What exactly are pressure washers? 

They are cleaning tools that can quickly and effectively clean various surfaces: from floors and carpets to roads and even cars! 

Main features

1. Pressure 

Pressure is one of the most critical factors to consider, as it determines the power with which the machine can spray water and is measured in bar. Usually, the pressure of a household water supply is about 4 bar. The water supplied to the high-pressure washer through a garden hose passes through a booster pump and is sprayed out through a small high-pressure nozzle.

Obviously, the higher the pressure of a pressure washer, the easier and faster dirt is removed. In addition, the greater the amount of water it sprays, the easier it is to remove coarse dirt, e.g. mud. The ideal distance between the washer nozzle and the surface to be cleaned is 10 to 30 cm.

Machines with pressure lower than 100 bar are suitable for cleaning tasks on surfaces without special requirements.

Indicative cleaning surfaces are: 

• garden/terrace/balcony furniture
• bicycles
• garden machines and tools
• fences and small garden paths or sidewalks
• motorcycles and scooters
• small cars

Skroutz Tip: Water pressure is always higher near the nozzle. This means that you can clean stubborn dirt more easily by holding the nozzle closer. The distance should be increased accordingly for light use and delicate surfaces.

2. Flow rate 

The flow rate indicates the maximum amount of water the machine can use in one hour to clean a specific area. A higher flow rate results in faster cleaning.

Machines with flow > 360 liters of water per hour are considered ideal for home use and can meet basic household cleaning needs (yard with dirty spots or mold, cars with lots of mud).

The cleaning performance of a pressure washer is determined by the combination of pressure and water volume. The better these two factors are combined, the more easily stubborn dirt is removed and the faster large surfaces are cleaned. 

The larger the area that needs to be cleaned and/or the more demanding the cleaning, the higher the performance category recommended. For cleaning large surfaces, such as house facades, it is recommended to use a device with pressure 180 bar and 600 liters per hour water output with the corresponding accessories. 

In addition to better performance, higher-category devices offer other practical advantages, such as longer hoses for a significantly greater working radius.

3. Power source

Pressure washers can be powered by electricity, diesel, or gasoline. 

Electric

It is the most popular category. To operate, they require a connection to electricity and a water supply; however, they do not emit exhaust fumes and are quieter compared to gasoline-powered ones. 

Battery

Fully portable, as they do not need a power or water supply. They are lightweight, but they usually have low water pressure. 

Gasoline or Diesel

They do not require a power connection, only a water supply. They are noisier than electric ones, but usually offer higher water flow and pressure, making them ideal for more demanding tasks.

Skroutz Tip: Battery-powered pressure washers referred to as Solo do not include a battery and charger in the package. These must be purchased separately.

4. Accessories 

Pressure washers come with different nozzles that offer different ways of spraying water and additional functions. For example, there are pressure washers with a detergent tank or a foam nozzle. Thanks to special accessories, the devices are transformed into all-weather machines: from wet sandblasting and pipe cleaning to cleaning terraces or gutters, the possibilities are endless.

5. Additional Features

In addition, some of the pressure washers available on the market incorporate extra features and offer more capabilities for more effective cleaning.

With heating function

Pressure washers with heating function incorporate systems that increase the water temperature above ambient temperature within a range that, depending on the model, goes from 40°C to over 100°C. This feature, as is logical, offers greater cleaning power for stubborn dirt such as grease or various oils, without the need for intensive use of chemical cleaners.

Water-cooled Motor

At the same time, pressure washers with a water-cooled motor use the water during operation for more effective cooling of their motor. In this way, they achieve improved performance, smoother operation with lower noise, as well as high energy efficiency, compared to conventional air-cooled motors used in other types of pressure washers.

Metal Pump

Finally, there are also those with a metal pump, which adds some additional advantages to the operation of a pressure washer. First of all, a metal pump is much more resistant to wear and corrosion from frequent use. In addition, it ensures better water pumping efficiency and is more resistant to the effects of chemicals that may be used during operation.

What will you use it for? 

See the features you should pay the most attention to, based on the use you intend to make of it

For the car, the bike & to take it with you everywhere 

If you are looking for a portable pressure washer that does not require immediate access to a power outlet and you need it for lighter tasks, such as cleaning the car, the motorcycle, the air conditioner, or even a small yard, a battery-powered pressure washer is a good choice! In addition, you can choose one with a detergent tank for even deeper cleaning.

For demanding tasks at home

If you need a pressure washer for the home, for slightly more demanding tasks, such as cleaning carpets, terraces, yards, stairs, etc., choose an electric pressure washer, with high pressure of 100 bar and above.

For heavy-duty tasks

For cleaning larger machines, trucks, and generally for heavy-duty tasks, prefer a diesel or petrol pressure washer, with pressure greater than 180 bar. Most of those with this capability belong to the category of professional pressure washers and are intended for high-demand tasks and the removal of even the most difficult dirt.