It's the season of the pressure washer. Whether yours is currently sitting in your shed collecting dust and perhaps in need of an upgrade, or maybe you're like me and are forever borrowing one from family and friends? Well, let me introduce you to a budget-friendly buy that can literally clean anything and everything — and fast.

The Webb 165 Bar Pressure Washer is an affordable solution that has all of the added bells and whistles needed to clean everywhere and anywhere outside of your home, from exterior walls to patios, decking, fences and even your car. This all-in-one machine actually comes with various heads and nozzles for under £200, meaning that you'll be using it year-round, not just in the spring to bring your garden back to life.

I've used this pressure washer for the past 2 weeks, and I've found that it works brilliantly, especially on patios and concrete. I used its handy detergent attachment for cleaning my car and covering my patio in pet deodoriser, and so far, I am super impressed with it. Here's what I did and didn't love about this Webb pressure washer.

Specifications

• Model number: WEPW2200 
• Dimensions: 38.5cm × 31.8cm × 83.8cm
• Voltage: 230V
• Flow rate (max): 8.2L/min
• Nozzles: 2
• Accessories: Detergent Bottle & Foam Sprayer, High Pressure Hose, Fan Jet & Turbo Nozzles, High Pressure Spray Gun, Patio Cleaner, Wash Brush
• Power type: 2200W
• Max pressure: 165 bar
• Best for: Heavily stained patios, moss-covered driveways, large outdoor areas, deep, ground-in dirt
• Hose length: 6m
• Power cord length: 6m
• Net Weight without accessories: 13.1 kg

In a nutshell

A great and easy-to-use pressure washer, this Webb 165 Barr model is a handy addition to your shed, and it costs less than £200. We found the manual to be a little confusing initially, as one part of the assembly instructions was labelled wrong, but once we'd worked it out, it was totally plain sailing from there.

It comes with a range of attachments, but the two nozzles are where you'll find most of the power. I used both of these nozzles to transform my decking, my patio and the patch of concrete by my front door — plus more. Do note that the turbo nozzle is not to be used on painted surfaces. The manual claims that the adjustable spray nozzle, in the low-power fan spray setting, is best for painted surfaces. However, we found that this still removed paintwork from my decking and fencing. So, this pressure washer cannot be used on any painted area.

Handily enough, one of the other attachments is a detergent bottle — I used this to cover my patio in pet-friendly deodoriser to banish odours. Plus, it made an easy job of covering both of our cars with car cleaner. It also comes with a brush tool, which I found to be rather weak. It was ok for cleaning the car, but I wouldn't rave about it. The same goes for the round patio cleaner head, which just doesn't offer enough power to make a difference, in my opinion.

In terms of maintenance, it ticks all our boxes — the nozzles can be stored on board, and it offers cable storage, too. You do need to store the brush and patio head separately.

Unboxing the Webb 165 Bar Pressure Washer

This pressure washer arrived in a neat box, which was heavy, so I admittedly needed some help moving it from my doorstep into my garden. Upon opening, I noticed that there was minimal packaging.

The main unit was wrapped inside a plastic bag (04 PE-LD, therefore recyclable), as well as the manual. The brush head was also protected with PET plastic. Otherwise, the rest of the packaging was cardboard — to prevent the parts from bashing against one another in transit.

Unfortunately, this is where we ran into an issue, as the manual wasn't totally correct, hence our confusion when it came to assembling the machine. While the manual was comprehensive and easy to digest, a specific part of the assembly diagram was wrong.

Luckily, my husband was there to help, as he had assembled quite a few pressure washers before, so he knew where this part should go. If he hadn't known, though, I fear I would've ended up calling customer service.

First of all, the manual told us to attach the bottom part of the pressure washer to the top (the part with the handle). It also said to fit the attachment hooks. Easy peasy! This did require a screwdriver, but it was simple enough.

It then instructed us to screw the 'water inlet coupling with filter' to the 'washer water inlet'. In the diagram, this was displayed as being on the back of the machine. This is where the confusion began, as this was actually on the front of the main unit instead. There are holes on both the front and back, but the one on the back of the pressure washer doesn't fit the water inlet.

When we watched assembly videos, it became clear to us that this part was also meant to be black in colour, but the one that we were sent was see-through. Again, not a huge issue, but it did add to the confusion.

Once we'd gotten past this, everything else was a total breeze. The manual was fine otherwise. It explained all of the attachments and how to use them, and what to use them on. The same goes for what not to use them on!

Who will the Webb WEPW2200 165 Bar Pressure Washer suit?

This pressure washer will suit most people, whether you want it for cleaning your patio a few times a year or it's for reviving your decking. It's on wheels so it's easy to move in and out of a shed, plus it has a handle for carrying. Its cord is 6m long, so be sure to note where your closest socket is and ensure that you'll be able to reach all corners of your garden.

Specifically, it would be a great buy for someone who, like me, often uses patio cleaner and needs an easier way to apply this product. And if you often clean your car yourself, the detergent attachment is a game-changer. Otherwise, I imagine that the patio floor cleaner head will do a better job on outdoor tiles instead of concrete, which sadly I don't have, so I can't test it on. The brush was OK — it really did lack water power, but it's useful for popping on after spraying detergent, to get into the nooks and crannies of something like your car.

I would definitely avoid this pressure washer if most of your garden has been painted — whether that's your fencing or your decking. Both nozzles, even the one that claims to be gentle, removed paintwork from different areas of my garden.

Its sub-£200 price point is arguably the best thing about this pressure washer, as it comes with a lot of attachments for this price tag. Saying that, you would be able to pick up a cheaper model if you know you won't use these attachments and think that they will live in your shed forever.

What is it like to use?

This pressure washer is pretty simple to work out. Once you've plugged it into a wall socket, connected the hose to the main unit and turned the water on, you need only spin the red dial on the main unit until it points to 'ON'. Then, for water, you need to hold the trigger continuously.

There's a lock that they say you should press after use, ready for next time. This prevents the machine from accidentally turning on at any point.

Webb WEPW2200 165 Bar Pressure Washer: Performance

Patio

The first place I tackled with my pressure washer was my patio. It was really in need of a good scrub — especially after a full winter of frost, paired with the fact that this is where my dog usually pees. It was partly green in some spots, and while it's not old, it looks like it's in need of a full refit. It also had chalk stains on some of the slabs, thanks to my toddler.

We all know that pressure washing takes time, so I was prepared for a good chunk of my day to be spent on this. While it did take a while because it's a large area, I'd say that it was easy. The adjustable spray nozzle with high power, narrow stream worked the best on my patio.

I did find that this pressure washer was super powerful. In fact, it managed, in some places, to bring up a bit of my patio grout. So, I swifty avoided pointing the pressure washer in these places. Just a warning...

I also used the detergent dispenser on my patio. We often cover our patio with a specially-created pet deodoriser from Amazon. This is to banish pet smells from urine and to disinfect things like my toddlers' toys and climbing frame, too. Usually, this is a faff to use as it requires diluting and I use a watering can to apply it.

All I needed to do was pour some of this solution into the dispenser bottle and use it with the pressure washer lance; this was a total game-changer. It took only minutes to cover our entire patio area. Then, we left it for contact time for 5-10 minutes and washed it away with water using the pressure washer again.

Deck

My decking area was stained last year, so after the fence fiasco, I was admittedly worried that the same thing might happen and that this stain would start coming off. There were some green spots on my patio, which I didn't really want to use chemicals on because my dog often visits this spot — the same goes for my curious toddler.

I decided to go over this particular section very lightly, using the adjustable spray nozzle in low-power fan spray, to preserve the layer of stain we applied to it just last year. Admittedly, you can still see a little bit of green algae on my deck, but the worst of it has gone. I do plan on going over it once more, but the power on this pressure washer is very strong, so I need to be careful.

This pressure washer did try and remove a little bit of the stain on my deck, so I was wary while using it on the rest of my decking area. As you can see, it removed a layer of stain in some spots, so I'll need to re-stain this area soon.

Car

This pressure washer, paired with its dispenser attachment, which was filled with car cleaning fluid, made cleaning our 2 cars a total breeze. In fact, we won't ever get our car cleaned through the car wash again.

We managed to cover our cards in detergent fast, and then we switched to the brush attachment to give everything a good scrub. To be honest, this was the only time I used this brush and actually found it beneficial as it was nice and gentle but managed to get into small nooks — such as around wing mirrors and the window seals.

The result was good — our cars were visibly cleaner, but there were some marks on our cars that even the high-pressure nozzle couldn't remove. Saying that, though, we had no issues with paintwork removal, as we first gave it a go on my 2009 car, just in case, since it had been so powerful on painted fencing and stained decking, but it did not interrupt the paint on my car whatsoever.

Fencing

This pressure washer did a slightly too good a job on my fencing. It actually is so powerful that it removed the paintwork. Otherwise, when tackling a corner of my fencing covered in green algae, it definitely impressed.

I did have to stop as I noticed that it was peeling the paint away, too. Next time, I plan on going all the way and then once dried, I can touch up the paint or repaint this panel entirely if there's no rain forecast.

I tried both nozzles on my painted fencing, but either way, the paint was coming off. A shame, because the manual claims the the adjustable nozzle in low power fan spray is gentle on painted areas. Now I know this, I'll avoid using this on my fencing unless I'm planning on repainting.

Cleaning the front of my house

I also wanted to blast the concrete stones outside my front door with this pressure washer. In the manual, the round patio cleaner head claims to be the best thing to use on these types of stones. So, I gave it a go.

Sadly, I was disappointed because it seemed like the only thing this attachment was doing was getting the floor wet. It wasn't gliding over the floor super easily, either. This definitely wasn't the best attachment for this surface, despite the manual claiming so. The bristles are quite soft, and the water isn't super powerful with this attachment. I barely noticed a difference.

So, we switched back to the adjustable spray nozzle, but on a high-power narrow stream, and it worked wonders and cleaned this small spot very fast.

Afterwards, I used it around the white cladding that sits around my hallway and my front door. It worked fast and gave instant results. I was impressed.

What's it like to clean and store?

Storage-wise, you'll need a shed or garage for this pressure washer, like most of these machines. You can store both the nozzles and the lance, which detaches into 2 parts, on board. The spray gun slides to clip onto the side of the machine. Unfortunately, the brush, detergent bottle, foam sprayer, patio cleaner head and the brush will all need to be stored separately from the main unit.

All in all, it takes up minimal shed space, really. Its cord wraps around the unit for easy storing, and it's on wheels so that you can move it around your garden with ease.

It comes with a cleaning needle, which is attached to the manual, and this is for cleaning the spray nozzles if they are clogged. Otherwise, the manual explains other maintenance steps which don't need to be done very often, like filter cleaning, so that you know if/when to do these steps.

How does it rate online?

This pressure washer doesn't have any reviews online. It has no ratings at Amazon, and over at Webb direct, there are 0 reviews, too.

Should you buy the Webb WEPW2200 165 Bar Pressure Washer?

This is dependent on your budget — and what you'll mostly be using it for. If you can afford to spend £200 on a pressure washer and you'd like it to come with a bundle of attachments, then this is your best bet. If you know you'll be using it for cleaning your car, then it's ideal because of its dispenser attachment. The same goes if you often coat your patio with a solution like a deodoriser or algae remover.

I'd avoid this patio cleaner if you're on a budget, as there are definitely cheaper options out there, albeit they come with just 1 or 2 nozzles and nothing else. If your garden is small, then you probably won't need something with a 6m cable, either, just something to bear in mind. If a lot of your garden is painted, and your decking or fencing is painted, then I would avoid this pressure washer as it might be a little too strong.

How does it compare to similar pressure washers?

In our best pressure washer guide, we rate the Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer as our best pick. This Karcher model is more expensive than the Webb one, at £399.99 RRP. It does come with a car cleaning kit and a bottle of stone cleaner solution. It only comes with 1 nozzle, though, and it doesn't have a brush or detergent dispenser. Otherwise, it boasts 3 different pressure settings, unlike the Webb one, which only has one setting. Pressure-wise, the Karcher model isn't as powerful at 130 bar vs 165 bar.

About the review, and our reviewer

The patio is usually the heart of a garden. It's where we dine, entertain and make the most of sunny days.

A stylish outdoor space can even make your home feel bigger and more desirable, yet just as certain features can add value, others can have the opposite effect.

If you're looking for patio ideas, it's worth remembering that creating a well-thought-out outdoor space doesn't necessarily require a complete overhaul. In fact, some of the best ways to make a patio more expensive are surprisingly simple and can be tackled on a budget.

From cracked paving to a lack of greenery, these common mistakes can make a garden feel smaller, darker and less welcoming. However, the good news is that most are easy fixes, and even small patios can feel brighter, softer and more considered with a few thoughtful tweaks.

Here's what a few property experts say about the patio features that can decrease the value of your home and what you can do to easily make your patio feel more inviting, even if you're not selling your home.

1. Cracked or stained paving

Few things make a patio feel tired faster than broken slabs or years of built-up grime. Even if the rest of your garden is beautifully maintained, damaged or stained paving can instantly make the whole space look and feel neglected.

'Similarly to if you were greeted by a broken gate or chipped paint on doors and window frames, damaged or stained paving will instantly make prospective buyers feel as though there is work to be done and money to be spent,' says Elaine Penhaul, founder and director of Lemon and Lime Interiors.

I've always found that a good clean can completely transform a patio, having tested a fair few of our best pressure washers in our guide. I can attest that they blast away grime in minutes and can completely transform tired-looking slabs. Investing in a reliable model like the Karcher K5 Full Control Premium from Argos, which we recently reviewed, means you're far more likely to actually use it, especially when it makes such a visible difference so quickly.

Shop powerful pressure washers

However, more delicate materials, such as Indian Sandstone, do require a gentler approach.Alternatively, Ideal Home's gardens editor, Sophie, has a game-changing patio cleaner recommendation. 'For fast results, my mum and I absolutely love the Monty Miracle Complete Outdoor Cleaner, £29.99 at Amazon. It gets to work in just 10 minutes, removing black spots, algae and dirt, and you don't even need a pressure washer!' She also tested Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover, which is currently £14.99 on Amazon, and loved its long-lasting results.

Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialists Eurocell, agrees. 'Attractive landscaping is one of the essentials that can improve the value of your home, and if a patio has been neglected with cracked or uneven paving, it can become quite an eyesore for potential homebuyers.'

Shop dirt-busting patio cleaners

2. Weeds and moss between slabs

It doesn't take long for weeds and moss to take over and make a patio feel uncared for. Left unchecked, especially in this wet, warm weather, they can make the entire garden look damp, neglected and less enjoyable to use.

'While you're tidying up the paving, it is also a quick and easy job to pull up any weeds on your patio that are making the space feel neglected and unkempt,' advises Elaine. 'Moss can be a slip hazard too and can reduce the appeal of wanting to make the most of your outdoor space.'

The good news is that this is one of the quickest patio refreshes you can tackle, especially if you have the right tools for the job. Slimline weeders like this electric weed sweeper from QVC, which our freelance writer, Lisa, tested, are perfect for making light work of an otherwise annoying job.

Crevice tools, like the set I tested and loved (the WORKPRO weed remover tool, £13.99 at Amazon), are ideal for getting right into the gaps between slabs and pulling weeds out at the root.

You can also pick up manual long-handled weed brushes like the one our gardens editor has (the Newman & Cole weed and moss remover brush, £9.97 at Amazon), which sweeps away dirt and grime while also tackling those stubborn weeds while it's at it.

Shop tried and tested patio weeding tools

3. A very dark patio

Dark paving can look sleek and contemporary, but in compact or shaded, north-facing gardens, it can have the unintended effect of making the space feel smaller and more enclosed, explains Elaine.

Thankfully, you don't necessarily need to replace the paving as you can now buy patio paint, like Siramico coatings, The Patio Paint, £49.99 from Amazon, to brighten paving. Adding lighter outdoor furniture, decorative planters, and festoon lights can also help lift the space and make it feel more welcoming. I have these warm white Habitat festoon lights, £35 at Argos, in my own garden and love them for adding a little magic when the sun goes down.

Sara, Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor, adds that, 'Whether you're decorating a room inside your home or your outdoor space (like a patio), many of the same principles apply. So if you happen to have a dark patio, the best approach is similar to when decorating, say, a dark, north-facing living room.'

'And that's by adding light colours through anything from furniture to accessories, as these lighter shades will brighten up the space and reflect the little light your space does receive. Getting light-coloured patio furniture is an easier way to brighten a dark outdoor space compared to something like painting any of the patio's features. Which is also an option, just a more intrusive one,' she explains.

Elaine also suggests using mirrors to bounce light around the garden and create the illusion of more space. A large, classic-style garden mirror, like this arched garden mirror, £69.99 from B&Q, is a great choice for more light and to create the illusion of more space.

Shop these pale patio furniture picks

4. Dark or dated fence and wall colours

A fresh lick of paint can completely transform a garden, but colour choice is everything. In fact, the colours you choose for your fence can boost or decrease the value of your home more than you think. And if you have a small patio, the right colour can make the space feel and look bigger.

'In smaller paved gardens, you want to create the illusion of space,' explains Elaine. 'Avoid dark colours on fences and walls and instead opt for lighter alternatives such as white or light grey that give a light and airy feel.'

That said, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Helen points out that charcoal greys can look striking in modern gardens, while soft blues and pastel shades suit cottage-style schemes beautifully. The trick is choosing colours that complement your garden rather than overwhelm it.

Shop my favourite garden paint shades

5. A lack of greenery

Even the most beautifully laid patio can feel stark if it's surrounded by hard landscaping.

'Paved gardens are at risk of feeling dull and drab, making it hard for buyers to picture themselves in the space,' says Elaine. 'It's a great idea to add some potted plants of different shapes and sizes, or even some raised beds to add a new dimension to the space, as well as colour and interest.'

Helen agrees, adding that without greenery, a garden can resemble 'a concrete jungle.'

'An abundance of hard-edged patio can feel clinical and won't necessarily add value to your home,' adds Aisling Rusk, director of Studio Idir. 'To truly enhance your living space and property value, aim to design a patio that's lively, varied and soft around the edges.'

Aisling also recommends steering clear of a monotone look. Instead, she suggests introducing 'variety through greenery and pops of colour in your garden furniture and planters, to make the space feel vibrant.'

A few oversized pots, some climbing plants scrambling up a fence or simple border planting around the edges can completely transform the feel of the space.

It's proof that you don't need a huge budget or sprawling borders to make a patio feel expensive. Even a handful of pots in different sizes can soften hard landscaping and make the whole space welcoming.

I love Aisling's advice to break up large expanses of paving with planting and gravel. She also recommends softening the transition between patios, lawns and borders, rather than creating rigid, straight lines.

Shop these stylish planters

So there you have it. From cleaning your paving to adding some well-placed planting, a few simple changes can make your patio look more stylish, expensive, and help sell your home.

Even if you're not putting your house on the market, adding these tweaks will help your garden feel like an extension of your home rather than just somewhere to sit outside.

Every spring, my garden appears to have morphed into something resembling Shrek’s swamp, thanks to a circle of overarching fir trees. They shed a fine green film over absolutely everything – patio, steps, fencing, even the car, if it’s been sitting still for more than five minutes.

So, armed with the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium, RRP £379, available at Argos, I set about reclaiming my outdoor space over a solid two-week test period in Spring. I used it on my driveway, natural stone steps, timber fencing and, perhaps most satisfyingly, my very grubby car.

This model sits in that tempting middle ground: more powerful than entry-level machines but not quite in pro territory. I’ve reviewed several of the best pressure washers over the years, and the only one that beats the K5 Comfort Premium is Stihl’s RE 120 Plus.

But while the Stihl may still have my heart, it’s fair to say I was very impressed by this washer overall. Setup is quick, the cleaning results are instantly gratifying, and it makes deeply unglamorous jobs feel weirdly enjoyable. That said, you do need to respect its 145 bar power, especially on painted or more delicate surfaces. Unless you fancy adding “touch-up work” to your weekend plans, as I now have.

From snapping it together in minutes to blasting through weeks of garden grime and giving the car a much-needed glow-up, I’ve properly put the K5 through its paces. At £379, it’s not wildly expensive, but there are cheaper options in the pressure washer market – find out if I think it justifies that little extra spend.

Specifications

• Model number: Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium
• Dimensions (cm): H66.8 x W34.6 x L41.7
• Voltage: 230 - 240
• Wattage: 2.1kw
• Weight: 13.8kg
• Cable length: 5m
• Hose length: 10m
• Pressure (max): 145 bar
• Flow rate (max): 550L
• Nozzles: 4-in-1 multi-jet spray
• Accessories: Detergent dispenser attachment

In a nutshell

The Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium is a powerful, mid-range pressure washer that makes light work of everyday outdoor grime. It’s particularly strong on versatility, thanks to the 4-in-1 multi-jet lance, which lets you switch between spray types without faffing around with attachments mid-clean. The detergent system is equally flexible, offering two ways to apply soap depending on your preference.

Performance is where it really excels. It delivers fast, visible results on everything from cars to stonework. However, that power needs a cautious hand, as it can strip paint or damage softer materials if you go in too aggressively. Obviously, you can switch to a gentler spray. I’m just warning you to tread carefully (not follow my lead at go at everything with the max power rotary spray mode!).

Add in decent onboard storage, a long hose and comfortable trigger mechanism, and it’s a highly capable all-rounder with just a couple of usability quirks. It comes with a 5-year guarantee.

Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium: Unboxing and delivery

Straight out of the box, this felt like a serious bit of kit. It’s fairly heavy, but that weight translates into a sturdy, well-built machine rather than anything flimsy or plasticky.

Assembly was impressively straightforward. I didn’t really need the instructions (always a personal benchmark), but I checked them anyway, and they’re clear and easy to follow if you prefer step-by-step guidance. Everything clicks or slots into place in a logical manner and without too much effort.

The telescopic handle is slightly clunky to extend, but once it’s up, it sits at a comfortable height – even for taller users (I’m 5’ 10). Moving it around the garden is manageable thanks to the wheels, though you’ll notice the weight if you have to lift it.

Storage is well thought out. There are dedicated slots for the lance and handle, the detergent bottle clips neatly onto the side, and both the hose and power cable wind onto the unit. In theory, this keeps everything tidy. In practice, the hose did my head in, but more on that later.

Who will the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium suit?

If your outdoor space regularly takes a beating – think algae-coated patios, grubby cars, green-tinged fencing and garden furniture you forgot to store away over winter – the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium will be just the ticket.

It’s ideal for busy households, pet owners, or anyone who’d rather blast dirt away than scrub it off by hand. I’d say it’s probably overkill for the occasional quick rinse-down or smaller spaces. You’ll get the most from it if you’ve got a decent amount to clean and the strength to handle something with a lot of power.

Using the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium

This is very much a plug-and-go situation – no head-scratching construction or complicated accessories, just click, connect, and you’re off. There is a vague mention of downloading an App for cleaning tips, but I’m very much a “read-the-manual” refuser and preferred to crack on to the fun part.

The Comfort Hold trigger gun is designed to reduce the effort needed to keep it running, and while it does help (you’re not death-gripping it the whole time), I still found my hand and forearm aching after about an hour of non-stop washing. There’s definitely a vibration factor at play too, so pace yourself if you’re prone to aches.

It’s also pretty loud – I clocked around 80dB on my iPhone App – and while it wheels smoothly on flat ground, hauling it up steps is a workout. And the hose? It is long, which is brilliant, but it’s not remotely tangle-free. In fact, we may have fallen out on several occasions as it determinedly wound itself into tight knots.

How did the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium perform?

Car cleaning

I started with Trisha, my faithful Qashqai, mainly using the rotary nozzle for maximum cleaning impact – she was pure filth! If you enjoy that instant “before and after” transformation, this delivers in spades, and Trisha looked showroom clean in an impressively short amount of time (less than 15 minutes).

I tested the detergent dispenser attached directly to the lance first. There’s a handy dial to control how much soap you use, and naturally, I went full throttle to create a thick, satisfying foam layer. It comes with a bottle of universal cleaner, which I left to sit for about five minutes before rinsing off.

The results were excellent. Dirt lifted quickly, and I barely needed my usual car chamois to finish the job. It felt efficient and smug-inducing – especially when thinking about how much our local car wash costs these days.

I also tried the integrated detergent system, where the bottle clips onto the machine and you switch the lance to soap mode. This dispenses less foam but makes the lance noticeably lighter, which is helpful if you’re doing a longer session.

I suffer from weak wrists and a little RSI from years at a keyboard, so anything that helps with grip and weight-bearing is hugely welcome.

One slight mishap…in my enthusiasm with the max power rotary spray, I managed to strip a bit of paint off a section of my car roof bar. It looked awful, so I kept spraying and wiped the entire section back to black. It’s still not ideal, but I’m just relieved I wasn’t washing my husband’s much newer/posher car!

Entirely my numpty error. In the instruction booklet, it clearly states, “ATTENTION Risk of damage due to too close a spray distance or inappropriate spray type”, but a good reminder that this machine is not messing about.

Garden steps

Next up were the front steps, which, by April, had reached peak neglect. Made from natural sandstone, the dirt was deeply ingrained (probably two years’ worth if I’m honest), and not exactly the best impression given they lead to our front door.

This is where the K5 Comfort Premium really came into its own. The transformation was immediate and deeply satisfying, revealing a much lighter, fresher surface underneath.

However, using the most powerful spray mode, the sprayback was intense. On a breezy day (I had the bright idea to tackle it in 22mph winds), you will get soaked.

While most of the grime disappeared quickly, in a satisfying sea of brown sludge cascading down the steps, there were still a fair few stubborn black mildew spots remaining. I cycled through all the nozzle settings, but they didn’t fully shift.

I decided it was a job more suited to a specialist cleaner, so slapped on some of my all-time fave Wet & Forget, £26.99 at Amazon and left it to work its magic. Even so, the overall improvement was dramatic, and the kind of result that makes you immediately start eyeing up the next filthy surface.

Garden fencing

Finally, I tackled the green film coating my garden fencing – that very ugly residue courtesy of the surrounding fir trees (algae, technically, but “green gunk” feels more appropriate).

Our fence is black-painted timber, and I knew from previous clean-ups that a lighter touch was essential. As I’d learned to Trisha’s peril, the K5 Comfort Premium is powerful enough to strip paint if you’re not careful. Even on the gentlest flat stream mode, standing well back, I lost a few small patches of the black paintwork along the way, but nothing too critical.

It took a couple of passes to make a real dent in the slime, but the improvement was obvious. The frustrating part is that everything looks pristine while wet, only for some of the green to reappear once dry. Not entirely the washer’s fault, but worth knowing.

With patience and a bit of distance control, though, it was very effective and much quicker than scrubbing each fence panel by hand. Just be prepared for the odd touch-up job afterwards if your fence finish is delicate.

What's the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium like to clean and store?

Storage is one of this machine’s strengths. Everything has a designated place, from the lance to the detergent bottle, and once packed away, it feels surprisingly compact for something so capable.

Maintenance is refreshingly low-hassle. It’s recommended to flush the system with clean water after using detergent to prevent residue build-up, and to store the unit somewhere frost-free to protect internal components. Occasional checks of the filter and connections will keep things running smoothly. Overall, nothing onerous – just a bit of basic care to keep it performing at its best.

The only downside was the integrated hose reel, which is designed to aid neat storage and appears to be a great idea, but in practice, it really wound me up. The hose is billed as tangle-free, but mine had other ideas, twisting itself into tight, stubborn knots that tested my patience. Rewinding it onto the onboard reel was hard work – fiddly, resistant and frankly, the last thing I needed after a couple of hours of pressure washing.

How does it rate online?

Across the board, Kärcher’s K5 models (there are currently 9 to choose from) tend to score highly, and this Comfort Premium version is no exception. Users consistently praise the cleaning power and the convenience of the 4-in-1 lance, which removes the need for juggling nozzle attachments mid-task.

Common complaints mirror my experience: the hose can be prone to tangling, and the reel isn’t the slickest to use. For most reports, these were minor irritations rather than deal-breakers, and on the whole, it gets rave reviews. Durability and performance are where it really earns its reputation, with many reviewers highlighting how well it handles regular, heavy use around the home.

Should you buy the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium pressure washer?

If you’ve got more than the odd patio chair to spruce up, then yes – the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium is a worthwhile investment. It’s powerful, quick to set up and genuinely satisfying to use, making grubby, time-consuming jobs far more efficient (and dare I say, enjoyable). It coped brilliantly with everything I threw at it, from car cleaning to deeply ingrained patio dirt.

It's not without its quirks – it’s quite heavy to carry up steps, a tad loud in max power mode, and the hose situation drove me slightly insane at times. You also need to respect the power – this isn’t one for a casual, heavy-handed blast on painted surfaces.

But if you want reliable performance and real cleaning clout, it more than earns its keep.

It’s a fairly new model, so it wasn’t available at my local Kärcher centre when I checked, but I did find it for £379 at B&Q at the time of writing, and £350 at Argos, which seems like a pretty good deal to me.

How does the Kärcher K5 Comfort Premium compare to other pressure washers?

If you’re considering stepping up, the Kärcher K7 Smart Control offers more power and smart features, making it better suited to larger areas and tougher jobs – but it’s heavier and pricier. On the flip side, the Kärcher K4 Power Control is a more affordable, lighter option for occasional use, though it doesn’t deliver quite the same deep-clean performance.

It’s also worth looking at the Kärcher K5 WCM Flex Eco Booster Car & Home, which sits at a very similar price point to the K5 Comfort Premium but comes bundled with a frankly hefty pile of accessories. That might appeal if you like having a tool for every niche job, but having tested and/or owned at least 10 pressure washers over the years, I’ve found most of those extras end up cobweb-covered at the back of the shed. In reality, not much beats the raw effectiveness of a strong, well-directed jet of water.

For me, the K5 Comfort Premium gets the balance right: fewer gimmicks, more focus on core performance.

About the review, and our reviewer

If your patio is anything like mine post-winter, it can feel like a losing battle against grime, moss and those relentless weeds that seem to appear overnight in cracks.

After a few years of testing tools and tweaking my routine, I've picked up plenty of tips on how to get remove weeds from a patio and how to clean a patio, but what I've really come to realise is that people with consistently spotless patios don't just clean more. They're actually armed with the right kit from the get-go.

And it's not about having a shed full of gadgets either. In fact, the most pristine patios tend to rely on a handful of hardworking essentials that make light work of spring clean-ups and stop weeds from really taking hold.

Here are the six things people with spotless patios always have to hand to make sure their outdoor space is clean and free of weeds, and why they make all the difference.

1. A fast and effective patio cleaner

A spotless patio always starts with a proper clean, and you can do it without a pressure washer as water alone usually won't cut it. A good patio cleaner will help break down built-up dirt, algae and black spots that settle over winter.

Look for formulas designed for your surface (especially if you've got limestone or sandstone in particular) and ideally one that doesn't require hours of scrubbing! I've used Patio Magic, from £9.97 at Amazon, in the past, and it did such a good job, with no pressure washing and extra cleaning required.

Ideal Home's gardens editor, Sophie, has more game-changing patio cleaner recommendations. 'For fast results, my mum and I absolutely love the Monty Miracle Complete Outdoor Cleaner, £29.99 at Amazon. It gets to work in just 10 minutes, removing black spots, algae and dirt, and you don't even need a pressure washer! You'll just need to make sure children and pets are kept away from the cleaner before it's rinsed away.' Plus, it's suitable for most surfaces, including natural surfaces like Indian sandstone.

She also tested Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover, which is currently £14.99 on Amazon, and loved its long-lasting results.

Shop our favourite patio cleaners

2. A powerful pressure washer

I've tested a fair few of the best pressure washers in my time at Ideal Home, and I can attest that there's a reason why they are a staple for anyone serious about outdoor cleaning. They blast away grime in minutes and can completely transform tired-looking slabs. And they pair really well with patio cleaners, explains Sophie.

'If you have a good patio cleaner on-side, there's next to nothing you can't tackle - algae, grime, the lot. A lot of patio cleaners can be paired with pressure washers to banish tougher stains, too. It's just a case of researching the best machine for the task at hand and the size of your patio (corded or cordless, for example).'

I've found that investing in a reliable model, like our best pressure washer, Karcher K4 Full Control Home pressure washer, £239.99 at ManoMano, means you're far more likely to actually use it, especially when it makes such a visible difference so quickly. Bonus points if it comes with an app or adjustable settings so you don't damage more delicate paving.

Rossi Salvatore, Senior Product Manager at Karcher, concurs that, 'Powerful high-pressure machines quickly lift and rinse away stubborn grime, delivering a deep clean across large outdoor areas in a fraction of the time of traditional methods.'

Shop our favourite pressure washers

3. An easy-to-use weed removal tool

Weeds are the fastest way to ruin an otherwise spotless patio, but tackling them early in spring keeps things manageable, and we've been doing just that in our outdoor space.

The key is having a tool that makes the job quick and not back-breaking. Slimline weeders like this electric weed sweeper from QVC, which our freelancer writer, Lisa, tested, are perfect for making light work of an otherwise annoying job.

While crevice tools, like the set I tested and loved (the WORKPRO weed remover tool, £13.99 at Amazon), are ideal for getting right into the gaps between slabs and pulling weeds out at the root. The easier it is, the more likely you'll stay on top of it, and that's exactly what keeps patios looking pristine.

You can also pick up manual long-handled weed brushes like the one our gardens editor has (Newman & Cole weed and moss remover brush, £9.97 at Amazon), which sweeps away dirt and grime while also tackling those stubborn weeds while it's at it.

Our favourite patio weeding tools

4. An outdoor broom

This might sound basic, but one of the most underrated tools for keeping your patio looking just so. A good outdoor broom is what keeps a patio looking clean between deep cleans, explains John Pearce, Director at Oltco.

'One of the simplest but most effective habits for keeping a patio spotless and weed-free is regular sweeping,' says John. 'Clearing away leaves, dirt and organic debris prevents seeds from settling and creating the conditions where weeds can grow. A quick sweep once or twice a week during spring and summer can make a noticeable difference.'

Sweeping little and often is what's required, and it doesn't take that much time to do. And Isabel Fernandez, Director at Quorn Stone, says this is best done when it's dry to avoid sweeping wet mud and dirt across your tiles and into grout joints.

'When brushing, avoid using a broom with hard bristles, particularly with natural stone pavers,' she adds. 'Opt for a soft brush instead.' This twin-pack of soft and stiff outdoor brushes is the ideal combination to have to hand, £14.79, Amazon.

Shop these outdoor brooms

5. A weed prevention strategy

It's not just about removing weeds but also stopping them from coming back. Once you've cleared them in spring, it's worth topping up joints with sand or a specialist compound that helps block light and space for weeds to grow. It's a small step, but it makes a huge difference in keeping your patio weed-free for longer.

Mike Bekin, construction and home improvement expert and Managing Director at Ecochoice, suggests starting with the joints because that's where weeds anchor.

'After winter, joints often sit low because sand has washed out or been pulled out during cleaning. Topping them up so they are properly packed and level with the surface cuts out the crevices that collect silt and moisture,' he explains.

'For many installations, kiln-dried sand (The Glowhouse kiln-dried, brush in joint sand is a great buy, £14.49 at Amazon) is the straightforward option, while polymeric jointing products (like Dansand No Grow ready mixed, £30.99 from Amazon) can set firmer and reduce ongoing wash-out in exposed areas.'

Shop weed-fighting grout

6. A protective patio sealant

If you want that just-cleaned look to last, a patio sealant is the finishing touch many people overlook. When we got our patio laid, we got it sealed, and I honestly think it's made keeping it clean way easier.

Although not essential, sealing a patio can help extend the lifespan of your patio and keep it looking new as it creates a protective barrier against weather, structural damage and weed growth and can also revive the colour of older paving, explains Alex Peters, a Checkatrade cost guide expert.

On natural stone such as limestone or sandstone, an impregnating sealer (this Siramico Coatings natural stone sealer, £42.49 from Amazon is a good choice) that sits within the pore structure helps reduce water uptake and staining without changing the character of the surface too much, adds Mike.

'For porcelain, sealing is often less about the face of the tile and more about helping keep joints cleaner and easier to maintain, so choose a product that is compatible with the tile and grout system,' he explains.

'Sealant should only be applied to a clean patio that is in good structural condition, so it’s important to have it assessed by a specialist beforehand. Applying sealant to a patio with cracks or other faults may reduce its effectiveness and lead to the requirement of additional work later on,' adds Alex.

For best results, Alex advises that it's advisable to hire a skilled trade professional who can recommend the most suitable solution for your patio’s material and condition. However, if you would prefer to DIY, these sealant options get great reviews online.

Shop these patio sealants

So there you have it. Spotless patios aren't about constant hard work but more about having the right tools and doing a little maintenance often.

With these essentials in your patio cleaning arsenal, keeping your outdoor space clean and weed-free becomes less of a chore! Hopefully, you'll be left with a fresh, polished base to include a few winning patio decor ideas for garden parties this summer.

With the cold, dark winter months behind us, my attention is well and truly focused on cleaning up our act outside. By this, I mean that the patio needs a blast, kids' toys need a rejuvenation, and the car needs a hose down. The most efficient (and fun) way to achieve this? Pick up the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control, RRP £599.99, £439.99 on sale right now on Karcher.

I tested it over a couple of weeks, taking full advantage of the spells of spring sunshine. I found that it had the power to shift stubborn grime and enough length in the cable to get (almost) full access around the sides of my house from the outdoor power socket. It has easily got to be one of the best pressure washers on the market.

You can expect the usual German build quality with Karcher products, and the K7 Premium Smart Control is no exception – it's a solid piece of kit, designed with a retractable handle, hose and cable tidy. It can be customised with complementary accessories such as the Power Scrubber PS 30 surface cleaner and FJ 6 foam nozzle for more targeted cleaning, but these are an optional extra that can cost an additional £20 - 50 depending on the tool you opt for.

From unboxing and pairing the pressure gun to Bluetooth and using it on our outdoor equipment, I've given this pressure washer a run for its money. It'll cost you circa £600, so I've found out if it's worth it.

Specifications

• Model number: K7 Premium Smart Control
• Dimensions (cm): H66.9 x W33 x L45.9
• Voltage: 230 - 240
• Wattage: info not available
• Weight: 18.1kg
• Cable length: 5m
• Hose length: 9m
• Pressure (max): 20 - max. 180 / 2 - max. 18
• Flow rate (max): max. 550
• Nozzles: 2
• Accessories: 3-in-1 multi-jet spray

In a nutshell

The Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control is a prime example of the quality and performance that one would expect from a German brand. Some standout design elements include a telescoping (aka retractable) transport handle, hose holder, accessory compartment net and smart control high-pressure gun.

That pressure gun can be powered-up by 2x AA batteries to select pressure and detergent dosing levels. You can toggle through up to six pressures or "Boost" for max pressure. The greater the pressure, the louder the noise. And it was already a LOUD pressure washer – I recorded 82dB on a decibel meter reader app on my iPhone.

Noise aside, it did a fantastic job cleaning our patio, garden furniture and outdoor kids' toys; dirt and grime was blasted away with a zig-zag pattern. It wasn't so great at cleaning up the car tyres or trim around our side door, though.

It comes with a 5-year guarantee (plus an extra year if you buy direct from Karcher) so you might decide it's worthwhile the investment.

Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control: Unboxing and delivery

My first impression of the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control was that it was big. Huge, in fact. I felt a little overwhelmed by the delivery box that was plonked on our porch, and it took some brute strength to haul it into the hallway.

Inside the box was no plastic packaging (hurrah) and some neat compartments to house the 3-in-1 multi-jet spray and high-pressure gun. The main bulk of this pressure washer was as one unit, which, I thought, would make set-up easy. How wrong I was.

The instructions are dizzying. For example, a diagram of the K7 Premium Smart Control is on pages 2 - 3 of the instruction booklet, yet a description of the device is on page 9. Furthermore, pages 4 - 6 were a series of illustrations to demonstrate the assembly instructions to get the pressure washer working. This was as clear as mud.

However, after some trial and error, I managed to get all the hardware together, but you can also sync to the Karcher Home & Garden app via Bluetooth for device management and servicing, and control of the pressure washer. I found that the easiest way to do this was to download the app and then scan the QR code printed on a separate piece of cardboard found inside the delivery box.

Personally, I preferred to use the K7 Premium Smart Control physically rather than through my phone. I imagine that it'll be useful to get cleaning updates and maintenance advice as the weeks turn into years of me taking ownership of it, though.

What I did find more useful was installing 2x AA batteries in the pressure gun so I could increase or decrease the pressure or boost. The battery compartment can be accessed by pushing on a couple of buttons on either side of the handle. Just be sure to remove the protective film layer from the handle, which is in place upon delivery.

Who will the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control suit?

This is a serious bit of kit, and you get what you pay for. It's a quality machine which is easy to use, but not straightforward to put together. Once you get over the set-up hurdle/s then it would be a great choice for those who are looking to get their first pressure washer.

For what it is, it's also fairly compact and doesn't take up too much space in the shed. The pressure is also fantastic for shifting surface-level grime, but for ground-in stains, it might make matters worse.

Using the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control

Despite the ropey instructions which didn't give me any confidence in my set-up abilities, I was relieved that not only did I get the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control to work, but I could also use it without being too overwhelmed by its everything.

It's a large device with some big attachments and smart abilities, and it's LOUD. I recorded 82dB on a decibel meter reader app on my iPhone, which is equivalent to car noise. It's also heavy (18.1kg) to lift, so I used the retractable handle as much as I could across flat surfaces.

How did the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control perform?

Patio

I first used the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control pressure washer to clean the patio, which wraps around the back and side of our house. It doesn't get any direct sunlight, so the black pavers are prone to growing moss and algae. I shamefully hadn't cleaned the patio before, and it had been left for almost two years. This means that there was a lot of grime to shift.

I set the flat jet nozzle to a "hard" pressure level. This is the most suitable for stone terraces, metal surfaces and garden utensils. I then worked the nozzle in a zig-zag pattern across the surface of the patio. It took almost one hour to shift, but I didn't notice the time whizz by, and I found it immensely satisfying to see the end result.

I stretched the 5-metre power cable and 9-metre hose to their limits. I managed to reach our side door, but there was an area of patio down the side of our garden that I was unable to reach without plugging into a socket inside the utility room. This length of power cable will be long enough for most households, I'm sure, but it fell a little short for me, which was a little frustrating.

Garden furniture

Our one and only garden chair (sad times) had turned green. It's white underneath. It was covered in algae and mud, and I really didn't fancy sitting on it to enjoy a brew in the spring sunshine.

The pressure of the water pushed the chair back and across the patio. I used my other hand to hold it down so that I could clean it. I moved the high-pressure gun in a zig-zag position across the seat, back and arms of the chair to reveal the original white colour.

Kids' toys

Last year, the kids' toys were pink, but this year they were green with algae. Nice (not). I really didn't like the idea of them playing with the toys in their current state, so I put the K7 Premium Smart Control pressure washer to work.

The force of the pressure pushed the toys across the patio, so I used my other hand to hold down the rocking horse and outdoor table and chair set to clean it. Moving the high-pressure gun in a zig-zag position across the sludge budged it. Within a matter of minutes, I was seeing pink and red again, on all the toys.

Car tyres

Next, my husband gave cleaning the car tyres a go. He paid particular attention to the alloys. These haven't been cleaned in an embarrassingly long time. So long, in fact, that I can't remember. They were thick with soot and mud.

Whilst the K7 Premium Smart Control busted the majority of dirt from the alloys, we were still left with some marks and stains that only a sponge and some elbow grease could lift.

What's the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control like to clean and store?

Looking through the instruction booklet of the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control, I see a lot of "DANGER", "CAUTION", and "ATTENTION" in the sections for Storage and Care and Service. This is in relation to the weight (be aware), frost (make sure the device is empty) and electric shock (make sure it's switched off). There is also mention of a "sieve" which is located behind the water connector. This is to be cleaned under running water.

The high-pressure gun can also be used with non-chargeable or rechargeable AA batteries. These are to be replaced when required and disposed of in accordance with statutory provisions.

I stored this pressure washer in our shed, but it can be stored anywhere where it is under cover. The hose can be wrapped around the on-board storage, and the power cable can be neatly tucked into the accessory compartment net. If you have accessories to put in this net, then just ensure that the power cable isn't going to be a trip hazard and is out of harm's way.

How does it rate online?

There are some mixed reviews of the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control online, but overall, customers have awarded it 4-out-of-5 stars. Many users have praised its effectiveness on various surfaces and its durable construction. They note that it offers a strong cleaning performance with adjustable pressure settings and smart app integration.

However, not everyone has had such a good experience with the K7 Premium Smart Control. A few customers have commented that it makes a "humming" noise when switched on, and it stopped working, whereas others are unimpressed by the level of customer service they received.

Should you buy the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control pressure washer?

I enjoyed using the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control, and I found it immensely satisfying. It's perfect for cleaning the patio, garden furniture and large kids' toys that live outside. Whilst it is a large machine which is a lump to move, overall you won't be disappointed in the build quality and performance output.

However, it wasn't so good at removing the more stubborn grime that we had on the car alloys and around the windows. I also found it really LOUD, so I really felt for our neighbours who were quietly pottering in their own gardens.

It's not widely available, but I've found it on the Karcher website and reseller sites such as OnBuy. At the time of writing it was £439.99 when you buy direct from the brand, which, yes, is an investment, but it'll be the only pressure washer you'll ever need.

How does the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control compare to other pressure washers?

So, hands up, I haven't used a pressure washer before, making the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control my first. However, I've looked at other pressure washer reviews written by my product reviewer pal Linda Clayton, who highly rates the Stihl RE 120 Plus, £432 at Amazon.

The Stihl, also a German brand, offers a slightly lower 135 bar pressure and 2200W motor than the K7 Premium Smart Control, but it comes with more accessories. It's also more affordable; £432 when it's NOT on sale. Linda loved that it is easy to use, and it just feels robust and well-made.

If I'm way off your budget and you're looking for something half the price, then the Greenworks G40 could be a good fit. Linda also put this one to work, who reported that it is well suited for cleaning patios, driveways, cars, and similar outdoor projects, although she'll never rate the build quality (it’s the main reason it was awarded a 3.5 score overall).

About the review, and our reviewer

After a long, wet winter, my patio was looking a tad worse for wear. The slabs had been dulled by months of grime, and dark patches of algae had crept in, and the whole area just felt pretty tired and not at all like the outdoor entertaining space we painstakingly planned when doing our reno.

It's particularly noticeable because this is actually our new patio made from limestone, which we had sealed when it was installed. The stone is a lovely chalky white colour, which I love, but that also means every bit of grime shows up quickly. So we picked up Jeyes 4-in-1 patio and decking cleaner, RRP £16, at Amazon, which is one of the best patio cleaners in our guide, to see how it would fare cleaning limestone slabs and bricks.

It's a great solution to use in conjunction with one of the best pressure washers, and I'm impressed by the gleaming results.

What appealed to me most about this cleaner is that it's designed to cut through stains on both a patio and a deck without needing hours of heavy scrubbing. It's actually suitable for a range of surfaces, including stone, concrete and paving slabs, so I could tackle a load of different areas at once.

I also love that it can be used with a pressure washer, so there's no heavy lifting required. I used the EGO Power+ cordless pressure washer, available at Just Lawnmowers, which made getting around with it less faffy.

Before getting started, I diluted the cleaner with water following the instructions on the bottle and used the soap bottle attachment on my pressure washer to apply it over all the affected areas, which made the whole job surprisingly easy.

After coating the patio and deck with the formula, I left it to sit for about 30 minutes or so, so it could properly break down all that dirt and gunge.

Then I switched my pressure washer to the high-pressure setting and blasted everything clean. Now, if you want to clean your patio without a pressure washer or don't have one, you could even use a good garden hose for this step. Watching it all lift away from the pale surface was incredibly satisfying!

More tried-and-tested patio cleaners we love

Once the patio had dried, the difference was really obvious. The whole space felt brighter and cleaner, and the dull tinge that had built up during those months of wet weather had lifted. Even the joints between the paving looked fresher.

It's one of those maintenance jobs I always dread doing, but once it's done, it makes a surprising difference to how my whole garden feels, and this formula made it super simple to get done quickly and effectively.

Now, I must admit, it didn't work total miracles as it couldn't remove more stubborn black spots on my patio, but I think they would need a more targeted approach anyway.

The top-rated pressure washers to use with it

After trying out Jeyes 4-in-1 Patio and Decking Cleaner, I can safely say it's made a noticeable difference to my patio, especially since it was so dirty!

Combined with a quick blast from the pressure washer (which it really needed to remove all the filth), it brought the pale limestone slabs back to life in no time. Now the patio finally looks like the bright, welcoming space it was last year, ready for lots of summer entertaining.

I love pressure washing, especially the first clear down of the season, when all that nasty winter grime gets sluiced away in readiness for a summer of BBQs and day drinking on the patio! So satisfying. I also love that I got paid to conduct an independent review of the Greenworks G40 pressure washer, £209 at Currys, a compact cleaning tool designed for domestic home and garden use. Double win!

Packing a 1900W motor, it delivers a maximum pressure of 135 bar and a flow rate of 420 litres per hour, which should be absolutely ideal for cleaning patios, driveways, cars, and all those other outdoor projects that suddenly feel urgent once the sun brightens in the sky. With acres of patio to de-gunk and plenty of vehicles to keep clean, I was also excited to try out the 12” patio cleaner, soap dispenser and brush attachments – who doesn’t love pressure washer accessories? Just me then…

I had lots of fun testing the Greenworks G40 over a warm spring weekend, on the patio, garden fencing, cars and an exceptionally filthy horse lorry – I even got my husband Nick in on the action. I’ve used loads of pressure washers over the years, some I’ve bought, others I’ve had on review and either returned or sold. The model I have yet to beat is the Stihl RE 120 Plus (sadly, mine was stolen when we had a break-in last year, sob!), which has a very similar spec on paper. As the Greenworks G40 retails at half the price, I was especially interested to see how it would compare.

Would it earn a spot in our highly contested best pressure washer line-up, or turn out to be a bit of a damp squib? Stick with me to find out…

Specifications

• Model number: PWA111
• Dimensions: H60cm x W31cm x H38.5cm
• Voltage: 230V
• Wattage: 1900W
• Weight: 11.5kg
• Cable length: 5m
• Hose length: 6m
• Pressure (max): 135 Bar
• Flow rate (max): 420 L/H
• Nozzles: 2
• Accessories: Patio cleaner, foam sprayer, brush

In a nutshell

Given its price just under £200, Greenworks G40 pressure washer’s performance in cleaning everyday outdoor areas – cars, patios, driveways, and garden fencing – is surprisingly good, especially when dealing with winter’s grime. Its compact size, affordable price, and good range of accessories make it a compelling option for budget-minded users or first-time buyers.

However, the setup can be frustrating due to excessive plastic packaging, fiddly assembly (notably a troublesome spray wand connection), and overall build quality that relies heavily on plastic components. While it delivers on cleaning power, its assembly and durability fall short compared to more premium models.

It does come with a three-year warranty, so you might decide it's worth a punt.

Unboxing the Greenworks G40 pressure washer

I’m not going to lie, my first impressions of the Greenworks G40 pressure washer were not great. First up, the packaging was rammed with polyethene plastics – everything that could be wrapped in plastic was wrapped in plastic.

Some of it was widely recyclable 02 plastic, but a lot of it was less easy to recycle 04 plastic, plus it was annoying to have to unbag stuff that really didn’t need to be bagged in the first place.

Once I’d wrestled it all free from the packaging, I then had to put it all together, including screwing in the front pedestal holder, which was easy enough to do but not something I’d been expecting. I’m more used to just connecting the spray wand hose and getting straight on with the cleaning! The operator manual has teeny tiny print and comes with an A4 sheet of diagrams that do make sense, but could be bigger for the sake of my squinting eyes.

Things got worse when I just could not get the spray wand to connect to the hose. The instructions say, “engage the gun holder into the slot until it locks into place”. It did not and would not slot into place. I gave up and waited for Nick to come home and take a look. He managed to jiggle something down inside the connector, and, after using his full body weight to push the hose on, it finally clicked into place.

When connecting all the other parts, it soon became clear how the Greenworks G40 pressure washer can have such a bargain price tag. I’m used to brass fittings on this type of garden tool, not least because a tight seal is important when you’re dealing with high water pressures, but apart from one brass high pressure hose connector at the back of this machine, they are all plastic fittings, and they don’t click together with any kind of reassuring firmness or ease.

Overall, the build quality was disappointing, with a gaping joint gap on one side and a stiff, high-pressure hose that curled together in an annoying manner. Even the pull-up handle used to trolley it around doesn’t stay up and locked in place like I’d have expected. It took me about 20 minutes to get it all unboxed and assembled (not including the wait for Mr Muscle). Not a great start.

Who will the Greenworks G40 pressure washer pressure suit?

You do get what you pay for with this machine and it would suit anyone on a budget looking for their first pressure washer. It’s fairly compact, so won’t take a lot of space in your garden shed, and the pressure it delivers is sufficient for all but the very worst ground-in dirt and stains.

What is it like to use?

After a pretty shaky set-up, I wasn’t expecting a great performance from the Greenworks G40 pressure washer, but this is where it shone (thank goodness).

I connected the electric plug to our outdoor socket via an extension cord because you only get 5m of flex to play with, and then locked the garden hose into position using a standard Hozelock-type connector.

Then it’s just a case of turning the power switch on and squeezing the handle lever in. Oh, and grab some ear defenders, this beast is LOUD – recording an ear-splitting 91dBA on my iPhone decibel monitor App.

Greenworks G40 pressure washer pressure: Performance

Car

I decided to start testing on the car, which had about three weeks’ worth of dirt going on. The Greenworks G40 comes with two nozzle choices: fan jet (which can be adjusted to make it gentler) and rotary. The fan jet is designed for cars and larger surface areas where you want to work quickly, and the rotary is a more intensive nozzle that cyclones the water for removing stubborn dirt.

Connecting the fan jet nozzle, I went in for an initial rinse down to get off the worst of the muck, getting in close around the wheel arches and step plate. Next, I popped on the soap dispenser. I say popped, I found it incredibly hard to remove and connect things to the spray gun – you line up the pins and then push down with all your strength before it will twist into position. There may have been swearing.

The soap dispenser was loaded with car detergent that had been supplied by Karcher for a different product test, there was none included with this Greenworks order.

The dispenser works pretty well; it foams nicely, although it did whack through the detergent, so I’d probably dilute it next time.

Once it was all soaped up, I wrestled on the brush attachment and went over the car to see how well that worked. It could have had softer bristles. I was slightly concerned for the bodywork of our car, and the angle wasn’t great.

I had to stand in a funny sideways gait that soon became uncomfortable on my arms. However, it did remove the last vestiges of mud. Nick then stepped in to give it the final spray off, so I could photograph, and we were both pleased with our efforts.

Lorry

OK, so perhaps this was a bit of a niche test, but it was a good example of washing larger areas that are significantly muddy. The girls have been out and about all winter with their ponies, so it was good and dirty. I didn’t bother with the brush this time, but did switch to the rotary nozzle (again with difficulty) to nail some particularly stuck bird poop stains and it worked a bit too well, taking some of the paintwork off. Luckily, the lorry is old, so nobody noticed! I quickly reverted to the fan nozzle and finished the job, again, pleased with the results.

It's worth noting that the spray wand, while not excessively long (80cm), gave me just enough reach to get to the top of the lorry sides (although I am 5’10”, so that would have helped). I did find the tight curl on the high-pressure hose a bit unwieldy, and a few times had to give it a good yank to gain enough hose to move around the vehicle. I would also have appreciated a longer power cord.

Patio & stonework

Next, I had a go at our patio, which is natural limestone and badly in need of resealing. First, I tried the patio attachment, which is a 12-inch wide hoverboard type affair with a spinning sprayer that’s designed to cover a large area quickly and without the back-spray/mess you’d get without it.

I think if our slabs had been properly sealed, it would have been fine; there were a couple that came up nicely, but on the whole, the black stains and stubborn mildew/lichen/who-the-heck-knows refused to budge, and I had to admit defeat.

I then put on the most powerful rotary nozzle, and it did a better job on the slate-topped stone walls and steps down to the lawn, but there were still some deeply ground-in damage that hung on, and so the results were not terribly satisfying.

In fairness, I think our patio might require specialist help, perhaps sanding back and starting again.

Fencing

Now this task was a lot more satisfying, not least because the green algae coating our black driveway fencing had been winding me up on the regs all winter. Mindful that I didn’t want to take the paintwork off with the algae, I plumped for the fan jet nozzle and twisted anticlockwise to get the softest setting. This was also quite a wide setting, meaning I could whizz up and down the fence planks in seconds. Pure joy.

The algae came away easily, and I nailed most of it in less than half an hour. It’s quite an expansive area, and before my brain was getting fried by the noise levels. I definitely should have worn ear defenders, but I was really happy with the results.

What's it like to clean and store?

Cleaning and putting away any garden machinery or tools is not my favourite thing (I’m the same when doing any kind of decorating and DIY tbf). But I know how important it is for keeping your gear in good condition, especially those that use electricity and water.

So, I consulted the operation manual and read the usual advice about making sure all the water is drained out of pipes and nozzles, cleaning the latter with a soft brush and dislodging blockages with a paperclip. Nothing particularly gruelling is required. The main unit can be wiped down with a damp cloth if you feel the need, just don’t use any strong chemicals to clean it.

This isn’t a big machine, and the power cable wraps onto one side (manually), while the high-pressure hose can be tucked around the pull-up handle to create a neater silhouette. It won’t take up a lot of space in your shed, but it must be stored upright and in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The extra nozzle and wand extension for the patio cleaner can be stored on the machine itself, but the patio cleaner head, brush and soap dispenser will take up extra space.

How does it rate online?

I went down a bit of an online rabbit hole to find out what other users thought of the Greenworks G40, and I wasn’t surprised by what I discovered. It tends to average around 3 out of 5 stars in customer reviews, with ease of use and portability being the main advantages and some concerns about build quality as the drawbacks.

Some anecdotal evidence (especially on forums like Reddit and a few review threads) highlights issues with assembly, less-than-robust hose/gun connections, and occasional durability problems when tackling heavier tasks, such as cleaning stonework. Most people seemed fairly happy with its capability when it came to everyday cleaning around the garden, but there were a few warnings not to expect too much!

Should you buy the Greenworks G40 pressure washer pressure?

I did enjoy pressure washing with the Greenworks G40 and can report that it is indeed well suited for cleaning patios, driveways, cars, and similar outdoor projects. While my first impressions weren’t all great, and I will never rate the build quality (it’s the main reason I gave it a 3.5 score overall), if you’re on a budget and need a powerful enough pressure washer for everyday cleaning tasks, the Greenworks G40 could be a good fit.

However, if you need a machine that’s more hardcore – one that can handle heavy-duty jobs without fuss – you might be better off investing in something more robust. For me, while the cleaning performance was solid, the setup hassles and build quality issues mean it’s only worth it if your needs aren’t too demanding.

How does it compare to similar pressure washers?

The most obvious comparison model for me is the Stihl RE 120 Plus, because I have tested it and absolutely loved it, but also because it offers the same 135 bar pressure and 2200W motor and similar accessories. If I were buying, I’d go for the Stihl again, hands down, and regularly curse the thieves who hot-footed it away with mine. Even though it costs about £200 more, the build quality is so much better, everything is easier to use, nozzles click together nicely, and it just feels robust and well-made.

If you are resolutely on a Greenworks budget, or just don’t have a lot of pressure washer needs, the Karcher K4 Universal Pressure washer (which I’ve also tested), offers much better build quality for a very similar price but you’ll lose a tiny bit of pressure (130 bar) and (depending where you shop) it doesn’t come with patio cleaning accessories.

About the review, and our reviewer

A lightweight, compact pressure washer will make all those summer cleaning jobs so much easier - and that’s exactly what Aldi is providing with the new pressure washer hitting the middle aisle this week.

The best pressure washers can transform outdoor spaces, from cleaning your driveway to patio paving slabs.

Landing in stores on 29 May, the Aldi 20V High Pressure Washer is cordless, lightweight and compact for all your garden cleaning needs. This is everything you need to know before you hunt it out instore.

At £29.99, Aldi’s pressure washer is an incredibly affordable option, making it an ideal choice. The pressure washer claims to be 4x more powerful than other garden nozzles and has multiple spray patterns from 0,15,24,40, and watering.

This powerful pressure water has a rubber-coated soft grip handle, a five-in-one nozzle spray attachment, a cleaning brush, a carry bag, one long lance, one short lance and one six meter water hose. The Aldi 20V High Pressure Washer also has a maximum pressure of 22 bar and a maximum water flow of 160 L/H.

The portable pressure washer doesn't include a water tank but instead can draw water from a bucket, sink, water bottle or even a lake.

If you’re still stuck on the fence, then perhaps the multitude of items you can pressure wash (even things you didn't know you could pressure wash) can change your mind. This essential garden tool may be great for restoring patios, but you can also use it to wash off bikes and sports equipment, your front porch, garden fence, and even to give your wheelie bin a facelift.

Cordless pressure washers, like Aldi’s, are often considered easy to use, quieter than corded pressure washers and weigh a lot less than corded models, too.

The main drawback of cordless pressure washers is that they don’t pack quite as much of a punch as a corded model, meaning it may take a little more time to banish grime from surfaces. We haven’t tested the Aldi 20V High Pressure Washer, but for £29.99, it’s affordable enough to take the risk. Plus, Aldi is well-known for the quality of their Specialbuys.

All you need now is one of the best patio cleaners to pair with your new pressure washer for a sparkling outdoor space this summer. What do you say?

Ideal Home's best rated pressure washers

If you're not quite convinced by Aldi's pressure washer, here a few more, tried and tested by Ideal Home's trusted experts.

Dragging a regular pressure washer out of the shed, finding the outdoor extension cord, and connecting up hoses can feel like too much effort, especially if you only need it for five minutes. Enter the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer, with its battery-powered, portable design and user-friendly features.

This lightweight unit promises medium-pressure cleaning without the hassle of cords, making it a speedier solution for smaller outdoor cleaning tasks like refreshing garden furniture, de-mudding the kids’ bikes, and cleaning the car. It won’t take up much storage space and has one or two nice details—like a soap dispenser and extra nozzles onboard—that make it feel like a premium piece of kit.

I’ve tested several of the best pressure washers for Ideal Home over the years, but never a cordless option. I’ve always favoured the big-hitting, high-pressure models like Stihl’s RE120 Plus, which is man enough to tackle my generous gardens/patio in deepest Devon. When I first tested Flymo’s EasiClean Li Plus cordless pressure washer one spring weekend, I wasn’t convinced it would be the type of product that could ever earn a spot in my garden shed.

Keep reading to see if it proved me wrong…

In a nutshell

If you’re fed up with wrestling a bulky, corded pressure washer that takes longer to set up than it does to clean a small area, the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer could be for you. This compact, cordless unit comes with an 18V battery, a collapsible 20L water tank, and all the nozzles you’ll need, making it ideal for quick outdoor chores like refreshing garden furniture, removing algae, and giving the car a spruce-up.

But while the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus excels in portability and ease of use, it’s important to remember it’s built (and specifically intended) for medium-pressure cleaning, which means it may well disappoint if you ask it to punch above its weight. Its maximum 24 bar pressure and limited battery life of 30 minutes (on a good day) mean that hardcore cleaning jobs might still see you reaching for the mains-powered washer.

Overall, at just under £150, it’s sturdily built and packs plenty of neat features (LED power level indicator, soap dispenser, 5m hose, three nozzles, two lance lengths), making it a great buy for light cleaning tasks.

Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer product specs

• Model number: 967982901
• Dimensions: L39/72cm x W8cm x H18cm
• Battery: 18V/2Ah
• Weight: 1.5kg
• Pressure (max): 24 Bar
• Flow rate (max): 200 L/H
• Battery run time: 12-30min
• Charge time: 2-3 hours
• Number of nozzles: 3
• Power levels: 3
• Accessories: Soap dispenser, 5m hose, 20L collapsible water tank

Unboxing the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer

The Flymo EasiClean Li Plus landed on my doorstep in a compact box (L56cm x W16cm x H20cm) sporting the brand’s signature orange and black print. Inside, the packaging was predominantly heavy-duty cardboard, which can be widely recycled, and not an inch of space was wasted.

As well as the main unit and lance extension, it comes with a battery charger, rubber-covered battery, small foam dispenser, 5m hose with clip and filter, 20L collapsible water tank and three nozzle attachments with spray angles of 0°, 15° and 40° printed clearly on their sides. There’s also a paper operator’s manual, with diagrams and written instructions, covering assembly, operation and storage.

My first impression of the design was that it was neat, if unremarkable, and I liked that the spare nozzles clip under the unit, making it easy to switch them out on the go. Construction felt solid, and there was a reassuring amount of metal involved – some cheaper pressure washers use plastic throughout, which can lead to dodgy connections.

The mechanism for switching the nozzles is especially smooth, easy and they feel securely attached. It involves pulling down a metal coupling ring, attaching the required nozzle then releasing the coupling ring to lock into place, and it can be done comfortably once you get the hang of the action.

I loved how lightweight it felt, even once the battery was charged and loaded on. It was a similar size and shape to my daughters’ super-soaker water pistol (but less garish!), and the trigger handle felt ergonomic in my hand.

There is a standard Hozelock-style connector for a mains garden hose, but you can also attach the portable hose and use it with the supplied water bag, bucket or even a freshwater stream/water butt with the suction filter attached. This would be handy for taking it out and about, or if you live in an apartment and don’t have access to a garden hose.

Who will the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer suit?

I can imagine two types of users who would really benefit from bagging one of these. First up, those who have no need for a high-pressure washer because they only have occasional, low-intensity outdoor cleaning needs. I’m thinking washing algae off the doorstep, patio furniture a good clean, blitzing mud from trail bikes etc.

Then there could be those, like me, who have a high-pressure washer that they bring out for the serious, more extensive cleaning projects – like blasting winter grime off patio slabs and decking, for example. But who also has plenty of smaller cleaning tasks that would be quicker and easier to achieve with a cordless like this?

The only people I don’t think it will suit are those who only want/need hardcore high-pressure cleaning. Flymo market it as a medium-pressure machine, and that’s exactly what it is!

Using the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer

Once I’d loaded in the battery, inserted a nozzle and connected the garden hose, I was ready to roll. To start the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus you have to press in the starting lockout button (a safety feature in the top that stops it being activated accidentally) and then squeeze the main start lever in the handle. So simple, and a process that you’ll probably be familiar with if you have a cordless lawnmower or hedge-trimmer.

You do have to keep the lever handle compressed, as it turns off automatically when released, which could result in hand fatigue…if the battery lasted longer. As I only had a maximum of 30 minutes of battery use at a time, I never found that a problem! There’s a battery status indicator in the main unit that flashes when you’re about to run out of juice.

There’s a button on the top that allows you to dial down the pressure – from a starting point of 24 bar, down to 9 bar, but, as I was testing in spring when none of the winter grime had been dealt with, I tended to need the 24-bar setting for all the tasks I wanted to complete.

I started by having a little play with the three interchangeable nozzles that let me adjust the spray angle for different tasks. As you’d expect, the really sharp 0° nozzle felt like it delivered the best pressure, but as it only covers a tiny area, you’d really only want to use it for very small stains. I generally found the 15° nozzle the most useful, only changing to the 40° nozzle for rinsing the soap off my car.

Flymo EasiClean Li Plus cordless pressure washer's performance

Natural stone patio

As this was the first (and often only if I am honest) clean of the season, our limestone patio slabs were in an absolute state – we’re talking a winter’s worth of bird poop, tree algae, black mildew patches and moss growing where it shouldn’t be.

After exactly 14 minutes of pressure washing at the highest 24 bar setting, they didn’t look a lot better. I managed to get some of the moss out, and the green algae came off OK, but the black mildew and bird damage were stubbornly staying put.

It’s a large area and I wasn’t expecting to cover it, but I didn’t get one slab properly clean. There simply isn’t enough power. I used the 0° nozzle to write on one of the dirtiest slabs, to demonstrate the improved power, but it would have taken far too long to clean the entire 10m-long patio with this pencil-width stream, so I gave up and left it for another day when I had time to get out the mains powered washer!

Window frames

The outside of our extension has dark window frames that, because they’re south-facing, really show the dirt and dust. A quick blitz with this medium-pressure washer was much speedier than my usual manual wipe-down with a damp cloth and more fun!

I was slightly perturbed that the pressure wasn’t strong enough to blow away the cobwebs (although they do have a tensile strength to rival steel, so don’t feel too bad, Flymo), but it did do a good job at removing a winter’s worth of dust.

Garden fencing

Now, this task proved much more satisfying. Our garden is surrounded by fir trees, which means that the North-facing (ie dark) side of our driveway fencing, plus lots of other surfaces, gets coated in a slimy, green film of algae over the winter months.

I dare not use our high-pressure washing on the fencing because it’s painted timber and the paint strips of,f but the medium pressure of the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus proved perfect – clearing off the algae without wrecking the paintwork.

After tinkering with the pressure settings, I found I did need the highest setting for the greenery to go away, which, of course, meant I ran out of battery juice before the job was done. I think if I were to buy this model, I’d invest in at least one spare battery.

Old water pump

For this little test, I decided to use the collapsible water bucket to see how useful it was to be fully portable and also because I don’t have an outdoor tap on that side of the house. So, actually, it was very handy. Although most pressure washers I’ve tested are fine to take water from a bucket rather than a hose, they drain them incredibly quickly.

Anyway, this job was another algae removal task – the old well pump that’s randomly attached to the front of our Victorian house was long overdue for its annual refresh. Again, I needed the highest pressure setting and, although it did remove about 80% of the gunk, I couldn’t get it as clean as I usually can with our mains powered machine. On the plus side, I didn’t run out of battery and only had to refill the 20L water bucket once.

Car

My final test was washing my car, which gets very dirty on the country lanes around Devon, although the weather has been kind, so it was much cleaner than usual. This time I took the opportunity to test the foam dispenser, which was a total fail.

I filled the foam bottle with car shampoo and a little water, then attached it to the pressure washer without the extension wand, as per instructions. I dialled the soap level button on top to minimum and barely anything came out, but even when I turned it up to maximum, the foaming situation was truly pitiful, and I abandoned the idea.

Cracking on with the cleaning, I tried all three nozzles and power settings, but it didn’t really shift the dirt, especially around the wheel arches and side trim, which is where it’s dirtiest.

Even with my high-pressure machine, I use a soft microfibre type brush to get rid of those muddy streaks that always seem to come back once the car has dried but I’d say the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus wasn’t much of an improvement on what I can achieve with a brush and our regular garden hose. I’d rate it good enough for a quick dust down, but this is not the machine for a proper valet. The guys at our local carwash needn’t lose any sleep…

On the upside, I managed to get all the way around (my medium-sized car) in 20 minutes, which meant I did it in a single charge – woop!

What's it like to clean?

I found that the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus was a cinch to clean and maintain. There are a few little “must-dos” to help keep it in tip-top condition. For example, make sure the water container and hose are properly emptied after use to prevent stagnant water buildup.

Cleaning the nozzles was just as simple – they just need rinsing under warm water, and you may occasionally need to use a soft brush to clear away stubborn deposits, but I didn’t feel the need. There’s also a filter in the part where you connect the garden hose, which screws out easily and again just needs the occasional rinse.

As this is a small garden tool, storage was super easy. I just popped it on a coat hook in our shed, wrapping the hose around it (and making sure the water had all drained out). I liked that the nozzles stay safely together on the unit.

How does it rate online?

I checked out user reviews from verified customers on sites like Amazon and AO.com and wasn’t surprised to discover the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus was widely praised for its portability, ease of use, and convenience.

Many reviewers appreciate its lightweight design and cordless functionality – there are loads of comments about what a doddle it is to set up and get going, too. In general, it seems very popular among casual users looking for a low-key cleaning solution.

The main recurring concern was regarding the battery life and the water capacity of the collapsible bag supplied. A lot of people grumbled about the fact they only had 15 minutes or so of cleaning time and often ran out of battery power before completing a task – washing the car was mentioned most frequently. Plus, there was plenty of moaning about how quickly the water runs out if you’re not connecting to a mains hose – meaning lots of refills to get the job done.

Cleaning and storing the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer

I found that the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus was a cinch to clean and maintain. There are a few little “must-dos” to help keep it in tip-top condition. For example, make sure the water container and hose are properly emptied after use to prevent stagnant water buildup.

Cleaning the nozzles was just as simple – they just need rinsing under warm water, and you may occasionally need to use a soft brush to clear away stubborn deposits, but I didn’t feel the need. There’s also a filter in the part where you connect the garden hose, which screws out easily and again just needs the occasional rinse.

As this is a small garden tool, storage was super easy. I just popped it on a coat hook in our shed, wrapping the hose around it (and making sure the water had all drained out). I liked that the nozzles stay safely together on the unit.

Should you buy the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus pressure washer?

The Flymo EasiClean Li Plus is a compact cordless pressure washer focusing on convenience and portability. It’s solidly built and feels like it will last a good few years, making it an attractive proposition for anyone seeking a handy, lightweight machine for light to moderate cleaning tasks. Priced just shy of £150, it has decent features, like an 18V battery that’s compatible with a wide range of Flymo products, plus adjustable power and three-nozzle attachments.

The main selling point of this model is its portability, which anyone without outdoor power or a long enough garden hose will really appreciate. And if your only alternative is a bucket and scrubbing brush, you should absolutely buy the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus. I’d also say its portability appeals from a low-effort angle.

No plugging and connecting and dragging around on wheels, makes it a far more appealing option than a heavy-weight machine if the task you’re facing isn’t desperately dirty or going to take more than 20 minutes. However, with a maximum pressure of 20 bar, it’s not up to heavy-duty cleaning jobs. For those, you’ll need a more powerful high-pressure washer.

How does it compare to similar pressure washers?

The Flymo EasiClean Li Plus doesn’t feel like a huge step up from its more basic sibling, the Flymo EasiClean Li. As far as I can tell, the Plus model benefits from the soap dispenser (which I didn’t rate) and collapsible bucket, but otherwise, they’re the same beast. Saying that, if you buy from Amazon, there’s currently only a couple of pounds between them, so you may as well go for the Plus.

When comparing it to other cordless models, such as the Worx WG620E.2 Cordless Hydroshot and the Ryobi RY18PW22A-0 18V ONE Cordless, I felt the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus held its own. The Worx Hydroshot, for instance, has two extra pressure settings and is about £50-£60 cheaper but just a teeny bit heavier and not as good looking! It also lacks Flymo’s battery-level indicator. On the other hand, the Ryobi model has a longer lance and longer hose for better reach, but it is slightly lower pressure at 22 bar max, which is not something you can afford to compromise when comparing any cordless pressure washer.

About the review, and our reviewer

Linda Clayton tested the Flymo EasiClean Li Plus cordless pressure washer at her family home in Devon over a sunny spring weekend, cleaning the patio, window frames, garden ornaments, and car.

She even took it to the forest so she could hose her dog Milo off before he got back in the car after a particularly muddy walk – on the lowest power setting, of course!

Most people assume that the best gadgets and gizmos are the ones you use every day. But I often find that it’s the products I use every now and then that have the biggest impact on my home life - and my Kärcher K 2 Power Control Home Pressure Washer is one of those must-have products I now couldn’t live without. The best part? You can now grab it for under £120 on Amazon… which is an absolute steal.

Yes, if you’re considering one of the best pressure washers to clean your patio for spring, refresh your garden furniture for summer, or save yourself a few hours of cleaning the car, this model is perfectly suited to the job. This bundle even comes with two spray lances, a patio and deck cleaner, and a T1 surface cleaner for this bargain price. How could you resist?

It’s not just me who loves this Kärcher Pressure Washer, either. It has been crowned the ‘best small pressure washer’ overall in our guide, and Ideal Home’s very own Editor-in-Chief, Heather Young, also swears by this model. She says that while it's 'small and compact, it doesn't compromise on power.'

That’s all thanks to the 110 bar of pressure this model offers, the perfect number for medium-duty cleaning jobs and general home cleaning. It’s equipped to do everything from cleaning patios to cleaning garden tools, the best garden furniture, bikes, and more. And you can take that from someone (me) whose garden is surrounded by trees and has the dirtiest patio known to man (or woman!)

However, it also comes with all of the accessories that you could need to make these cleaning jobs as quick and efficient as possible - including a Vario lance with three pressure settings, a Dirt Blaster lance, a 5m high pressure hose, adapter garden hose, T1 surface cleaner, and a 500ml bottle of Kärcher’s very own Patio & Deck Detergent. From personal experience, this concoction is just as impressive as the best patio cleaners out there.

Don’t have a lot of storage in your outside space? Don’t worry, neither do I - but that’s one of the reasons why I love the Kärcher K 2 Power Control Home Pressure Washer so much.

The machine itself is relatively compact, and the onboard storage means that you can keep the accessories safe without losing them to the depths of your shed. Plus, it has wheels, so it’s easily manoeuvrable from one place to the next.

Of course, the name is another selling point. Kärcher is a legend in the cleaning game, known for manufacturing must-have gadgets to make interior and exterior home maintenance a breeze.

And while I can’t get enough of my Karcher Window Vac, my pressure washer is my second favourite. I even use mine to clean my windows when I’m feeling lazy - on the lowest pressure setting, so I don’t accidentally smash them, of course.

It’s rare to find a Kärcher pressure washer for under £120, though, which is why I’d suggest you jump at the chance to add one to your spring cleaning basket!

The best Amazon pressure washer deals

Who knows how long this deal will last, so I'd snap it up before it jumps back up to full price again!

I tested the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer to see if it could help me tackle all the grotty garden cleaning before the summer kicks off.

Like most of the best pressure washers, this Nilfisk is a corded, upright design, which comes with a flexible, extra-long 10-metre hose and a range of accessories to clean everything from windows and cars to patios and brick walls. Plus with its high-pressure (160 bar) capabilities, it's a great choice for really mucky jobs.

Thanks to Belfast year round rainfall, my patio was in dire need of a thorough scrubbing. I tested out the Nilfisk Excellent to see if it could clear the grime off our paving slabs so I could officially set up our garden furniture for the summer ahead. I took in the practicalities like its size, weight, storage, accessories, quality and value for money, as well as its cleaning performance.

Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer product specs

• Power type: 1900w
• Max pressure: 160 bar
• Best for: Large patios, decking, brick walls and car cleaning
• Hose length: 10m
• Power cord length: 5m
• Weight: 20.9 kg
• Accessories included: a power foam blaster, a short-range nozzle, a 3-in-1 multipurpose gun with different nozzle settings, and a nozzle cleaning needle. Compatible with Click&Clean coupling.
• Additional accessories available: Power Patio, Rotary Brush

The Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 high pressure washer is powerful and comes complete with a multipurpose gun and lance and a Power Foam Blaster. It pretty much cleans anything you'd like with minimal effort with its long-life metal pump from deeply ingrained dirt to delicate surfaces, but it's always worth being aware of the things you should never clean with a pressure washer.

If your task requires gentler cleaning such as bicycles, you can use the short range nozzle which fits directly on to the gun. The Power Foam Blaster creates thick foam with detergent which connects to the end of the gun to spray your car or other item needing a proper scrub down. Then you can just rinse it off sparkling clean with the nozzle of your choosing.

Unboxing the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer

The Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer was delivered in a tall box and upon opening, it was easy enough to lift out with its large handle, if not hefty, but it was  relatively compact in design with minimal packaging to contend with.

All the accessories came neatly packaged but I did need to consult the troubleshooting guide to work out exactly how to put it all together. But once all the connections were in place, it was easy enough to get it up and running fast. 

Setting up the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer

There wasn't a lot of setting up needed for the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer, except for clicking the different accessories into their respective places on the unit. I added the nozzle to the end of the lance to concentrate on stubborn stains first.

Once they were all set up, I moved on to connecting up our hose to get blasting our patio. I connected up the hose and extended the unit's 10m hose before turning on the tap. I plugged it in, switched it on and it was ready to rock. 

What is it like to use?

The flexible hose is a generous 10m so I didn't have to move the main unit at all while I cleaned, which was great as I had a large enough area to cover and the unit itself is definitely on the heavy side. The lance, in contrast, was super lightweight and the ergonomic handle meant the trigger wasn't too taxing on my RSI. 

Although, it would have been great to have had a way to lock the trigger on while cleaning. There's a way to lock the trigger off when not cleaning for safety but no way to keep it on (which is probably for safety also.)

It's relatively quiet with an induction motor so you don't need to worry about how to soundproof your garden. You can choose from a number of rough and gentle settings on the multipurpose lance by twisting the nozzle without the need to stop.

Storing is super easy too. All the tools fit neatly on the pressure washer, with the 10m hose reel on the front and the flex cord cable tidy to the back. It is heavy though so luckily, it has handy wheels and a large handle to wheel it into the garage after use.

Pressure washing the patio

I tested the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer on our patio because it was in dire need of a scrub. I used the nozzle first to blast away over a year's worth of green moss and algae from the patio stones and it was quite a satisfying job as I could see the difference in colour straight away. 

If you're wondering how to use a pressure washer, I started from one side to the other to the other to make sure I didn't miss a stone (but it would be easily identifiable since the difference was striking.) After a blast with the pressure washer nozzle on all the stones, I changed things up with the Power Patio attachment which also combines a scubber brush surround. 

The Power Patio attachment features adjustable pressure control to clean on both hard and soft surfaces, including wood, concrete, tiles and brick, vertically or horizontally. I gave the patio a full scrub with this and it really upped the cleaning ante.

Once scrubbed with the patio brush, I gave the patio a rinse with the gentle setting on the lance nozzle, starting from one side to the other. Once dry, I couldn't believe the transformation, and I didn't even need to combine one of the best patio cleaners with it.

What's it like to clean?

Most of the NIlfisk attachments only require a rinse and a wipe under the tap to clean but there are specific parts that require a little more attention. There's a filter situated where the hose attaches which needs to be extracted using a set of pliers. 

This needs to be rinsed under the tap with water only to make sure there are no blockages. And it's recommended to clean any blockages at the nozzle inlets too using the pin supplied.

Storing the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer

As it's a neat design with a telescopic handle and onboard storage, it doesn't take up too much floor space in our garage but it's still a big enough footprint for a small space.

However, it's great that the tools can be kept onboard in the designated tool storage areas on the unit itself. There's both a cable and hose tidy and both the gun handle and other accessories had nicely designed storage on the main unit too.

Should you buy the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer?

If you want a pressure washer that can clean pretty much everything and more, you can't go wrong with the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer. It's a great mid-range machine that's well built and powerful machine which worked wonders on my patio, car, kids outdoor toys and more.

In terms of user friendliness, the set-up was very minimal, it's super simple to use and efficient on removing dirt and grime from any of the surfaces we used it on. The range of settings helped to give more control to cleaning tasks whether you need a powerful stream of pressure or something more gentle for more delicate items.  

As with all corded pressure washers, you do need to be careful not to trip over the electrical cable and the hose but I like the way it's easily stored away after use. 

How does it compare to similar pressure washers?

Compared to other pressure washers, the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer performs amazingly well. Priced reasonably for all of its high pressure abilities and clever design features, we think it's definitely one of the best pressure washers out there.

However, if it feels on the pricier end of the scale for you, the Bosch Aquatak Corded Pressure Washer might be the one for you. Or compare it with our top-rated Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer, which is a similar price, comes with detergent, and an app to help with assembly and set-up.

About the review, and our reviewer

Jenny McFarlane is Senior Digital Editor for Ideal Home and has been writing for Ideal Home and other homes titles for many years. She’s a design obsessive, an avid collector of homeware (much to her husband's despair), and a lover of period properties. 

She was sent the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer to test in her Belfast home, to find out how well it performs across various outdoor surfaces and items.

As with all our reviews the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 pressure washer has been tested first-hand in our homes, using it just as you would so you know exactly what you are buying. 

The products are given to us free of charge and we test them for as long as possible before sending them back to the brand unless we are able to keep them as we are with this steam cleaner. This means that we can continue to use the product which allows us to return to our reviews for updating, so you can keep up-to-date with how it's fared over a period of time.

You probably don’t need us to tell you that a pressure washer wouldn’t be a pressure washer without water. But if you’re on a water meter and looking to save money on your bills, it’s important to know just how much water a pressure washer uses. 

While we already know how much electricity a pressure washer uses, that’s not the only cost you need to factor in when using one of the best pressure washers. That's because this handy garden appliance will impact two of your monthly bills: your energy bill and your water bill. 

This is something you should consider before buying your first pressure washer or using an old one to clean a driveway, wash a car, or refresh your patio in time for summer. And that’s exactly why we’ve consulted with the experts to understand how much this will really cost you.

Do pressure washers use a lot of water?

If you’re unmetered and simply pay a set amount for your domestic water service regardless of how much you use, the amount of water a pressure washer uses won’t impact your bills. However, it’s still important to minimise your water consumption when you can. 

If you’re on a water meter, on the other hand, you’ll pay for the units of water you use - which will drastically increase when you use a pressure washer. How much you actually pay depends on a few factors, though.

‘The amount of water used by a pressure washer can vary based on many factors, including the pressure washer's flow rate, the pressure setting, and the duration of use,' explains Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER. 

Because of this, it’s best to consult the pressure washer you have in your shed or the specifications of the pressure washer looking to buy. ‘On average a pressure washer can use between 2 to 4 gallons of water per minute (GPM), this means for an hour's use it’ll consume between 120 to 240 gallons of water,' says garden landscaping expert Tom Clifford, from Gardenstone. 

This is the case for the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 PA Pressure Washer, which has been crowned the ‘Best multipurpose pressure washer’ in our guide. This particular pressure washer uses around 2 gallons of water per minute, or 120 gallons per hour - which is more than you’d probably think.

‘On average 120 gallons of water is equivalent to 4 baths, so this is a substantial amount of water for cleaning your patio,’ adds Tom. And to work out how much that will cost, you’ll need to check your own personal water rates. 

‘However, it is important to remember that the consumption of water will vary depending on the type of pressure washer you own,’ Tom says. ‘If you’re concerned about the amount of water you’re using then you may want to invest in a low GPM pressure washer, this will offer effective cleaning while consuming minimum water.’ 

In fact, there are some very efficient pressure washers out there - including our top-rated pressure washer, the Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer. Although this pressure washer offers impressive cleaning power, it only uses a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute, which is significantly less than others on the market. 

This will still put your water bill up during a time when people are trying to save money, though, so is it best to clean without a pressure washer instead? Given the choice, Tom would always choose spending a few extra pennies on a pressure washer than cleaning by hand. 

‘There is no denying that washing by hand will use much less water, and at maximum you will require 4-5 small buckets of water and a quick rinse with a hose,' says Tom. 'However, you may also need to clean your patio far more frequently with hand-washing, pressure-washers are effective at breaking through tough stains and dirt so your patio will likely stay clean for far longer.’

‘This means that in the long run, hand-washing may not use that much less water than pressure washing.’

How to save water when using a pressure washer

While there's no way to avoid using water when using a pressure washer, there are ways to considerable reduce the amount of water wastage. Here are some top tips on how to do that:

Use the proper technique: When using a pressure washer, you want to be quick and efficient. Unfortunately, spending too long playing around with a new pressure washer and figuring out its quirks will waste time and money, which is why you need to use the proper technique. Our guide on how to use a pressure washer can help you with that. 

Use a cleaning agent: Although you don’t technically need to use a cleaning agent when using a pressure washer, this is something that could come in handy when you’re looking to save water. After all, the more cleaning agent that you use, the less water you’ll need to use. Just make sure that it’s safe to use this cleaner on the surface you’re looking to clean. 

Choose a self-priming pressure washer: Did you know that you don’t necessarily need to connect a pressure to your outside tap? You could instead opt for a self-priming pressure washer, which allows you to fill the tank with an external water source such as a water butt. This can also work in your favour if you’re looking to use a pressure washer during a hosepipe ban, which is common during the summertime. 

Avoid commercial pressure washers: If you have a large patio or driveway, you may be inclined to buy or rent a commercial pressure washer in an effort to save you time. But, ultimately, what you gain in time is lost in your water bills. Nick says, ‘Commercial or industrial-grade pressure washers can use anywhere from 2.5 to 5 GPM or more.’

Use warm water: Everyone knows that it’s easier to wash dirty plates in warm water rather than cold water, and the same is the case when cleaning a patio or driveway. By adding some warm water to your pressure washer, you’ll find that it takes less time, as the warm water molecules break down the dirt and grime quickly. 

The best pressure washers - our top picks

FAQs

Does a pressure washer waste a lot of water?

Pressure washers certainly do use a lot of water. Most domestic pressure washers use between 2 to 4 gallons of water per minute (GPM) which equates to 120 to 240 gallons of water. To help visualise that, 120 gallons of water is the equivalent of four bath’s full of water. 

However, pressure washers are often the most effective way to clean outside areas - especially compared to hand cleaning. 

There are also many ways to save water while you’re using a pressure washer, and you can choose a model that suits you and your water bill best. 

Does a pressure washer use less water than a garden hose?

Yes! While it may seem like pressure washers use a lot of water, they use very little compared to the garden hose. On average, they use between 50-80% less than a typical garden hose, and that’s all thanks to its high-pressure system.

In fact, Karcher claims that all of its pressure washers use up to 80% less water than a garden hose, which is why it’s always better to clean a patio or refresh a patio with a pressure washer.  

So, pressure washers do use a lot of water, but probably not as much as you’d think.

If you’re toying with the idea of buying a pressure washer, we don’t blame you. This handy garden gadget is a worthwhile investment, but how much electricity does a pressure washer use, really? 

The best pressure washers can make a doddle of cleaning a patio, hosing down a driveway, or just sprucing up your garden furniture before the summer months. In most cases, all you need to do is attach it to your outside tap and watch as the dirt and grime are zapped off the surface. But like all electrical appliances, a pressure washer will use energy. 

And while it’s easy to pick up an affordable pressure washer, knowing how much electricity a pressure washer uses and how much that will affect your energy bills is something you need to know before whipping out your credit card. So, we’ve done the sums for you. 

How much electricity does a pressure washer use? 

It’s no secret that a pressure washer will use electricity and ultimately cost you money. But how much it costs depends on the pressure washer you have and your personal circumstances. 

Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER explains, ‘The energy consumption of a pressure washer depends on how it’s used. For example, if you have a more powerful pressure washer used at higher pressure washing settings or for longer durations will consume more energy than smaller, less powerful units used intermittently or at lower pressure settings.’

To accurately know how much electricity a pressure washer uses, therefore, you need to know how much you pay for your energy and the wattage of your pressure washer (which is normally between 1500-3000w). 

As of 1st April 2024, the energy price cap from Ofgem dictates that the maximum price per kWh of electricity will be 24.5p. This is the unit price for dual fuel customers who pay their bills by direct debit, and this will be the case until 30 June 2024, when the price cap will change once again. 

Using this information, we can then calculate how much electricity different pressure washers use and how much this will cost you:

• An example 1500W pressure washer would use 1.5kWh, meaning that an hour’s usage would cost 37p.
• An example 1800W pressure washer would use 1.8kWh, meaning that an hour’s usage would cost 44p.
• An example 2100W pressure washer would use 2.1kWh, meaning that an hour’s usage would cost 51p.
• An example 3000W pressure washer would use 3kWh, meaning that an hour’s usage would cost 74p.

Of course, you also need to take into account your electricity standing charge, which is 60.10p per day, as well as the extra water you’ll be using (potentially pushing your water bill up in the process). 

With this price in mind, you might be wondering whether it would be better to clean a patio without a pressure washer instead. But Tom Clifford, garden landscaping expert at Gardenstone, says that spending a little extra money can be worth it in the long run. 

‘The cheapest method for cleaning your driveway is to use the age-old method of warm, soapy water and a hard bristle brush. However, this isn’t necessarily the most efficient method,’ he says. 

‘Power washing a two-car driveway usually takes on average under one hour. Of course, this depends on multiple factors, like the size of your driveway and the amount of dirt that has accumulated.'

'However, hand washing your driveway is much more time-consuming for the average two-car driveway, and it can take from two to three hours to clean the surface of your driveway to the same standard as a pressure washer.’

Of course, if you have spare time to hand-clean your patio or your driveway, cleaning by hand will certainly save you some money. But if Tom were to choose between the two, he’d always opt for this handy garden gadget.

‘Although the cost of power washing is higher due to electrical usage, it will save an average of two hours while cleaning your driveway to a much higher standard,’ he adds. 

How to save money when using a pressure washer

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of a pressure washer but are still worried about your energy bill, there are ways to save money when using a pressure washer. In fact, you can:

Use a cleaning agent: Although the pressure of the water alone should be enough to clean your patio, driveway, or even your garden furniture, using a cleaning agent will help to loosen the grime on these surfaces. This will ultimately reduce how long you’ll need to use the pressure washer, reducing your energy consumption. 

Buy a self-priming pressure washer: Nick says, ‘If you’re looking to save on water bills, I would recommend investing in BLACK+DECKER’s 2000W Corded Pressure Washer. The self-priming feature allows you to use water from any source, for example, a bucket, lake, or a pool, so the machine can be used even without access to a tap.’ So, while you’ll still be using electricity, you won’t add more to your water bill at the same time. 

Choose a cordless pressure washer: Did you know that cordless pressure washers exist? These pressure washers run on a battery rather than being plugged into the mains. And while these pressure washers might not have as much power as you’d like, they could offer a respite from a hike in your electricity bills. 

Store it properly: One of the best places to store a pressure washer is in a shed or garage, but these areas can get extremely cold - especially in the winter months. If you don’t empty out your pressure washer before storing, the excess water can freeze. This can damage the unit and cause the pressure washer to overheat or overcompensate as a result. To avoid this, expel any remaining water before storing it in the cold. 

The best pressure washers - our top picks

FAQs

How much does it cost to run a pressure washer for 1 hour?

This all depends on the wattage of the pressure washer itself and the energy price cap. At the time of writing, a 1500W pressure washer would use 1.5kWh, which will set you back 37p an hour. 

If you choose a more powerful pressure washer, it’ll cost you more. However, you may find that you don’t need to spend as long on the job. But as an example, a 2100W pressure washer will use 2.1kWh, which will cost you 51p per hour. 

Does pressure washing increase water bill UK?

If you buy a pressure washer that attaches to your outside tap, yes. However, this all depends on whether you have a water meter or not. To gauge how much using a pressure washer will increase your water bill, it’s best to consult your water provider and took at the specs of the appliance itself. 

If you buy a self-priming pressure washer, however, it might not necessarily increase your water bills. That’s because you could use the water from anywhere, like a pool, lake, or your water butt. You could even use your leftover bath water - but just be warned that this may not clean as well as fresh water from the tap.

So, that’s how much electricity a pressure washer really uses. Was it more or less than you thought?

A pressure washer is a worthwhile investment for those looking to easily clean a patio, wash their car, smarten up their garden furniture, and clean a driveway. But how do you clean a driveway with a pressure washer? 

Whether you’ve spent time and money designing a new driveway idea or you just want to breathe new life into your old driveway, the best pressure washers are on hand to help. However, this garden gadget isn’t something you can use without proper research, care, or attention.

You need to know how to use a pressure washer properly, and you also need to know how to use this gadget and its accessories to clean your driveway successfully without damaging it in the process. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy, which is good news if you're looking to prepare your driveway for winter.

How to clean a driveway with a pressure washer 

Mucky tyres and wet weather can wreak havoc on your driveway, but cleaning up your driveway can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal. And while you can do this by hand, it’s much easier to do this with a pressure washer. All you need to do is follow these 6 easy steps. 

What you'll need

• Pressure washer - our favourite is the Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer from Amazon
• Eye goggles - like these Blackrock Clear Safety Goggles from Amazon
• Cleaning agent - like this Algon Organic Path Patio Decking Cleaner from B&Q
• OR
• Washing up liquid
• Water

Step-by-step

1. Check pressure washing is the best option

Before you get your pressure washer out of the shed, it’s important to make sure that pressure washing your driveway is the best option. 

Tom Clifford, Gardenstone's garden landscaping expert, explains, ‘Pressure washing is effective on the majority of driveways, but for certain materials, it can be too harsh and cause considerable damage.’ 

‘Materials like sandstone are far too delicate to use pressure on, even with the weakest nozzle attachment. It is crucial that you conduct research before pressure washing your driveway to ensure that it is not susceptible to damage.’

So, it’s best to do your due diligence if you don’t want to replace broken stones or completely replace your driveway. In some cases, you may have to clean your patio by hand - perhaps with the help of some washing powder. 

2. Consider using a cleaning agent

One of the things we love most about pressure washers is that you don’t have to use any chemicals if you don’t want to. The pressure of the water alone is enough to lift grime and dirt, but you still might want to consider using a cleaning agent if you’re short on time or have particularly stubborn stains. 

‘Although pressure washing is efficient in removing tough stains and grime, this often requires prolonged use, which has the potential to damage the surface of your driveway,’ says Tom.

‘Using a mild detergent or cleaning agent can help to loosen dirt and grime build up on the surface of your driveway to speed up the pressure washing process considerably and prevent damage to your paving. Do not use cleaning agents with harsh chemicals as this can result in damage.’

Instead, opt for natural cleaners or something gentle like washing up liquid and water. 

3. Prep yourself and the area

Pressure washers are popular because of their pressure, and these gadgets can be extremely powerful. So, prepping yourself and the area is key. 

First, it’s always a good idea to clear the driveway of anything that can get in the way, such as cars, dustbins, pots and planters. Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER, also suggests giving your driveway a quick pre-clean. 

‘To make the cleaning process easier, it is best to sweep or blow away any loose debris like leaves or dirt from your driveway, this way, you can see what you’re working with,’ he says. 

When you’ve done that, you should then prep yourself so you can keep safe throughout the whole pressure washing process. 

Nick says, ‘Before you begin, you must ensure you have all the proper safety measurements in place. I would always recommend wearing protective gear, especially safety goggles when pressure washing to protect your eyes from debris.’

If you haven’t pressure-washed your driveway before, he also suggests a pre-test. 'If you’re unsure about what setting to have your pressure washer on, test the pressure on a small area of the drive to ensure the pressure and speed are suitable for the surface without causing damage,’ he explains. 

4. Use the appropriate nozzles

Most of the pressure washers on the market today come with various different nozzles. These nozzles all have their own specific uses and allow you to customise the strength of the water stream, which is why it’s important to choose the most appropriate ones when cleaning a driveway with a pressure washer. 

Tom says, ‘A twenty-five-degree nozzle is the perfect choice for cleaning the majority of your driveway, it provides enough pressure to remove stains and dirt while not damaging the surface of your paving.’

‘If there are small areas of really stubborn dirt, you can carefully use a fifteen-degree nozzle. This is used for heavy-duty cleaning, so only use it on small sections for short periods of time.’

5. Use slow, even strokes

When you’ve prepped the area, yourself, and chosen the appropriate nozzle for the job, you can then get started on pressure washing the driveway. And while you could go gung-ho and clean in a way that works for you, Nick has suggested a foolproof technique. 

‘Once you’ve made all the appropriate checks, start at one end of the driveway using slow and even strokes to work your way across the surface, holding the nozzle wand at a slight angle and about 12-18 inches from the surface to avoid damage,’ he says. 

‘To remove those stubborn black spots, focus the pressure washer on the stain and move the wand closer if necessary. Always be extra cautious on grout lines as the pressure can loosen them.’

If the grout in your driveway was already loose, you may need to replace it. Something like this Sika FastFix Ready Mixed Quick Dry Jointing Compound should do the trick.

6. Allow the driveway to air dry

If you’ve pressure washed your entire driveway and you’re happy with the results, you should then allow the driveway to air dry. During this time, you should avoid putting anything back on the driveway - especially any cars. 

Because of this, it’s best to clean a driveway with a pressure washer on a warm and sunny day when there’s no chance of rain.

When it’s dry, you can also inspect your driveway to ensure you haven’t missed any spots. If you have, simply repeat the process above. 

FAQs

What do you spray on driveway before pressure washing?

Ideally, you shouldn’t spray anything on your driveway before pressure washing it. The act of pressure washing can put a lot of strain on your driveway - especially if it’s made from softer stone - and you don’t want to add anything else that’s going to compromise it in any way. 

If you have a particularly grimy driveway, however, you could use an organic, chemical-free cleaner or a mixture of warm water and washing-up liquid. This will help to clean the driveway in a gentle and natural way. 

Is it OK to pressure wash a driveway?

Yes, as long as you do your research before pressure washing your driveway. Although most driveways should be safe to pressure wash, softer materials are too fragile for such a high-pressure situation. 

For example, you should never pressure wash a sandstone driveway. You’ll have to hand-clean it instead. 

No pressure, but your dirty driveway is waiting! 

As the (intermittent) summer sun beckons us all outdoors, there's no better time to spruce up your outdoor space, and the most handy piece of equipment to make this job less of a slog? A pressure washer.

Because the stars are aligned in your favour, we've found a seriously good deal to make sure you can pick one up at a bargain price. But it's not just any old machine, oh no – this is one of the best pressure washers on the market. So here's why the Karcher K4 Power Control pressure washer deal has us hyped up.

The device smashed our at-home tests and is more than able to cope with anything you have to throw at it, from tired garden furniture to blocked gutters. With the limited time discount on Amazon, you can get to work with the machine and included Home Kit for less than £250, and that's impressive considering that Amazon Prime Day doesn't kick off until the 8th and 9th of October

Karcher K4 Power Control pressure washer deal

Boasting 'Best Overall Pressure Washer' on our thoroughly tried-and-tested product roundup, the K4 has a lot to offer. It's nice and easy to use, has neat hose storage and even a handy app to aid in set up.

Our reviewer diligently explored each of the three pressure settings on the K4 to eliminate dirt and grime and return surfaces to their original colour. In usage, our tester was especially impressed by the helpful trigger handle display which clearly shows which setting you're on.

As well as the machine itself, this deal adds in the Home Kit which contains everything you'll need to ensure a thorough clean, including patio cleaner and stone and facade detergent.

Karcher is a leading name for machines like pressure washers, making them a go-to brand for your spring cleaning products, but if the prices have been your only reason for not investing so far, then it's a good idea to snap up a good deal while you can.

Once your toy arrives, you can get going with how to use a pressure washer and ensure your patio or terrace is just as gleaming as it was when first installed.

If you’re wondering how to use a pressure washer, you’re not alone. To some, the idea of shooting highly pressurised jets of water out of a small contraption can seem a bit daunting. But trust us, this garden gadget is definitely worth it. 

At Ideal Home, we’ve had the pleasure of testing some of the best pressure washers on the market, and we’ve seen first-hand how they can revolutionise your outdoor cleaning adventures. After all, what would take hours to clean by hand can take just ten minutes with a pressure washer. This leaves you more time to focus on the many other garden ideas you have up your sleeve. 

But to truly appreciate the cleaning powers of a pressure washer, you need to use it correctly. That’s why we’ve consulted with experts to understand how to use a pressure washer, whether you’re using it to clean your patio or your garden furniture. 

How to use a pressure washer 

‘A pressure washer is a versatile tool that can be used for various cleaning tasks due to its ability to generate a high-pressure stream of water,’ explains Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER. But if you’re not sure how to use a pressure washer, check out our guide below. 

What you'll need

• Pressure washer - our favourite is the Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer from Amazon
• Cleaning agent - like this Diall Pressure Washer Detergent from B&Q
• Garden hose - like this Hozelock Starter Hose Set from Argos
• Broom
• Safety goggles
• Closed-toe shoes

How to use a pressure washer to clean a patio

Over the winter months, dirt and grime from the wind and the rain will undoubtedly build up on your patio. This will result in discolouration and staining and can make what is often a very expensive patio look worn and unloved. So, knowing how to clean a patio is key.

While you can clean a patio without a pressure washer, using a pressure washer will always be more effective. If you're concerned about how much water a pressure washer uses, then you might find it's less than you think, anyway.

1. Prep the area

‘Pressure washers are seen as essential tools for cleaning patios, garden stones, gravel and pebbles,' explains Tom Clifford, director of Garden Stone. ‘Not only does it help to remove dirt, moss and algae build-up, but it also revitalises the appearance of your outdoor spaces by brightening it up and deep cleaning.'

But before you make the most out of your pressure washer, you need to prep the area - and you need to prep yourself. 

If you haven’t already, learn how to kill weeds so that you can remove them (and the full root) from the grout, and finish by brushing any loose debris using a garden broom. 

As pressure washers can be dangerous, you should also ensure that you protect yourself when using this piece of kit. Tom says, ‘Always wear protective gear when using a pressure washer, such as goggles and gloves.’

Wearing closed-toe shoes won't go amiss, either. 

2. Choose your cleaning agent

One of the biggest perks of a pressure washer is that it can be used as a stand-alone cleaner, and the combination of pressure and water alone should be enough to clean your patio. However, you could also add a cleaning agent into the mix if you wanted to. 

Many of the best patio cleaners can be used with a pressure washer, and they will ensure an even deeper clean. These can be used either within the pressure washer tank itself, or you could pour them onto the patio before spraying with the pressure washer. 

Just make sure that you consult your pressure washer’s instruction manual to double-check that it's suitable before you buy anything. Tom echoes this, saying, ‘Only use appropriate detergents with the pressure washer to ensure optimal performance.’

3. Set up the pressure washer

When you’ve prepped the area and chosen your cleaning agent, you then need to set up the pressure washer. 

While all pressure washers are different, you should typically start by attaching the high-pressure hose that comes with the garden gadget and then attach your own garden hose to the other side of it. Then, you can attach the other end of the garden hose to your outside water tap. 

Afterwards, set up the spray gun and plug the pressure washer into the nearest mains plug socket (but make sure it’s still turned off on the actual appliance). Then, turn on the water tap and press the trigger. This will flood the pressure washer with water, creating a high-pressure flow of water that is ready to go as soon as you press the ‘on’ button.

Of course, always check your instruction manual for the exact set-up process. 

4. Choose the right nozzles and attachments

Most pressure washers come with multiple nozzles and attachments. With this in mind, you need to make sure you choose the right nozzles and attachments to clean a patio.

Tom has offered some guidance on this. ‘On small, delicate surfaces (pebbles) = Low pressure, wider nozzle. Tough stains on concrete or paving stones = Higher pressure, more well-concentrated nozzle.’

However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide. Nick adds, ‘If you’ve recently invested in a pressure washer, I would recommend playing around with the different pressure settings as this is crucial to ensure effective cleaning without damaging surfaces.’

‘Most pressure washers will come with adjustable pressure settings, spray nozzles and interchangeable tips. First, I would advise reading the user manual provided by the manufacturer, as this will provide specific instructions and guidelines for your particular pressure washer model.’

5. First, test a small area

When you’ve prepared the area and chosen the right attachment, you may want to get cracking right away. But you should always test a small area of the patio first to avoid ruining your patio idea in the process. 

‘Always test a small area to gauge the level of pressure needed and adjust accordingly,’ explains Tom. This is especially important if your patio is made from softer stone that could be damaged by water pressure that’s too high or too concentrated.

This test patch is also a great chance to see whether you’ve used enough cleaning agent. 

6. Clean the rest of the patio

If you’re confident that you’ve chosen the right level of pressure, you can then clean the rest of the patio. 

While you don’t necessarily need a technique to do this, most experts would advise that you work in a sweeping motion, overlapping your cleaning area as you do so. 

You should also make sure that you get into the corners so that you can clean every nook and cranny. Just ensure you don’t get too close to the pressure washer yourself. 

Tom says, ‘Always stand back from the pressure washer and keep a safe distance from the surface you're cleaning.’

Then, allow it to dry and enjoy your clean patio! 

How to use a pressure washer to clean garden furniture

Although pressure washers are perfect for cleaning patios, you can also use a pressure washer to clean the best garden furniture. This is a great way to give them some TLC before the spring and summer months and to keep them free from mould, mildew, and even rust. 

Knowing how to clean garden furniture and what the most durable type of garden furniture is is key when it comes to using this gardening appliance, though. 

1. Assess the material

‘A pressure washer can be a great investment for cleaning your garden furniture, due to the fact that it can quickly and effectively clean up a lot of dirt, mud and even mildew,’ explains Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench.

However, you really need to assess the material of your garden furniture before using a pressure washer on it. This is especially true if you have some of the best wooden garden furniture. 

Steve says, ‘When it comes to softer materials such as wood and wicker, I wouldn't recommend using a pressure washer unless it has a really low-pressure setting and a wide-angle nozzle. This is because it can damage the material of the furniture, which isn't worth it.’

‘When it comes to harder pieces of outdoor furniture such as metal or plastic furniture, you can use your pressure washer on a higher setting with a narrow-angle nozzle. This means that your pressure washer is more precise, and it'll be more effective on this kind of outdoor furniture.’

All is not lost if you have wooden garden furniture, though.

2. Inspect your furniture

If you have harder garden furniture that a pressure washer can clean, it’s also important to inspect your furniture before you decide that it’s the best course of action. 

In fact, this is essential for those with old garden furniture or those who don’t use garden furniture covers. 

‘Before using your pressure washer on anything, I always recommend inspecting the furniture for any cracks, chips, loose screws or any other piece of damage that could be made worse by the intense force of a pressure washer,’ advises Steve. 

‘If you think your furniture has some of this damage already, make sure to avoid the affected areas of the furniture, or simply wash the whole thing by hand instead just to be safe.’

3. Set up the pressure washer

This step is the same, no matter whether you’re using a pressure washer to clean a patio or your garden furniture. So, scroll back up to see how you should properly set up a pressure washer for this task. 

4. Test a small section

Just as you would if you wanted to use a pressure washer to clean a patio, you should also test a small section if you want to use a pressure washer to clean garden furniture. 

And while there are some impressive garden furniture deals out there, this testing process will ensure that you don't have to throw away your old garden furniture prematurely. 

Steve says, ‘You should also do a small test of your pressure washer before you use it on the whole item by using it on a small, inconspicuous section of the furniture. If the pressure washer damages this small section, then don't use it on the rest of the piece.’

5. Continue the process

When you’re 100% confident that it’s safe to continue the process, you can then clean the rest of your garden furniture with the pressure washer. 

Make sure you keep the pressure to a minimum, and don’t be afraid to put the pressure washer down and clean your garden furniture by hand if you need to - especially if you want to get into small corners. 

Then, let the furniture air dry before using it again. 

6. Clean and store your pressure washer correctly

If you want to continue making the most of your pressure washer to clean your patio or your garden furniture, you need to take care of the gadget that’s doing the cleaning for you. 

Because of this, you need to make sure that you clean it as often as you can and store your pressure washer correctly.

Steve says, ‘Pressure washers need to be cleaned and maintained regularly in order to make sure that you're getting the right strength every time. If your pressure washer is dirty and clogged up, then it's likely your water pressure won't be as strong. I recommend keeping it somewhere dry, preferably inside, away from the elements outdoors.’ 

FAQs

Do you turn water on before starting pressure washer?

Yes, you should turn the water on before starting a pressure washer. You should also make sure that your pressure washer is plugged in at the mains before you turn on the water. 

When you’ve turned the water on, you should then press the pressure washer trigger while it’s still turned off. This will allow the garden gadget to fill with water, ready for when you turn it on and use it for the first time. 

Can you pressure wash with a garden hose?

Yes and no. While you can buy hose attachments to clean patios and garden furniture, they’re rarely going to be as powerful. Most pressure washers offer around 2,000 PSI of cleaning power, while the average pressure from a garden tap offers around 40 to 60 PSI of power.  

A won’t improve that PSI at all, but a pressure washer can. So, if you want to improve the cleaning power, a pressure washer is definitely a better choice. 

So, what will you be pressure washing this weekend?

If your patio has taken a beating over the winter months and you’re looking to spruce it up before the sun comes out again, you might be interested in knowing how to clean a patio without a pressure washer.

While there’s no doubt that the best pressure washer can make cleaning a patio a breeze, what can you do if you don’t have one of these heavy-duty appliances to hand? Well, if you’ve let your envious neighbour borrow your pressure washer or you just don’t have the kind of cash to splash on such an appliance, there are so many ways to clean a patio without a pressure washer.

Whether your patio is covered in moss, stained with grime, or just looking a little tired after a long winter, these patio cleaning options, from cupboard essentials to more bespoke cleaners will do the trick and breathe new life into your old patio. In fact, you might not even recognise it by the time you’re done!

‘Wetter weather creates a breeding ground for algae and other organic growth, which can damage your patio. Using a power washer will visibly reduce its appearance temporarily, but it will soon return, plus this method exposes your stone surface, making it vulnerable to the elements, causing further damage - and it can also blast away your render,’ explains Martin Beaumont of Monty Miracle.

Adam Oldfield, Director of StovesAreUs advises to 'Start by sweeping away any debris with a brush. Avoid rakes as these can damage your tiles.'

'Once the debris is cleared away, look for stains on the tiles and tackle these next. The good news is that cleaning these stains can be very simple and you can use household products you’ll likely already have.'

So, check out these alternatives if you want to clean a patio without a pressure washer, with just a few simple tools and a bit of elbow grease.

1. Use a dedicated patio cleaner

It’s not hard to find the best patio cleaners out there. So many products, like the top-rated Wet and Forget Mould, Lichen and algae remover which is available on Amazon, are specifically designed for this task, and almost all of them can be used without the help of a pressure washer. Usually, these are liquid chemicals that target the algae and remove black spots on your patio.

Talking about his patio cleaner (Monty Miracle Fast Patio Cleaner, which can be found on Amazon), Martin says, ‘The chemical liquid solution is simply applied to the surface and then left for ten minutes before rinsing - its unique formulation cleans away grime and grit without an invasive jetwash. A garden hose rinses away the solution with no need to apply any brute force or scrubbing.’

As they are specifically designed to clean a patio without a pressure washer, these chemical cleaners will make your patio look as good as new in no time. However, chemical cleaners aren’t the only option on the market - especially if you’re looking for something a little more natural.

2. Use washing-up liquid and water

What you'll need

• A stiff brush - this heavy duty brush available at Amazon will be handy for multiple jobs in the garden year-round
• Washing up liquid - dependent on the size of your patio, consider bulk buying Delphis eco friendly liquid at Amazon
• Hot water

Whether you're opting for a general clean or looking to prepare your patio for winter, you should never underestimate the power of washing-up liquid and water. Sometimes, the simplest of products can make the biggest difference, and that’s why some experts swear by using washing-up liquid and warm water to clean a patio without a pressure washer. In fact, it may be worth installing an outdoor hot water tap for this.

Steven Bell, the managing director of Paving Shopper, explains, 'Washing up liquid mixed with warm water makes an excellent patio cleaner because it is designed to dissolve oil and grease. Create your own soap solution by adding a few squeezes of lemon-scented dish soap or washing up liquid to a bucket of warm water. The citrus smell is an added bonus! Scrub the sudsy mixture over the entire area with a stiff cleaning brush (try this heavy duty brush available at Amazon), then rinse clean.'

'Once you have washed your patio, you will want to check all joints to make sure none of the jointing material has been washed out or loosened. If it has, you will want to re-sand or re-point any of the affected joints,' explains Trevor Knight, technical garden and driveway specialist for Marshalls Plc.

So with that in mind, aim to scrub diagonally when you do this, so you don’t disrupt the jointing compound. Of course, this option will require a lot of manual labour, but it’ll definitely be worth it.

3. Use white vinegar

• White vinegar - A large 5L bottle of eco-friendly white vinegar like Miniml's unscented version available on Amazon is a safe winner
• A hard-bristled brush - this Bettina scrubbing brush available at Amazon is great to add a little extra elbow grease
• Hot water

Let’s be honest; cleaning with vinegar has revolutionised our lives. And while there are some things that you should never clean with vinegar, your patio is not one of them. This acidic ingredient is perfect for cutting through the algae and moss on your patio, and it can clean even the dirtiest of slabs.

'For an eco-friendly route, white vinegar naturally breaks down residue because its acetic acid cuts through mineral deposits and grease. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a watering can, spritz liberally over the patio, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub. Vinegar also helps kill weeds between pavers organically as you clean,' says Steven.

If you want to, you can then give it a wash and a slight scrub with warm soapy water, and then rinse. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t attempt to clean limestone patio slabs with vinegar, as this acidic ingredient may damage them in the process.

However, experts such as Trevor advises using vinegar with a huge dose of caution.

'Despite often being a popular choice for cleaning the patio, vinegar can harm the biodiversity of your garden,' warns Trevor.

'White vinegar solutions can damage and kill plants - this may be the ideal outcome for those wanting to rid their patio of weeds, however, if this solution were to make its way onto your plants and grass, the result would be less than desirable. The use of acidic solutions should be avoided, particularly on calcareous pavers such as those made from limestone. Use on these pavers can lead to irreparable damage of the material.'

4. Use baking soda

• Baking soda - Bag a big tub of baking soda like Hexeal's baking soda on Amazon so you have plenty to work with
• A scrubbing brush - this two-pack of hand scrubbing brushes with soft grip handles from Amazon will make the cleaning challenge a tad easier
• Hot water

As is the case with vinegar, there are certain things that you should never clean with baking soda. But once again, your discoloured patio doesn’t make the cut! Thanks to its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda is a great option for those looking for a natural way to clean their patio.

That’s because the baking soda will tackle the stubborn stains and dirt without damaging the patio slabs in the process, and to successfully do this you’ll need to make a paste of baking soda and water.

Then, scrub the mixture into the patio with a hard-bristled brush. You can then rinse the whole thing with water and repeat as many times as you need to.

5. Use Cif

It might not be a designated patio cleaner, but Cif is certainly a popular household cleaner. Of course, most people use it for the hobs in their kitchen or the sinks in their bathrooms, but it seems as though Cif can also work wonders outside of the house.

Laura Mountford, Cleaning Expert and Author of Live Laugh Laundry, explains, ‘For a deep clean, I like to use a cream cleaner like Cif and then scrub using a long-handled garden broom. This will help to remove stubborn stains.’

Of course, we’d also suggest rinsing your patio with soapy water after using a product like this. And if you’re interested in this option, you can buy this Cif Pack of 4 Lemon Cream Cleaner from Amazon.

6. Tackle with a steam cleaner

If you've picked up one of the best steam cleaners to clean inside your home, you'll be surprised to know you can actually use it outdoors too.

Using a steam cleaner is particularly effective for targeting algae on your patio which is a particular bugbear as spring rolls in.

The main advantage of steam cleaning is you don't need to use any harsh chemicals which is better for plants and wildlife.

Use the hose attachment for specific areas like back spots or go for the brush to loosen more widespread ingrained dirt.

FAQs

What should you not use to clean a patio?

Trevor Knight, technical garden and driveway specialist for Marshalls Plc says that bleach is one of the worst things you can use to clean your patio.

'Similar to vinegar, bleach is harmful to plants and, therefore, can harm your garden’s biodiversity,' warns Trevor.

'Any bleach solution that runs off of the patio onto grass or plants when cleaning can cause significant harm to these, likely causing them to die. Over time, bleach can also lead to discolouration and irreparable damage to paving slabs, particularly those that are man-made such as concrete slabs.'

There you have it, there's no need to pressure wash with these methods in your back pocket. Well, only if you're not dealing with a mega cleaning job, in which case, a great pressure washer will come in pretty handy. Check out our favourite, Karcher's K4 Power control home pressure washer, available at Amazon.

Alternatively, Marshall PLC's technical garden expert Trevor Knight adds that 'if you’re considering a new patio, and you’re keen to spend the least amount of time on maintenance, you could consider using porcelain paving as it absorbs little to no moisture. This means that any detritus remains on the surface and is very much easier to clean and maintain.'

Happy cleaning!

Many of us need a pressure washer to keep on top of external property cleaning and maintenance tasks. A corded pressure washer, like the Bosch Aquatak 135, is a power tool that connects to your outdoor water tap and plugs into a standard electricity power point. It directs water under high pressure to revitalise dirty pavers and patios and other surfaces such as fences and walls, sheds and outdoor buildings as well as cleaning cars, bikes, bins and gutters. 

I’d tested a couple of the best pressure washers for Ideal Home earlier this year so I was interested to see how the Bosch Aquatak 135 compared to the mighty corded Karcher K4 Premium and the clever cordless Worx 20V Hydroshot. I have a small back garden that has a number of stone patios and walkways, plus wooden sleeper paths  but I also need a multi-functional product that can hose down bins, gutters and patio furniture as well as keep my car spick and span. All of these need regular maintenance. As I’ve mentioned before, I like to buy electrical products that are well-designed, robust and will stand the test of time. 

It was a cool May day when I put the Bosch Aquatak to the test…

 Bosch Aquatak 135 pressure washer product specs

• Power type: 1900w
• Max pressure: 135 bar
• Best for: Outdoor surfaces and car cleaning
• Hose length: 7m
• Power cord length: 5m
• Weight: 7.9 kg

 Who tested this pressure washer? 

Bosch Aquatak 135 pressure washer: Unboxing and delivery 

The Bosch Aquatak 135 arrived in a box 44 (H) x 36 (W) x 36cm (D).  The packaging was made of good quality cardboard, which is widely recycled. It was printed with the name of the product and clearly pictured what was waiting inside. 

In there you'll find the main unit, the high pressure hose, the water filter, the trigger handle, the lance, the trio nozzle (with fan, rotary, and pencil jet settings) and the high pressure detergent nozzle. 

Plus, there's also the pressure washer’s vital statistics, such as power type, maximum pressure, the water flow rate and the fact that it has a three year guarantee. 

Bosch Aquatak 135 pressure washer: First impressions 

On opening the box, all the contents were neatly arranged and held in place by more cardboard. Detailed paper instructions are included and the box illustrates the simple six-step set up.

I laid out all the components before putting the pressure washer together. Unlike the Karcher K4 (which is significantly bigger), I loved the fact that there was no assembly of the main unit.

The high pressure hose inserted easily into the back of the main unit and then into the trigger handle. The water filter attached to the front of the unit. My household hosepipe clicked into the water filter and in turn the household external tap. Then I just plugged into the electricity supply and turned on the mains tap. I attached the lance to the gun handle and three-in-one nozzle with a click. 

Finally, I twisted the main switch dial to ‘On’ on the main unit, released the safety lock and pressed the trigger to release a constant flow of water. It took about 5 minutes to do all this.  

 Bosch Aquatak 135 pressure washer: Performance 

Wooden sleeper pathway

The wood of my oak sleeper was discoloured and slippery after the winter weather and really needed a good clean.

I selected the rotary jet setting on the nozzle to remove the heavy dirt - I could clearly see the black and ingrained debris being removed. I switched to the fine pencil jet setting for particularly stubborn sections along the edges.

Stone patio

Next I moved onto the paved stone patio. Again, the pavers were looking a bit worse for wear with mildewed patches and moss growing in the crevices. I gave it a quick brush to remove pebbles and leaves. Then used the fan setting to clean. This worked very effectively. 

I worked carefully from one paver to the next in order to make sure that I evenly cleaned the whole surface. This was quite time consuming but worth it for seeing the difference. I noticed that you can buy an additional Bosch patio cleaning attachment (similar to the Karcher) to cover a larger area more efficiently and to stop water and debris flying up.

Painted exterior wall

The painted walls close to our garage needed a wash down so I used the same setting to hose them down, including the glass balustrade above. I started at the top and worked downwards; dirty water quickly appeared showing the removal of winter weathering. Paintwork looked as good as new after a 10-minute wash down.

Car

Next I decided to use the high pressure detergent nozzle accessory. I filled it with car cleaning detergent topped up with water (a total of 450ml) and then carefully attached it to the lance. 

Pressing the trigger, the soap quickly covered the paintwork. It was good for getting detergent into the wheel rims. Then I switched back to the trio nozzle to rinse off with the softest setting. Job brilliantly done! 

Final verdict: Is the Bosch Aquatak 135 pressure washer High Pressure Washer worth the money? 

The Bosch Aquatak 135 pressure washer is a well-built and relatively powerful machine with good cleaning effectiveness. It was efficient at removing dirt and grime on any given surface. It's a good mid-range machine and the three pressure settings mean you select the right pressure for the job at hand.

In terms of user friendliness, the push fit connections made it simple to assemble and the large wheels and the extendable handle make it easily maneoevrable. The gun handle is light and simple to use. As with all corded pressure washers, you do need to be careful not to trip over the electrical cable and the hose. I like the way that it is designed to neatly store – the handle pushes down and folds back; both electrical cable and high pressure hose have housing and both the gun handle and the accessories had nicely designed storage on the main unit too.

The RRP is £184.99 (including Bosch high-pressure gun, lance, 3-in-1 nozzle, High pressure detergent nozzle, 450 ml, 7m high-pressure hose, water filter), making it a good-allrounder that’s not going to break the bank. The quality is good and it will get all those seasonal and weekend maintenance jobs done without a fuss.

About this review, and the reviewer 

In line with our guidelines on how we test products that we recommend at Ideal Home, our reviewer Rhoda tested this pressure washer in several different environments in her home before coming to the conclusions in this review. 

Looking for the best pressure washer for your garden? Whatever the task at hand, we've made it our mission to test machines from leading brands and narrow down our top six.

Whether you'll be pairing your pressure washer with one of the best patio cleaners on the market or you're hoping to complete small tasks with a lightweight cordless pressure washer, there's a model to suit every job. We know it can be tricky to choose the right one, which is why our panel of reviewers have assessed performance, ease of use and other notable features worth shouting about during testing. There's even scope to clean your best garden furniture sets with some of the machines on this list.

Here are the best pressure washers we've tested to date...

Amazon Prime Day pressure washers deals

The much-anticipated Amazon Prime Day 2026 event is now LIVE until 26th June, and there are some brilliant Amazon Prime Day pressure washer deals floating around for you to take advantage of. I'll be adding them in here as I spot them.

Best pressure washers - the quick list

Best pressure washers – tried and tested reviews

Best pressure washer overall

Max out on power and capability with the Karcher K4 Premium High-Pressure Washer, which aced our at-home tests. This super versatile pressure washer is fully equipped to deal with a range of problems that might arise after a winter in the UK – we're talking lacklustre garden chairs, clogged gutters and sad-looking BBQs.

To tackle these tough jobs, our reviewer Rhoda Parry powered through the three pressure settings on the K4, using each of them to blast through dirt and grime and get surfaces back to their original colour. When using this pressure washer, Rhoda found the trigger handle display especially useful, as it clearly shows which setting you're on.

This sturdily-built washer is kitted out with everything you need to sort out both your garden and your car, and enabled Rhoda to easily clean her glass patio doors, car, stone patio and wooden sleeper pathway. With an RRP of £399.99, we know that this is an investment, but if you want a pressure washer that's built to last and can take on practically any of your surfaces (and make your car gleam, too), then you're onto a winner.

Read our full Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer review for more information.

Best cordless pressure washer

You don't always need an outdoor tap or nearby plug socket to use a pressure washer – this pressure washer from Worx makes cleaning outdoors much more accessible. Its portability features make it a totally 'ingenious' buy, according to our reviewer, Rhoda.

In short, you can fill it up using a nearby bucket or water butt, and because it's battery-powered, you aren't restricted by a plug or cord. Even better, you can actually use a draw hose and soda bottle with this washer, and take it wherever you need to clean up outdoors.

This is a lightweight, compact tool, and while it is perfect for smaller jobs (especially in larger gardens), it won't quite hit the mark if you need a heavy-duty pressure washer for big patio cleaning jobs (take a look at the Nilfisk Excellent 160 on this list of the best pressure washers for more on that).

If you already own Worx products, you'll be happy to know that this tool is part of the Worx PowerShare system, so that you can use the battery across other garden tools. Rhoda found that the battery lasted for around 30 minutes of pressure washing, which is plenty of time for smaller jobs.

Read our full Worx 20V HydroShot Cordless Pressure Washer review for more information.

Best small pressure washer

This versatile, compact pressure washer is not only budget-friendly, but also a total all-rounder. Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief Heather Young has been testing the Karcher K2 out for some time now, saying that while it's 'small and compact, it doesn't compromise on power.'

Heather loves using the K2 in her garden as part of a clean-up operation after gardening work – especially after wet weather. Her patio has been cleared of mud thanks to this pressure washer, and the compact nature of the K2 means it's a breeze to get out and pack away again, even for small jobs. Heather says that she's more inclined to use the K2 than her full-sized pressure washer, thanks to just how convenient it is.

Pet owners can also trust the K2 to help them get rid of pesky muddy paw prints across the garden, as well as for smartening up their car or garden furniture. For portability, look no further than the built-in wheels, five-metre cable and extendable handle.

While this is a great value choice for smaller jobs and gardens, the K2 probably isn't the most capable option for expansive patios or walls. For quick and easy use, though, it's a total star.

Best affordable pressure washer

If you want to tackle your patio or decking on a budget, then the Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 might just be the remedy to dirt and grime. For under £200, this small corded pressure washer can help you clean up your driveway without issue, even if it's not fully equipped for bigger jobs (like freshening up your home's exterior or car).

If it's small jobs you need to complete, then that's where the Bosch UniversalAquatak excels. Our reviewer, Rhoda, loved its compact design and surprisingly forceful pressure. It's brilliant at tackling a range of outdoor cleaning jobs, from car cleaning to windows and patios. You can switch between three different settings, depending on the job.

It's also really easy to set up, with very little assembly required and push-fit connections, and it's just as simple to pack away, with a fold-down handle and cable and hose tidies for storage.

Read our full Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High-Pressure Washer review for more details.

Best heavy-duty pressure washer

You can't go wrong with Nilfisk's Excellent 160-10 Pressure Washer. Ideal Home's Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane, reviewed it at her Belfast home. She found it a powerful mid-range machine that made light work of her patio, car and kids' outdoor toys.

It requires minimal set-up and is super efficient in removing dirt and grime from all of the grotty surfaces she used it on. Including a multipurpose gun and lance, Nilfisk's Excellent 160-10 pressure washer can tackle anything from cars and bikes to cleaning garden furniture and barbecue grills with its arsenal of handy tools.

The Power Foam Blaster creates a rich lather to get your car pristine, while the Mid Patio Cleaner will make small work of cleaning large areas such as patios, driveways and wooden decks. The variety of attachments available helped give more control to cleaning tasks, whether you need a powerful stream of pressure or something more gentle for the car or windows.

Powered by a low-noise, 2100W induction motor and a longer-lasting metal pump, it's super easy to move about with its telescopic handle and trolley. Although it could be a potential trip hazard, the 10m long Ultraflex hose reduces kinks and knots and is easily wound up inside the machine after use.

Read our full Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 High Pressure Washer review for more information.

Best smart pressure washer

Our reviewer Jennifer Oskien was really impressed with the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control Pressure Washer. If you're looking for a smart pressure washer that's as clever as it is effective, this model is the one we'd recommend. You can control the pressure washer via an app on your phone, just like you would with some of the best robot lawn mowers on the market, and reviewers praise the adjustable pressure settings and smart app integration.

In terms of performance, the Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control is a powerful machine, boasting a maximum pressure of 180 and a maximum flow rate of 550. It blasted away winter grime effortlessly from Jennifer's patio in around an hour, with really satisfying results. It also did a brilliant job of cleaning up Jennifer's garden furniture and children's outdoor toys.

The pressure washer has a long 5-metre cable and a 9-metre hose, so it's suitable for most medium-sized gardens as well as smaller ones.

It's quite a compact machine, so it won't take up too much space in the shed, but Jennifer noted that it is heavy (18.1kg), so it can be a struggle to get it in and out of storage. It's also incredibly loud – a whopping 82dB on Jennifer's decibel meter reader app so that's something to bear in mind, too.

Read our full Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control review for more information.

The best of the rest

How we tested these pressure washers

As part of our commitment to how we test the products we recommend to you at Ideal Home, we've made sure to test every single option you see here extensively. Across several weeks, our expert testers have tried these pressure washers on a range of surfaces – from cars and motorbikes to patios, wood, concrete and even sheds and other outdoor buildings.

Crucial factors we looked for as we tested these pressure washers included ease of assembly, ease of use, and the all-important factor of performance. There are a variety of washers available to you in this guide, from lightweight cordless options which can be used portably to heavy-duty models. Each was tested to see if it lived up to the claims of its manufacturer. Below, you can learn more about each of our expert testers.

How to choose the best pressure washer

If you’re buying a new pressure washer for the first time, it can be tricky to know where to start. It all depends on your requirements and the area you’ll be using it on.

'When choosing the right pressure washer, think about what you need daily,’ says Henrique Conceicao, area manager at Total Clean. ‘Check the pressure (PSI) and flow (litres per minute), and don't overshoot your actual need. And remember, whilst power is crucial, comfort in handling is equally vital.’

So, what should you watch out for?

Water pressure and flow rate

'Look out for a pressure washer that provides both good pressure and a high water flow rate,' says Paul Hicks, marketing and product manager at STIHL GB. 'It’s easy to get high pressure (like when you put your finger over the end of a hosepipe), but pressure and water flow together give the best cleaning effect.'

Don't go too heavy on the pressure, either. 'Pressure control is key,' says Clair Albone, Wickes' gardening expert. 'Too much pressure damages delicate surfaces; too little and you won't clean effectively.'

Some pressure washers use more water than others, so it's worth considering the impact on your bills, too.

Pressure washer attachments

Accessories are important to consider, too. You should shop for a pressure washer with attachments that can handle the jobs you need it for.

'Always check that the right nozzle is being used for the job,' advises Paul from STIHL. 'For instance, rotary jet nozzles are not recommended for wooden surfaces, as directing high-pressure water jets directly at the surface could cause damage.'

Storage space

You'll need to consider where you can store your pressure washer, so make sure you have room available for the model you choose. Compact models are also likely to be a bit cheaper if your budget isn't massive.

FAQs

What PSI is best for a pressure washer?

The pressure of a pressure washer is measured in PSI, and generally, the higher the bar, the more pressure and power the machine has. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option for your space.

'For light cleaning tasks, such as washing garden furniture, sprucing up your deck or fence, a 100 bar machine with a flow rate of 400 l/per hour would be sufficient,' says Bjørn Snelders, sales manager, consumer UK & Ireland for Nilfisk.

'For medium pressure tasks, look for a 110 to 140 bar pressure with flow rates over 400 l/per hour. This would be ideal for cleaning your car or patio. For heavier and large-area cleaning, a machine of 150 bar or above and a flow rate of over 450 l/per hour is your best bet.'

Handily, there are a number of machines on the market that allow you to adjust the pressure level.

What is the average life of a pressure washer?

So, how long does the average pressure washer last?

'The average life of a pressure washer can vary drastically depending on the frequency and type of use it is subjected to, and on the machine’s pump and motor,' says Bjørn from Nilfisk. 'To maximise lifetime, avoid machines with pumps made with less durable materials such as plastic, and instead, look for machines which use metal pumps.

'Another important aspect to consider is the motor. Brushed motors are lighter and intended for less frequent use. They are not recommended for longer or more frequent use. Machines with a brushless/induction motor are heavier but designed for longer periods of use and are also quieter in operation, which your neighbours will appreciate.'

If you're looking to refresh your lawn, check out our best lawn mowers buying guide.

Pressure washers are a fabulous addition to your cleaning equipment kit, and they'll do a fantastic job of cleaning certain areas of your garden. But there are some things you should never clean with one of the best pressure washers, and it's important to know what these are before you do some irreparable damage. 

The best pressure washers can make certain chores a lot easier, as their powerful jet stream can wash away dirt, grime, and debris with ease. They'll save you hunching over and scrubbing a surface for hours on end, apart from with the things you should never clean with a pressure washer. These surfaces should instead be cleaned by hand.

'Pressure washers are an amazing piece of equipment to have, using their powerful stream of water to instantly get rid of dirt on materials that would otherwise require a lot of scrubbing', says Steve Chilton, Gardening and Outdoors Expert, LeisureBench. 'But because of their power and the force of water that is sprayed, pressure washers can actually really damage some surfaces and materials.'

8 things you should never clean with a pressure washer

So what are the things you should never clean with a pressure washer? We've asked the experts and rounded up their advice into this handy guide, which will ensure you can use your pressure washer correctly, without causing any damage.

1. Gutters

If you're wondering how to clean gutters, using a pressure washer is not the route to go down, according to the experts. 'Plastic gutters can't really withstand the power of a pressure washer, so it's better to manually clear gutters or hire professionals to do the work for you', Steve says. 'Although using a pressure washer would make sense in concept, it's not worth damaging a section of your guttering and ending up needing it replaced.'

2. Windows

No one really looks forward to cleaning windows - they can be awkward to reach and it's hard work trying to get a streak-free finish. Though it's tempting to use your pressure washer to speed up the process, this won't end well.

'The glass in windows is not able to withstand high pressure, meaning you could break the glass and frame and injure anyone nearby', explains Rowan Cripps, Founding Director, Infinite Paving. 'Instead, you should squeegee or gently wipe the window clean using a dedicated window cleaner or a homemade mix.' 

3. Roofing

The roof might not be high on your cleaning priority list, but when the time does come to venture up there, don't be tempted to take your pressure washer with you. The high-pressure water can dislodge or damage the roofing materials, leading to leaks and other issues, evening going as far as replacing a roof.

'Roofing can be expensive to replace, so it's better to clean it using a specific roof cleaner, or even better if you can hire professionals to do a thorough job', says Steve from LeisureBench. 

4. Wooden furniture

If you want to keep your best wooden garden furniture set looking lovely for years to come, you'll want to avoid using your pressure washer when cleaning it. Anything made from wood, including fences, sheds, and patios, should be cleaned manually, as the power of a pressure wash can cause the wood to splinter and crack.

Learn how to clean garden furniture without a pressure washer instead. 'You can clean wooden furniture using an equal amount of white vinegar and warm water in a bucket', says Laura Harnett, Founder, Seep eco cleaning. ' This will remove algae and grime that has become ingrained over the winter.'

5. Old brick

Bricks that are looking a little worse for wear reign high on the list of things you should never clean with a pressure washer. If they're crumbling at all or looking a little loose, you'll need to remove any dirt and grime by hand, as a pressure washer will only speed up their deterioration. Cleaning with white vinegar is a handy hack for cleaning brick, and though it will take you longer, you won't cause any damage.

6. Painted surfaces

If you've incorporated any garden paint ideas into your garden design, save yourself having to repaint them sooner than you'd like and clean painted surfaces by hand. 'Using a pressure washer on any painted surface is likely to make it start peeling and chipping', Steve explains. 

That's not the result you want if you spent the whole of last weekend learning how to paint a fence. Instead of using a pressure washer, grab a bucket and fill with warm, soapy water, then clean any painted surfaces with a sponge. The paint will last much longer. 

7. Outdoor cushions

Wondering how to get mould and mildew out of outdoor cushions? Well, a pressure washer definitely isn't the answer. 'The pressure from the water jets could force water inside the cushions and unless it’s a baking hot day it will take forever to dry and could cause damp and mould to grow inside the cushions', explains Laura from Seep. 'The pressure will also damage the surface of the fabric and remove its water repellent coating,’  

To clean outdoor cushions, it's best to use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, and mixing in some white vinegar to remove any mould.

8. Electrical equipment

It almost goes without saying that outdoor electrical equipment is one of the things you should never clean with a pressure washer, but we know how tempting it can be to speed up this unwelcome chore! Clean your best lawn mower, chainsaw, generators, and any other electrical equipment by hand, or you risk water seeping into the components. Aside from completely ruining the equipment, this is also poses a serious safety hazard. 

FAQs

The Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure washer is an absolute powerhouse, and easily one of the best pressure washers on the market, with the power to effortlessly blitz dirt and grime from all manner of surfaces around the home and garden. The on-board storage and telescopic handle make it a breeze to trundle behind you, and the two nozzle attachments, one variable fan-jet spray and one hardcore pencil spray, blast away filth in an incredibly satisfying manner. 

You can expect really decent German build quality from any Stihl product and the RE 120 Plus pressure washer is no exception – it looks and feels robust, with no flimsy parts or wonky wheels. I was also sent the RA 90 surface cleaner, which was free on offer at the time of reviewing. It’s a brilliant attachment I’d recommend getting even if you have to pony up the £47.09 RRP.

Features like the steel reinforced hose (which doesn’t twist or kink in an annoying, water-stopping way) and sturdy aluminium handle, help ensure the Stihl RE 120 Plus scores highly in our best pressure washer line-up.  I experienced a couple of set-up glitches but, on the whole, I was hugely impressed. Read on to find out why. 

Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure washer product specs

• Power type: 2100w electric motor
• Max operating pressure: 125 bar
• Best for: Around the home and garden
• Hose length: 9m
• Power cord length: 5 metres
• Weight: 21.2kg

Who tested this pressure washer? 

Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure: Unboxing and delivery

Delivery was speedy, overnight in fact, but I didn’t receive any delivery notifications so was quite surprised to find the Stihl RE 120 Plus, by chance, lurking in the garden shed! The box is fiendishly heavy (a little over 20kg) but can be managed by one person, just about, and there are solid side handles on the box to help carry it. The packaging was predominantly cardboard, which can be recycled, with barely any plastic and no polystyrene.

The initial set-up couldn’t have been easier, I just had to push the hose connector into the spray gun and pop the spray bottle and nozzles into their holders on the machine. Attaching the spray lance is a simple push and twist motion that was smooth and easy. This is the third pressure washer I have tested, and the fourth I have used in my lifetime, and I can say it was by far the smoothest/easiest in terms of nozzle connecting and disconnecting. A small win but appreciated when you’re switching between nozzles and attachments with wet, cold hands. 

Unfortunately, I came unstuck when I wheeled the Stihl RE 120 Plus outside to connect the hose. Or rather the garden hose became unstuck/didn’t stick in the first place. We use Hoselock fittings on all our hoses and it just wouldn’t engage onto the connector at the base of the pressure washer. The instruction manual wasn’t much help, and only talked about connecting a water filter, which wasn’t necessary for our soft mains water supply. The connection looked like it should fit, but it didn’t. 

Luckily my husband is a hoarder, so we have plenty of Hoselock spares in the shed. He found a suitable Hoselock connector and used it to replace the one on the Stihl RE 120 Plus, which was a simple screw off/on affair. He then pushed the garden hose into position, turned the tap on full bore, and I was in business.

Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure washer: First impressions

Plugging the Stihl RE 120 Plus into the mains electric (exterior socket) was much simpler, thanks to the long cable, which slides easily off the cable tidy brackets tucked inside a door. This is also where the two nozzle attachments live. I liked that it’s all shut neatly inside, rather than rattling around the exterior, and potentially falling off when carting the pressure washer over rugged ground. 

While the instructions are a bit basic, they’re easy enough to follow and I appreciated that there was no App to download or WiFi to connect. Once the hose is fully unravelled from the hose reel, you just turn the rotary switch at the front to the right, and press and hold the lever in the grip of the spray gun. The lever needs to stay pressed in to work.

You can immediately feel the power of the water surging out, and the force is pretty astounding. Make sure you’re wearing sturdy boots. Protective glasses are also recommended but I wear regular glasses, which would help protect my eyes from flying grit, and didn’t feel the need for double glazing. 

My overall first impressions were of a very sturdily built machine, neatly put together with plenty of power and enough hose and electric cable to be able to cover a large area without having to stop to reposition the washer. 

Performance 

I began my post-winter cleanathon with working out how to clean the patio, which extends the full width of our house at the rear and around one side. It’s made from limestone tiles and, because the garden is surrounded by fir trees, had become pretty grimy over winter. First, I tried the rotary nozzle, which produces the strongest, most focused jet and is the one you want for targeting serious dirt. Although I had a bit of fun writing in the dirt with it, I quickly realised it wasn’t going to be the best choice for a large area.

Switching to the fan jet nozzle produced a wide, flat spray that seemed marginally less powerful but covered more ground. I then remembered the RA 90 surface cleaner attachment, which is specifically for larger areas and has two rotating nozzles under a round hood that stops spray back. I’ve tried this type of attachment in the past and been unimpressed as the power just hasn’t delivered on the cleaning front. 

Stihl has nailed it though and the RA 90 attachment does exactly what I hoped, allowing me to essentially sweep across the patio from right to left, leaving precious little dirt behind. (Note: I did have to change the nozzle connector, as the one on the attachment didn’t fit the pressure washer lance but spares were included.) 

The patio soon became swamped in very muddy water, making it hard to see which tiles had been cleaned and which hadn’t. So, I switched to the fan jet nozzle to clear the decks, then popped the RA 90 back on to continue cleaning. I carried on in this way until all the tiles had been blitzed, which took about an hour. I then popped the rotary nozzle on to go back over a few spots of particularly stubborn dirt that the sweeping attachment had missed. 

The only thing the Stihl RE 120 Plus couldn’t shift on our patio was two patches of green algae stain – I tried both nozzles and the RA 90, no dice – but otherwise it genuinely looked as clean and fresh as the day it was installed. As it’s natural stone, it could probably use a fresh coat of sealant now though!

I then tackled the slate slabs on top of our garden walls and on the steps up to the front garden. Again, I used the sweepy RA 90 attachment, followed by some nozzle action to clear the muddy water and lift stubborn dirt. While I was on a roll (a.k.a. getting slightly obsessed), I blitzed the top of the coffee table that had been left out too long in winter and had a fine layer of crud on top. Using the fan jet nozzle to reduce the risk of damage to the wood, the dirt lifted off brilliantly and now looks like something I’d be prepared to put a coffee cup on.  

On the glass balustrading around one corner of the patio, which we installed as a wind shelter, I didn’t dare to use the most powerful nozzle. Instead, I chose the fan jet nozzle, which has adjustable power (just twist the nozzle towards the plus or minus symbol) and dialled that back to a lower pressure setting to lessen the power and protect the glass from breaking. This had the desired effect and the backsplash from cleaning the patio was swiftly rinsed off.

At the front of the house, I used the Stihl RE 120 Plus to clean the stone brick style pathway leading to the front door. Again, I settled on a mix of sweepy attachment and the less powerful fan nozzle. The pressure was a little too harsh in places and lifted some of the grout from between the stones, but they cleaned up incredibly well and I was delighted by the results overall. 

Next came the car wash. I couldn’t see any advice regarding which nozzle to use on the car, but as it was utterly filthy, I went in with the fan jet nozzle on its most powerful setting. Once I had gone over the car thoroughly, I filled the detergent bottle with car shampoo and connected it onto the spray lance. The soap zooms out like it does at the car wash, covering the car in a blanket of snowy suds. I did use about a quarter of the 500ml bottle on one vehicle so might dilute it next time to make it go further. 

Once I’d rinsed off all the soap and had a good blast at the alloys, I let the car dry so I could study the results. Cars always look clean when they’re still wet! I have to say it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, and next time I will need to engage a sponge or chamois after soaping up as there were still streaks of dirt on the car, especially on the doors. I was rather hoping I could swerve the elbow-grease step and let the pressure washer take 100% of the strain but sadly it wasn’t to be. To be fair, I’ve not met a pressure washer that can do the job without some hand-scrubbing, even the professional beasts they use at the car wash. 

My husband had a similar experience with his truck but, as it’s silver, the smears were not noticeable and he was very happy with the results. 

Our final job for the Stihl RE 120 Plus was to clean the village sign that sits on the verge by our driveway entrance and is at least 20 years old. It’s a traditional aluminium road sign that had been looking extremely dirty and unloved for as long as I can remember. A quick blast revived it brilliantly and, thankfully, didn’t remove any of the black lettering. I did try a very small area of the black before proceeding, not wanting to bring the wrath of the Parish Council to our door, but it held perfectly and only the dirt came away. This is good practice, and one that is recommended by Stihl in the instruction manual – if in doubt, do a small patch test somewhere inconspicuous first!

Final verdict: Is the Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure washer worth the money?

Currently retailing at £420, this is not the cheapest pressure washer out there, a problem shared with the Karcher K4 pressure washer too. Despite this, I have no doubt it is great value for money. It comes with a three-year guarantee, and Stihl has an excellent reputation for its customer service. I read a few customer reviews online before this machine arrived at my door and the feedback was very positive. If there were issues, and I didn’t find many complaints, they were quickly dealt with by customer services.

For me, the features that made me happiest were also the simplest. I loved that the hose never kinked or looped as I was working, I loved that the hose can be quickly rolled away on the sturdy reel, and I loved the storage compartment in the side which keeps everything in place and makes it easy to store. Oh, and I really, really loved the speed and effectiveness of the RA 90 surface cleaner attachment. It didn’t clean my black car as well as I’d have liked, but I’ve not yet met a pressure washer that can, and my local car wash guys will no doubt be grateful if that remains true.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Worx 20V Hydroshot might be worth a look at especially if your outdoor space is lacking a tap and/or power point. Of course, it's nowhere near as heavy duty as the STIHL RE 120, but it'll still allow you to get smaller jobs done without calling in a professional.

About this review, and the reviewer

Linda Clayton tested the Stihl RE 120 Plus pressure washer at her family home in Devon over a Bank Holiday weekend, cleaning the patio, stonework, glass balustrades, paths and cars.

Pressure washers come in all shapes and sizes. They’re the go-to tools for high-pressure cleaning that we reach for when we want to take on seasonal and everyday outdoor tasks. But what’s the best pressure washer on the market?

When I was introduced to the Worx 20V Nitro high-flow Hydroshot cordless pressure washer what really got me excited was its promise of ‘use it anywhere – no power or water connection required’. Unlike conventional pressure washers with their bulky body units, mains connections and garden hoses that need to be attached to a tap, the Worx Nitro Hydroshot WG633E is battery operated and can use a remote water source. 

I have a small back garden with stone patios and steps, plus a wooden shed and pathway. We’re also an ‘outdoorsy family’ and love to bike and kayak.  All of these things need frequent seasonal maintenance. I wanted a product that could tackle the basics with get-up-and-go. It was a bright day at the end of March when I put the Worx through a spring cleaning test…

Worx 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure washer product specs

• Power type: 20V battery powered
• Max pressure: 5.6Mpa
• Best for: everyday jobs washing down pathways, gutters, bikes, BBQs and outdoor furniture
• Draw hose length: 6m
• Power cord length: N/A as this is battery powered
• Net Weight without accessories: 1.5kg

Who tested this pressure washer?

Worx 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer: Unboxing and delivery 

Worx 20V Nitro high-flow Hydroshot cordless portable power cleaner/water sprayer with accessories, battery & charger (model WG633E) arrived in an easy-to-carry box. 

The front and back of the box clearly shows the vital statistics of the product and its uses – everyday cleaning outside from bikes and boats to windows, BBQs and cars. It doesn’t mention outdoor surfaces such as patios, decks or walls so I don’t think this product purports to be a heavy duty pressure washer like the Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer. 

Worx 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer: First impressions 

On opening the box, all the contents were neatly arranged and held in place by cardboard. The components included were the battery pack, the plug-in battery charger, the operating trigger handle and comes with accessories of a 6m suction (or draw) hose, 526.5mm long lance, quick connect adapter and a soda bottle adapter.

I moved outside at this point to lay out all the components before reading the instructions and putting the pressure washer together. All the items were clearly identifiable and you don’t need any other tools to assemble. I took a look at the printed instructions. It was all pretty straightforward so I cracked on and followed the simple black and white illustrations step by step. 

The first thing to do was start charging the battery pack by plugging it into the mains. A green battery indicator light started flashing and turned solid on full charge – this took about 90 minutes. There is a battery test button that indicates how much power is left in the battery – handy if you are mid job and wondering if the battery will last.

Then I inserted the pressure cleaning lance into the main unit and attached the 5-In-1 multi-spray nozzle. The nozzle shows the different spray types and their intensities and allows switching from 0°, 15°, 25°, 40° spray patterns with high/low pressure setting of 38 bar/25 bar. There is also a watering setting.

The beauty of this pressure washer is that it can attach either directly to existing outdoors hose pipe or if you want to be more mobile (or be mindful of water usage) from a bucket, butt, lake or pool using the white draw-hose. The bottle attachment is intriguing and a very clever idea if you are out and about.

Next step was to pop the fully charged battery into the waterproof battery case and close the lid for extra safety. This is all super simple. After about 8 minutes of construction, the pressure washer was ready for action. On first use, the instructions recommended injecting water into the hose adapter with the machine turned on so as to empty any air in the hose.

Worx 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure washer: Results

Wooden sleeper pathway

Our wooden sleeper pathway was slippery with black algae after the winter so needed a spruce up. I clicked the mains hose adaptor (it worked with our existing adaptor but also comes supplied with the product) into the trigger and got to work cleaning. I initially set it to the 40 degree setting with its fan of water, which got rid of surface plant material, but this was not strong enough to remove the ingrained dirt. The most successful settings for this were the more powerful 15 degree and the 0 degree. It cleaned small areas effectively but was quite time consuming.

Stone patio and paths

Discoloured pavers from a long and wet winter were my next target. The same scenario played out on the stone patio and paths with the most intense settings being the most effective for the ingrained dirt. The wider spray setting was adept at rinsing down the grout and rubber front door mat where mud had accumulated. 

Shed, render and guttering

My painted clapboard shed was covered in green algae and was looking unsightly. I put the setting onto 25 degrees and this pressure quickly cleared the slime. One side of the shed is hard to access, but the portability of the trigger made it no trouble. Likewise with the render on the side of our house. It also sluiced the guttering that had accumulated leaves and gunk, leaving it rather satisfyingly spotless.

Motorbike, bikes, cars

Next I positioned the white draw hose into a bucket of water and clicked its adaptor into the trigger. We carried the bucket down to outside the garage where the motorbike was on its stand outside. This is brilliant as you don’t have to manhandle a cumbersome hose. The 25 degree pressure setting made light work of mud and grime around the bike’s wheel arches and mud guards. This would be equally competent on muddy mountain bikes and filthy cars. The pressure was the same as it was when attached to the tap and I used two buckets of water to clean the motorbike. I would recommend the hosepipe attachment for cleaning a car.

Wooden furniture

Next, I tested the soda bottle attachment. I filled an empty Coke bottle with water and inserted the bottle tube and screwed into place. The tool is obviously heavier to lift and a little awkward, but I used it to clean down a sad looking outdoor chair. This bottle attachment would be brilliant for hosing down muddy boots and bikes after a walk. As the bottle emptied quickly, we used the bucket and draw hose to complete the job.

Final verdict: Is the Worx 20V Nitro Hydroshot Pressure Washer worth the money? 

The Worx 20V Nitro Hydroshot Pressure Washer is a compact and versatile all rounder for lightweight jobs outdoors. I loved the way that it could be used for quickly rinsing patios and pathways, washing cars, bicycles, boats, outdoor equipment such as BBQs, garages, sheds and windows. It’s not designed to deep clean large-scale areas such as patios. The tool is part of Worx PowerShare battery system so you can use the battery in other gardening tools in the range, such as strimmers. I found that the battery charge lasted for approximately 30 minutes of constant use.

The RRP of £199.99 is an investment, but this product is ingenious, well made and well designed. Its major plus point is that it can be moved easily from job to job without a hefty hose attached to the mains water. The draw hose is just so clever and means that you can take the tool wherever you need it – from the garden, to the garage. You could even pop it into your car and take it with you on holiday for cleaning boots, bikes, canoes or camping equipment. 

In terms of user friendliness, it was easy to understand the set up instructions. The trigger is light and easy to handle. Storage is a dream as it is so compact.

If you want to save some pennies and don’t need the accessories, its little sister is the Cordless mobile pressure washer 20V with an RRP of £139.99 at Worx.

About this review, and the reviewer

As part of the commitment to how we test at Ideal Home, Rhoda tested the Worx 20V Nitro Pressure Washer at her family house in Sussex where she put it through its paces on stone patios, wooden sleeper paths, a motorbike, shed and even her gutters. 

Summer is close, and if you're in the market for a new pressure washer, there's no better time to start looking. But are cordless pressure washers worth it?

When it comes to finding the best pressure washer for your space, it can be hard to know where to start. Corded or cordless? Compact or heavy duty? This time, we thought we'd take a look at whether or not cordless models are a reliable option.

To do that, we checked in with home improvement experts to weigh the pros and cons of cordless pressure washers and help you decide if this model type is right for you.

Advantages of cordless pressure washers

To start with, we're taking a look at the benefits of owning a cordless pressure washer...

1. They're easy to use

So, are cordless pressure washers worth it? If you’re after convenience and ease of use, they’re definitely worth considering.

‘Cordless pressure washers are far more convenient and portable than corded models as they can be used in any area and aren’t restricted to a power socket,’ says Max Ledsham, manager at Kingfisher Direct.

This type of pressure washer certainly removes any limitations that you’d encounter with a corded model, but they’re also easier to position.

‘Cordless pressure washers are definitely worth it if you value mobility and flexibility,’ agrees Henrique Conceicao, area manager at Total Clean. ‘Imagine cleaning your car or patio without dragging around a mains cord. The convenience can't be overstated for those hard-to-reach spots.’

You'll just need to watch out for the things you should never clean with a pressure washer.

2. They're lighter

Cordless pressure washers might be worth the investment if you struggle with mobility or simply want a lightweight product.

‘For those who are older or struggle with strenuous activities, it may be best to invest in a cordless pressure washer, as they are often far lighter than traditional pressure washers,’ says Max.

In fact, when we reviewed the Worx 20V Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer, our favourite cordless pressure washer on the market, we loved that it weighed just 1.5kg (without accessories).

3. They're quieter

If you’re looking for a quieter model, cordless pressure washers produce less noise than heavier-duty corded models.

‘Cordless models are typically much quieter than traditional pressure washers, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting neighbours when pressure washing during the day,’ says Max.

Disadvantages of cordless pressure washers

We’ve established that cordless pressure washers are generally easier to use, more convenient and quieter than their corded counterparts – but are there any drawbacks?

‘Nothing's perfect,’ says Henrique. ‘Cordless pressure washers often lack the punch of traditional washers; you might not get the grime off your concrete path with the same ease.’

That’s because cordless models are generally less powerful than corded pressure washers, and they might not be the best choice for heavier jobs. That said, some of the better models on the market still do a good job of keeping on top of regular cleaning.

There’s also the battery to think about. ‘If you’ve ever used a tool with a low battery light blinking, you’ll empathise with this – they don’t last as long as you might hope,’ says Henrique.

Cordless pressure washers can take several hours to charge, so it’s worth considering that although they’re convenient, you’ll need to factor in charging time. You'll also need to think about how much water a pressure washer uses – but that's a variable you'll need to consider with corded models, too.

Where to buy cordless pressure washers

So, are cordless pressure washers worth it? If you’re looking for an easy-to-use model for lighter jobs, absolutely. You might need to mull heavier jobs over before you make the investment, but we think cordless pressure washers are brilliant all-rounders for general outdoor use.

Want to know what makes a truly great pressure washer? A pressure washer is a power tool that directs water at high pressure to clean garden and other external surfaces of your property. It connects to your household water tap and needs to be plugged to a household electricity power point. 

One of the best pressure washers is the perfect tool for tackling various areas that can be prone to the consequences of the weather, including stone patios, wooden decks, windows, brick walls and facades. These tend to accumulate mildew, and gather stains or get slippery underfoot. This tool allows you to keep on top of the maintenance of your home so that it's spick and span year round. 

I hadn’t owned a pressure washer before so when I was researching garden upkeep, this appliance seemed to tick all the boxes. I have a small back garden that instead of grass has various stone patios and steps, plus wooden decks and pathways. All of which need annual maintenance. I wanted a product that could tackle the basics with rigour and energy. My mantra when buying electrical products is ‘to buy once and buy well’. I want things to last so that I am doing my bit for environmental sustainability. 

It was a gloomy day at the beginning of Spring when I put the Karcher through its paces…

Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer product specs

• Power type: 1800w
• Max pressure: 20-130 bar max
• Best for: Stone outdoor surfaces and cars
• Hose length: 5m
• Power cord length: 5m
• Net Weight without accessories: 11.48 kg

Who tested this pressure washer? 

Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer: Unboxing and delivery

The Karcher K4 arrived efficiently and well packaged in a large signature Karcher yellow box. The box was supported by two plastic ties around the middle for strength and lifting but there were no side handles on the box that may have made it easier to man handle. The package was heavy and I couldn't lift it single handedly so I needed a helpful hand from my other half to get it into the house.

The packaging was made of good quality, heavy duty cardboard, which we all know is widely recycled, but there was no recycle logo confirming this on the packaging. It was printed with the name of the product and clearly pictured what was waiting inside  – the K4 kit, Home Kit and Car kit – and the pressure washer’s vital statistics, such as power type, water flower rate and area efficiency. This looked like a serious product that knew what it was talking about and I couldn't wait to see how it performed. 

Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer: First impressions 

On opening the box, all the contents were neatly arranged and held in place by more cardboard. A yellow strip commands you to ‘Scan your product code and get your benefits’. This involves downloading the Karcher Home & Garden app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Then opening the app, selecting Higher Pressure Washer and then scanning the Product Code. I was slightly unnerved by the fact that I have to do this in order to ‘control the device’ but I dutifully followed the instructions to register and set up an account with Karcher. Paper instructions are included for those who don’t own a smartphone.

I moved outside at this point to lay out all the components before putting the pressure washer together. All the items are pretty obvious. You do need your own Phillips screwdriver to assemble certain parts. The app takes you through the process step by step to attach the wheels, base, gun and spray gun holders, two panels, and storage net. Then you screw the adaptor to the water connection. It's a good tip to completely unroll the hose so that it is untangled. 

Finally you insert the high pressure hose into the high pressure gun and fit the spray lance with a half rotation. After about 20 minutes of construction, the pressure washer is ready for action.

Performance 

Wooden sleeper pathway

I decided to start testing on the oak sleeper pathway. The wood was blackened and slippy after the cold and wet winter weather. Using the app, I clicked on Wooden Floors and it showed me that I needed to select Pressure level 1 Soft, the Nozzle setting and that there were 8 steps to cleaning wooden surfaces.

Firstly, I removed the loose dirt with a dustpan and brush, then I connected the Vario Power spray lance to the high-pressure gun, and set the pressure range to Soft. I guided the flat stream of water slowly, as per the instructions, in the direction of the grain - at the recommended angle of 30-50 degrees and about 12cm from the surface of the wooden surface. 

The soft setting gently cleaned the wood. Where it wasn’t powerful enough to remove ingrained plant debris I increased the pressure which allowed for better dispersion of soil, plant matter and algae.

Stone patio

Next I tackled the paved stone patio. Again, after the winter, the surface wasn’t looking its best with blackened patches and significant moss growing in the cracks between the pavers. I gave it a quick brush to remove pebbles and leaves.

Clicking on the app for instruction on Stone Floors, it suggested I use the T5 T-Racer Surface Cleaner, that the Pressure Level should be set to 3 Hard and to use the Nozzle setting. I easily connected the T5 T-Racer attachment and selected the Hard position. On usage, this attachment looks and feels a bit like an upright vacuum cleaner or sanding machine.

Due to the dome design, the water pressure is directed downwards and therefore doesn't spray up all over the place. It easily cleared the moss from the cracks and the dirt from the surface of the pavers. It’s a good idea to work in a methodical way in order to avoid missing patches. On the edges of the patio, I decided to use the spray lance on pressure range 3 high as I could direct the flow of water more easily. While the patio was wet, I gave it another quick brush and then gave it a final rise on pressure range 2 medium.

The kit is supplied with a Stone Cleaner that is inserted into the Plus ‘n’ Clean docking station. By selecting Mix on the spray lance the detergent is sprayed onto the stone and can then be rinsed off - quite useful if you have a particularly stained patio area.

Car

My car - which rarely gets cleaned - got the once over next. The app recommends that you brush any leaves before starting so that the run-off remains clear. The Vario Power spray was attached to the high pressure gun and set to pressure range 2 medium. I gave the car a quick once over with the spray jet to take off large lumps of mud. I live on a country track so we get a lot of mud! The instructions suggested to work from the bottom up, which is a useful tip.

Once that was done, I placed the Car Shampoo 3 in 1, which is supplied, into the Plug ‘n’ Clean docking station and turned the Vario Power lance to detergent mode or Mix as it was called on the trigger display. Working from bottom to top, I sprayed the car with the detergent and then left for a few minutes, as suggested, to let the suds do their magic. 

Then I grabbed the rotating brush attachment and rubbed the car down. Finally, with the Vario Power spray lance set to medium, I rinsed the car using the flat jet - again working from the bottom upwards. This was very much the method I’ve seen being used in car washing drive-ins and it worked brilliantly. I have a soft top car so I was a bit nervous about using the jet on the cloth roof so I set it to soft and it got rid of most of the moss and algae that had accumulated. 

Glass patio doors

We have large sliding doors that lead from the kitchen to the garden so using the Medium setting I gave them a quick rise. It was especially useful getting into the runners and sills where dirt accumulates over the winter months. Obviously, you do need to finish off a hand-held window cleaning wiper to avoid smears.

Other alternatives 

The instructions say you can use this product on stone walls and facades using the stone and facade cleaner, as well as motorbikes and bicycles. I didn’t test it on these areas but based on the above I think it would do a good job.

Final verdict: Is the Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer worth the money? 

The Karcher K4 Premium High Pressure Washer really pulled its rank in tackling all the jobs I set it. It was very competent in removing dirt and grime on any given surface. It's a powerful machine and the three pressure settings mean you select the right pressure for the right job. The trigger handle display clearly shows the setting you are on.

In terms of user friendliness, it was easy to understand the instructions and, being a beginner, I found the app useful for its clear step by step instructions. The cable tidy handily reels in the cable for stowing in the garage or shed. The sturdy wheels and telescopic transporting handle make it easy to move the pressure washer from place to place as lifting the machine is heavy. The trigger is light and easy to handle.

The RRP is £399.99, which is a hefty investment, but if you need to clean patios, decks and pathways on a yearly basis I think it is worth the dosh. And, of course, if you are regularly spending £10 on getting your car cleaned at the garage drive-in every Sunday then this is going to save you money in the long term. It is also fun to use as there is something rather satisfying about the instant transformation to your outdoor surfaces, but also good safety wise as avoiding slippy outdoor surfaces is an imperative with kids about. My only con is how heavy it is!

About this review, and the reviewer

Rhoda tested the K4 Premium High Pressure Washer at her family house in Sussex where she put it through its paces on stone patios, wooden sleeper paths, windows and finally turned to cleaning her mud-covered car.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Now that spring is here, you may have noticed your concrete patio showing the unmistakable signs of being neglected over winter. Fortunately, you can learn how to clean a concrete patio so that it comes up gleaming.

Great patio ideas deserve a well cared for surface, free of dirt and grime. It's difficult to keep concrete patios fresh and clean all the time, given the adverse effects the seasons can have on them, but learning how to clean a concrete patio will help keep dirt at bay and maintain a patio that you're proud of.

So, it's time to grab your comfiest shoes and get ready to follow our steps to learning how to clean a concrete patio. We've asked the experts and provided two guides in one, for those who have a pressure washer, and those who don't.

How to clean a concrete patio 

Concrete – whether laid as a slab or individual tiles – has lots of benefits. Not only is it low cost, but it also offers plenty of design choice, thanks to the imprints and colours now available. If you are looking to replace yours there are a number of patio paving ideas to choose from.

A concrete patio is also extremely durable and fairly maintenance-free – often an occasional sweep and rinse-off will suffice. But if your slabs are looking a little green in places, or you’ve moved pots and planters only to discover plant rings, then a clean-up will revitalise. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning a concrete patio.

How to clean a concrete patio with a pressure washer

If you garden cleaning kit boasts a pressure washer, you can learn how to clean a concrete patio quickly and easily. Just three simple steps and your patio decor ideas will be looking fresh and new again.

1. Get prepped

Learning how to clean a concrete patio is best done on a mild, overcast day, as this will stop your cleaning solution from evaporating too quickly. Remove any outdoor furniture, flowerpots and planters and the barbecue from the concrete area you want to clean. Give the area a brush to remove loose or large debris. 

If your concrete patio is currently playing host to unwanted agricultural pests, you can learn how to kill weeds from paving fairly easy. Pull them out of gaps for a quick-fix solution, making sure you remove the full root. 

2. Set up your pressure washer

Connect your pressure washer to water and power. For an even deeper clean, add a specialist stone cleaner into the pressure washer as per the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can spray a detergent directly onto the patio and leave it for around ten minutes before starting the pressure wash.

Turn on the pressure washer and, starting with a low pressure, engage the trigger, slowly at first, until you are comfortable with the action. Do a few test sprays to check if your pressure is too high or too low; ideally use a fan setting over a jet one to protect your concrete paving.

The Kärcher K5 Smart Control corded pressure washer, available for £319 at B&Q, is a great option if you're looking to invest in a pressure washer. 

3. Get into your groove

Working in a sweeping motion, clean the paving using long sweeps that overlap the previous, ensuring a consistent result once dry. To clean out any corners, aim the jet into the corner, following an L-shaped action. 

Try to work from a shallow angle, say 30° or less, and work diagonally across paving to avoid parallel washing of the joints, which could damage pointing. 

Allow some time for your patio to dry once you've finished. Once it’s completely dry, you’ll be able to see just how much difference the power wash has made!

How to clean a concrete patio without a pressure washer

If you don't own a pressure washer and aren't planning on investing in one, you can still learn how to clean a concrete patio just fine. Follow the steps below for the same results.

1. Use a hose and brush to clean

A little more elbow grease and time is needed to clean concrete without a pressure washer. Start by clearing the area and removing any plant pots and furniture, then kit yourself out with a stiff-bristled brush, a bucket, and a hose. 

2. Add a cleaning solution

'For a deep clean I like to use a cream cleaner like Cif and then scrub using a long handled garden broom,' says Laura Mountford, Cleaning Expert and Author, Live Laugh Laundry. 'This will help to remove stubborn stains.'

Depending on how dirty your concrete patio is, you could just use washing-up liquid mixed with warm water in your bucket. For more stubborn stains – or a concrete patio that hasn’t been touched for years – the Ideal Home team has tested the best patio cleaners on the market to find the most effective formulas. See our top three picks below. 

Just make sure to read the instructions to make sure the product is suitable for your paving type, and to spot test for extra peace of mind to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage to the patio.

3. Scrub, brush and rinse

Once your cleaning solution has been poured over the slabs, grab a pair of protective gloves and start scrubbing it in. Rinse away any soapy residue with water, then get a hard-bristled brush to clear the leftover water and cleaning solution.

As you start to brush, you’ll notice that the bristles loosen the dirt with ease. Keep brushing until all of the dirt has been loosened.

Once you're done brushing, rinse the entire area until no dirt remains. You'll have to wait until it's completely dried before you can see the final results, but your patio should come up spotless.

FAQS

• Sweep the patio to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bucket or spray bottle. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap for tougher stains.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the patio surface, either by spraying or using a brush. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes to break down dirt and stains.
• Scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled brush or broom, focusing on stained areas.
• Rinse the patio thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer.

'Just remember to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't damage your patio's finish,' Zak says. 'Additionally, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces, as it can cause damage.' 

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you're lucky enough to have decking in your outdoor space, you'll want to keep it in tip-top condition so that it stays looking its best all year round. You can learn how to clean decking properly to get it looking as good as new again, even if it can sometimes feel like fighting a losing battle thanks to the adverse effects of the British weather.

The days are finally starting to lengthen and we've seen glimpses of the sun peeping from behind the clouds which means spring is just around the corner. And while your neighbours are probably out cleaning their patios, you'll soon be able to enjoy your garden decking idea again because now is the perfect time to transform it from weathered and tired to shiny and gleaming.

'Cleaning the decking isn’t a priority for many of us, however, it’s an easy fix that will give your garden a refresh,' says Jimmy Englezos, wood whizz and Senior Brand Manager at Ronseal. 'Not only will your decking look as good as new, but keeping it clean could help it to last longer too.'

So you can get your decking in perfect condition ahead of the spring garden parties and summer barbecues, we've asked the experts how to clean decking, with and without one of the best pressure washers, so you're covered either way. Plus the decking mistakes to avoid to make upkeep fuss-free.

Unfortunately, decking can end up being slippery (and quite dangerous) if it’s not taken care of. Algae and moss can grow and form over the surface of the decking, making it difficult to walk on. You can stop the growth getting this bad with regular maintenance. But if it’s already set in don’t fear, as there’s plenty you can do to get it looking clean and new again.

Moss or algae aside, a garden deck, wooden or composite, needs a good clean now and then. And how to clean decking and deck railing ideas is actually really easy when you follow some simple steps; it doesn’t require lots of expensive products, either.

Before you get the brush out, it’s important to understand what your decking needs. For example, composite vs wood decking. Wooden decking, for example, requires a gentler approach than composite alternatives, as harsh chemicals and excessive scrubbing can damage the surface.

What you'll need

• A stiff brush - this Roughneck decking brush set available at Amazon will be handy for multiple outdoor cleaning jobs
• Washing up liquid: dependent on the size of deck, consider bulk buying Delphis eco friendly liquid at Amazon
• Hot water
• A specialist decking cleaner like Jeyes Patio and Decking Power which you can pick up at Amazon
• An anti-slip decking stain or oil: Cuprinol's anti-slip stain from Amazon is my favourite or go for V33's UV and water-resistant anti-slip decking oil

1. Get prepared to clean the decking

'First things first, take everything off your decking so it’s completely clear and ready for you to clean,' says Jimmy. 'Grab a broom and give your decking a good sweep to dislodge any dirt - don’t worry too much about any particularly problematic dirt for the moment.'

Remove everything that lives on the decking – furniture, pots, your barbecue, ornaments, and anything else. Pop them somewhere where they won’t be in the way for a day or so.

Whilst the weather is unpredictable, it’s best to work when the day is clear, and the deck is totally dry; allow a few days to pass since a downpour. Give the complete decking a thorough sweep, using a brush to get debris from between the cracks as best you can.

There's a smart Roughneck decking brush set available at Amazon that boasts a heavy-duty scrubbing brush with 6 rows of steel bristles. Then an angled brush to scrub away decking moss with a built-in scraper head with a steel hook to turf out tough weeds and moss from between grooves.

Jacksons Fencing's garden expert, Leigh Barnes adds, 'After cleaning, inspect for damage. Replace rotting or damaged boards, tighten loose screws/nails, and ensure railings are secure. This keeps the deck safe and structurally sound.'

2. Apply a cleaning solution

For a gentler clean to remove surface dirt and cobwebs, you can use a solution of washing up liquid in warm water. Be careful not to over-scrub with anything harshly abrasive, and avoid rubbing against the grain, as that can leave marks.

'Washing up liquid is commonly used to clean decking as it’s helpful in removing light stains and dirt without resulting in any damage,' explains Max Ledsham from Kingfisher Direct.

'If your decking is heavily stained then it’s best to use a stronger solution or specialist decking cleaning solution.'

Before you use the solution, Steven Walley, decking expert from London Stone advises you to prep the area first. He says: 'It’s important to clean your decking when it’s dry, so make sure it has fully dried out if it has been raining. Once ready, clear the area from any plant pots and use a broom to remove loose debris and leaves off the surface.'

Cleaning with vinegar is also safe for use on all types of decking. Mix a half cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water, then scrub the mixture on the decking with a cloth or brush.

'Vinegar is also safe to use on decking, as long as it is not undiluted,' suggests Steven. 'Mix half a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water and pour onto your decking to soak for 5-10 minutes before using a cloth or bush to give it a scrub.'

Alternatively, you can purchase a product made especially for cleaning decking. 'Whilst you can use soap water, a specialist product such as Jeyes Patio and Decking Power (which you can get at Amazon) is likely to be more effective to get rid of stubborn moss and algae,' says Sophie Herrmann, spokesperson for Jeyes Fluid. 'Mix it with water, pour it on and leave it to do its work.'

'Ronseal’s Decking Cleaner and Reviver (available at B&Q) preps new wood whilst cleaning up older decking. It can tackle algae and mould and can be used over stains and oils,' says Jimmy. 'The Decking Stripper(also at B&Q) is best used for those tough, stubborn stains that just won’t budge. It does exactly what it says on the tin and strips all stains and oils from your decking.'

Whatever product you're using, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to apply, timings and how to rinse away.

3. Blast away grime with a pressure washer

A pressure washer is one thing that every gardener needs, and it will make learning how to clean decking much easier if you have one. If you don't want to invest in one just yet, you can still clean the decking with the cleaning solution on its own.

But if you've already got a pressure washer to hand, you'll want to get it ready if a lot of moss and algae has built up on the deck. 'Tackling your decking with a pressure washer will spray away any moss and grime that might have built up,' says Sophie Hermann. 'Ensure that the setting on the pressure washer is suitable for your decking, otherwise, it could potentially damage the surface.'

'Always use the low-pressure setting and make sure to start with a test patch in the corner of your decking so that if you need to make adjustments to the pressure, you can do so without damaging the main area of your decking.'

'Aim to keep the nozzle around 6 inches away from the surface and avoid changing the power settings throughout the cleaning process to avoid obvious marks,' advises Steven.

'Make sure to move in the same direction as the grain on the wood or composite deck, using a steady and consistent speed to create an even wash.'

While your decking can be cleaned with a pressure washer, Steven advises a gentler approach is best. So should you pressure wash decking?

'While a pressure washer can be a quick way to clean your decking, we always advise a gentler approach. This is because the strength of the water pressure can expose weaknesses in the wood, causing it to crack or splinter.'

'Using a pressure washer uses a lot more water too, making it longer for your decking to dry out,' adds Steven.

And when it comes to pressure washing a composite deck, Lee Heitzman, the UK & Ireland market manager for composite decking brand Trex explains, 'While you can use a pressure washer to clean composite decking, it must be on a setting no greater than 3100 psi and used with a fan attachment no closer than 20 centimetres from the decking surface. Rinse thoroughly to avoid any dirty water drying and leaving a film on the decking.'

4. For an even deeper clean, use a stripper

If your decking is particularly dirty, then a more stringent cleaning may be required. In fact, this may be the case when preparing your decking for winter. Ronseal Decking Stripper which you can pick up on Amazon will leave your decking pristine.

'For this, you’ll need to wear some gloves and give the tin a shake before use,' says Jimmy Englezos, Senior Product Manager for Ronseal.

'Apply the stripper to your decking with a decent-sized brush – don’t be shy and ensure you apply a thick layer. It takes around 30 minutes to work,' explains Jimmy.

'However, if it’s a hot day you’ll need to keep an eye on patches that are drying out and re-apply a layer where needed. Keep scrubbing with warm water and then wash it all off with a hose, and you’re done!'

FAQs

How do I clean the decking without a pressure washer?

It's a good idea to learn how to wash decking without a pressure washer as well as with. A pressure washer isn't essential for getting a clean and sparkling deck, and in some cases, it can even risk damaging its surface.

Depending on the dirtiness of your decking and how much mould and mildew has formed, you could do just as good a job with washing liquid detergent. Pour four litres of warm water into a bucket and stir in 250ml of laundry detergent.

Apply the warm solution liberally onto the already cleared and swept deck. Work it into the surface with a broom. Allow the solution to sit on the decking for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse thoroughly using your garden hose.

You can also clean the decking with vinegar. 'Just make sure you do not use undiluted vinegar on your decking, and you also don’t want vinegar on your decking for long periods because, whilst it isn't as harsh as other chemicals, it still does contain acid,' says Allan Jeffrey, Managing Director, Ultra Decking.

Or you could try Cuprinol Decking Cleaner (you can pick it up on Amazon) which is a powerful detergent specifically formulated to remove dirt, grease, algae and mould.

How do I clean weathered decking?

Try cleaning weathered decking without a power washer first. Use a garden hose if you have one to wash away any dirt and grime, spraying in between the decks to dislodge any twigs and debris. Then clean the decking with a gentle cleaning solution made of warm water and soap.

If your deck is really weathered, you can try staining the deck and then resealing it.

How do I keep my decking looking good for longer?

Once you’ve spent the time cleaning, scrubbing and painting your decking, you’ll want to ensure it stays looking great for as long as possible. Whilst your decking will naturally take some general wear and tear from use, there are things you can do to limit damage.

'To minimise damage, we recommend using rubber feet for any deck furniture,' advice experts at Gripsure. 'In addition, any planters, tubs or plant pots should be raised on blocks to allow air circulation and avoid mould growth. We also recommend using metal or plastic trays to catch and retain any excess liquid when watering plants.'

For hot tub decking ideas consider the same principle, be mindful of water spills – perhaps seeking an underlay to protect the decking below.

Can I use household bleach to clean decking?

We asked Max Ledsham, from Kingfisher Direct for his view on using bleach on wood decking.

'Bleach can be good for removing tough stains and grime from decking as it can penetrate deep into the wood and kill mould or mildew,' explains Max.

'However, bleach can be a very corrosive solution so it’s best to only use it as a very last resort. Not only does bleach have the potential to damage your decking, but it can also bring harm to plants and wildlife in your garden. It’s likely that when rinsing your decking after cleaning, the excess bleach will transfer into other areas of your garden which can potentially kill plants or wildlife.'

The final flourish to perk up tired decking is to give it a lick of fresh paint or use a stain. You might like to leave the decking untreated, but a coating of a protective product will keep it looking fresh for longer. A layer of protection means it'll be able to withstand mould, algae and mildew.

'Once the decking is clean, applying the right decking oil will make sure it is water-repellent and UV-protected while also looking great for longer,' Richard Bradley, UK Head of Marketing at V33. 'This means money saved in the long run since failing to protect decking properly could result in having to replace it sooner.'

Ensure the decking is totally dry after cleaning, and brush away any leaves or debris that might’ve found its way there since cleaning.

You can find garden paint ideas and stains in a range of colours (Cuprinol's anti-slip stain from Amazon is my favourite) which will totally transform the decking. Or you could opt for a decking oil like V33's UV and water-resistant decking oil (available at Amazon) with extra anti-slip properties to boot.

If you're looking to get your paintbrush out, our guide to how to paint decking will help get a seamless finish.

Did you know that there are certain types of garden furniture you should never clean with a pressure washer? Yes, doing so could actually cause more harm than good. 

We love the best pressure washers as much as the next person (who really loves pressure washers), but it’s important to note that these garden gadgets do have their drawbacks. Due to their immense power, pressure washers can damage even the best garden furniture and ruin your garden decor ideas in the process. 

So, if you want to keep your outdoor tables, chairs, and sofas in tip-top condition, you might want to put your pressure washer away and opt for alternative cleaning methods instead. 

Garden furniture you should never clean with a pressure washer

Knowing how to use a pressure washer can help to revive your old garden furniture. However, you need to be careful when using this nifty garden gadget. If you use a pressure washer on the wrong furniture, you may have to pay the price… quite literally. 

1. Rattan garden furniture

Rattan is a hugely popular choice for outdoor garden furniture. The best rattan furniture comes in so many different shapes and styles, and it’s relatively affordable compared to other materials on the market. 

However, you need to be careful when cleaning rattan garden furniture, as it won’t cope with the high power of a pressure washer. 

Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench, says, ‘​​You can use a hose to clean any rattan furniture. However, please don't use power washers, as this strength will damage the rattan.'

‘I also wouldn't recommend using any abrasive cleaners or any really strong detergents or anything with bleaches in as this could also damage the furniture.’

In fact, the easiest way to clean rattan garden furniture is to use one of the best handheld vacuum cleaners and a soap and water mixture. This Ecover Camomile & Clementine Washing Up Liquid is our personal favourite. 

2. Wooden garden furniture

While the best wooden furniture can be a stylish and versatile addition to your garden, it’s important to know how to clean wooden furniture. Unfortunately, that’s not with a pressure washer. 

'You’ll find video after video on the internet of members of the public recommending the use of a jet washer to clean teak and other wooden furniture,’ explains Peter Tyrie, Managing Director of Barlow Tyrie. 'We cannot stress enough that this is not recommended.' 

In fact, pressure-washing wooden furniture can completely ruin the wood's internal structure and leave it prone to damage. 

Peter says, 'While power washing is very tempting to achieve quick results, aggressive spraying could destroy the cellulose fibres and structure of the wood, which could irretrievably damage your furniture.’

However, if you really have no choice and need to use a pressure washer, Peter has offered up a solution. He says, 'Should you choose to use a power washer, turn the power down and do not direct the jet into the joints.'

In most cases, using soap and water to clean wooden furniture should do the trick. However, you could also use something like this Ronseal Garden Furniture Cleaner from B&Q.

3. Stone garden furniture

Although stone garden furniture isn’t as popular as it once was, many people still have stone tables and benches in their gardens. However, stone furniture is another type of garden furniture that you shouldn’t clean with a pressure washer. 

Martin Beaumont of Monty Miracle says, ‘You should never use a powerwash on stone garden furniture. The force of the jetwash can blast away the surface of stone, leaving it vulnerable to the elements.’

And while stone garden furniture can become discoloured and grimy when exposed to the elements, there is a way to clean it without putting it in harm’s way. 

Martin adds, ‘A liquid solution like Monty Miracle is more effective. It will clean the surface gently in just ten minutes and can be rinsed off with a hose.’ You can buy the Monty Miracle Cleaner on Amazon, too.

4. Plastic garden furniture

A cheap patio furniture idea is to use plastic furniture. It’s extremely affordable, and plastic tables and chairs can normally be jazzed up with bright cushions, impressive tablescapes, and bold outdoor rugs. 

In fact, plastic chairs like this Set of 2 Boston Stackable Garden Armchairs from La Redoute are already colourful on their own. However, it can be difficult to clean plastic garden furniture. 

One thing you should definitely not do is clean plastic garden furniture with a pressure washer. Steve says, ‘If your furniture is made with thin plastic or is particularly weak (old, showing signs of cracks and splits), then you won't want to use a pressure washer.'

‘This is because it can split the plastic due to its immense strength. If you have thicker plastic furniture, you could probably use a pressure washer on its lowest setting, but make sure to have a wide nozzle set.’

In most cases, though, you’ll want to clean by hand and with soap and water. 

5. Old metal garden furniture

While metal may be one of the most durable types of outdoor furniture, it’s not invincible. That’s because most metal garden furniture is powder-coated to prevent rust and improve weather resistance. 

Over time, this powder coating can succumb to the elements, so you need to be careful when using a pressure washer to clean old metal garden furniture. 

‘Metal furniture is generally okay to use with a pressure washer,’ says Steve. ‘However, if it has any signs of chipping paint or rust, then the pressure washer is likely to crack even more paint off and could cause the metal to rust if it isn't able to dry out properly.’

If you see any cracks, you should also consider using something like this RONSEAL Direct to Metal Paint from Amazon to protect it further.

Garden accessories you should never clean with a pressure washer

Alongside these types of garden furniture, there are also so many other things you should never clean with a pressure washer. Many of these are garden accessories and additions, as outlined below:

Outdoor heaters: ‘We would avoid pressure washing heaters,’ explains Caron Grant, Brand Manager at Bridgman. ‘Instead, we would suggest using a damp cloth to lightly scrub away any dirt to avoid causing any damage or, in some cases, rust.’ So, take heed if you’ve bought one of the best patio heaters. 

Wooden parasols: Parasols and umbrellas are a great way to add shade to your garden. However, Alex Sudron, founder of Plia Parasols, says, ‘The mast poles of wooden parasols are made from sections of wood essentially glued together - a process called lamination, which increases the strength of the pole. The jet blast of a pressure washer could weaken the lamination layers, so they're not recommended.’

Greenhouses: They’re perfect for sowing seeds and keeping your plants safe, but greenhouses need to be cleaned by hand. Andrew Haydon, the Director of Simply Plastics, says, ‘Greenhouses are made using glass or polycarbonate panels which, while durable to the weather, won’t hold up well against the high-pressure jets of water from a pressure washer. These panels will usually be thinner than your usual household windows, meaning they can easily crack, chip or warp when subject to a pressure washing and make your greenhouse ineffective.’

FAQs

Can you use pressure washer on garden furniture?

One of the reasons why pressure washers are so popular is because they are so versatile and can be used to clean everything from patios to garden furniture. 

However, it’s important to note that pressure washers can’t be used on all types of garden furniture. You should never use a pressure washer on rattan, wooden, stone, plastic or old metal garden furniture; instead, you should clean them by hand. 

Can you pressure wash rattan furniture?

Ideally, you should avoid pressure-washing rattan furniture. The power of the pressure washer may damage the weaves and make the furniture too wet, leading to mould growth. 

But it’s always a good idea to check the cleaning requirements of the specific rattan furniture you have, as many retailers are now offering rattan garden furniture that can be pressure washed. 

If you want to maintain the integrity of your garden furniture, it’s time to put the pressure washer away!