18 Uses for a Pressure Washer

Pressure washers can help you maintain a cleaner, fresher-looking home, and they’re useful for way more than just driveways. You can use a pressure washer to clean fences, patios, garbage cans, outdoor furniture, even clogged drains, and more. This powerful tool can save you hours of scrubbing—and a sore back. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it can really do, here are 18 practical, satisfying pressure washer uses—some of which might surprise you.

Driveways

Driveways go through a lot — oil leaks from cars, muddy shoes, tire marks, and mildew from rainy days. Over time, they start to look stained and worn out.

A pressure washer gets deep into those tough spots, cutting through grime that a garden hose just can’t handle.

Why it matters:

• Makes your driveway look new again
• Helps prevent cracks from spreading
• Improves curb appeal instantly

Whether it’s concrete, asphalt, or pavers, regular cleaning keeps your driveway looking sharp and safe to walk on.

Fences

Fences are like the frame of your yard, and when they’re dirty or discolored, the whole space can feel neglected.

Here’s how pressure washing helps:

• Wood fences: removes mold, mildew, and dirt that cause rot
• Vinyl fences: brightens up dull panels and wipes away stains
• Metal fences: cleans off rust and grime so you can repaint or seal easily

A clean fence brings your whole yard back to life and helps the material last longer, too.

Outdoor Furniture

Patio furniture sits outside year-round, collecting dust, pollen, mold, and stains from rain and spills. Over time, these elements cause discoloration and make furniture look worn.

Instead of replacing dirty chairs or tables, a quick spray with a pressure washer can bring them back to life.

• Plastic, metal, and wicker: handle higher pressure well
• Wood furniture: needs lower pressure to avoid damage
• Fabric cushions: spot clean with care (or remove first)
  

Fresh, clean furniture makes your outdoor space feel welcoming and ready for guests.

Garbage Cans

Garbage cans collect sticky residue, bacteria, and unpleasant odors over time, especially in warm weather. 

With a pressure washer and a 40-degree nozzle, you can blast away:

• Old food residue
• Mold and bacteria
• Nasty odors

Washing garbage cans also helps deter pests, such as raccoons and insects, that are attracted to food waste. Unlike scrubbing by hand, pressure washing gets into all the corners and removes tough stains without much effort.

Garage Floors

Garage floors often accumulate oil spills, tire marks, dust, and dirt, making them one of the dirtiest areas of a home.

Pressure washing helps keep this area clean without a ton of elbow grease. Pressure washing your garage floor can:

• Prevent permanent stains
• Reduce dust that gets tracked indoors
• Makes the space feel more usable for home gyms or projects

For those who use their garage as a workspace or home gym, a cleaner floor also makes the space more inviting and safe.

Bonus: It’s way easier to find that missing screw or tool on a clean floor.

Walkways

Walkways, whether stone, concrete, brick, or pavers, can become slippery over time due to dirt, moss, and algae buildup. This not only looks bad but also poses a safety hazard, especially after rain. 

Regular pressure washing:

• Restores the original color and texture
• Removes dirt and mold
• Keeps weeds and moss from growing in cracks
  

Most importantly, clean walkways make your home feel well-maintained and safer for everyone.

Decks and Patios

Decks and patios lose their natural color due to dirt, mold, and sun exposure. Here’s what a pressure washer can do:

• Wood decks: removes grime and prep for staining or sealing
• Concrete and stone patios: clears out debris between cracks and lift stubborn stains

Keeping patios clean enhances curb appeal and prevents long-term damage from moisture buildup.

House Siding

Over time, siding collects dirt, mildew, and even spider webs. Without regular cleaning, your home’s exterior can start to look aged and neglected.

A pressure washer can clean:

• Vinyl siding: removes mildew and surface grime
• Wood siding: requires low pressure to avoid damage
• Fiber cement: handles moderate pressure with no problem

Clean siding instantly boosts curb appeal, prolongs the life of your exterior materials, and helps you spot early signs of wear or damage.

Gutters

Clogged or dirty gutters are more than just unsightly — they can lead to water damage and foundation problems. While you’ll still need to clear debris by hand or with a scoop, pressure washing can help flush out dirt and lingering buildup inside and around the gutter system.

Pressure washing gutters helps:

• Improve water flow
• Prevent mildew on gutter exteriors
• Maintain the appearance of soffits and fascia
  

Tip: Use a telescoping wand and brush attachment to safely remove leaves from gutters. A 1,200+ PSI electric washer is ideal.

Chimneys

Brick chimneys collect soot, algae, and bird droppings, especially if they’re not used often. These stains can be hard to remove with scrubbing alone.

Pressure washing a chimney can:

• Restore the natural color of brick or stone
• Remove moss and algae that degrade mortar
• Prepare the surface for sealing or inspection

Tip: Make sure bricks and mortar are in good shape first. Use low pressure (under 2,000 PSI) and a fan spray nozzle to avoid damaging aging mortar.

Pools and Pool Decks

The area around your pool sees a lot of foot traffic, sunscreen spills, and algae growth from water splashes. If left unchecked, it can become slippery and dangerous.

Pressure washing pool decks:

• Removes slippery algae and mold
• Cleans up sunscreen, drink spills, and foot grime
• Keeps concrete, tile, or pavers safe and inviting

Important: Use a pressure washer around 1,200 PSI to avoid damaging delicate tile or grout. Avoid spraying directly at vinyl pool liners or seals.

Your Whole House (Exterior)

Pressure washing isn’t just for specific spots. You can give your whole home a clean sweep from top to bottom. This includes siding, window sills, trim, doors, and even shutters.

A full exterior wash:

• Makes your home look freshly painted
• Helps maintain your home’s value
• Removes allergens like pollen and mold spores

Pressure washing is a safe and effective way to refresh your home’s exterior, especially when it’s done properly. 

My colleague and fellow homeowner Harley had their house pressure-washed with a handheld rod-like tool that sprays water at a high rate. “They moved the sprayer sideways to avoid pushing water up under the siding and steered clear of vents and windows,” she shares. A special soap was used for vinyl siding, and honestly, it made our house look freshly painted.”

In cooler, damp climates, like in the northern U.S., where Harley lives, mildew often builds up on the shaded side of homes. Harley adds, “That green mildew came right off with the pressure washer.” 

Additional Tip: Do a thorough check first to ensure there are no cracks or loose materials that water could penetrate.

Outdoor Equipment 

Lawnmowers, garden tools, bicycles, and even wheelbarrows can get caked with mud, grass, and grime. Instead of hand-scrubbing everything, a quick pressure wash makes cleaning faster and easier.

Benefits:

• Keeps equipment running smoothly
• Prevents rust and decay
• Makes storage areas cleaner and more organized

Just be sure to avoid direct spray into engines or sensitive parts. Use 2,000 to 3,000 PSI with an extended wand to clean tractors, mowers, and garden tools.

Barbecue Grills

Grills accumulate grease, food bits, and soot. While you shouldn’t use a pressure washer on the burners or electrical components, it’s great for cleaning the exterior, grates, and grease trays.

Pressure washing your grill helps:

• Remove baked-on grease quickly
• Refresh stainless steel surfaces
• Prepare your grill for the season

Before you start: 

• Disconnect the gas or propane.
• Remove electrical parts and burners.
• Use a degreaser and a 2,000 PSI washer for best results.

Surface Preparation

Before painting, staining, or sealing, a clean surface is essential. Pressure washing preps areas like decks, fences, and siding by removing old paint flakes, dirt, and mildew.

Why it works:

• Creates a better bond for paint or stain
• Saves time on sanding or scraping
• Helps projects last longer

Think of it as hitting the reset button before a major DIY project.

Paint Removal 

With the right nozzle and PSI, pressure washers can strip away peeling or flaking paint from concrete, wood, and metal surfaces. This is especially helpful for outdoor surfaces that need a fresh coat.

Here’s how to do it:

• Remove peeling paint and graffiti with 1,500 to 3,000 PSI, depending on the surface.
• Use a wide-tip nozzle on brick and concrete.
• Pair with a chemical paint remover if needed
• Be gentle on wood to prevent gouging.

Use with caution: High-pressure washing can gouge wood or damage soft surfaces, so it’s best for professionals or experienced DIYers.

Certain Types of Fabrics

Believe it or not, some durable outdoor fabrics, such as awnings or heavy-duty patio umbrella covers, can withstand low-pressure washing. Always test a small area first.

Great for removing:

• Pollen buildup
• Bird droppings
• Mold and algae spots
  

Aside from awnings and patio umbrella covers, you can also pressure wash dirty outdoor rugs or heavy-duty mats with a 1,600 PSI washer and detergent. Start with low power and spray from a safe distance.

Clogged Drains

Outdoor drains can become clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, and when a plunger or drain cleaner doesn’t do the trick, a pressure washer might just be the solution. With a sewer jetter attachment, your pressure washer can blast through tough clogs deep inside pipes.

Why it works:

• Clears out leaves, mud, and gunk from outdoor drains
• Reaches farther than a garden hose or hand tool
• Saves money on professional drain cleaning
  

What to know before trying it: Make sure your pressure washer’s PSI and hose diameter match the jetter attachment. Always follow safety guidelines and consider consulting a plumber if you’re dealing with a major blockage.

Pressure Washing Does More Than You Think

Whether you’re dealing with a grimy driveway, slimy garbage cans, or even that sneaky mildew creeping up your siding, a pressure washer makes the job easier. 

It’s not just for heavy-duty cleaning. From refreshing outdoor furniture to clearing clogged drains, pressure washers can handle way more than you might expect. And with the right pressure and technique, you can clean smarter, not harder.

So if you’ve been eyeing that green stuff growing on your fence or wondering how to get your patio party-ready, maybe it’s time to grab the pressure washer. 

Read More

• X Things You Should Never Pressure Wash
• How to Pressure Wash a House
• How to Pressure Wash a House With Vinyl Siding

Main Photo Credit: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock Free / License