Power Moves

Ready to take outdoor cleaning to the next level? Follow this pressure-washing advice from an expert.

- KARUNA EBERL

Pressure-washing can quickly become an obsession. Once you start on decks and patios, it's only a matter of time until you pivot to fences, driveways and siding. Using pressure washers correctly isn't rocket science, but it does require finesse. These tools definitely pack a punch, and without proper care and use, they can cause costly damage (or worse, injuries).

From prepping the work area and applying detergent to choosing the right nozzle and setting, these expert tips will help you harness all that power—without turning your project into a repair job.

Use a pressure between 1,100 and 1,900 psi to protect your car's paint while removing grime.

Choose the Right Nozzle

“Choosing the correct nozzle is one of the simplest ways to get better cleaning results, but many homeowners don’t realize how much the nozzle affects pressure and water flow,” says Dylan Fox, a North Carolina-based product development manager at Greenworks. Most routine tasks benefit from a fan jet in the 15-to-40-degree range, but for tough buildup, consider a turbo nozzle with a strong rotating spray.

Avoid the O-Degree Jet