Pressure Washers & Accessories

Pressure washers (also called jet washers) use high-pressure water jets to blast away dirt, grime, moss and algae from outdoor surfaces. We stock pressure washers from leading brands including Kärcher, Bosch, Nilfisk, and Black & Decker for domestic use, plus professional-grade machines from Kärcher HD and HDS ranges for trade applications. Pressure washers use up to 80% less water than a garden hosepipe, making them both more effective and more economical.

Understanding Pressure Washer Specifications

When comparing pressure washers, bar pressure gets most of the attention—but flow rate is actually the most important factor in cleaning performance. More water means better cleaning. This is why professional HD machines don't always have the highest bar ratings; many prioritise flow rate instead, allowing you to clean large areas faster and more effectively.

Jargon Buster

Bar or PSI: Bar is the most common measure of pressure in the UK. To convert, PSI = bar × 14.5.

Bar (max): The pressure achieved when the machine first starts up—not the working pressure.

Bar (rated): The actual operating water pressure during use. This is the more useful figure when comparing machines.

Motor size (kW): Indicates power output, assuming the machine runs efficiently.

Flow rate (l/h): Litres per hour—higher flow rates let you clean large areas or objects faster. Often more important than bar pressure for trade applications.

Choosing the Right Pressure

Higher bar ratings tackle tougher cleaning jobs, but more pressure isn't always better—delicate surfaces like wooden furniture or painted cars need gentler treatment. Consider both the bar rating and flow rate when choosing a machine for your needs.

Light Duty (100-120 bar)

Ideal for cars, bikes, garden furniture, and light patio cleaning. Models like the Bosch EasyAquatak range are perfect for occasional home use where portability and ease of storage matter more than raw power.

Medium Duty (130-150 bar)

The sweet spot for most homeowners. Handles patios, decking, driveways, and general outdoor cleaning with ease. The Kärcher K4 and K5 ranges sit here, offering enough power for regular use without being overkill for domestic tasks.

Heavy Duty (160+ bar) & Professional

Designed for frequent use and stubborn dirt. The Kärcher K7 and professional HD ranges deliver the pressure and flow rates needed for large areas, ingrained grime, and commercial applications. Trade users, farmers, and anyone with extensive outdoor cleaning needs should look here. Remember: many professional machines prioritise high flow rates over maximum bar pressure—check the l/h figure as well as the bar rating.

Electric, Petrol or Cordless?

Electric (Mains Powered)

The most popular choice for home users. Electric pressure washers are quieter, lighter, require less maintenance, and cost less to run than petrol models. The main limitation is cable reach—you'll need an outdoor socket or extension lead. Always use an RCD (residual current device) for safety when using electric tools outdoors.

Petrol

Petrol pressure washers offer maximum power and complete freedom from cables, making them ideal for remote locations, large properties, and professional use. They're louder and heavier than electric models, and require regular engine maintenance, but nothing else matches them for raw cleaning power.

Cordless (Battery Powered)

A growing category offering ultimate portability for lighter tasks. Cordless pressure washers like the Bosch Fontus and Kärcher OC range are perfect for washing cars, bikes, camping equipment, and garden furniture where you don't have access to a tap or power socket. They typically operate at lower pressures (20-40 bar) so they're not suitable for heavy-duty cleaning, but their convenience is unmatched for quick jobs and mobile use.

Water Supply Options

Most pressure washers connect to a standard garden tap via a hose. However, many models also feature self-priming capability, allowing them to draw water from unpressurised sources like water butts, tanks, or even streams. This is particularly useful for off-grid locations, allotments, or anywhere without a mains water supply. Check the product specifications if this feature is important to you—look for 'self-priming' or 'suction capability'.

Hosepipe Bans

Pressure washers are not subject to hosepipe bans if used with a suction hose drawing water from a harvested source (i.e. not the mains), or if used for safety reasons. They're also exempt when used for commercial purposes—for example, maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, or company image.

Essential Accessories

The right accessories can transform your pressure washer's effectiveness:

Patio Cleaners

Rotating disc attachments that contain the spray and prevent splashback. They clean flat surfaces faster and more evenly than a standard lance, and keep you (and your windows) clean in the process.

Extension Lances & Hoses

Reach high walls, gutters, and conservatory roofs without climbing ladders. Telescopic lances extend your reach safely from ground level, while extension hoses let you work further from the machine.

Brushes & Wash Brushes

Soft wash brushes combine water pressure with gentle scrubbing action—ideal for cars, caravans, and garden furniture where you want thorough cleaning without risking scratches.

Foam Nozzles & Detergents

Foam lances apply cleaning detergent as a thick foam that clings to surfaces, giving the chemicals time to break down dirt before you rinse. Particularly effective for vehicle cleaning and heavily soiled surfaces.

Dirt Blasters & Rotary Nozzles

Concentrated rotating jets that deliver maximum cleaning power for the toughest jobs. Use with care on delicate surfaces.

Pressure Washer Safety

It's easy to underestimate how powerful pressure washers can be. Even compact domestic models will cause injury if the jet hits skin, so never aim at yourself or anyone else. Keep bystanders and pets clear of your working area.

When using an electric pressure washer, remember that electricity and water create hazards. Always plug into an RCD-protected socket, keep connections away from puddles, and inspect cables and hoses for damage before each use. Never use a petrol pressure washer in enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide fumes.

Wear appropriate footwear (no sandals), eye protection when cleaning overhead, and consider ear protection when using more powerful models for extended periods.

Important Tips

Never use a non-return valve at the pressure washer connection to your hose pipe. Don't drive over or lay items on high-pressure hoses—this can cause damage. Your water supply hose should be several metres long and fully unwound from its reel. If using an extension lead, check it's rated at a minimum of 13 amps and fully unwound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bar pressure do I need for a pressure washer?

For car cleaning and light garden use, 100-120 bar is sufficient. Patios and decking need 130-150 bar. Heavy-duty cleaning and commercial use typically requires 160 bar or higher—but also consider flow rate (l/h), which is often more important for cleaning large areas effectively.

Can I use a pressure washer without a tap?

Yes, if your pressure washer has self-priming capability. This allows it to draw water from unpressurised sources like water butts or tanks. Some cordless models also have built-in tanks for completely mobile use.

Are cordless pressure washers any good?

Cordless pressure washers are excellent for cars, bikes, camping gear, and light cleaning where portability matters. They typically operate at 20-40 bar, so they're not suitable for heavy-duty patio cleaning, but their convenience makes them ideal for quick jobs and locations without power.

What's the difference between a pressure washer and a jet washer?

Nothing - they're different names for the same thing. 'Pressure washer' is the technical term, while 'jet washer' is commonly used in everyday conversation, particularly in the UK.

Can I use a pressure washer during a hosepipe ban?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Pressure washers are exempt if you use a suction hose to draw water from a harvested source rather than the mains, if used for safety reasons, or for commercial purposes such as maintaining hygiene or company image.