy, and overall, it was a pretty straightforward unit to use.

A person uses the Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer to clean concrete

Power Source:Electric |Max.

The deck was covered in thick dirt, fallen leaves, and garden debris.

Once we switched to a lower-pressure nozzle, it was all smooth sailing.

A concrete partially cleaned using the Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

We also tested the pressure washer on our driveway.

This pressure washer comes with five nozzlessoap dispensing, 15-degree, 25-degree, 40-degree, and turbo.

Theres an onboard soap tank, which comes in handy for projects like washing cars or boats.

The Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer upright on concrete before use

Power Source:Electric |Max.

Next, we turned to a very dirty and stained concrete driveway.

It took us only 10 minutes to get it out of the box and ready to go.

A person uses the Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer to clean concrete

Power Source:Gas |Max.

The pressure washer did an excellent job of removing all grunge and stains, even without using soap.

We also washed an SUV that had a heavy layer of pollen and dust.

A concrete partially cleaned using the Ryobi 1900 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

This time, we added soap to the onboard dispenser and switched to a lower-power nozzle.

In just 20 minutes, we had a clean and shiny car.

The pressure washer includes four nozzles: turbo, soap, 15-degree, and 40-degree.

Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer

PHOTO: Amazon

Plus, with a 25-foot hose and 35-foot power cord, it allows plenty of room to maneuver.

Overall, this pressure washer is quite easy to store, thanks to its compact design.

The telescoping handle and sturdy frame make it very easy to move.

Person using Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer on a driveway

The Greenworks 3000 PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer cleaned our concrete driveway well.PHOTO: The Spruce

Power Source:Electric |Max.

Power Source:Electric |Max.

In each case, dirt, grime, and other grunge blasted away almost immediately.

Close up of the Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer cleaning the underside of a lawnmower

The spray head is comfortable to hold and doesnt wear out our hands.

Like all gas pressure washers, this one is loud but not significantly noisier than similar models.

Power Source:Gas |Max.

Person using Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer on a driveway

Even a beginner-friendly pressure washer isn’t useful without sufficient pressure to clean thoroughly.

And we found this machine to be no slouch in the cleaning department.

Next, we tackled the algae-tinged siding of the house.

Close up of the Greenworks 3000-PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer cleaning the underside of a lawnmower

We were thrilled to see dirt and algae disappear with each pass of the water stream.

Finally, we turned to a muddy wooden deck, which came completely clean within minutes.

However, we occasionally wished for a pressure-adjustment control other than swapping out nozzles.

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With big chunky wheels and a comfortable handle, the Simpson CM61083 Clean Machine is easy to move around.PHOTO: The Spruce

Power Source:Electric |Max.

These nozzles determine the spray pattern as well as the intensity of the water flow.

A few pressure washers have multi-setting nozzles that can be turned to the desired spray pattern.

The SIMPSON CM61083 Clean Machine 3400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer before use

With big chunky wheels and a comfortable handle, the Simpson CM61083 Clean Machine is easy to move around.PHOTO: The Spruce

Pressure washer nozzles almost always follow a universal color-coding system that indicates the spray pattern and best use.

The green nozzle, on the other hand, is the general-purpose nozzle.

Portability for Easy Use and Storage

Pressure washers, especially gas models, can be heavy.

The engine oil and directions for the SIMPSON CM61083 Clean Machine 3400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

Even electric models typically weigh over 30 pounds.

Because of their weight, many pressure washers have wheels built into their design.

Hoses and Accessories

Every pressure washer comes with a high-pressure hose for delivering the water.

The SIMPSON CM61083 Clean Machine 3400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer before use

TheDewalt 4400-PSI Gas Pressure Washer(our best for concrete pick) comes with a 50-foot hose.

Another fairly common accessory is an onboard detergent tank.

These pressure washers are especially handy for washing cars or for other cleaning that is best done with soap.

The engine oil and directions for the SIMPSON CM61083 Clean Machine 3400 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

Some pressure washers include other cleaning accessories or hose attachments.

Why Trust The Spruce?

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The low-profile Dewalt 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer is compact enough to take anywhere and stores easily too.PHOTO: The Spruce

The directions and warnings on the side of the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100)

The low-profile Dewalt 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer is compact enough to take anywhere and stores easily too.PHOTO: The Spruce

An overhead view of the top of the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100)

The nozzle guide attached to the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100)

The directions and warnings on the side of the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100)

An overhead view of the top of the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100)

The nozzle guide attached to the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100)

Greenworks 2000-PSI Electric Pressure Washer

PHOTO: Amazon

Greenworks 2000-PSI Electric Pressure Washer next to car in driveway

The Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer blasted away built-up gunk from our car, including sticky tree sap.The Spruce

DEWALT 4400 PSI at 4.0 GPM Gas Pressure Washer Powered by Honda

PHOTO: MAXTool

DEWALT 4,400-PSI Gas Pressure Washer

The strong 4,400 PSI spray of this DeWalt pressure washer removed stains from our concrete patio that a weaker pressure washer would leave behind.The Spruce

Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer

PHOTO: Amazon

The Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer upright on a wooden deck

The Sun Joe SPX3500 features a blocky, beginner-friendly design that’s easy to handle.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person turns the on/off dial on the side of the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer

An overhead view of the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer

A person uses the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer to clean bricks outside

A person uses the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer to clean house siding

The Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer upright on a wooden deck

A person turns the on/off dial on the side of the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer

An overhead view of the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer

A person uses the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer to clean bricks outside

A person uses the Sun Joe SPX3500 Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer to clean house siding

Illustration of different types of pressure washers

The Spruce

A person uses the CRAFTSMAN V20 1500 PSI 1.2-Gallons Cold Water Battery Pressure Washer to clean siding

The Spruce

A car is cleaned using the Ryobi 2700 PSI 1.1 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

The Spruce

A person and a child use the DEWALT 2100 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (DWPW2100) to clean concrete

The powerful stream cleaned years of gunk from our concrete patio.The Spruce