You have your honey-do list and need to get a bunch of items on the exterior of your home cleaned.  But what tool do you need to use:  gas vs electric pressure washers?  Click on the video below to get the full list of what you need to consider: 

 

Gas vs Electric Pressure Washers

The first question is how bad are the stains that you are trying to clean up?  I prefer the gas-driven pressure washers, but I am a professional contractor.  So that is what I’m used to using.  

Gas-Driven Pressure Washers

This is my preference, 100%.  But it can be a draw-back to some people for a couple of reasons.  It is heavier and larger.  So if you are not able to manage a heavier tool, this might not be what you should purchase.  You don’t want to get into a large outside project and regret dragging this around your yard.  Also, it will take up a bit more room in your garage or shed.  So if storage is an issue, get the electric pressure washer. 

Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are a great tool for the average DIY homeowner.  They are smaller and lighter.  These are great for light cleaning year-round.  They take up less space too.  But the draw-back is, I find, that they just can’t tackle the harder stains.  So I think having an electric pressure washer is a great option to do your seasonal cleaning yourself.  And hire out a professional contractor who has the larger, stronger machine to do the tougher stains for you.

Areas to Clean with Pressure Washers

When deciding on gas vs electric pressure washers, you’ll need to look at your list of things to clean.  Here is another video giving you some exterior power washing maintenance tips.  Pressure washers are great to clean seasonly the following areas:

  • Decks
  • Patios
  • House Siding, including cedar siding, vinyl siding and aluminum siding cleaning
  • Driveways
  • Sidewalks
  • Brick Pavers
  • Yard Furniture
  • Fences

I’d suggest gently cleaning these areas a few times a year.  Definitely once at the beginning of the warm season, in the middle of summer, and right before the fall season ends.  I’d have your home & deck professionally cleaned prior to a major staining or painting project too.

Lotz of Logic – Recap Time

It just seems logical – we take a bath daily, wash our dishes, clean the carpets and get the dogs groomed routinely.  Keeping the outside elements of your home rinsed and cleaned throughout the spring, summer and fall season just makes sense.  It’s also a great time to notice if there are small issues starting to arise.  You will notice and keep in touch with your home more by doing these routine cleanings.  

So the logical thing you need to decide is gas vs electric pressure washers.  Which one is best for my needs?  But when you have tough stains or need your home or deck stained or painted, then hiring out a professional contractor to do the higher grade cleaning is a must.  They have the stronger equipment and can get up on 2-story buildings and get the pressure washing done right.

Don’t forget, if you need an estimate on getting your home or deck pressure washed, give me a call.  My team and I have been serving the Orland Park, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Lemont, Orland Hills, Palos Park, St. John IN, and all of Chicago area for 30+ years.  Check out my 150+ Videos on YouTube where I give DIY home improvement advice weekly.