I have only used a pressure washer once, "rented" to clean the outside of my house prior to painting...

Now I have a "new" house (8 years old), and need to wash/repaint.

I was thinking of buying an 1800-2200 psi pressure washer (I was looking at one, I think under $200 from Costco). Kind of going back and forth between "new tools" (new toy) and save the money for something else...

But, what else can I really use it on?

I DON"T have a wood deck to clean...

I guess I could clean my engine on that greasy project car (or is it easier/cheaper to just go to the "quarter car wash"?)... The enighbors might not like the oily residue coming down the street, plus our drains flow directly to a little lake by my house...

I'll clean the house, but probably not too often (in 8 years, its not too dirty)...

My concrete looks nice, no oil stains...


I guess I'll have to check the daily rental amount for the house cleaning...

Project cars, boats, cars, cement, house windows, horse trailers, Family Members!!! :D
I honestly have used my 2500PSI a couple of times, but my father on the other hand......Come to think of it, he still has it after 2 years. :sad:

I used one to clean the engine bay when we swapped motors. I couldn't begin to guess how much time it saved.

I bought one, it sits... some day i'll use it!!hahaha! i still use the quarter wash for the cars, and a greasy motor, i'd go the car wash and leave the grease there!!

ak

I've thought about buying one, but for a few bucks, I cen rent one for cheap and not have it sitting around taking up space. I've been at my house for 5 years and this is the first time I need one to clean the deck and siding. A hose worked fine in between major cleanings.

I use mine on the concrete, pavers out back, shed, car, house, garage floor, dog runs and kennel, truck bed, shooting the underside of the cars twice a year and last but not least - slicing through fingers on occasion....I dont use it weekly or even monthly but its nice to have on hand when I need it for anything. Plus can help out the parents, friends, grandma, etc when needed.

I dont think its a "need" but its one hell of a nice "have". You'd be surprised at what color your concrete and walkways actually are. My house is only 4 years old and I have used it quite a few times on the driveway and all around the concrete surfaces. Its just fun, to me, to have a beer in hand and shoot the thing on a nice day.

Im glad I have it whenever I need it.

I've thought about buying one, but for a few bucks, I cen rent one for cheap and not have it sitting around taking up space. I've been at my house for 5 years and this is the first time I need one to clean the deck and siding. A hose worked fine in between major cleanings.

This is what I worry about... I can afford it, but is it just going to sit taking up space...


Its just fun, to me, to have a beer in hand and shoot the thing on a nice day.

During the Summer, I used to wash my concrete driveway a few times... It was kind of therapeautic (sp?)...

One project car I have is a bit greasy, but my other ones are fairly clean...


I guess I'll have to see how I feel next time I am at Costco... Of course, end of season no a great time to buy (psychologically), as I won't get too much chance to use it before Winter...

Works great on the wood fences as well as stripping paint. knocking down cobwebbs, bird nests in the eves, heck I have even used it to shoot off dead leaves in the trees. Had to repaint the columns supporting the roof over my front porch recently and it took all of 10 minutes to strip em down to bare wood. I find more uses for it all the time. Only takes up about 1 1/5 sq feet or less in the shed out back.

like I said, not really a need but one hell of a luxury to have on hand when you DO need it. Kind of a like a 540 ci mill, I suppose. :D

If you're concerned about space, convince your neighbor that he needs one. ;)

I have a 1600 PSI Karcher pressure washer ($135.00 at Sam's Club). It takes up very little space in the garage.

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/catalog/images/K399M_125.jpg

I use it quite a bit in the winter to knock the grime off the cars when it snows, and to clean the house, deck, garden tools, mower, etc. throughout the summer months. I used to rent them until the rental costs started getting out of hand. My last rental was $60.00 for a 1/2 day. I figure even if I only use mine a couple of times per yer, it easilly paid for itself many time over.

Dave

I have a gasoline powered 3000 PSI that takes both hands to hold so no beer while using it. :sad:
comes in handy for all kinds of things including washing the vehicles.

I have a 2800 psi and use it for everything... Cleaning the undersides of the cars... the driveway, the deck....

My two nieghbors have gasoline powered 2500 + deals. I got tired of fixing the gas engines for them every six months because I borrowed them once in a while.

Went to Lowes and bought a 1500 psi electric unit. It's much quieter and shuts off when you release the trigger. I use mine now almost every week. Even though the max pressure level is lower, I've never been let down. It's lightweight, -0- maintenance and cheap compared to gas models. ~ $120

And, if you have a tough stain in clothing, lay it on the concrete and blast it out. I'm a hero to my wife & kids for that!

I got the cheapy 89.00 one from Harbor Fright. Not powerful enough to knock the stucco off the house, but cleans it up real nice. Used it on teh driveway once, got it up on the flat roof and did the gutters, used it on the Chevelle engine bay, underside, wash the salt off the cars, clean the mower deck, garage floor....

I especially like not having one that is TOO powerful. Wait, did I say that?

:)

K

Get one with plenty of power, if your house is a two story you won't need a ladder. Also, you won't have to do it every year. Probably a toss up between renting and buying.

Rob

I've got the Karcher electric unit also. Have a 2500PSI gas powered unit here also - that has broken down many times - need to get rid of it. The electric unit is plenty. Use the spiral tip it cuts down on the pressure needed and doesn't gouge wood. The 2500PSI unit would destroy the soft grain in wood. If you are doing big commercial work, gas is the way to go, but for a homeowner, the electric is plenty.

A power washer is like an air compressor---------------------once you get one, you'll always wonder how you ever got along without it! ;)

If you're standing in front of your Chevelle and notice there are bugs in the radiator, don't use the pressure washer to clean them out, unless you want a permanent mark of Zorro on the fins...........I know, I'm the only one dumb enough to do this.:wacko:

Hey guys, just a heads up... I do pressure washer repair. The NUMBER ONE cause of failure is NOT BEING USED ENOUGH!!! the bypass and pressure relief valves get stuck, and then they don't make any pressure.... I get a pressure washer in every week with the same story, "geez, I bought it 2 years ago, I've only used it twice, and I went to use it, and nothing!" is it junk??? USE THEM!!! Generators too, you wouldn't ask your Chevelle to sit, untouched, for a year and expect to jump in, turn the key, and drive it to the store would you? Anyways, pressure washers are extremely handy tools, for numerous things, but if you get one, use it. A helpful tip from the guy who has to fix them! :D Justin

Ditto, even on low.....Pressure washers do not like radiator fins, I'm in possession of one that hates them as well.:)

I also have the Karcher unit I bought from Sams club. I use it almost every day. I aslo hooked it up to a spotless water generator to rinse the cars after I wash with soap. The cars dry spotless without having to wipe them down. It makes washing the cars almost fun. Also if the car comes home not to dirty a quick rinse with the pressure washer does the trick. If you have a few cars to wash it's the way to go. www.crspotless.com

Mark