What is a pressure washer used for? Trade Plant and Tool Hire's essential guide to getting the most out of your power washer

A pressure washer is a useful piece of kit that can take the hard work out of a whole host of cleaning tasks by simply blasting out a powerful jet of water to knock the dirt off of any surface. Pressure washers use significantly less water than most garden hoses and can actually make cleaning a satisfying and enjoyable task. Here are ten pressure washer uses that you might not have considered:

1. Barbecue grills and patio furniture

 The sun comes out and it's time to have a barbecue. Only your grill and patio furniture haven't been touched since the autumn and are looking decidedly the worse for wear. Use a pressure washer to clean your barbecue grill. Just make sure all electrics and the propane are detached before you get started. Cleaning patio furniture with a pressure washer is a quick and easy task and gives great results, especially on white plastic tables and chairs.

2. Cars and bicycles

 Pressure washers have proved themselves to be excellent at washing cars and bicycles time and time again, with the power of the water being ideal for cleaning off any mud, dirt and grime from the roads whilst also remaining gentle enough so as not to damage your vehicle.

3. Concrete patios and driveways

 You can use a power washer to remove weeds that grow between patio or paying slaps and ruin the appearance of your property. Direct the stream between the cracks until the soil is loosened and then removing the entire root system of the weed is a piece of cake. It's a good idea to fill in the cracks afterwards with sharp sand or a specialist filler to prevent the problem from recurring. Power washers are also ideal for removing dirt and debris from patio slabs.

4. House exteriors before painting

 Clean sidings mean that the new paintwork will last longer. Cleaning the exterior of a house by hand is a time-consuming and difficult task. Using a pressure washer will do a more than adequate job in much less time. Aim to avoid any obvious crevices and openings such as air vents and use a fan spray nozzle rather than a stream nozzle.

 You can also use a power washer to clean windows. Use the lowest pressure setting and a wide spray pattern. You can use a pressure washer with an integrated cleaning solution dispenser or give the windows a quick wipe first with a soapy sponge and use the pressure washer to rinse them - do this quickly before the detergent has a chance to dry. Don't hold the power washer too close to the windows and avoid directing it at window putty.

5. Decking

 Wooden decking is one of the most popular uses of pressure washers. If left, decking panels can quickly become covered with unsightly mildew and mould. Using a pressure washer is the best way to keep your decking looking good. However, used incorrectly a power washer can cause damage to softer woods. Follow these tips to prevent any risk of damage:

• For the best results on really grimy wood, scrub the decking first with a mild detergent
• Use the lowest pressure that is still effective, testing on an inconspicuous area first. A typical low pressure is 500 psi to 600 pounds per square inch.
• Ensure that the nozzle is 2 to 3 feet away from the surface.
• Use a sweeping motion to clean the decking moving your arm back and forth. Start nearest the house and move outwards.
• For the best results use a deck-cleaning solution that includes sodium hydroxide to brighten it. You will need to use a power washer that allows the integration of cleaning solutions.

6. Steps and paths

Estate agents understand the significance of curb appeal so if you are planning to put your house on the market, there is little as important as a clean and tidy front entrance. Use a pressure washer to clean brick steps or a path. A pressure washer can do this job effortlessly in a little as ten minutes. They could be the best ten minutes you will ever spend in terms of improving the appearance of your property.

A pressure washer is a great investment but if you only rarely require the use of one, then a cost-effective option is to hire one today from Trade Plant and Tool Hire, where you can rent one for a few hours at a very reasonable rate.