Top 10 tried and tested pressure washers to clean your patio like a pro

Ideal for spring and summer outdoor makeovers.

Best pressure washers for patio cleaning

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

If your beloved paving is looking a little worse for wear, we’ve found the best pressure washer for patio cleaning. After all, as the season of garden tea parties on the lawn is almost here, having a dirty, grimy patio is less than ideal. Your cherished guests won’t appreciate a mucky garden. So, the solution is to clean your patio, which may be a source of anxiety for some who have never had to get their hands dirty. Luckily, you don’t have to – with a smart patio pressure washer.

Over the year patios endure the strains of the season: the fallen leaves of autumn, the frosty algae of winter. Now, spring has pretty much arrived – and you may be looking to break out your BBQs and garden furniture for alfresco cookouts. You can try different cleaning methods, but many of these involve getting on your hands and knees. A patio pressure washer is by far the most efficient and mess-free. Grab some patio cleaner solution, too.

Best pressure washer for patio at a glance

Best pressure washer for patio: Nilfisk C140 Corded – Buy now on B&Q
Budget pressure washer for patio: Jet Hawk Cordless Portable Pressure Washer – Buy now on highstreettv.com
Best pressure washer for small patios: Nilfisk Core 130 – Buy now on Amazon UK

Your January garden maintenance tasks may have helped you clear some soggy leaves or moss that may be lurking on your path, patio, steps or decking. However, in spring, it is recommended you invest in your outdoor space a little more – from planting onions to pruning rose bushes. Don’t think of your new piece of kit as a large garden task, though. Patio pressure washers have been made for this low-medium task – with not too much force to ruin your precious paving.

With a pressure washer, water is pumped out high pressure through the hose and cleaning attachment, effortlessly blasting dirt away. Pressure washers aren’t just reserved for patios, either. They can clean most hard surfaces, including concrete, swimming pools, metal, plastic and wood. So, they may be safe enough to give your garden furniture a quick once-over. We’ve rounded up the best pressure washers for patio cleaning and answered some FAQs, too.

Best pressure washer for patio cleaning

Best pressure washer for patio overall

Fully functional and equipped with two nozzle types for rough and gentle tasks, this Nilfisk C140 Corded cleaner comes with a detergent dispenser to adapt to a variety of cleaning jobs. Sturdy, and built with durable, long-life metal, this washer is perfect for any cleaning task. Not only does its 140 bar pressure make it the ideal pressure washer for your patio, but it comes with a whole host of attachments, too. 

The Nilfisk C140 Corded was tried and tested by Yours Magazine: "This pressure washer was a delight to use. Assembling it was very easy and it took around 15 minutes (you just need a Phillips screwdriver). Using the patio head to clean my parents' small front patio was a flawless (and rather soothing) experience and it left a flawless finish too. The green algae instantly disappeared after one swipe over with the patio cleaner and, afterwards, I gave it a quick blast over with the gentle nozzle to remove some stubborn bits of dirt.

Overall, it turned their rather grubby and dirty patio back to its beautiful sandstone colour. A few things to note, the patio head is quite small, so this is definitely suitable for smaller patios and not really big ones (otherwise you could be there a long time). My favourite features were, of course, the patio cleaner head and the fact that all the accessories neatly attach onto the pressure washer, making it a really tidy and compact piece of kit. I also loved that there's a little guide on top of the pressure washer that tells you which nozzle and pressure is suitable for your required cleaning task."
One suggestion that a few other reviewers offered was to opt for a longer hose like the 10m one as the supplied 6m was too short for most tasks resulting in the machine falling over. This is something to keep in mind while considering this otherwise efficient cleaner that will have your patio sparkling in minutes.

Pros

  • Great value with a range of accessories
  • Long, flexible hose for medium patios
  • Lightweight and easy to assemble

Cons

  • Not suitable for large patios, or will at least take a long time to clean
  • Can opt for a longer hose like the 10m one as some reviewers found that the supplied 6m too short
SizeH88.2 x W30 cm
Weight8.7 kg
Max Pressure140 bar
Max Water Flow Rate474L/hr
Hose Length6 m
AccessoriesGentle Nozzle, Rough Nozzle, Nozzle Cleaning Tool, Gun & Lance, Patio Cleaner, Foam Sprayer
GuaranteeTwo years

Best high pressure washer for patio

As a device that claims to get even the toughest dirt out with ease and efficiency, we decided to get some first-hand insight into it.
The High Pressure Washer K3 Classic was tried and tested by Yours Magazine: "Upon first glance, this pressure washer is a little bulkier than others on the market, but the wheels and long handle make it easier to transport around. Our tester has tried a few different jet washers in their time, including different models from Karcher, but this is the best one that they’ve used. It’s easy to assemble and can easily remove dirt and grime from outdoor tiles and walls. One positive about this washer is the detergent bottle which means you can remove dirt build up and clean too. Even though it’s a bit more expensive than others on the market, our tester thinks that it is definitely worth it."

Pros

  • Integrated Bluetooth connectivity for easy smartphone control via the app
  • Boost mode provides extra power to tackle stubborn dirt effectively
  • LCD display and versatile spray lance offer maximum control and efficiency

Cons

  • Some customers are struggling with the hose - its too stiff
SizeL41.4 x W30.6 x H58.8 cm
Weight13.9 kg
Max Pressure145 bar
Max Water Flow Rate500 l/h
Hose Length10 m
AccessoriesIntegrated water filter, water-cooled motor, detergent application, Quick Connect, Bluetooth compatible, telescopic handle
GuaranteeThree years

Best lightweight pressure washer

In order to measure the efficiency of a pressure washer that is easy to handle, Yours Magazine tried and tested the Halfords PW20 Pressure Washer and found that despite being relatively large in size, this jet washer is surprisingly lightweight. With wheels and a handle for easy moving, the hose is five metres long which means it can cover a good distance. Our tester used this for cleaning their car and it worked incredibly well at blasting off months of dirt build-up. They particularly liked the inclusion of a detergent bottle as not all models have them and this helps give your car extra sparkle after cleaning. As it’s lightweight, this model is ideal for those who struggle with heavy lifting.

Pros

  • Comes with a variable spray pattern which helps in different types of cleaning
  • Comes with an in-built detergent bottle
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Some reviewers found that if you lose any of the attachments, it is difficult to find replacements

Best cordless pressure washer

Flymo EasiClean Plus Li 9679829-01
Price: $229

ao.com

If you’re looking for a lightweight option to clean everything from your car to your patio furniture, this is a good option to consider. The Flymo EasiClean Plus Li 9679829-01 was tried and tested by Yours Magazine and our tester was impressed with this versatile tool. It has three separate power attachments, depending on how stubborn the stains are. The water source can come directly from the tap or a water butt, and there is also a portable water carrier that will give you enough for a few minutes – perfect for giving the car a once over. It also means you can pop it in your car boot and use it to rinse off muddy wellies or bikes if you’re on the move. However, the hose is affixed to the water carrier using a clip, which can be a bit fiddly and it does tend to fall off. There is also a detachable bottle to add detergent. The washer is cordless, which is handy in the garden, and there is a power gauge to show you when the battery is running low. Despite the power settings, the washer isn’t strong enough to remove build-up of moss on patios and driveways, but it’s a great option for jobs that require a less powerful clean.

Pros

  • Comes with different power attachments for different levels of cleaning
  • Comes with a portable water carrier

Cons

  • Our tester found that the hose is fixed to the water carrier using a clip, which can be a bit fiddly and it does tend to fall off
  • The washer isn’t strong enough to remove build-up of moss

Best compact pressure washer

Despite plenty of parts in the box and wordy instructions, this pressure washer is simple to put together, with the components clicking into place. The 18V Cordless ONE+ HP Brushless Power Washer  was tried and tested by Yours Magazine and our tester was pleased to discover it uses a syphoning hose to draw water from a bucket so doesn’t need connecting to a tap – this makes it really portable. The jet washer was surprisingly powerful for a cordless machine and has three modes – varying from gentle to stronger pressure – and the third setting was powerful enough to clean distinct patterns on our tester’s patio tiles. Unfortunately, it has short battery life – it claims to run for 18 minutes on the highest power setting and our tester found that to be about right. Once your water source is empty, you need to refill before you can carry on. Ergonomics need a bit of work too; you need big hands to squeeze the release buttons on the battery, and tiny yet strong fingers to press the ‘mode’ button. Overall though, it packs a powerful punch and is perfect for quick jobs.

Pros

  • It comes with a syphoning hose that makes the machine really portable
  • The jet washer comes with in three power modes

Cons

  • It has a short battery life, lasting about 18 minutes on the highest power setting

Best pressure washer for beginners

This compact pressure washer was very easy to put together and within 10 minutes it was up and running and ready to use. The RE 80 Electric pressure washer was tried and tested by Yours Magazine. We found that although the unit is light to manoeuvre, it feels sturdy and does a good job. Our tester reported the washer lifted a winter’s worth of muck and mould very quickly. The only small negative our tester noticed was that the auto lock for the trigger was awkward to lock, but this wasn’t a major issue. For an entry-level pressure washer our tester was very impressed and would recommend this model.

Pros

  • Light and easy to manoeuvre
  • Easy to put together

Cons

  • The auto lock for the trigger is a bit awkward to lock

Budget pressure washer for patio

This cordless pressure washer has six nozzle settings for directing the stream of water, which makes it versatile for different types of cleaning. Our tester had never used a pressure washer but found this one fairly easy to set up and use. You can fill the water tank up in multiple ways; our tester chose to use water from a bucket, but it can also be connected via an outdoor tap. The charger holds 45 minutes of battery life which is considerably more than others on the market and is good for longer cleaning sessions. In terms of pressure, this washer did an amazing job of cleaning the outside walls of our tester’s house and they could see a clear difference between the areas that had been cleaned and those that hadn’t. For less than £70, our tester thought this was a great budget option.

Pros

  • 120-bar pump and multiple nozzles for versatile cleaning
  • Compact design and accessory storage mean easy mobility
  • Easily finish small-to-medium-sized cleaning tasks

Cons

  • Some customers said the hose length could be longer
Size40.1 x 37.6 x 20.2 cm
Weight4.7 kg
Max Pressure120 bars
Max Water Flow Rate350l/h
Hose Length5 m
AccessoriesVariable fan jet nozzle, rotary nozzle, high-pressure nozzle for detergents
Guarantee

Premium pressure washer for patio

K7 Pressure Washer
Price: $519.99 (was £599.99)

www.kaercher.com

The Kärcher K7 Premium Smart Control Home washer links to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Cool, right? This connects the user to the Kärcher Home & Garden app which offers practical tips, tricks and settings for many cleaning situations. It also comes with an application consultant which ensures even better cleaning results, assembly instructions as well as help with maintenance and care. With boost mode for stubborn dirt and a Smart Control spray gun, enjoy maximum control and convenience with this piece of kit. 180 bar pressure means it can handle your patio easily and tackle tougher jobs. One customer shared that she purchased this for her husband as a Christmas present. "He couldn’t wait to use it. I figured it would benefit me too and I was right because the very next day my front path and back patio was sparkling clean! Cannot stress how highly I recommend this to anyone looking to buy," she added. The machine also comes with an LCD display that shows the pressure level, whether the boost can be triggered and whether the device is still in idle mode. With a range of luxury features, this device is sure to make cleaning a seamless experience.

Pros

  • Connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth
  • With an easy-to-read LCD display for easy set-up
  • Boost mode for extra power to tackle stubborn dirt

Cons

  • Some customers felt as if the app/smart features were gimmicky
SizeL45.9 x W33 x H66.6 cm
Weight17.8 kg
Max Pressure180 bar
Max Water Flow Rate550 l/h
Hose Length10 m
AccessoriesIntegral high-pressure hose reel, detergent application, telescopic handle, water-cooler motor, integrated water filter, Bluetooth compatible
GuaranteeFive years

Best pressure washer for small patios

The Nilfisk Core 130 pressure washer offers an efficient solution for household cleaning and tasks. With a compact design, it is made keeping the ease of users in mind with innovative features and portability. For the patio, garage and garden, this washer will clean away algae, moss, dirt and even unsightly loose paint. It has a long-life metal pump for a powerful, durable core and is efficient for low to medium tasks. One reviewer shared: "I have a Nilfisk Alto which I have been using regularly for the last 30 years. I decided to replace it with another Nilfisk which I hope proves to be as reliable as my old one. I have always found that it performs very well. The only new feature I don't like is the rotary power selector switch which looks vulnerable to dirt should it accidentally get splashed. My old machine had a simple waterproof on/off switch which, I think, is a safer arrangement," she added. But overall, most reviewers recommend the machine and found that it is a trustworthy device for multipurpose cleaning.

Pros

  • With the dial, adjust pressure regulation for different tasks
  • Durable and flexible hoses are quicker to store away - no knots
  • Aluminium pump makes washer tolerant to temperature changes

Cons

  • May not be suited for larger tasks
Size71.7 x 29 x 30cm
Weight6.6 kg
Max Pressure130 bar
Max Water Flow Rate324 l/h
Hose Length6 m
AccessoriesGentle & Rough nozzle system, 6m ultra flex hose, foam sprayer, wash brushes, suction hoses
GuaranteeYes

Best pressure washer for large patios

Bosch UniversalAquatak 135
Price: $168.98

The high-pressure Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 washer can handle a wide variety of cleaning tasks, from garden furniture to gutters. Luckily for you, the trio nozzle has a fan, rotary, and pencil jet settings for versatility. The extendable handle and large wheels offer increased mobility and easy storage. Plus, the quieter motor pump ensures you don't disturb the neighbours. Most reviewers found that the machine was easy to set up and that it came with very useful attachments. One user mentioned that it was powerful enough to clean decking and concrete, and added that their patio which hadn't been cleaned in over 20 years came up wonderfully. Most reviewers also found that washing their cars is now a simple task and the whole thing packs away quite compactly. However, one user highlighted that the water inlet is plastic and added that this could be broken easily if not looked after well.

Pros

  • Comfortable, enjoyable cleaning with a quieter motor pump
  • Nozzle with fan, rotary, and pencil settings, for versatile cleaning
  • Easily moved about with an extendable handle and larger wheels

Cons

  • Some customers are worried about the plastic water inlet
SizeL44.6 x W37.5 x H36.3 cm
Weight7.9 kg
Max Pressure135 bar
Max Water Flow Rate7.5 l/min
Hose Length7 m
Accessories3-in-1 nozzle, high-pressure detergent nozzle with container, transparent water filter
GuaranteeUnspecified

Verdict: Which is the best?

The Nilfisk C140 Corded is our favourite pick. It’s great value and is equipped with two nozzle types for rough and gentle tasks, patio cleaner and detergent dispenser for various tasks.

Buyers guide

A pressure washer has been made to tackle a variety of garden tasks. Many of our picks have been designed to tackle low to medium tasks, so your precious patio or garden furniture is not damaged. However, they're powerful enough to blast away the algae, moss, mildew, dirt and more. Before you buy, take a little peek at our patio pressure washer buyers guide for an informative overview of the product.

Thanks to the help of AO.com, we can help you decide.

Pressure

Pressure is the most important factor in this product, measured in bars or PSI. It relates to the force by which water is pushed out. How much pressure you want will depend on what jobs are on your list.

Patios require a medium pressure to keep slabs in place. For your gravel driveway, you'll need something a little higher up the bar scale. We suggest a versatile option to cover most outdoor cleaning tasks.

Medium pressure sits around 110-130 bars. Whereas, light cleaning - perfect for decking and garden furniture - just around 100 bars. Heavy-duty tasks, such as pools and paving, require 130 to 150 bars.

Key features

When shopping for a pressure washer to spruce up your garden ideas, AO.com has some thoughts:

Changeable pressure - is something desirable from a pressure washer, as it is equipped to tackle many tasks - not just your beloved patio. With a range in pressure available from the turn of a final, it turns your ordinary pressure washer into a major garden player - for light and tough jobs.

Lances - in varying lengths will suit different tasks. What is a lance, you ask? AO.com defines it as a "long pipe that extends out from a pressure washer’s trigger." A longer pipe will help you reach further areas without any damage to the kit - and injury to yourself.

Accessories and tools - are in excess. There are plenty of onboard tools and accessories for you to test – from different nozzle sizes to extended lances. It will help your new piece of kit with specific tasks.

Automatic start and stop - means that "both a main switch for power and a separate trigger to turn on the water flow.” Here, you can turn your pressure washer on and off with a switch, reducing water waste.

Detergent nozzles - can help you perform that extra-powerful clean by adding detergent to your new piece of kit. A detergent pressure washer tool can help when "you want to make your car shine."

Cleaning the mold from the vinyl siding on this exterior wall is a job for the handyman or the professional.
©Photo: Diane079F / Getty

FAQs

Which type of washer is best for my patio?

From wooden decking to concrete, we have a short guide to pressure:
Wooden - requires a lower pressure with a wide angle nozzle, from a safe distance.
Brick - needs a medium-pressure washer to clean effectively, without any damage.
Stone - requires a low-pressure setting to avoid erosion, with the appropriate nozzle.
Concrete - needs a higher setting that'll remove dirt build-up and stains.
Paving - requires medium pressure, with an adjustable nozzle for the paving type.

How do I pressure wash a patio?

Thanks to Nilfisk's Power Washing Guide, we have an easy-breezy way of using your new washer.
Get your patio ready - by clearing the workspace for any chairs, plants and outdoor rugs. Nilfisk says they should be "kept far away or properly covered." Get your trusty broom out and start sweeping a little.
Connect to the water supply - to ensure water flows through the washer before hitting the power button.
Spray detergent on your patio - and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Nilfisk suggests mixing a solution from their Active Stone Cleaner, which will help "remove any tough stains or worn-in dirt" before cleaning.
Now, pressure wash - your patio! Nilfisk suggests starting at one end and working your way across by "spraying in one direction and back another." They add to rinse regularly and make sure the water can drain away - then, start at the opposite side. Make sure to use an accessory head for a smooth clean.
Patio maintenance - comes next. After cleaning, the best way to keep it in great shape is to spray Nilfisk's Stone Sealer Detergent - once the water has dried. Check the condition of your patio post-clean before the aftercare by sweeping any loose sand back where it belongs. Then, spray and allow to dry for a week.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.

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