5+ Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean With A Pressure Washer
I used to think a pressure washer was only for scouring the driveway or blast cleaning a wooden deck after a long winter. It is such a powerful tool that it can feel a bit intimidating to use on anything else. However, once I started trying out different nozzles and lower pressure settings, I realized it is a total secret weapon for things I used to spend hours scrubbing by hand. It can save you so much effort if you know where to point it.
Outdoor Trash Cans
We all have those outdoor bins that start to smell a bit questionable after a few weeks of summer heat. Scrubbing the inside of a deep trash can is a job nobody wants to do. But a pressure washer makes it incredibly easy. Just tilt the bin on its side and blast the interior with a wide fan spray. It knocks loose all the stuck on debris and grime in seconds, leaving the bins fresh without you ever having to reach inside.
Outdoor Rugs
Those heavy duty rugs on the patio can get really dingy from foot traffic and rain. And vacuuming doesn't always get the deep seated dirt out of the fibers. I like to lay my outdoor rugs on the driveway and give them a thorough pass with a medium pressure setting. It is like a deep steam clean but much more powerful. Just make sure to let them dry completely in the sun before putting them back on your deck.
Dirty Garden Tools
By the end of the planting season, my shovels and trowels are usually caked in thick, dried mud. It is much faster to line them up on the grass and use the pressure washer to blow the dirt away than it is to use a wire brush. It even helps get rid of some of the surface rust. Just remember to give the metal parts a quick wipe with a bit of oil afterward to keep them in top shape.
Your Kids Plastic Toys
Outdoor play sets and plastic slides can get a slippery layer of algae or pollen that makes them look old, messy, and tough to clean. Instead of using a bucket and sponge, I use the pressure washer on a low setting to refresh the play area. It is actually super satisfying to watch the bright colors come back under a layer of dirt. Just be careful to stand a little further back so the pressure doesn't crack any thinner plastic parts or peel off the decorative stickers.
Metal Patio Furniture
Wrought iron or aluminum chairs have so many little nooks and crannies that are impossible to reach with a rag. Spiders love to hide in those spots too. A quick blast with the pressure washer clears out the webs and the dust instantly. It is a great way to prep your backyard for a barbecue. If your furniture is painted, just use a wider nozzle to make sure you don’t accidentally chip the paint off.
The Underside Of The Mower
After a few mows, the bottom of the lawnmower gets packed with wet grass clippings that can eventually cause the metal to rot. Once the mower is off and the spark plug is disconnected, I tilt it up and use the pressure washer wand to clear out the deck. It helps the mower run more efficiently and keeps the blades from getting bogged down with grass. It is a messy job made much cleaner by the power of water.
Concrete Flower Pots
Concrete and terracotta planters often get white salt stains or green moss growing on the sides. While some people like that aged look, I prefer mine to look clean. A pressure washer is perfect for stripping away that buildup without damaging the heavy material. It makes old pots look brand new in just a few minutes. Just be sure to empty the soil out first so you do not make a giant mud puddle in your yard.
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It is honestly so satisfying to see years of dirt vanish in a single spray of water. I have learned to treat the pressure washer with a lot of respect because it is so strong, but it really has become one of my favorite home maintenance companions. Just remember to always wear safety glasses and start with the widest spray pattern first.
Bliss Donahue-Power
