Pressure washers

Pressure washers are used to clean cars, patios, garden furniture, fences and facades at home or on a smallholding. Our range has over 100 models, from simple household machines to equipment for heavier use, and the brands you will meet most often are Kärcher, Bosch, Makita and Einhell.

How to choose a pressure washer

Pressure and flow rate. Pressure (bar) decides how hard the water jet lifts dirt, while flow rate (litres per hour) decides how quickly a surface gets rinsed clean. A medium-pressure household model is enough for a car, bikes and garden furniture, but concrete paving, facades and dried-on grime call for higher pressure and a higher flow rate.

Power source. Most models plug into the mains and run for as long as the cable reaches. Cordless washers are handy where there is no socket, but they run for a limited time and usually clean less forcefully, so they suit a car or a balcony better than a whole yard.

Accessories. A foam lance applies cleaning foam to a car before rinsing, a rotating nozzle shifts stubborn dirt faster, and a surface cleaner treats a patio without leaving streaks. If you plan to use detergents, check whether the model has a detergent tank or foam lance, and choose only products made for pressure washers.

Hose, cable and water supply. A longer high-pressure hose and mains cable mean less walking around the house with the machine. Check that the connector fits your tap or garden hose, and if the tap is far away, look for a model that can draw water from a butt or bucket.

How often you will use it. A basic model is enough if you wash a few times a season. For frequent use, look at wheels, storage for the hose and accessories, which make the machine easier to move and keep in a garage.

Brands we carry

• Kärcher: a German manufacturer whose core business is pressure washers, and the brand with the most models in our range.
• Bosch: makes home and garden washers in its green DIY line, which includes the EasyAquatak and UniversalAquatak series.
• Makita: known for cordless tool systems, where one battery often fits several tools of the same brand.
• Einhell: has the Power X-Change battery system, with one battery fitting many garden and workshop tools.
• Gardena: specialises in garden watering equipment and quick-connect hose fittings, so its products pair easily with other garden hose parts.

Also in our range: BLACK+DECKER, Scheppach, Stanley and Dedra.

Frequently asked questions

What pressure should a home pressure washer have?

For most households a medium-pressure domestic model is enough to clean a car, furniture, bikes and a fence. If you regularly clean patio paving, concrete or a facade, choose a washer with higher pressure and flow rate, as it will finish that work faster.

Can I wash a car with a pressure washer?

Yes, but with care. Use a wide-fan nozzle and keep the lance away from the bodywork, and avoid a rotating nozzle on paint, seals and tyre sidewalls. A foam lance helps to loosen dirt before rinsing.

Does a pressure washer need a tap connection?

Most models connect to a tap or garden hose. Some machines can also draw water from a butt or bucket, which the manufacturer states in the product description, so check this before buying.

How do I prepare a pressure washer for winter?

Drain the water from the pump, hose and trigger gun, then store the machine somewhere frost-free. Water left inside expands as it freezes and can damage the pump, so this step should not be skipped.