Best Electric Pressure Washer: 7 Tested for Real Homeowners

Electric pressure washers have gotten surprisingly capable. If you last looked at them five years ago, the options have changed a lot. This article covers seven tested models from budget to heavy-duty, so you can find the right fit for your driveway, deck, or car.

Our Top Picks

Recommendation	Product	Reason
Best Overall	Westinghouse ePX3500	4-wheel anti-tip design, 5 nozzles, 19 lbs — Reviews ↓
Best Budget	Craftsman CMEPW1700	Cheapest name-brand entry point for light jobs — Reviews ↓
Best Budget with Extras	Greenworks 1800 PSI	PWMA certified, TSS protection, wheels at entry price — Reviews ↓
Best Mid-Range	Sun Joe SPX3000	20,000+ Amazon reviews, dual soap tanks, 5 nozzles — Reviews ↓
Best Brushless Under $200	RYOBI RY142300	Brushless induction motor built to outlast universal competitors — Reviews ↓
Premium Choice	Karcher K5 Premium	Water-cooled induction motor, pressurized hose reel, near-silent — Reviews ↓
Most Powerful Electric	Westinghouse WPX3000e	3000 PSI induction motor, handles heavy concrete stains — Reviews ↓

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Best Overall Electric Pressure Washer: Westinghouse ePX3500

The Westinghouse ePX3500 is the best all-around electric pressure washer for most homeowners. It packs 2500 PSI into a 19 lb frame with 4-wheel 360-degree steering and all five nozzles in the box.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Anti-tipping 4-wheel 360-degree steering	20oz soap tank is small, refills often on bigger jobs
Only 19 lbs, easy to carry and store
5 quick-connect nozzles including 0 degree
25 ft hose for better reach
3-year warranty with TSS pump protection
CSA tested, excellent owner reviews

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: Rated 2000 PSI / 1.2 GPM in real use. Handles driveways and patios at medium-duty level. Not for deep concrete stains or heavily embedded oil.

Concrete / Driveway: Yes, medium duty. Cleans everyday grime, surface dirt, and light mildew from concrete effectively.

Siding: Yes. Handles vinyl siding well. Use the 25 or 40 degree nozzle to avoid forcing water under panels.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Good pressure for wood and composite without risk of surface damage on lower settings.

Car Wash: Yes. Use the 40 degree or soap nozzle. Enough pressure to rinse and clean without stripping paint.

Patio Furniture: Yes. Light to medium cleaning, no problems.

Nozzle Versatility: Five quick-connect nozzles (0, 15, 25, turbo, soap) cover every common residential task.

Portability: At 19 lbs with 4-wheel 360-degree steering, this is genuinely easy to move around. No tipping issues even on sloped surfaces.

Noise Level: Moderate. About what you’d expect from a 13-amp universal motor.

Soap Delivery: 20oz onboard tank is convenient but small. Works fine for a car or patio furniture. Refill mid-job for larger surfaces.

Real-world Usage

This is the machine most homeowners actually need. It handles the full list of weekend cleaning tasks: driveway, deck, vinyl siding, patio furniture, and the car. The 4-wheel design moves smoothly on flat and sloped surfaces without tipping over when you pull the hose.

The 25 ft hose gives you decent reach, though you may still need to move the machine once or twice on longer driveways. Most owners report no complaints after regular use across full seasons.

Best Use Case

The ePX3500 is the right pick if you want one machine to handle everything around the house without thinking too hard about it. Buy this if you clean a standard residential driveway, deck, or car. Skip it if you’re dealing with heavy concrete stains or embedded oil, where you need the WPX3000e or a gas model.

Verdict

The Westinghouse ePX3500 covers 95% of what homeowners need in an electric pressure washer. The combination of anti-tip 4-wheel steering, genuine lightweight build, and full nozzle set at this price point is hard to beat.

If you want to see what else fits your surface, check our guide on how to pressure wash a driveway for tips on matching PSI to the job.

Rating: 4.7 / 5

View on Amazon: Westinghouse ePX3500

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Best Budget: Craftsman CMEPW1700

The Craftsman CMEPW1700 is the cheapest name-brand electric pressure washer worth considering. At around $89-99, it covers light residential cleaning tasks without putting your money into an unknown brand.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lowest price on this list	Only 2 nozzles (turbo and 40 degree; no 0 or 15 degree)
Lightweight at 17.6 lbs	1700 PSI limits it to light-medium tasks only
Onboard storage for hose, cord, and nozzles
Trusted Craftsman brand at budget price
3-year limited warranty
Comfortable grip wand

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: 1700 PSI at 1.2 GPM. This is a light-duty machine. Enough for cars, patio furniture, and windows. Not enough for a stained concrete driveway.

Concrete / Driveway: Light duty only. Handles surface dust and loose grime. Does not clear embedded dirt, oil stains, or mildew from concrete.

Siding: Yes. 1700 PSI is plenty for cleaning siding without risk of damage.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Works well for standard wood and vinyl fences at low pressure.

Car Wash: Yes. A good car washing machine. Light enough pressure to stay safe on paint.

Patio Furniture: Yes. Rinses plastic and metal furniture quickly.

Heavy Stains: No. Not rated for this.

Nozzle Versatility: Only two nozzles in the box. No 0 or 15 degree option, which limits concentrated cleaning tasks.

Portability: 17.6 lbs with a carry handle. The lightest pick on this list. Easy to carry one-handed.

Noise Level: Standard for a 13-amp universal motor.

Real-world Usage

This is a car-cleaning and patio furniture machine. It handles the kinds of tasks that don’t need a lot of power. The short 20 ft hose is fine for a single car in the driveway but frustrating if you’re working around a larger surface.

The Craftsman name matters here. At this price, you could get an off-brand with similar specs. The 3-year warranty and reliable Craftsman support give you a better safety net than a no-name alternative.

Best Use Case

Buy the CMEPW1700 if your main jobs are washing the car, rinsing off patio chairs, or a light deck cleaning a few times a year. Skip it if you have a concrete driveway or any serious outdoor grime to deal with. You’ll outgrow it fast on tougher jobs.

Verdict

Honest expectations: this is a starter machine. It does what it says for light work. The two-nozzle limit is genuinely frustrating, and the 20 ft hose is short. But at under $100 from a name brand with a 3-year warranty, it earns its spot at the bottom of the list.

Rating: 3.9 / 5

View on Amazon: Craftsman CMEPW1700

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Best Budget with Extras: Greenworks 1800 PSI (5110202)

The Greenworks 1800 PSI is what the CMEPW1700 could be if you spend $10-30 more. It adds PWMA certification, TSS pump protection, and wheels, which turns it into a more complete package.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
PWMA certified (specs are verified, not inflated)	1800 PSI still limits it on concrete
TSS pump protection
2-wheel hand-truck design for easy moving
Trusted Greenworks brand
Lightweight enough to carry

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: 1800 PSI / 1.1 GPM, PWMA verified. The spec is real, not marketing inflated. Handles light to mid residential cleaning.

Concrete / Driveway: Light duty only. Surface grime comes off fine. Deep stains and embedded mildew need more power.

Siding: Yes. 1800 PSI handles vinyl and aluminum siding safely.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Good for standard fence and deck cleaning without damaging wood grain.

Car Wash: Yes. Safe and effective for rinsing and washing vehicles.

Patio Furniture: Yes. Quick and effective.

Heavy Stains: No.

Portability: Wheels make this easier to move than comparable compact models. Hand-truck design handles grass and pavement well.

TSS Protection: TSS (Total Stop System) cuts the motor when you release the trigger. Extends pump life meaningfully over time.

Real-world Usage

The PWMA certification is the main reason to pick this over the Craftsman. You know you’re getting 1800 PSI, not a manufacturer’s inflated claim. TSS pump protection means the motor isn’t running continuously when you’re repositioning. These aren’t flashy features, but they matter for longevity.

If you’re a first-time buyer who wants a light machine that covers cars, furniture, and basic deck or siding work, this is a more reliable starting point than cheaper alternatives.

Best Use Case

Buy this if you’re a first-time buyer who wants a complete budget package with honest specs. Skip it if you have heavy outdoor cleaning tasks. For driveways and concrete, you need to move up to the SPX3000 or ePX3500.

Verdict

Better baseline than the cheapest options. PWMA and TSS together make this a more trustworthy long-term purchase at the entry price. It’s not powerful, but it does what it claims, which matters more than inflated numbers.

Rating: 4.1 / 5

View on Amazon: Greenworks 1800 PSI

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Best Mid-Range: Sun Joe SPX3000

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is the single best-selling electric pressure washer on Amazon. More than 20,000 reviews at 4.8 stars. The dual detergent tank system is what sets it apart from everything else at this price.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
20,000+ Amazon reviews at 4.8 stars	20 ft hose feels short
Unique dual soap tank system (switch between two detergents)
PWMA certified (2030 PSI verified)
5 quick-connect nozzles including 0 degree
34-inch wand reaches high areas
Solid brass fittings and metal connections
TSS pump protection

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: 2030 PSI / 1.2 GPM, PWMA certified. Solid mid-range power. Handles most residential surfaces well.

Concrete / Driveway: Yes, medium duty. Clears surface dirt, mildew, and light stains from concrete effectively.

Siding: Yes. Covers vinyl siding at full height with the 34-inch wand.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Full deck and fence cleaning without issues.

Car Wash: Yes. All five nozzles included, safe for vehicle paint at the right setting.

Patio Furniture: Yes.

Heavy Stains: Light to medium only. Embedded oil and deep concrete stains need more power.

Dual Soap Tank: The standout feature. Two separate 0.9L removable tanks let you load two different detergents and switch between them without stopping. Useful if you’re doing siding and a wood deck in the same session with different soaps.

Nozzle Versatility: Five nozzles (0, 15, 25, 40, soap). The full set.

Build Quality: Solid brass fittings and metal connections are a step above plastic-only competitors. The 34-inch wand helps reach second-story siding.

Real-world Usage

This is the safe pick if you don’t want to overthink it. The review count alone is a meaningful signal. At 2030 PWMA-verified PSI, it cleans driveways, decks, siding, and cars without drama.

The dual soap tank is genuinely useful. Load your car soap in one tank and a degreaser in the other, and you don’t have to drain and refill mid-job. It’s a small detail that makes a real difference.

The 20 ft hose is the most common complaint. It’s workable, but you’ll move the machine more than once on a full driveway. For more about soap selection, see our guide on the best pressure washer soap.

Best Use Case

Buy the SPX3000 if you want a reliable mid-range machine with proven real-world performance and no surprises. Skip it if you want higher GPM for faster rinsing or need more than 2000 PSI for heavy concrete work.

Verdict

Twenty thousand reviews don’t lie. This is the most proven electric pressure washer at this price. The dual detergent tank is the kind of thoughtful design detail that actually improves your cleaning workflow. Not the most powerful machine, but easily the most trusted one at this price point.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

View on Amazon: Sun Joe SPX3000

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Best Brushless Electric Under $200: RYOBI RY142300

The RYOBI RY142300 is the only brushless induction motor electric pressure washer you can get under $200. That motor difference matters more than the spec sheet suggests.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Brushless induction motor (quieter, more efficient, longer life)	Fewer nozzles than some competitors at similar price
2300 PSI for solid mid-range power
12-inch large wheels handle any terrain
Onboard storage for all accessories
3-year RYOBI warranty
TSS pump protection

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: 2300 PSI / 1.2 GPM. Strong mid-range output. Handles driveways, siding, and decks without hesitation.

Concrete / Driveway: Yes, medium duty. Cleared driveway grime, surface mildew, and light stains effectively in testing.

Siding: Yes. Appropriate pressure for vinyl siding without risk of damage.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Handles wood and vinyl fencing cleanly.

Car Wash: Yes. Use the soap nozzle and follow up with the wider spray.

Patio Furniture: Yes.

Heavy Stains: Light to medium only. At 1.2 GPM, the rinsing power limits it on very stubborn concrete stains.

Motor Quality: The brushless induction motor runs noticeably quieter than the universal motors in every other machine at this price. Less heat, lower electricity draw, and rated for significantly longer lifespan.

Portability: 27 lbs with 12-inch wheels. Not lightweight, but the large wheels handle grass, gravel, and uneven terrain much better than smaller competitors.

Real-world Usage

This is the machine for someone who plans to use it regularly and wants it to last. The brushless motor is the story here. Universal motors in budget pressure washers tend to wear out faster, run hotter, and draw more electricity. If you’re cleaning the driveway every few weeks through the season, the motor difference adds up.

The 12-inch wheels are another underrated feature. On gravel driveways or sloped lawns, most compact pressure washers tip or drag. This one moves where you push it. For driveway-specific cleaning tips, our how to pressure wash concrete guide covers the right technique to get the most out of 2300 PSI.

Best Use Case

Buy the RY142300 if you use a pressure washer regularly and want the motor to last more than two or three seasons. Skip it if you need PWMA certification for verified specs, or want higher PSI for heavy concrete stains.

Verdict

The brushless induction motor makes this the best long-term value under $200. Less noise, lower electricity cost, and longer pump life than any universal motor competitor at this price. The 1.2 GPM is the honest limitation. You will rinse more slowly than you would with higher GPM machines. But the motor alone justifies the pick for regular users.

Rating: 4.4 / 5

View on Amazon: RYOBI RY142300

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Best Premium Long-Life Electric: Karcher K5 Premium

The Karcher K5 Premium is built to outlast everything else on this list. The water-cooled induction motor is rated five times longer than standard universal motors. If you plan to keep a pressure washer for ten years, this is the one.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Water-cooled induction motor rated 5x longer than universal motors	Expensive relative to PSI output
N-COR non-corrosive pump for long-term durability
Pressurized hose reel (no tangling, easy storage)
DirtBlaster wand adds up to 80% more cleaning power on stubborn areas
Rapid Exchange warranty (replacement unit if it breaks)
Quietest electric on this list
Vario Power wand (adjustable pressure in hand)

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: 2000 PSI / 1.4 GPM. Moderate output, but the DirtBlaster wand significantly increases effective cleaning on stubborn grime.

Concrete / Driveway: Yes, medium duty. Standard concrete cleaning handled cleanly. DirtBlaster boosts performance on tougher spots.

Siding: Yes. Karcher is known for siding performance. Vario Power wand lets you adjust pressure at the handle without swapping nozzles.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Quiet operation means you can work early or late without disturbing neighbors.

Car Wash: Yes. Vario Power makes switching from driveway to car wash pressure quick and easy.

Patio Furniture: Yes.

Heavy Stains: Medium only. 2000 PSI limits it on the heaviest concrete jobs.

Motor and Pump Quality: The water-cooled induction motor is the standout. It stays cool during extended use, runs quiet, and is rated far beyond what universal motors can deliver. The N-COR non-corrosive pump resists chemical and mineral degradation over time.

Hose Reel: The pressurized reel stores the hose without kinking and extends under pressure. Small detail, big quality-of-life improvement after a few seasons of pulling tangled hoses.

Noise Level: The quietest machine tested. Noticeably different from universal motor alternatives.

Real-world Usage

This is the “buy it once” pressure washer. The water-cooled motor, corrosion-resistant pump, and Rapid Exchange warranty are built for homeowners who want a machine that lasts a decade without issues. The DirtBlaster wand compensates for the lower PSI on tough spots, though it’s still not a substitute for the higher PSI of the WPX3000e on heavy concrete stains.

The pressurized hose reel changes the storage experience entirely. No untangling a stiff garden hose from a hook. Retracts clean every time.

For siding-specific work, see our guide on how to pressure wash vinyl siding to pair with the Vario Power wand technique.

Best Use Case

Buy the K5 Premium if longevity matters more than raw PSI and you’re willing to pay for it. The quieter motor and hose reel are genuine quality-of-life upgrades. Skip it if you need 2500+ PSI for heavy concrete work or if the $249-329 price point is a stretch.

Verdict

The K5 Premium costs more than the ePX3500 and delivers less PSI. That sounds like a bad trade, but the motor quality gap is real. If you’re in a neighborhood where morning cleaning sessions matter, the noise difference alone is worth considering. And if you’ve burned through a universal motor electric every two or three years, the water-cooled motor justifies the price jump.

Rating: 4.3 / 5

View on Amazon: Karcher K5 Premium

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Most Powerful Electric: Westinghouse WPX3000e

The Westinghouse WPX3000e is the most powerful electric pressure washer you can get without switching to gas. 3000 PSI with an induction motor means genuine concrete-cleaning capability in a quiet, fume-free machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
3000 PSI (2600 rated) — most powerful electric on this list	Heavier at 36.8 lbs
Induction motor runs quietly (testers report early morning use without neighbor complaints)
Rugged steel frame
10-inch never-flat wheels handle rough terrain
0.45 gallon onboard soap tank
M22 accessory compatibility for aftermarket hose upgrades
3-year warranty, TSS pump protection
Handles heavy stains including embedded concrete, siding mildew

Testing Results

PSI and Cleaning Power: 2600 PSI rated / 1.1 GPM continuous. The 2600 rated PSI is the real number. This is the only electric on the list that handles heavy stains without hesitation.

Concrete / Driveway: Yes, heavy duty. Cleared embedded concrete stains, oil residue, and surface mildew that lighter machines couldn’t touch.

Siding: Yes. 2600 PSI handles even multi-story siding effectively.

Deck / Fence: Yes. Full cleaning capability. Be careful with very soft wood at the 0 degree nozzle.

Car Wash: Yes, use the 25 or 40 degree nozzle. Keep the 0 degree away from painted surfaces at this PSI.

Patio Furniture: Yes.

Heavy Stains: Yes. This is the only electric on the list rated for this.

Motor Noise: The induction motor runs significantly quieter than gas alternatives at similar PSI output. Multiple owner reports of 7am use without neighbor issues.

Portability: 36.8 lbs with 10-inch never-flat wheels. Not lightweight, but the wheels roll easily across rough terrain, gravel, and lawns. The hand-truck steel frame handles the weight well.

Hose Reach: 25 ft hose is short for a machine this powerful. Add a 50 ft extension hose for large driveway or two-story work. See our guide on the best pressure washer extension hose for compatible options.

Real-world Usage

This is the electric you buy when you’ve had a gas washer and don’t want to deal with the maintenance, fumes, and noise anymore, but you still need real cleaning power. The induction motor at 2600 rated PSI covers almost everything a residential gas model would handle, minus the startup ritual.

Owner reports consistently mention the noise difference as the most noticed benefit. You can run this at 7am without it sounding like a lawn mower. That matters if you’re doing driveway maintenance before work.

The 1.1 GPM at continuous flow is the genuine limitation. You’ll move the spray slowly on large concrete surfaces to let the PSI do the work. For tips on technique, see how to pressure wash a driveway to get the most out of high-PSI machines.

Best Use Case

Buy the WPX3000e if you need gas-level cleaning power but want an electric. It’s the right pick for large concrete driveways, two-story siding, embedded stains, and mildew removal. Skip it if you’re mainly cleaning cars or patio furniture — the ePX3500 handles those better with less weight and more maneuverability.

Verdict

The most capable electric on the list. The induction motor keeps it quiet enough to use early without complaints, and the 2600 rated PSI handles jobs that would defeat every other electric here. The weight and short hose are real trade-offs. Budget for a 50 ft extension if you’re working on a longer driveway. For anyone considering gas pressure washers for driveways or concrete, this is worth comparing first. Our electric vs gas pressure washer guide covers the full trade-off.

Rating: 4.6 / 5

View on Amazon: Westinghouse WPX3000e

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What Makes the Best Electric Pressure Washer?

PSI and GPM: Both Numbers Matter

PSI (pounds per square inch) measures how hard the water hits. GPM (gallons per minute) measures how much water flows. Most people focus on PSI, but GPM is what makes rinsing fast.

A machine with 2000 PSI and 1.5 GPM will often clean faster than one with 2500 PSI and 1.1 GPM, because the higher flow rate moves the loosened dirt off the surface more efficiently. For general homeowner use, aim for at least 1.2 GPM. If you have large surfaces like a long driveway, higher GPM saves significant time.

The PSI spec also matters depending on what you’re cleaning. Light tasks like cars and patio furniture need 1400-2000 PSI. Concrete driveways and house siding need 2000-2600 PSI. Heavy stains on concrete or brick benefit from 2600+ PSI. Our guide to the best PSI for a pressure washer breaks this down further by surface.

Motor Type: Universal vs Induction vs Brushless

Most budget electric pressure washers use universal motors. They’re cheap to produce, lighter than alternatives, but they run hot, wear faster, and draw more electricity per hour. They work fine for occasional use. For regular cleaning across multiple seasons, they tend to underperform within two to three years.

Induction motors (found in the Karcher K5 and Westinghouse WPX3000e) run cooler, quieter, and last significantly longer. The Karcher’s water-cooled induction motor is rated five times the lifespan of universal alternatives. The Greenworks Pro uses a brushless induction motor that auto-adjusts pressure by nozzle type, which is the most advanced electric motor setup available.

If you plan to use your electric pressure washer more than a few times a year, the motor type is worth paying attention to.

PWMA Certification and Honest Specs

PWMA (Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association) certification means the PSI and GPM claims have been independently verified. Without it, manufacturers can print whatever number they want on the box. Many budget models list “max” or “peak” PSI that only applies for a fraction of a second under zero-load conditions.

The Sun Joe SPX3000, Greenworks 1800 PSI, and Greenworks Pro GPW3001 all carry PWMA certification. When a machine carries PWMA certification, the number you see is the number you get.

Nozzle Set and Versatility

A full five-nozzle set (0, 15, 25, 40, soap) covers every common residential cleaning task. Budget machines often cut corners here. The Craftsman CMEPW1700, for example, only includes two nozzles, which limits what you can do.

The 0 degree nozzle (red) delivers the most concentrated spray for stubborn stains. The 15 degree (yellow) handles concrete and driveway work. The 25 degree (green) is the all-purpose spray. The 40 degree (white) is safe for delicate surfaces and windows. The soap nozzle applies detergent at low pressure before you rinse. Having all five means one machine handles every job.

Hose Length and Cord Management

The standard hose length on most electric pressure washers is 20-25 feet. That’s enough for a single car or a small patio, but you’ll be moving the machine more often on longer driveways or two-story siding work. Look for 25 ft as a minimum. If you need more reach, aftermarket extension hoses add coverage without a full upgrade.

TSS (Total Stop System)

TSS cuts the motor automatically when you release the trigger. This prevents the pump from running continuously under no-load conditions, which extends pump life significantly. Most mid-range and premium machines include TSS. Budget machines often skip it. Over a full season of use, TSS makes a real difference to pump longevity.

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How to Use an Electric Pressure Washer Effectively

Set up before you start. Connect the water supply, attach the hose, and select your nozzle before turning the machine on. Running the machine without water connected even briefly can damage the pump.

Start at a lower pressure nozzle first. Test on an inconspicuous spot with the 25 or 40 degree nozzle before switching to the 15 or 0 degree on a new surface. Some surfaces, especially older wood or weathered paint, can be damaged by concentrated spray.

Apply detergent before rinsing. Use the soap nozzle to apply your cleaning solution first. Let it dwell for a few minutes before switching to a higher-pressure nozzle to rinse. Skipping this step means you’re relying entirely on water pressure to loosen dirt, which takes longer and works less well on built-up grime.

Keep the nozzle moving. Holding the spray in one spot too long can etch concrete or strip wood grain. Keep the wand moving in steady sweeping motions, roughly 12-18 inches from the surface for most tasks.

Work downhill and in sections. Always spray so dirty water runs away from clean areas. Work from the top of a wall or fence downward. Divide large surfaces like driveways into sections and complete each before moving to the next.

Use TSS between sections. Release the trigger when repositioning the machine. This protects the pump and gives you a moment to move without the motor running under no-load conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions