High pressure cleaner test
Here you will find the best high pressure cleaners!
High-pressure cleaners have risen to the ranks of the most popular cleaning devices for the household. The extreme power in synergy with the oldest of all cleaning agents, water, makes them versatile.
Especially in spring, when the temperatures again reach double digits, high-pressure cleaners are used in many places to clean terraces, driveways, cars, etc. With the help of these devices, stones and dirt can be removed. With the help of these devices, stones and joints can be freed from entire fields of weeds and even layers of dirt that have thrived for many years can be removed completely.
In our high-pressure cleaner test, we list the models of well-known manufacturers that have been put through their paces by various suppliers. The aim is to make it easier for the consumer to find the most suitable high pressure cleaner. In our high-pressure cleaner test, you are sure to find the best high-pressure cleaner for your individual needs!
High pressure cleaner test – These are the comparison winners!
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  Besonders robust | |
| Model | Kärcher Hochdruckreiniger K 7 Premium Full Control Plus Home, 1 Stück, 1.317-133.0 | Kärcher K 4 Premium Full Control Home Hochdruckreiniger | Kränzle 412181 Hochdruckreiniger K 1152 TS T |
| Price | 518,40 € inkl. 19% gesetzlicher MwSt. | 263,66 € inkl. 19% gesetzlicher MwSt. | 858,85 € inkl. 19% gesetzlicher MwSt. |
| Review | – | ||
| Rating | |||
| Leistung | 3000 Watt | 1800 Watt | 2800 Watt |
| Wasserdruck | 180 bar | 130 bar | 150 bar |
| Fördermenge | 600 Liter/Stunde | 420 Liter/Stunde | 600 Liter/Stunde |
| Gewicht | 18 kg | 12 kg | 31 kg |
| Tankvolumen | unbegrenzt | unbegrenzt | unbegrenzt |
| Price | 518,40 € inkl. 19% gesetzlicher MwSt. | 263,66 € inkl. 19% gesetzlicher MwSt. | 858,85 € inkl. 19% gesetzlicher MwSt. |
| DetailsNicht Verfügbar | DetailsNicht Verfügbar | DetailsPreis prüfen bei |
How a high pressure cleaner works
High-pressure cleaners can be used in a variety of ways.
High-pressure cleaners can remove even the most stubborn dirt. Whereas in the past they were mainly powered by combustion engines, today’s high-pressure cleaners for home use draw their power from an electric motor. This brings the water up to the desired water pressure by means of a reciprocating pump.
To start a pressure washer, it usually only needs to be connected to the power supply. Tap water or rainwater, if a pre-filter is installed, can then be sucked into the water tank and started. To do this, simply connect a standard garden hose to the cleaner. The generated water jet then exits in a bundled form through a wand with a nozzle attached to the end. Strong ones can be dangerous to use because their water jet is sharp and incisive.
There are now devices that can even cut through stone and metal with over 2000 bar water pressure.
A high-pressure cleaner can restore even the dirtiest bike to its former glory.
These high-pressure cleaners, with a water pressure of over 1000 bar, are called ultra-high pressure cleaners. Many people are familiar with these devices from the nearest car wash. They are often used by the male sex to clean dirty cars. However, since they are clearly overqualified for private use, they are not included in our high-pressure cleaner test. In addition, high-pressure cleaners in industrial operations are often operated with hot water to achieve even better results.
Im Privatgebrauch ist der Einsatz von Kaltwasser-Hochdruckreinigern aber in der Regel mehr als ausreichend.
With a dirt tiller, larger areas can be cleaned quickly and efficiently.
In addition to the water pressure, the flow rate of the water is also decisive for the final cleaning result and how quickly the desired result is achieved. Furthermore, special cleaning agents are available on the market that help to loosen heavier dirt. As a rule, however, these are not necessary.
With the help of a dirt tiller, which fortunately is available in many attached devices today, larger surfaces can also be cleaned. However, sensitive surfaces, e.g. car paint, react rather unpleasantly to the use of a dirt cutter. In our high-pressure cleaner test, you will find devices for less demanding needs as well as hot water models for professional cleaning.
- Connect the high-pressure cleaner to the socket and the water pipe.
- Turn on the water tap
- Switch on the appliance
- Make the desired manual settings
- Go ahead
Possible applications of high pressure cleaners
Bosch DIY high-pressure cleaner in use on a stone path.
You can use high-pressure cleaners for almost all cleaning jobs on and around your home. Example mentions are cars, motorbikes, facades, shutters, tools, barrels, driveways, walkways, patios, garden furniture, pool equipment, boats, pond liner, etc.
Bosch DIY high-pressure cleaner on the car.
Since the devices can be operated without chemical agents, the work is accordingly environmentally friendly. It is important that the treated surfaces can withstand the pressure. The pressure must be reduced accordingly for sensitive surfaces so as not to damage them.
Good high-pressure cleaners can be adjusted from 10-20 bar in several stages to over 100-200 bar. Units that cannot be adjusted manually scored poorly in our high-pressure cleaner test due to their lack of flexibility.
It is highly recommended to buy a high-pressure cleaner. In the past, the areas where high-pressure cleaners were used had to be cleaned with brooms, rags and the like. Particularly stubborn dirt or large areas were very difficult and time-consuming to clean, if at all. With a high-pressure cleaner, this is clearly a thing of the past. A high-pressure cleaner makes the work much easier and can even be fun. Large areas can be cleaned more quickly than in any other way.
While some people spend hours scraping the dirt out of their grout or using the feeble jet of a garden hose, a pressure washer can do it in minutes. An entire bathroom, including shower, bathtub, sink, tiles or a kitchen, can be cleaned more effectively and quickly with a good working cleaner than by hand. In our high pressure cleaner test you will find equipment for all needs and purposes.
Why you should buy a pressure washer
Pressure washer – Why you should buy one.
High-pressure cleaners can be used in many different ways. Nevertheless, many interested parties react hesitantly when they deal with the devices, because the devices are not all that cheap, especially for larger projects. However, countless high-pressure cleaner tests make it clear why these devices represent added value in virtually every household. No other household helper can be used in such a practical way, which is mainly due to the sheer power of a high-pressure cleaner.
In the home, kitchens and bathrooms can usually be completely cleaned within a few hours. With conventional methods, cleaning such surfaces takes several days. This is exhausting and takes a lot of time. High-pressure cleaners therefore make the work much easier and save valuable time. However, it is not only the ease of work and the speed that make other devices look old compared to a high-pressure cleaner, but also the effectiveness. Almost every surface that was sprayed outdoors and indoors in our high-pressure cleaner test showed a better cleaning result than the surfaces cleaned with brooms, rags and the like.
Reasons to buy a high-pressure cleaner:
- Versatile use in & outside the household
- Most stubborn dirt disappears
- Cleaning is quick & saves time
- Better cleaning results than with brooms, rags and co.
When not to use a high pressure cleaner
High-pressure cleaners can be dangerous.
Good high-pressure cleaners can be reduced to a low water pressure, but they can still cause unpleasant damage if used incorrectly. A strong jet should never be directed at sensitive wood or thin plastic. This could cause irreducible damage.
In addition, the rubber of car tyres can be damaged with the cutting high pressure jet, which could lead to cracks. Furthermore, in the high-pressure cleaner test, the stones of a paving bed could be loosened with the jet.
Caution is also advised on driveways and pavements. Finally, electrical appliances should not be treated with a high-pressure jet at all, as most small parts are very sensitive.
What should I look for when buying?
Capacity and flow rate
Buying a high-pressure cleaner – the choice quickly becomes unmanageable.
First and foremost, the purchase intention should be based on the size of the surfaces to be cleaned and the stubbornness of the dirt.
the stubbornness of the dirt. It is true that the output must be high for heavy soiling. However, in addition to this, the delivery rate and the resulting area performance must also be taken into account. For large areas, these should be correspondingly high. Therefore, always pay attention to whether the values between power pressure and area output are coherent.
Furthermore, the use of hot-water high-pressure cleaners can be useful if you have to deal with grease and oil contamination. However, hot water devices are considerably more expensive to purchase than standard high-pressure cleaners.
In addition, the performance can be increased by adding chemical cleaning agents, which, however, is not really necessary for private use, but is rather detrimental to the environment.
In the high-pressure cleaner test, you will find cold-water devices, hot-water devices as well as high-pressure cleaners with combustion engines that can be operated either with petrol or biodiesel.
Pump quality
High pressure cleaner – pump bad, everything bad.
The high-pressure pump is the heart of a high-pressure cleaner. It should be robust and of high quality workmanship. This means, for example, that screw connections and lance heads are made of brass and not of the much more short-lived materials plastic or aluminium.
In addition, hoses processed with steel mesh ensure that they are much more durable. In our high-pressure cleaner test, the devices from Kränzle in particular offer these commendable features.
On the other hand, as with other equipment, a lot of plastic means instability and short durability, because it was manufactured too cheaply.
The greatest danger for the pump, seals and filter is either too hot water or contaminated water. In the operating instructions you will usually find information on the maximum permitted temperature of the water supplied. In addition, the filter and pump must be protected from contamination. Rainwater or similar should therefore only be used if a filter is connected upstream to filter suspended matter etc. out of the water.
Unfortunately, most pumps are quite sensitive and repairs, if possible at all, are very expensive or almost as expensive as buying a new one. Seals, on the other hand, can often be re-ordered easily and cheaply. Therefore, treat the pumps with care and do not choose the next best plastic piece that is already overloaded after 10 minutes of operation. Failing pumps are a big nuisance, as they completely paralyse the work and a complete new purchase is usually more sensible than having to deal with faulty parts. Those who try to save here may have to consider many repeat purchases.
Cleaning quality
When choosing the right high-pressure cleaner, it is important to consider the cleaning quality.
The cleaning quality ultimately determines whether the owner is satisfied with his high-pressure cleaner. In our high-pressure cleaner test, we recommend buying a device with at least 100 bar, better 120 and up, because weaker devices quickly reach their limits.
Therefore, consider beforehand whether the preferred device should not be used for a harder task. If you want to clean delicate materials such as wood and car paint, a low pressure should also be adjustable. Very good devices can be throttled down to 10-30 bar and continuously adjusted upwards. The more versatile you want to use a pressure washer, the more you should be able to regulate the pressure.
If you want to be extensively equipped for your household, you can use devices with approx. 140 bar pressure, which can be throttled down to 10-20 bar. The higher the possible pressure, the more the high-pressure cleaners cost.
In our high-pressure cleaner test, you will find devices from 60 bar pressure up to over 200 bar pressure.
Delivery, handling, equipment, functions, warranty and service
These purchase criteria round off the decision. In the best case, a high-pressure cleaner is delivered quickly and undamaged. The equipment and setting options should be extensive and in line with the requirements. In addition, a warranty claim and courteous service are evidence of special quality and a great company.
In our high-pressure cleaner test, we therefore refer to the online retailer Amazon, as it offers excellent service and fast delivery.
Cost of a high pressure cleaner
How much does a good pressure washer cost?
Depending on the intended use and requirements, high-pressure cleaners vary greatly in price. While entry-level devices and goods from the Far East are available for as little as 60 euros, the more powerful devices for household use tend to be in the mid to high three-digit price segment.
Generally speaking, if large areas are to be cleaned, a high area output is required, which is reflected in higher prices. Small high-pressure cleaners that are used for hours of continuous operation quickly fail due to overheating.
Furthermore, high-pressure cleaners that work with hot water cost more than cold-water units. Hot water is particularly useful for treating grease and oil, but is used almost exclusively in industry. Cold-water units are also no match for hot-water units when it comes to treating cars.
In the high-pressure cleaner test, you will find inexpensive entry-level devices from 70 euros and the most advanced professional devices in the four- and five-figure price segment.
Petrol high-pressure cleaner vs. electric high-pressure cleaner
- Delivers the highest water pressure
- Large areas, such as driveways, patios, etc., can be cleaned quickly, without the need for chemicals
- Even stubborn chewing gum and tree sap can be removed
- If you choose a wide jet, it is still as powerful as the concentrated jet of an electric pressure washer
Petrol disadvantages:
- The units are heavy and noisy, you need hearing protection.
- The idling can overheat the pump after some time, possibly ruining the engine if the safety valve fails
- When it is cold, the engine should be protected with antifreeze, because it is better not to keep a petrol pressure washer in your own 4 walls
- More power goes hand in hand with an increased risk of injury
Wood and paint can be destroyed more quickly
- Well suited for small driveways and patios, as well as garden furniture and other small areas that require standardised cleaning rather than the removal of stubborn stains
- The models are relatively light and quiet, require little maintenance and generate no exhaust emissions
- The work is therefore relatively comfortable
- The machines do not need protection in winter because they can be stored in almost any building.
Electric Disadvantages:
- Lower water pressure makes for longer cleaning times
- The lances and nozzles are often made of less robust plastic material
- Their range of action is limited to the length of the cable and hose
High-pressure cleaners and the topics of safety and the environment
Pressure washers can be both beneficial and harmful to the environment.
The power that high-pressure cleaners can unleash makes them quite dangerous for people. However, this is only true if used improperly. The jet of a pressure washer can cause injuries to the face and cut the skin. Therefore, the jet should not be directed at other people, e.g. for reasons of amusement. Those who use the jet carefully will not endanger themselves or others.
Furthermore, more and more people are asking whether the use of high-pressure cleaners is harmful to our internal organs. This question can be answered in the negative. If not intended, the cleaning is done entirely without the addition of chemicals and can therefore be regarded as environmentally friendly.
What is not environmentally friendly, however, is the consumption of water as a raw material. The use of groundwater should be sustainable and not degenerate into excesses. Always bear in mind that while we in Europe are not affected by droughts and water shortages, other peoples are grateful for every drop. For the sake of posterity, we too should be sparing in our use of what may one day be the most important raw material in the distant future. We are not only doing something good for the environment, but also for our wallets.
In practice, a high-pressure cleaner should only be used where it is really needed. The best remedy is to use rainwater. If you collect this in a 600-litre water barrel, this will be enough for 2 hours of continuous operation with smaller devices.
By the way, a garden hose is by far the biggest water waster in the home garden. While a high-pressure cleaner with 145 bar per hour needs about 500 litres of water, a weak 4 bar garden hose already needs about 3500 litres per hour!
What you should know about the nozzles of a pressure washer
The main danger when working with a pressure washer is the spray angle and the intensity of the water jet. You control both by making adjustments to the nozzle. The appearance and adjustment options vary from brand to brand. Pressure washers are sold with either a set of interchangeable nozzles or an all-in-one adjustable nozzle. Both types allow you to change the angle of the water spray, depending on the task.
Many pressure washer tests found that adjustable nozzles are more convenient than interchangeable ones. A handle is all you need to change the spray width or pattern. With interchangeable nozzles, the spray pattern can be adjusted with interchangeable nozzles. Often, with the help of 4-5 nozzles, the angle can be adjusted between 0, 15, 25, 40 degrees and a wide spray pattern. The smaller the spray angle, the higher the intensity, of course.
To reduce the risk of injury, never use the red, zero-degree setting on the replaceable nozzle. Similarly, the zero-degree setting on an all-in-one nozzle should not be used. Higher settings allow the job to be done without unnecessary risk.
- Read the manufacturer’s operating instructions
- Wear protective goggles, long trousers and sturdy shoes (no flip-flops) and be especially careful on wet surfaces which can quickly become slippery
- Always start with the widest spray angle
- Start working with the nozzle 2 steps away from the surface and approach carefully if necessary
- If using replaceable spray nozzles, switch off the engine and press the trigger to drain excess water before making a change
- Test a new pressure washer in a less significant area before tackling sensitive surfaces
- Take extra care when washing the car, as a pressure washer can damage the paintwork
- Aim the nozzle at an object at a distance of less than 15 cm
- You might remove paint, damage the asphalt of a driveway, puncture the tyres of a car and destroy wood
- Leave the engine of a petrol pressure washer idling for a long time without pressing the switch, because the pump will overheat
- Using a pressure washer on a ladder, as pulling the trigger could cause recoil and knock you off balance
- Pointing the nozzle at yourself, other people or animals
Use an extension cord with an electric pressure washer
This is how the optimal hose of a high pressure cleaner behaves
If you already have problems with the hose when setting up your pressure washer, you have got a bad model. In some high-pressure cleaner tests, hoses that behave stiffly and unruly are rightly penalised. A good high-pressure cleaner hose is flexible and can be easily unrolled. A bad hose is characterised by being thick and bulky, as well as wanting to keep its shape from the holder at all costs.
Which high pressure cleaner to buy?
In the end, it is personal preference that decides which high pressure cleaner to use. We can only give you some suggestions in the high-pressure cleaner test. In the price segment starting at 150 euros, you will find high-pressure cleaners that can be used for small to medium-sized areas and also promise some durability. We do not recommend models for less than 100 euros because they are simply not durable. However, in the high-pressure cleaner test, some exceptions from Kärcher, Nilfisk and Makita have emerged that work satisfactorily. Nevertheless, the high-pressure cleaner test showed that only devices from 300 euros upwards could really cope with large areas in continuous operation. The Kränzle high-pressure cleaners, which were followed by Kärcher, are particularly recommended.
Where is the best place to buy a pressure washer?
In our high-pressure cleaner test, we recommend the online retailer Amazon, because it offers a wide range of different steam cleaners and high-pressure cleaners. In addition, the service is impeccable and the shipping conditions are low. We at the High Pressure Cleaner Test are convinced that Amazon is one of the most trustworthy shopping platforms in the world.
In the video: How to use a pressure washer correctly
Well-known manufacturers of high pressure cleaners
Kärcher
Kärcher is the market leader for high-pressure cleaners for private use. When people think of these high-pressure cleaners, they usually immediately imagine them in the colour yellow with the manufacturer’s black inscription. It is not for nothing that the term “Kärcher” has become synonymous with the general use of high-pressure cleaners.
Alfred Kärcher, the founder of the company, developed the first high-pressure cleaner for the USA. These were used in the American occupation zone after the Second World War. In 1950, Alfred Kärcher then developed the first high-pressure cleaner for private use, the DS 350. This high-pressure cleaner was the first to be preceded by a pump, which significantly improved the cleaning power. Kärcher cleaners make up the lion’s share of our high-pressure cleaner test.
Kränzle
Kränzle is a German company that was founded in Bavaria in 1974. Kränzle has positioned itself in the segment for uncompromising quality and is accordingly not exactly cheap. However, the price of the high-pressure cleaners is very fair and reasonable. In its quest to produce only the best, Kränzle has risen to become the world’s quality leader in high-pressure cleaners. Therefore, it should hardly come as a surprise that Kränzle has received top marks in the high-pressure cleaner test.
Examples of the excellent quality are high-pressure pumps forged from special brass or pump pistons with ceramic coating. In order to continue to meet its own demands in the future, the company invests heavily in research and development.
Makita
The blue cordless screwdrivers from the Japanese company Makita are among the most popular power tools of all. This is hardly surprising, because Makita always offers quality tools. In the market for high-pressure cleaners, Makita plays a marginal role, but offers solid tools there as well.
The manufacturer’s range includes 5 high-pressure cleaners that are suitable for every need in private use. While the HW 101 is one of the best high-pressure cleaners in the double-digit price segment, Makita also offers high-pressure cleaners with a good price-performance ratio in the medium performance class with the HW 131 and 132.
Nilfisk
With the motto “Clearing the way”, the Nilfisk company stands for a safe, clean and productive everyday life. Nilfisk was founded in 1906 in Copenhagen, Denmark, by the young engineer Peder Andersen Fisker. The young man was passionate about electric motors and, with the help of his pursuit of knowledge and curiosity, created a company that would subsequently always exploit the technological possibilities. Today, Nilfisk is one of the largest suppliers of cleaning equipment in the world. The company’s approximately 5500 employees operate in 45 countries. The goal for the future is to provide sustainable cleaning worldwide to improve the quality of life.
Stihl
Everyone is familiar with the outstanding chainsaws made by this manufacturer. They are the best-selling chainsaws in the world. Andreas Stihl, the father of chainsaws, developed his first model in Stuttgart in 1926. At that time, trees were still felled with axes and only processed in sawmills with motor-driven equipment. Stihl had the idea that the saw had to come to the tree and not the other way round.
Today, the company manufactures cleaning equipment, among many other products. The high-pressure cleaners are characterised by the usual Stihl quality and convince with many practical features. For example, the working pressure can be regulated directly at the nozzles. In addition, the PLUS models have an integrated hose reel and an anti-drill coupling, so there is no problem keeping the hose tidy.
Syntrox Germany
Syntrox Germany is still a young and ambitious company. Syntrox specialises in the trade with all kinds of electrical appliances. We have included the manufacturer’s high-pressure cleaners in our high-pressure cleaner test because they have a good price-performance ratio and are attractively designed.
Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH also manufactures high-pressure cleaners. While companies like Kränzle tend to focus on the professional sector, Bosch offers many pressure washers for beginners. With the AQT 37-13, which is also listed in our high-pressure cleaner test, beginners can purchase an inexpensive device that performs well. For this reason, Bosch high-pressure cleaners are among the best-selling devices on trading platforms such as Amazon and Ebay.
Product presentation: 3 popular high-pressure cleaners in the test
Kärcher K 2 Test
Assessment
he K 2 is a low-price model from Kärcher, which is suitable for entry into the world of high-pressure cleaners. The maximum pressure of the device is 110 bar.
Simple cleaning jobs can be done satisfactorily with the K 2. These include garden furniture, bicycles and stonework (walls, paving slabs, patios, etc.). For more stubborn dirt, it takes a little more time or, in the most unpleasant case, more than 110 bar.
In the high-pressure cleaner test, the blasting behaviour was even and pleasant to control. Start-up is quick (connect to tap and socket) and the operation is quite simple.
Since the weight is extremely light at 4 kg, the Kärcher can also be used and transported flexibly by older and female persons. The size is also rather manageable. For this reason, the Kärcher can be parked and stored almost anywhere.
The scope of delivery also includes a surface cleaner and the company’s special and popular cleaning concentrate. However, the cleaning agent is not needed to successfully remove weeds from joints and cracks or to clean bicycles, for example.
The durability of a device in the double-digit price range, even if it is a Kärcher, is difficult to assess. Visually, the K 2 looks more like a child’s toy, if I may say so, due to its size and weight. Its body is made of plastic. If the device is regularly exposed to heavy loads, its durability will probably not exceed 5-7 years. With careful handling, however, the Kärcher can of course last indefinitely longer. We think that the price/performance ratio is still very good.
The consumption of the K 2 is moderate and the noise level is low, although this is sometimes briefly not the case when the machine is switched on. If there is an unexpected vibration and noise at the beginning, it subsides after a very short time.
Kärcher K 4 Full Control Test
General
The Kärcher K4 is a medium-pressure high-pressure cleaner in Kärcher’s home-use range. Its maximum pressure is 130 bar, the flow rate 420 litres per hour and the connected load 1800 watts. The premium version comes with a hose holder that makes tedious fiddling around a thing of the past.
Handling
With a weight of approx. 11.4 kg, the K 4 is in the medium weight class. The weight and the upright stand provide a lot of stability. The wheels are good and promise frequent mobile movement,
Workmanship & durability
The engine of the K 4 is water-cooled, which is good for its durability. The body and attachments are made of plastic, but proved to be robust in the high-pressure cleaner test.
Environmental properties
The consumption is relatively low and the noise level is kept within limits.
Cleaning quality
The cleaning power is good for the price. Only with longer and continuous use of more than 3 hours does the K4 eventually give in.
Kärcher K7 Test
Assessment
The K7 is Kärcher’s most powerful high-pressure cleaner in the “non-professional” sector. It has immense power, removing almost any dirt with ease at up to 160 bar.
Accordingly, its cleaning quality is really very good. It even gets the dirtiest Enduro machine clean. The area performance is impressive and ensures that even large pool and terrace landscapes are cleaned quickly.
Assembly is easy and takes just a few minutes. Operation during use is just as simple. The handling of the device is, according to its considerable size and weight, sometimes a bit more strenuous. However, if you don’t carry the unit all the time, you shouldn’t have any problems.
The K 7 is also made of plastic. However, the material looks more stable and of higher quality. Accordingly, the durability is to be rated as high. 8 years of performance and more should be achieved without any problems.
Its environmental characteristics are normal for a high-pressure cleaner of this size. It consumes more electricity and water to guarantee its impeccable performance. The noise level is by no means quiet, but it is not excessive for a device with up to 160 bar pressure.
How to clean a delicate wooden terrace with a high-pressure cleaner
A pressure washer could become your most valuable helper. It helps you tackle a range of tasks in record time. This includes, for example, reviving a tired old wooden porch in less than 30 minutes.
If you set the nozzle pressure too high, it can destroy your wooden platform (fence or other wooden surface). Pressure washers have a pressure that is 30 to 80 times that of a garden hose. A pressure washer can also cause you serious injuries.
In this 5-step guide, you will learn how to clean delicate wood without leaving damage. These 5 steps can also be used to remove oil stains and clean delicate bricks.
By the way, if you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one for 20-30 euros a day.
Step 1
Wear appropriate clothing. In all sorts of jobs, pressure washers cause thousands of injuries a year, including injuries that can lead to serious infections when the concentrated jet penetrates deep into muscle tissue. Long trousers, sturdy shoes and protective goggles are therefore anything but excessive. In addition, loose clothing and hanging accessories, such as necklaces, should be avoided. These could easily get caught in the jet.
Step 2
Preparing the surface. Start by removing all items from the patio, especially breakable pieces. Then sweep away leaves and other loose debris. This will help reveal hard patches of mildew, tree sap and the like.
Step 3
Apply a special solvent that will help loosen embedded dirt (if the patio is only lightly soiled, you can probably skip this step). So start by pouring the solvent into the tank of the high pressure cleaner. The pressure washer will then combine the solvent and water in the correct ratio so you don’t have to worry about diluting it incorrectly.
Next, install the appropriate nozzle on the tip of the lance (some models have all-in-one adjustable nozzles that you change with a simple twist). Then turn on the pressure washer and spread the solvent over the deck with long, overlapping strokes.
Step 4
Use a stiff scrub brush to work the cleaner into tight corners and between railings. To prevent streaking, do not allow the cleaner to dry.
Step 5
Switch to the widest spray nozzle (this is usually not the one you used for the detergent). Now start to increase the pressure with which you start to wash the patio and act with the lance in sweeping movements. Hold the nozzle about two metres away from the surface and move closer if necessary. Do not get closer than 15 cm with the nozzle or you could damage the wood! When you have finished, switch off the machine and pull the trigger to release the excess pressure and drain the water line.
How to wash your windows with a pressure washer
Step 1
Before using the pressure washer, take a look at your windows. Check that the window frames and glazing are intact. If you see any defects and a repair is planned, high pressure should be avoided in advance.
You need to be aware that painting work may be required. The pressure washer can help to dissolve the paints and also it can damage the wood if the water jet is too powerful.
Step 2
Dampening the floor under each window will help to quickly dilute any chemicals you add to the cleaner as you work, and will not pollute the environment as much.
Step 3
Pour the cleaner into your water reservoir. The packaging usually tells you how to use the agent on windows, pavements and the like. When you start the pressure washer, the lance will produce a powerful stream of soapy water.
Step 4
Now aim at the windows from the side at a 45 degree angle. If you hold the lance at an angle, the dirt from the panelling, windowsill and glass will be removed more effectively and better than with a straight jet. You can also use this angle to loosen flaking paint so that you can renew the paint afterwards.
Step 5
Switch off the pressure washer and adjust the nozzle to “general operation”. The jet should now no longer be as focused and hard as it was at the beginning. Now the water jet should spread outwards by 15 to 20 degrees. This favours a better pressure flow of the detergent to remove the dirt completely from the surfaces. Spray from the top of the window downwards to clean the window completely.
When you have finished, check that the glazing and all seals are still in good condition and leave the window to air dry for several days. Only after a few days should you think about painting.
Further information on the subject of high pressure cleaners
Pneumatic tyres
Petrol pressure washers with pneumatically driven tyres have been highlighted in some pressure washer tests because they are easy to move even on sandy surfaces or slopes. Plastic tyres require less or no maintenance.
Height of the hose connection
Furthermore, in some petrol pressure washer tests it has been found that it does not matter on which the hose connection is mounted. Only the convenience factor plays a role. If you have bad knees or other difficulties bending down, a height advantage definitely makes it easier to connect hoses. From a height of 20 cm, the connection can be reached without much bending.
Detergent tanks make for effort
High-pressure cleaners give the best results if you pre-treat the surfaces with cleaning agent. Some machines have an extra tank for this purpose. While the approach is laudable, in practice it is usually the case that the tank often has to be refilled for larger surfaces. This can prove to be an annoying nuisance. Moreover, the tank has to be cleaned afterwards, as the cleaning agent could damage the engine.
A more pragmatic approach is to prepare a container with a ready-made cleaning water mix and draw the liquid from it.
This is how you are guaranteed to break your high-pressure cleaner (over the time)
- Keep water in the hose & engine over the winter
- Run the petrol engine at idle for a period of time
- Constantly kink the garden hose when washing it
- Never clean the pump inlet