MEDIUM-DUTY pressure washers in the 1,800 to 2,000 PSI range can tackle bigger projects like large SUV's, RV's, siding and fencing, decks, garage floors and driveways.
Choosing a Pressure Washer
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi).
Reach for the 1500 PSI Pressure Washer and use the 40-degree nozzle to clean painted soft-wood surfaces, aluminum siding, and windows. Brick, stone, and vinyl can handle the higher pressure of the 1600 PSI model. For stucco, stick to the gentler cleaning power of the WORX Hydroshot described below.
PSI Pressure range for Different Surfaces
Different surfaces require different levels of PSI pressure. Generally, for most residential uses, an electric pressure washer (less than 2000 PSI) will suffice. Soft surfaces, such as decks and siding, usually require more cleaning power than harder surfaces such as driveways.
Most electric pressure washers create 1300-1700 pounds per square inch of pressure (PSI) with a water flow of 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM), but experienced contractors recommend between 2000 and 3000 PSI and a flow of at least 2.5 GPM to clean dirty concrete effectively.
MEDIUM-DUTY pressure washers in the 1,800 to 2,000 PSI range can tackle bigger projects like large SUV's, RV's, siding and fencing, decks, garage floors and driveways.
Removing exterior paint requires a stronger stream of pressure than soft washing jobs such as cleaning a roof. Thus, you want to find a pressure washer that is up to the task. To properly strip old paint, you will need a pressure washer with a psi of 2000 or higher. Even setting the unit at 2000 won't do the trick.
The RYOBI 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is the perfect powerful yet portable option to get the job done. This pressure washer is ideal for light duty applications like cleaning small driveways, sidewalks, decks, windows, patio furniture, campers, bikes, boats, and many other recreational applications.
You should also never set your pressure washer above 2,200 psi when washing your car. 1,500 psi is really all you need to get a good deep clean; any pressure higher than that won't make a noticeable performance difference.
For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi.
Select the Correct Pressure Washer
This means you want to rent a pressure washer that meets such needs. To correctly strip old paint, you should work with a power washer with a psi of 2000 or higher.
For the average homeowner who wants to wash their car, clear dirt off the siding of their house and dig out all the gunk in between 30-year-old pavers, the Sun Joe SPX 3000 XT1 is the best pressure washer for the job.
How often should I clean vinyl siding? Even if your siding looks as clean as it did the day it was installed, it's best to give it a good wash every couple of years to prevent build-up and keep insects and spiders from building nests or webs in the nooks and crannies.
If you need to clean a two-story house, you'll need a heavy-duty or extra heavy-duty pressure washer. This will give you a water pressure of 2,800 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) or higher and three to four GPM (gallons per minute) of water.
Pressure Washing and Vinyl Siding
The answer is: YES, pressure washing absolutely can damage vinyl siding if done incorrectly. We have seen countless homes and buildings that have damaged areas because someone without the proper training has tried to pressure wash their building.
Soft wash pressure washing is the best way to clean vinyl siding! Soft wash systems start with specialty detergents meant to dissolve even the toughest, thickest dirt and grime safely yet effectively.
Krud Kutter House and Siding Pressure Washing Concentrate
This cleaner is excellent for removing grime, mold, mildew, and other stains from vinyl siding.
Light Duty 1500-1900 PSI
For regular maintenance and light household cleaning jobs, a light-duty pressure washer will do. These feature PSI ranging from 1500 to 1900 and would be enough to get rid of dirt and mild stains.
Mid-Range Power: 2,000 to 3,200 PSI
The most versatile category of pressure washers, those ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 PSI effectively clean cars (including the most well-used off-road vehicles), home siding, fences, boats and grimy garage floors. Those closer to 3,200 PSI work effectively on tough stains, too.
Light-duty pressure washers are rated at 2,000 PSI or less and are suitable for cleaning automobiles, motorcycles, boats, bicycles and all-purpose cleaning. Medium-duty pressure washers produce 2,000 to 3,000 PSI and can be used to remove grease and grim from concrete, sidewalks, decks and siding.
For a typical car, use 1,200 to 1,900 PSI and 1.4 to 1.6 GPM for 1,900 to 2,800 cleaning units. Anything above risks the car's coating and paint.
Selecting a pressure washer with a range of 2,000 psi to 4,000 psi will give you the most effective power for removing peeling paint. With pressure washers, as with all power equipment, always wear protective goggles and closed-toe shoes.
Too high of a PSI, washing from the bottom to top (instead of the other way around to clear off dirt and debris), or putting the stream of the pressure washer in one place for too long, can strip away or cause significant scratching and other damage to the paint.