Your house is exposed to dirt, grime, bird poop and weather elements 24/7 which can make it look dull and worn out over time. Pressure washing is the best way to restore its shine and keep your home looking brand new. Whether you’re removing stubborn stains from a concrete patio or giving your house walls a fresh look, the right pressure washer will save you time and effort.

This guide will help you find the best pressure washer for your house exterior. We’ll cover types of pressure washers, key features and must have accessories plus practical tips to get the most out of your investment.

Pressure Washing Is Essential for Home

Pressure washing uses pressurized water to clean exterior surfaces like brick walls, patios and driveways. It’s a step above traditional cleaning methods using a garden hose because it has more cleaning power, removes stubborn dirt and can reach areas that are hard to clean.

By getting a powerful pressure washer you can clean a wide range of surfaces, save water from manual scrubbing and protect your home’s exterior paint and structure from damage caused by dirt accumulation.

Types of Pressure Washers

1. Electric Pressure Washers

• Best For: Light to medium-duty cleaning.
• Features: Electric are compact, quiet and low maintenance. Good for cleaning house walls, windows and decks.
• PSI Range: 1,500–2,000 PSI.
• Nice Features: 35-foot power cord, onboard detergent tank and lightweight design.

2. Gas-Powered Pressure Washers

• Best For: Heavy-duty cleaning that requires high water pressure.
• Features: Gas-powered are good for powerful cleaning and removing oil stains, tough stains and grime from concrete surfaces and brick patios.
• PSI Range: 2,500–4,000 PSI.
• Nice Features: Turbo nozzle, rotary nozzle and higher powered nozzles for tough dirt removal.

3. Cordless Pressure Washers

• Best For: Portability and quick light cleaning.
• Features: Cordless run on batteries so no need for a nearby power outlet. Good for gentle cleaning and soft washing.
• Unique Feature: Lightweight design with spray lance for precise cleaning.

4. Hot Water Pressure Washers

• Best For: Cleaning outdoor power equipment, grease and oil stains.
• Features: These combine hot water with pressurized water for maximum cleaning power.

Features to Look for in a Pressure Washer

1. Cleaning Power

• PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): How much pressure. Higher PSI for tough stains and brick walls.
• GPM (Gallons per Minute): How much water. Higher GPM for bigger surfaces.

2. Pressure Settings

• Adjustable pressure for soft washing delicate surfaces and power washing concrete.

3. Accessories and Nozzles

• Multi-spray nozzle
• Interchangeable nozzles: 40 degree nozzle for gentle cleaning and turbo nozzle for tough stains.
• Soap dispenser and detergent tank: So you can apply diluted household liquid soap for extra cleaning power.

4. Hose Length and Portability

• Long hose or extension lance for cleaning high walls or gutters.
• Big wheels and sturdy wheels for uneven ground.

5. Noise and Motor Wattage

• Electric motors are quieter than gas motors so better for residential use.
• Look for water-cooled motor for more efficiency and durability.

Top Recommendations

1. Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer

• PSI: 2,030
• GPM: 1.76
• Features: Dual detergent tanks, 35 foot power cord, compact.
• Good for: Moderate dirt, house walls, patios.

2. Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 Gas Pressure Washer

• PSI: 3,200
• GPM: 2.5
• Features: Premium Power Control, turbo nozzle.
• Good for: Tough stains, concrete, big areas.

3. Greenworks GPW1502 Compact Pressure Washer

• PSI: 1,500
• GPM: 1.2
• Features: Light weight with cord storage and onboard soap tank.
• Good for: Gentle cleaning of delicate surfaces.

4. DEWALT DXPW4240 Gas Pressure Washer

• PSI: 4,200
• GPM: 4.0
• Features: Deluxe model with interchangeable nozzles and powerful stream.
• Good for: Professional pressure washing Melbourne services.

Tips

1. Use soapy water with a soap bottle or onboard soap tank to pre-treat tough stains.
2. Wear closed toe shoes and safety goggles.
3. Start with lowest pressure and adjust to surface type.
4. Keep nozzle at least 12 inches away from surface to avoid damage to paint or delicate surfaces.
5. Test long term on a hidden area before cleaning the whole surface.

Maintenance and Storage

• Clean the pressure washer after use to remove loose debris.
• Store compact pressure washer in dry place with enough space.
• Gas pressure washers and petrol pressure washers require additional maintenance for the engine.

When Should You Call a Professional Service?

When to Call a Pro?

1. Large or Multi-Story Homes

If you have a big home or a multi-story property, pros are better equipped to handle the job. They use high-powered equipment with longer hoses and extension lances to clean hard to reach areas like high walls, gutters and roofs.

2. Delicate or Complex Surfaces

For delicate surfaces like soft wood, historical brickwork or decorative features, pros use gentle cleaning techniques like soft washing with adjustable pressure and specialized nozzles. This minimizes the risk of damage to fragile materials.

3. Tough Stains and Jobs

If you have oil stains, bird poop or grime that won’t come out, pros have hot water pressure washers and industrial strength detergents to take on the toughest stains.

4. Exterior Paint Prep

Before you paint your house, you need to remove dirt, old paint and mildew. Pros can use the right combination of spray nozzles and detergents to prep your house walls without damaging the exterior paint.

5. Big Jobs

Cleaning a big surface like a driveway, deck or patio can take time. Pros have the experience and tools like surface cleaners to clean fast and get a uniform finish.

6. Safety Issues

Using a gas powered pressure washer or cleaning high areas is risky, especially if you’re not familiar with the equipment or don’t have the right safety gear. Pros are trained to navigate these risks, using proper techniques and safety goggles.

7. Extreme Weather

If your home is exposed to extreme weather like frequent storms or lots of dirt and debris from nearby construction, regular professional cleaning will help keep it looking good and structurally sound.

Conclusion

Calling in pros for pressure washing is the smart choice when you have complex, big or delicate cleaning jobs. Their expertise, equipment and efficiency will save you time, prevent accidents and get your home’s exterior clean.

FAQ

Can I use a pressure washer on my house?

Yes, pressure washers are great for cleaning house walls, brick patios and concrete surfaces. Use the right spray nozzles for gentle cleaning.

How often should I clean my patio?

For light dirt, once or twice a year is enough. High traffic areas may need more frequent cleaning.

What PSI is best for exterior surfaces?

For house walls and painted surfaces, a 1,500-2,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer is best. For tough stains use a higher PSI model.

Can I use cold water pressure washers for oil stains?

Cold water pressure washers work but may require cleaning solutions or a turbo nozzle for tough stains.

What safety precautions should I take when using a pressure washer?

Always wear safety goggles, closed-toe shoes, and ensure that electrical outlets are dry before use. Avoid pointing the nozzle at people or fragile surfaces.