Tip of the Day: How to use a pressure washer

A recent news story out of Orange County, Florida—a woman was charged with felony child abuse after being accused of having pointed a commercial pressure washer at her 2-year-old daughter—can serve as a reminder that even consumer pressure washers are dangerous when not used properly.

Typical mishaps with pressure washers include chemical burns to the eyes and skin abrasions, and you can also be injured by material shot back at you.

Watch our safety alert video (right) and follow these guidelines when using a pressure washer this spring and summer to protect yourself and your belongings:

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, shoes, and hearing protection.

• Set the nozzle to the widest spray angle that removes the stain.

• Start with the nozzle 2 feet away from the cleaning surface and move closer as needed, but no closer than 6 inches. Practice first by cleaning a hidden area.

• Point the nozzle away from your legs and feet, other people, and pets, as well as lights, air conditioners, and other electrical devices.

• Be wary of using a solid-stream nozzle and setting, which can cause the most harm.

Essential information: If you’re in the market for a new pressure washer, check out “Quicker Cleaning for Less.” And read our Spring-Cleaning Guide for advice on tidying up your home, your car, and your life.

Comments

[Steve]

Hi, I have just bought a gas powered pressure washer from pressurewasherbitz.com.

I think they are far better to an electric powered washer as the GPM is much higher, yes they can damage wooden decking - but you have to hold them away and use the right nozzle - easy!

Best pressure washer

[John]

It would be good if you ran a reliability or some other sort of service life or frequency of repair tests on these devices. I've owned three separate Karcher electric washers (each at or near the top of their line) and none of them have been operational after storing over-winter. Storage in a heated space makes no difference. I tried that first, found that the machine did not work and was advised by the manufacturer to store it with non-toxic antifreeze in the system even if it was in a heated space. I replaced the unit and tried again, but that made no difference either -- in the spring, the device made only clicking noises. Repairing one of these things costs a major fraction of the initial price and repair manuals and parts are apparently not available to the public.

I gather their industrial units are very good, and their gas-powered consumer units may be fine, but these consumer electrics just do not hold up. I think that, if you checked, you would discover that several large retailers who carried their units a few years ago have stopped. Inquiries indicate that the reason may be related to these reliability problems.

[Bev Schwiegerling]

I purchased a Karcher K 2.38 M power washer on 9/14/08 from Target for $79.99 + tax. It was used to clean concrete porch steps and wash two cars. The power hose attachment popped out because it was stripped. Since the warranty covers standard accessories and attachments for 90 days, the warranty has expired. A replacement part at RJBowers.com would cost $49.94. We would need to also purchase a 6 inch T15 torque driver to make the repair. Bottom line—making the repair would be a waste of time and money!

[John M.]

I bought a Simoniz pressure washer in 2007 and it broke down in just two years. Many plastic parts came off and the pump was leaking. I read a lot of forums and most people had these problem in some electric washers.I suggest Consumer Report to do a reliability test on several models.

[kevin kelly]

I am the owner of 2 Husky power washes. Bought the first and it worked well for the summer...that was about 5 uses. Found out it was broken in the Spring and rushed off to buy another because I was in great need. Now the 2nd one was great...for all 3 uses. i ws stored indoors by the furnace--toasty all winter--and leaks like a sieve. Now I'm trying to figure out what to buy. Getting them repaired is a real hassle. I'm not mechanical and the company wants you to ship back the machine if it's under warranty, but they never seem to be. Checking on line shows 100's if not 1000's of unhappy owners. What do I buy next? You should do a durability study. Thanks

[Robyn]

Another risk-a co-worker was overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning after using his gas powered power washer in a basement.

[Samantha M.]

I purchased the electric Husky a couple of years ago based on the CR ratings. For an electric the power is probably comparable with other manufacturers. However the design has a few issues.
The soap tank is merely pushed into a recessed area in the back. It falls out at the least nudge. After losing the expensive purchased cleaner the first time I used it, I began to place a piece of duct tape over it after each removal for filling. The adjustable wand is not that powerful offering settings for detergent/cleaner, spray medium, and higher pressure fan sprays that isn't remarkably different from the lower setting. When 'on' the soap dispenser setting isn't that powerful. It fails to reach second story windows with enough power to wash off heavy dirt( road dust). There is no option to use the soap with the turbo wand. (switching the wands is fairly easy, just push in and twist) In addition the adjustment for the detergent mix is not accurate and it is difficult to get the correct amount of cleaner/water mix. It either empties the cleaner rapidly wasting the solution or hardly releases any. This requires frequent checking of the back of the unit to see how much solution is in the cleaner tank. I usually just throw bleach into the cleaner container and I've had no problems with the unit doing so, even though the manufacturer recommends using a retail cleaner. For the price and what's out there it's ok.
I wanted something that I could access quickly for small jobs.
We do not have a heated storage area and I didn't want to have to deal with gas engine difficulties every time I went to use it.
I hate having to spend more time getting something to work than it takes to do the actual job. However for bigger jobs I would recommend purchasing or renting a gas power washer. Hope this helps at least one person chosing a power washer.

[Mark]

I am using a honda pressure washer that was bought at Sam's club. It was only used a few times, then the water pump went out (a bolt was sheared in half right in the middle of using it!). I took it to a local place that deals with pressure washer sales/service, but they didn't have the part and could not figure out who even made it. They suggested that some company in China probably made it. The unit is out of warranty, so I have to find another local repair shop who can fix it. I was told Sam's club would not fix the unit and were of no help.

[Nora Chen]

we hired a contractor to do the trim paint job. the worker used the pressure washer to remove the old paint improperly and broke the seals of joint between eaves and walls and windows. water came into house and damaged the interior wall texture. besides that, the falling paint got stocked between bushes and wall. so the worker used the high pressure to clean them and caused some of the stoccos pilled off. now the contractor refused to take any responsibility for the actions of his employees and insisted the pressure washer would never cause damage to the house. can someone help me to look for the manuel of pressure washer if there are things to void when pressure washing? thank you!

[Doug Nelson]

I had problems with a Craftsman Power Washer, this has been stored inside in the warmth. One season it was doing quite well, then next season I could not get enough power out of it. The engine was excellent but obviously the pump went out. I checked with a couple fellows who have lawn mower businesses and neither one would work on a pressure washer, I was also told by both that it would cost more to fix it than to buy a new one. I checked on line for parts and sure enough they were right, now I an in the market for a new pressure washer. Thanks for guiding me in the right direction.

[Dave]

Does anyone know how good the quality is with a Titan Industrial Pressure Washer?

[Elaine]

I've had a Karcher Model 410, 1200 psi,that I bought 10 years ago at Costco.It is just now starting to act up but it has worked fine all these years. I am now about to get another one and all these negative comments have me a bit worried. Costco is good about taking things back, however, so I'll be sure to save my receipt! I have used this pressure washer all these years for cleaning the driveway, patio areas, and all sorts of outdoor equipment, bird cage, etc. It takes a lot of time but it works!