12 Pressure Washing Tips You Need To Try

Looking to knock out your cleaning jobs with a pressure washer? Whether it’s kicking dirt off your deck, cleaning up the siding, or tackling a grimy driveway, a pressure washer can be your ultimate tool—or a real pain if you’re not using it right. We’ve lined up 12 solid tips to help you get the most out of your machine without any hassle.

Adjust the Pressure for Perfect Results

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Getting the best results from your pressure washer means adjusting the pressure settings based on what you’re cleaning. Different materials require different approaches.

For example, when you’re working on a pressure-treated wood deck, aim for a setting between 1,000 to 1,200 psi.

If you’re dealing with softer woods like cedar or pine, turn it down a notch to about 500 to 600 psi to avoid damage.

On the other hand, tackling stains on concrete? Crank it up to 2,500 psi. For wood siding, a gentler 500 to 800 psi should do the trick.

Master the Sweep and Flick

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When you’re using a pressure washer, the way you handle the wand can make all the difference. Start by pointing the wand away from any surfaces before you engage the trigger to kickstart the water flow. Then, use a wide, sweeping motion as you move across the area you’re cleaning.

Add a gentle flick at the end of each pass—this technique helps pull the water stream away, preventing gouges or uneven spots on your surfaces. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but with a bit of practice, you’ll see how great this method can be for a uniform clean.

Prep Your Space Like a Pro

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Before you fire up the pressure washer, especially if you’re using chemicals or tackling peeling paint, take a moment to protect the surrounding area. Give nearby plants and surfaces a quick rinse to shield them from any harsh chemicals.

For jobs like removing flaking paint, cover your plants and nearby items with netting. This lets water pass through while catching the paint chips, making the cleanup process way easier.

Choose the Right Nozzle

The secret to effective pressure washing? Using the right nozzle. Each job might need a different approach based on how stubborn the dirt is or how delicate the surface can be.

Nozzle tips on pressure washers are color-coded for easy identification: Red is for the highest pressure, followed by yellow, green, and white, with each offering a wider spray pattern and less pressure. Use the black tip when you need to apply soap.

Trigger First for Easy Start

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Got a gas pressure washer with a pull start that feels like a gym workout? Before you pull the starter rope, squeeze the trigger on the gun. This little move releases any built-up pressure in the pump, which lowers the resistance in the engine, making it way easier to start.

Stick to the Right Soap

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When it comes to cleaning with your pressure washer, not just any soap will do. It’s important to use cleaning fluids specifically designed for pressure washers. Using the wrong type can wreak havoc on your pump.

For instance, a soap made for washing cars isn’t going to cut it on concrete, and vice versa—the chemicals in concrete cleaners can even tarnish bright metal on vehicles.

To get the best clean, let the soap sit on the surface as recommended, then give those tougher spots a good scrub with a brush before rinsing off.

Clear Out the Soap Dispenser

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Leaving soap in the dispenser after you’re done? That’s a mistake. Soap left to sit can crystalize, leading to clogs and damage in the pump.

Make it a habit to flush out the soap dispenser after each use. Just pull the trigger on the gun to run clear water through the system until it’s clean.

Extend Your Reach

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Ever find yourself dragging your pressure washer up and down stairs or constantly stopping to move it while you clean? Consider adding a 50-ft. hose extension to your setup. Most residential pressure washers come with just a 25 ft. hose, which can be pretty limiting.

With a longer hose, you can park your machine in one spot and still have the freedom to roam. You might notice a slight drop in pressure and volume, but you’ll still have plenty of oomph to get your surfaces clean without all the hassle.

Keep Those Connectors Happy

Dealing with a leaky pressure washer hose is no fun, and it’s usually due to dry, twisted, or torn O-rings at the connectors.

A simple fix? Lube them up with silicone plumber’s grease after every five uses. This keeps the O-rings from drying out and tearing, extending their life and keeping your connections watertight.

Also, don’t forget about the connectors themselves—they can get gunked up with chemical residues over time. Regular cleaning and lubing of these parts will prevent them from seizing up.

Use the Good Gas

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If you want your pressure washer to run smoothly and save you from frequent maintenance headaches, using the right gas is huge. Small engines are happiest with low-ethanol or ethanol-free gas.

Yes, these options might cost a bit more, but they help prevent your carburetor and fuel filters from clogging and can even extend the life of your spark plugs.

If you go with low-ethanol gas, don’t forget to add a fuel stabilizer to keep water absorption at bay. For the best results, try to find ethanol-free premium gasoline. It’s not at every pump, but you can check out pure-gas.org to find a supplier near you.

Winterize to Optimize

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Storing your pressure washer over the winter involves more than just chucking it in the shed and calling it a day. To avoid unwelcome surprises when spring rolls around, take the time to do it right.

Start by rinsing out all the guns and hoses. Then, switch out any old fluids, empty the fuel tank, and cap it off with some pump protector.

Change Oil Like Clockwork

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Did you know the small engines in residential pressure washers can have a really short lifespan, sometimes less than 200 hours? But here’s a tip to push that limit: change the oil frequently.

It might sound over the top, especially if you’ve just run it for a few hours, but fresh oil can make a huge difference. Drain the old oil and refill with a new batch, sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendation for the type and viscosity.