Pressure washers — particularly those powered by gasoline engines - offer unsurpassed cleaning power on many outdoor surfaces, including concrete, brick, siding, and asphalt. Unfortunately, the cleaning power of pressure washers can also cause injury and damage surfaces quickly.

 

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Electric-powered pressure washers aren’t as powerful as their gas-powered cousins, and somewhat reduce the potential for injury or damage from the spray. But since electricity and water can be a hazardous combination, those who misuse an electric power washer can be shocked or electrocuted.

A solid stream from a pressure washer nozzle presents the greatest potential for causing injuries and damage. These sprays are capable of stripping paint from concrete patios and driveways, pitting and etching plastic lawn furniture, and peeling away paint as well as wood from siding materials. Use the widest spray angle possible to dislodge soils from the surface you’re cleaning. It’s also best to spray the surface at an angle to reduce the potential for injury to yourself or bystanders from splash back.

Always wear eye protection and shoes when using any pressure washer. Ear protection is also a must when using a gasoline-powered model. Electric washers are quieter, but be sure to plug the machine into an outlet protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI. (Most homes built since the early 1980s have GFCI-protected outlets in outdoor locations such as garages and patios.)

Never point the nozzle toward or even close to people or pets, even with the spray turned off.

Begin cleaning at a distance of about two feet (61 cm) from the soiled surface, and then work more closely if necessary. Don’t get the nozzle any closer than six inches (15 cm) away from the surface.

Reference:

Consumer Reports