A powerwasher is a great way to clear years of tough buildup from your hardscapes. These tools blast powerful, focused water jets to lift dirt and other staining substances from porous brick, concrete, and similar surfaces. If you plan to purchase one from a lawn care store, consider the following factors to ensure you buy the right product.

What to Consider When Buying a Powerwasher

1. What You’re Cleaning

Powerwashers come with varying capabilities, so consider what you’re cleaning. If you’re just cleaning outdoor furniture, grills, and standalone items that aren’t hardscapes, a light-duty model provides plenty of power—usually 0.5-2 GPM (gallons per minute). Washing decks, home siding, fences, and patios warrants a medium-duty model (1-3 GPM), and larger projects, such as driveway cleaning or cleaning multi-story homes, warrants a heavy-duty model (2-4 GPM).

2. Gas vs. Electric

One of the biggest decisions is the power source. Electric washers are convenient because they’re push-start, quiet, and don’t produce emissions. They’re often lighter and easier to move around. However, you’ll need access to electrical outlets and potentially long extension cables so you don’t limit where you can take the unit.

Gas-powered units require no cables and often provide more power than electric models. However, they usually have pull-start motors, which could be difficult for some people. You’ll also need to always have gas on hand and be able to deal with the noise these lawn care products produce.

3. Nozzle Control

Nozzle control is one of the most important features on these lawn care products. They let you adjust how water is released from the pressure washer and give greater cleaning control. 

They also ensure you don’t accidentally damage surfaces by generating too much power. A wide spray, for example, is ideal for cleaning grills and smaller items. Thinner sprays are more powerful and are best for heavy-duty cleaning.

Shop with the professionals at Lawn Care Equipment Company to ensure you find the right product for your needs. Based in St. Louis, MO, this family-owned and -operated company has welcomed customers since 1958. They specialize in lawn care equipment, including riding lawn mowers, tractor implements, and power tools. Call (314) 961-5700 today to speak with a sales associate. Visit their website to start exploring their products.