How to Use a Power Washer

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: February 21, 2023 References

A power washer has considerably more cleaning power than what you can get with a garden hose; however, that power also has an inherent danger of injury or damage to property. You want to make sure you know how to use a power washer before you turn it on.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Preparing to Use a Power Washer

1
Wear appropriate safety attire. You should have safety goggles and protective footwear on. The footwear should also have a rubberized sole to minimize the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. You may want to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your limbs from flying dirt and debris.^{[1]
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2
Protect plants and breakable objects by moving them out of the way or covering them.^{[2]
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3
Get the power washer ready for use.
- Fill a gas power washer with engine oil and gasoline. Hold the start grip and pull to start the engine.
- Plug an electric power washer into a properly grounded outlet.
4
Connect a garden hose to the pressure washer water inlet. Turn on the water supply before turning on the pressure washer to avoid damaging the pump.^{[3]
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5
Fill the reservoir or a bucket (on a siphon system) with a detergent solution if you want extra cleaning power.
6
Attach the proper spray tip to the nozzle.^{[4]
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Research source} Certain tips may be required when using detergent. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Operating a Power Washer

1
Position the spray tip at least 2 feet (0.61 m) (0.6 m) from the surface to start. Gradually move the tip closer. You risk damaging the surface if you hold the tip closer than 12 inches (30.5 cm) (0.3 m).
- Make sure to always test it out as far away from the surface as possible, and keep it at least 1 foot (0.3 m) away from whatever surface you're spraying.
2
Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to the surface. These will help direct loosened debris away from you. Pull the trigger to begin spraying the water.^{[5]
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3
Move the spray in a side-to-side motion, without spraying too long in any one spot.
4
Apply detergent by starting low and moving upwards. Allow the detergent to soak for at least 3 minutes before rinsing. Don't wait long enough for it to dry. Rinse the surface by spraying water from the top down.
5
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for flushing the system after using detergent in a power washer.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Can you use a power washer on a car?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Only if you check the pressure and verify the nozzle beforehand! You can use a power washer to clean or detail a car, but if you don't use the right nozzle, you will damage the vehicle.
Question

How do I start if there is too much pressure?

Community Answer

Squeeze the trigger on the hand wand. This will relieve the pressure. If it builds back up before you get it started, squeeze it again. Sometimes I squeeze the trigger with my left hand while I pull the start cord with my right hand.
Question

When using the washer does it hurt the pump if I leave it running without depressing the trigger?

Community Answer

For a minute or two, no. It's designed to recirculate the pumped water back into the inlet when the unloader activates (which is what happens when you release the trigger). Keep in mind though, if you allow it to keep running, the recirculated water gets hot from the friction. This can cause problems in the pump, or the temperature-sensitive relief valve will dump the hot water. In either case, the pressure washer would be temporarily out of service until the pump was repaired, or the relief valve was reset.

Warnings

Keep the connection between the power cord on an electric power washer and an extension cord out of standing water to avoid the chance of an electric shock.

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Never aim the spray from a power washer at any part of your body, someone else, or animals.

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Never use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder. Instead, use a power washer with an extension wand.

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Keep power washers out of reach of children. They could cause serious damage to themselves, someone else or property if they mistakenly assume it's just a big squirt gun.

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Don't operate a gas power washer in an enclosed area. The exhaust fumes could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

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If cleaning siding with a power washer, keep the spray at a downward angle to avoid forcing water up behind the siding.

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