Electric pressure washers provide the following benefits that make them useful for household cleaning:
- Convenience – Electric models plug directly into a standard 120V outlet. No gas, oil changes or pull cords needed.
- Lightweight – Ranging from 20 to 45 pounds, electric models are easier to maneuver than bulkier gas models.
- Affordability – Electric models provide solid cleaning power at an affordable price point for most homeowners.
- Cleaner Operation – Without smelly gas fumes or oil leakage, electric models are better suited for indoor cleaning tasks.
- Hot Water Capability – Higher priced electric models heat the water they use, enhancing cleaning effectiveness.
Electric pressure washers work by pulling water from a source and pushing it through a narrow opening to create pressure. That pressurized stream of water ejects from the wand at high speed to scrub surfaces. Units generate anywhere from 1300 to 2000 PSI of water pressure.
Higher pressure paired with hot water (on some models) allows an electric washer to blast away layers of built-up dirt, oil, mold and other grime from surfaces. They can tackle cleaning tasks that might otherwise require strong chemicals and tedious scrubbing.
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty on how you can use one of these power cleaning tools at home.
1. Cleaning Driveways
Cleaning the driveway is one of the quintessential pressure washer tasks. The intense spray can blast away oil spots, muddy shoe prints and layers of dirt from concrete, asphalt, paver stone or brick driveways with ease.
You’ll want to select a pressure washer with ~1800-2000 PSI of force to handle driveway cleaning. This will provide enough power to deal with thick gunk and stains without damaging the material.
Here are some quick tips for getting your driveway squeaky clean:
- Remove vehicles from the area before cleaning
- Sweep up loose debris like leaves before you begin pressure washing
- Pre-soak heavily stained areas with a degreaser product first
- Use the 25° to 40° nozzle for most driveway cleaning
- Take care around decorative borders and materials like tile that require lower pressure
The wand on electric pressure washers makes quick work of cleaning defined areas like car paths through the center of the driveway or the area in front of your garage door where vehicles drip fluids.
You’ll want to take care when cleaning softer surfaces like brick driveways. Move the nozzle constantly in those situations to prevent digging grooves into the material with the high-pressure spray.
A clean driveway improves your home’s curb appeal while also keeping mud and gunk from being tracked inside. Make it an annual ritual.
2. Cleaning Exterior Walls
Outdoor surfaces take a beating from rain, snow, blowing leaves, pollen, bird droppings and other gunk carried on the wind. Outdoor walls easily end up coated in layers of fine dirt and biological debris.
Electric pressure washers make quick work of restoring exterior walls to a like-new appearance. Siding materials such as vinyl, wood, fiber cement and painted brick can get a deep clean from the pressurized spray.
When tackling exterior walls, make sure to take precautions such as:
- Covering windows and doors with plastic sheeting
- Avoid spraying directly into crevices where water could penetrate to interior spaces
- Check for and seal any loose or cracked caulking first
- Keep the nozzle moving constantly to prevent gouging siding materials
You’ll also want to limit pressure based on what type of siding you are cleaning:
- Vinyl/Fiber Cement Siding: 1200-1700 PSI using a 40° nozzle
- Wood Siding: 800-1200 PSI using a 40° nozzle
- Painted Brick: 600-800 PSI using a 65° nozzle
Exterior cleaning will reveal a brighter, uniform color on your home. It will also allow siding to properly dry out instead of trapping moisture against the home. Make this task part of your usual exterior maintenance checklist each year.
3. Cleaning Sidewalks and Patios
High traffic areas like sidewalks, pathways, patios and pool decks can really show dirt over time. Pressure washers make fast work of cleaning these areas.
To clean delicate surfaces:
- Sweep up debris first
- Use just 500-1000 PSI of pressure
- Keep a 6 inch distance from the surface
- Use a 65° fan nozzle
- Work methodically in small sections
This will allow you to deeply clean the pores of concrete surfaces while protecting delicate materials.
After cleaning, you may wish to seal the concrete with a sealant specifically designed for driveways and patios. This will keep the surface looking cleaner longer.
For pool deck and patio cleaning, also pay close attention to:
- Cleaning between patio stone joints
- Targeting areas around pool equipment and drains
- Removing organic stains from tree leaves/berries
- Cleaning lounge/outdoor furniture and accessories
A patio area makes an ideal summertime living space. Proper cleaning and sealing helps keep the area looking its best for lounging and entertaining.
4. Cleaning Brick Patios
Outdoor living spaces capped in brick pavers have an elegant, timeless look. But the porous, uneven surface of brick can really show dirt, mold and organic stains over time.
A pressure washer (when used gently) can restore beauty and charm to a weathered brick patio. When tackling brick, take care by:
- Sweeping up lose debris between bricks
- Pre-soaking stain areas with house cleaner/degreaser
- Using just 500-800 PSI max with a 65° nozzle
- Keeping the nozzle 6-10 inches from the surface as you clean
- Rinsing thoroughly afterwards.
Take it slow across brick surfaces, allowing the spray to soak into the pores and lift stains away. Avoid holding the stream of water in one place too long. This can dig grooves into brick surfaces over time.
Once your patio is cleaned, consider applying a masonry sealer. This adds water resistance and stain protection. Over time, sealing also mortar joints between brick pavers to prevent cracks and erosion.
With proper care, a brick patio or walkway can stay beautiful and functional for decades. Consistent low pressure washing is key to keeping it looking tip-top.
5. Cleaning Garage Floors
Garage floors get layered with dirt, road salt, battery acid and oil spots from vehicles. These stains make garages look dingy and unkempt.
Cleaning a garage floor with an electric pressure washer restores the space to looking tidy and respectable. Here are some tips:
- Sweep up debris first
- Use a concrete degreaser if oil stains are heavy
- Pre-soak heavily stained areas first
- Use 1000-1500 PSI with a 25° nozzle
- Work in sections using overlapping passes
- Follow up with a mop session using all-purpose cleaner
Consistent pressure washing keeps a garage floor looking tidy in between occasional deeper cleans. It also improves lighting in the garage by reflecting more natural light.
Some homeowners also apply concrete sealants with built-in traction additives for safety after pressure washing their garage floors. This keeps surfaces cleaner longer.
6. Cleaning Garage Doors
The garage door takes a beating, getting coated in dirt, dust, bird droppings, spiderwebs and other gunk. Keeping it cleaned improves curb appeal and your home’s security by allowing outside cameras to capture clearer footage.
When tackling a garage door cleaning, pay attention to these areas in particular:
- Top of door
- Handle/Hardware
- Hinges and springs
- Window panels
- Bottom seal
Use a 40° nozzle and keep pressure under 1500 PSI for garage door cleaning. Avoid aiming directly at decals or windows which can break under pressure.
Make sure to lubricate hinges and hardware after cleaning. This prevents rust and keeps everything operating smoothly.
7. Cleaning Decks
Wooden decks enhance the functionality and beauty of a backyard living space. But weather, foot traffic and seasonal plant debris cause discoloration and staining over time.
Preserve your deck using an electric pressure washer to remove:
- Dirt buildup between boards
- Mold, mildew and algae
- Tannin stains from fallen leaves/berries
- Chalky gray wood aging
- Splinters and raised nail heads
Use 1000 PSI or less along with a 40° nozzle to avoid damaging wood fibers. Allow treated lumber to dry fully 48 hours after cleaning before applying protective sealant.
Consistent pressure washing is key to maintaining the look and safety of wood decking. It also prepares the surface for re-staining to protect wood quality against weathering.
8. Cleaning Fabrics and Rugs
Electric pressure washers aren’t just for hard surfaces! Using lower pressure settings and the right accessories, you can effectively clean:
- Outdoor patio furniture
- Carpeting
- Area rugs
- Pillows
- Umbrellas
The key is to use specialized low pressure tips and keep psi under 500-800. Higher pressures will damage fabrics.
When cleaning delicate items, make sure to:
- Check cleaner compatibility first
- Use mild soap in the pressure washer
- Rinse items thoroughly
- Allow to fully air dry before using
This specialized cleaning works great for outdoor items that are hard to lug to the laundromat like area rugs, dog beds and patio furniture cushions.
9. Scaling Fish
Want to save money on seafood while ensuring peak freshness? Use a light duty electric pressure washer to scale fish after catching.
Simply:
- Set washer to 500-800 PSI
- Hold fish tightly
- Hose head to tail 3-4 quick strokes over entire body
- Flip and repeat on other side
- Rinse thoroughly
The pressurized spray will remove fish scales without tearing flesh or puncturing organs (like a knife scaler can). This keeps meat intact and fresh for cooking/freezing.
While an oddball use, the economics are sound for frequent fishermen. Electric pressure washers let you skip the fish scaling fees at the docks in favor of quick DIY scaling.
10. Trimming Trees
Electric pressure washers can be used to prune small trees, bushes and shrubs in your landscape. The technique is called hydrosurgery pruning.
- Use lower PSI (500-800)
- Perform in early spring before growth resumes
- Use specialized spinning nozzle accessories
- Trim judiciously to shape as desired
- Allow optimal drying time before treating pruned limbs
The continuous high speed spray cleanly cuts through green wood. Benefits over saw pruning include no burrs/rough edges, faster cuts and reduced disease ingress.
Practice first on nuisance scrub trees before tackling specimens in your landscaping. But overall this is a viable pruning technique for small scale garden use.
Also Read: Pressure Washer Repair Problems and How to Fix Them
Conclusion
Electric pressure washers are affordable power cleaning tools suitable for many household tasks. They combine convenience, ease of use and quality cleaning results.
From driveways to patios, garage floors to second story walls, pressure washers can tackle cleaning projects that might otherwise require strong chemicals or tedious scrubbing.
By following basic guidelines, electric models safely clean delicate surfaces like wood, brick and natural stone without causing damage. Adjustable nozzles allow customizing spray intensity for the material at hand.
Review the common uses above to identify cleaning tasks perfect for your new electric pressure washer. Keep surfaces sparkling while saving money on professional cleaning services.