NEW for 2011: the Karcher K 5.540 X-Series 2000-PSI 1.4-GPM Electric Pressure Washer with 25-Foot Hose and Hose Reel from Karcher, the top of the line unit in the X-Series range. This 2000 PSI model features a unique, patented water-cooled induction motor that delivers superior performance and a longer life. Only Karcher offers the advanced combination of water-cooled technology with a powerful induction motor. Equipped with two spray wands, the K 5.540 is able to tackle any cleaning project around the home. For tough jobs, attach the included DirtBlaster Spray Wand to increase the effective pressure by up to 50-Percent. For less intense cleaning, attach the included Vario Power Spray (VPS) Wand, which allows you to adjust the pressure right on the wand. Fully, equipped with quick connect, the K 5.540 reduces your start up time by up to 50-Percent. It even includes a quick connect adapter for your garden hose, eliminating the hassle of threading the hose on each time you want to clean. This model also comes equipped with an onboard detergent tank that makes detergent application a snap. Simply fill the tank with pressure washer detergent, attach the VPS spray wand, select the low pressure setting and apply the detergent to the area you wish to clean. The K 5.540 features an upright, ergonomic design, is easy to maneuver and operate. You can even draw water from a standing source, a feature that comes in handy when a water faucet isn’t available (optional accessory required). Much quieter than a gasoline pressure washer and certified by CSA International for safety, the K 5.540 is perfect for customers who desire professional level cleaning results from a maintenance-free pressure washer.

Pros
- The best brand name electric available.
- Does great at cleaning side-walks, driveway, and Brick siding of our house, all while being convenient enough to use washing our cars.
- Pressure is adequate for around the house.
- Very nice pressure washer, easy to put together.
- Has nice power for an electric unit.
- The hose reel is designed such that this is nearly ensured
- Free shipping
- More pros here

Cons
- It’s an upright, prone to falling over especially on uneven surfaces.
- Way too much plastic that tends to deteriorate in the sun and / or break through use.
- It comes with a short 25′ hose and short tip.
- Power cord holder does not hold properly and slides off from weight of the power cord. Had to put a screw in it to prevent it from sliding.
- The part that attaches the water hose to the front of the pressure washer seems like flimsy plastic.
- More reviews here

All Power America APW5004 1,800 PSI 1.6 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is a power tool and power equipment manufacturer, major categories include power equipment (air compressors, generators, digital generators, electric pressure washers, and gas pressure washers) and power tools (a wide variety of cordless drills, saws, sanders, grinders, rotary tools, and screwdrivers; electric saws, grinders, sanders, drills, rotary tools, and heat guns). Additional categories include AC and DC powered home/shop appliances such as vacuums and mini-refrigerators. All-Power America ‘s power equipment product line is covered by an expansive service center network available throughout the continental US and Canada . Our service centers and repair facilities currently number in excess of 21,000 and will repair the products both during the manufacturer’s warranty as well as after the warranty has expired. Our service centers will keep our products operating in top condition for years of reliable service.

Pros
- The motor on the second one worked fine – good pressure!
- Yes one of the wheels feel off…big deal. I followed all of the instructions and it worked perfectly. It was well package and I didn’t see any damage.
- Easy to setup and operate.
- light and easy to move around.
- Free shipping
- $30.99 (21% discount)
- More pros here

Cons
- Tried to use it a year later, and it’s dead as a doornail.
- The motor burned after a couple of use.
- the wand hose was a bit short
- When I opened the box, one of the wheels had broken off and was at the bottom of the box.
- More reviews here

Modern method of washing and removing dirt and stains on a vehicle is through pressure cleaning. Pressure cleaning involves the use of a high-pressure washer that generates high velocity stream of water to effectively remove and clean all types of dirt and completely remove even the smallest trace of dust. Carwash industry has really cut off cleaning time and effort when pressure washer was first introduced during the early nineties. Nevertheless, proper care is still considered because the pressurized water has the tendency of chipping off the vehicle’s paint job. With different variations of pressure washers sold today, how do experts clean expensive type of vehicles with a pressure washer without causing damage to the body?

Fragile pressure cleaning

Standard procedures on how to clean vehicles are implemented when using pressurized water. However, it is still important to do some preliminary care procedure to ensure the safety of the vehicle. Here are a few basic steps that can be done prior to cleaning expensive vehicles.

1. Power cleaners come in various design and sizes. Each has its own distinct purpose for cleaning mild to heavy dirt. The pressure of a power washer comes from the amount of power that its motor can produce. More power will mean more pressure. For pressure cleaning expensive vehicles, you might want to buy a pressure washer that produces the right amount of water pressure. Alternatively, you can buy a pressure washer that has a wide range of adjustable settings. This gives the user to adjust and vary the water pressure according to the needs of the vehicle.

2. Using cleaning agents will help lessen the work demand. Some cleaning solutions are designed to soften dirt and make it easier to rise off. When using this kind of solutions, make sure to choose a mild yet effective type of cleaning agent. Avoid abrasive chemicals because this may alter the cars paint job. Choose a cleaning agent that is approved by the car’s company to be used on cleaning. Other than that, do not use anything that is not made specifically for cars and expensive vehicles.

3. Prior to cleaning any kind of vehicles, read through the company’s manual because each luxury car has a special procedures that needs to be carried in order to effectively clean the vehicle.

General pressure cleaning guidelines

1. Check the motor and all the other parts of the power washer. Check for leaks, tangled wire if you are using an electric pressure washer and check of gasoline level for gas powered pressure washer.

2. Have all the necessary attachments on hand. Learn to use each attachment according to its purpose. Knowing how each attachment works will save a lot of water and time during cleaning.

3. Follow the manufacturer standard on using the power washer. This will include the correct distance, pressure, angle, and protective garments to be used during the operation of the pressure cleaner.

4. Always refer to the manual if unsure with any settings and procedure during pressure cleaning.

Back in the days when cleaning was an awful task to do, people tried different methods of inventing a power washer to lessen the demands of the job. High power washer is considered as a God-sent because of its efficiency in cutting of cleaning time and workload. Today, different categories of power washers allow people to have different choices on which type of pressure washers they need. Generally, heavy-duty pressure washers are use for tough cleaning task. This type of power washer is capable of completing jobs that other conventional power cleaners are incapable of. The efficiency of heavy-duty power washers comes when used accordingly. In here, we will deal on how heavy duty power cleaners efficiently clean demanding tasks.

Features of a heavy duty power washer

Heavy duty power washers are commonly seen on places that need constant cleaning every day. It can also be seen on places that requires intense cleaning. Generally, impossible cleaning tasks are easy when industrial type power cleaners are used. What make a heavy-duty power cleaner apart from conventional pressure washer are its power capabilities. Industrial power cleaners are equipped with more horsepower to effectively clean hardened grime and dirt. The high-pressure stream of water is enough to blast away all types of thick dirt and mud that cannot be removed with a power cleaner with less power. Furthermore, heavy duty power washers are very flexible. When we say flexible, it can tackle different jobs with the least amount of effort required. This is because; it has different attachments that are designed for various purposes. For instance, rinsing a surface will require you to use an attachment that produces a flat steam of water to increase the surface area that is being cleaned.

Grimes and oily surfaces will make use of an attachment that produces a jet stream of water to effectively wash away all traces of oil and grime. When it comes to power source, a heavy-duty power cleaner is primarily fueled by gasoline. Electricity may be the best power source because it does not release fumes and convenient but it does not produce that much power as gasoline. Using gasoline enables the power washer to get the best possible water pressure without being compromised by the power source. The downside is the fumes that are being released during the operation. Another feature that separates industrial scale power cleaner is the size. Generally, heavy-duty pressure washers are larger and more bulky because it tends to have a larger motor.

How efficient is a heavy-duty power washer

When it comes to efficiency, industrial power washers are unquestionable. It is built to tackle the worst cleaning task you can imagine and it is engineered to be very durable and sturdy. In most cases, high quality power cleaners can last up to twenty years as long as it is used according to its specification. Proper maintenance and system checks on a power washer will ensure a good working condition at all times.

DEWALT DPW4240 4,200 PSI Honda GX390 Gas Powered Heavy Duty Pressure Washer (CARB Compliant) features Honda GX390 commercial series ohv engine with oil alert and TX commercial series pump. Triplex pump design with ceramic pistons, adjustable unloader and thermal relief valve, 12 gauge steel frame, 1 1/4-Inch tubular steel handles, welded construction with solid steel 5/8-Inch axle. Designed with 5 quick connect nozzles: 0,15,25,40,soap 3/8-Inch, 50-Foot, 4500 psi with quick connect fittings and 13-Inch premium pneumatic tires (double sealed).

Pros
- It has a ton of pressure.
- With complete warning in scriptures
- It is able to clean concrete thoroughly
- It cleans wood but you need to use the proper distance and the correct tip as it does not use a pressure regulator for this control.
- Easy to move around.
- With useful accessories
- $100.00 (8% Discount)
- Free shipping
- More pros here

Cons
- The holder for the tip lets it bump into the ground if you are tall and rolling the washer around so you have to squat a bit.
- When you go to start the washer the wand builds pressure making it harder to pull each time if it does not start right up so you need to relieve the pressure on each pull.
- Leaky valve on a tire. (The tires come with tubes installed.)
- More reviews here

AR Blue Clean AR383 1,900 PSI 1.5 GPM 14 Amp Electric Pressure Washer with Hose Reel Features: Cold water electric pressure washer. Constructed of Copper, Aluminum and Plastic. Includes an accessory kit complete with gun, adjustable jet nozzle, high pressure hose and lance with foam dispenser. With a two-wheel trolley mounted unit with handle and hose reel. Automatic safety valve with pressure shut-off at pump head. -Total Stop System (TSS) for automatic start/stop. Attachable foamer/soap bottle. Equipped with a 3 axial-piston wobble plate pump, long-lasting induction motor, gun-wand. Gun wand assembly with a fully adjustable spray head, detergent tank, water filter, detergent injector kit and high pressure hose. -Rotary nozzle and TSS standard. GFCI and automatic safety valve with low pressure by-pass is standard on all blue clean models. Max. Volume: 1.5 GPM. Max. Pressure: 1,900 PSI. Universal electric motor 120 Volts, 60 HZ, 11 Amps. Annovi Reverberi Triplex 3 axial-piston wobble plate pump with tempered stainless steel plungers. Manual Sheet Instruction Sheet.

Pros
- The unit is lightweight and easy to move.
- It has a variety of included attachments to tackle almost all jobs around the home.
- One nice feature is the adjustable spray tip on the wide-angle wand.
- The unit has a lot of power for an electrical pressure washer — more than enough to clean driveways, decks, grills, mowers, etc.
- Quiet motor.
- Does a great job and comes at a reasonable price.
- Free shipping
- $26.40 (14% discount)
- More pros here

Cons
- The plastic hose adapter leaks water, right in the middle where the two washers meet.
- The high-pressure hose that runs from the unit to the spray-gun is made from a stiff plastic that tangles easily and is hard to manage as you move around.
- The plastic hose should be made out of rubber.
- Even with a brass inlet attachment (Purchased at Lowes) added in place of the plastic one the inlet still leaks
- he wand feels cheaply made, I don’t care for how the plastic parts fit together as they feel like they might break.
- More reviews here

Briggs & Stratton 020275 Elite Series 3400 psi 2.8 gpm Gas-Powered Pressure Washer with 30-Feet Hose . Gas – fueled cleaning POWER to cut through gunk and grime! Pressure prowess! This big name brings you BIG cleaning power for chores around the home. You get 3,400 PSI power PLUS a 30′ hose and a 4-in-1 nozzle to make sure you’re equipped for jobs of all kinds. Squeaky clean: Briggs and Stratton 1150 Series 11.5 gross torque 250 cc OHV engine puts out 3,400 PSI and 2.8 gallons per minute max.; 30′ hose with wand delivers the reach for any job; 10″ never-go-flat wheels roll over any terrain; ProjectPro nozzle offers 4 nozzles for different jobs… delicate, max, general, soap; Easy Start technology means you won’t break a sweat just to turn it on; Detergent injection system for cleaning solutions; Weighs 90 lbs. Includes engine oil bottle. Some assembly required. Order yours today! Please Note: Once item has contained gas, kerosene, butane, diesel, or oil it cannot be returned without calling for inspection instructions. WARNING: Gas-powered Engines/Generators cannot be shipped to California or Canada. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Gas-powered Engines/Generators. Briggs and Stratton 3,400 PSI Pressure Washer

Pros
- In operation, it is a great machine. Loud, but aren’t they all.
- Easy to set up in just minutes.
- This machine may be heavy but it is very easy to maneuver.
- Easy to clean
- Provides enough power to clean the yard, garage, and patio.
- Free shipping
- $72.68 (12% discount)
- More pros here

Cons
- The washer gun is a not as good, wand leaks but customer service is taking care of it.
- The hose reel isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
- The hose is a bit stiff and doesn’t reel on all that easily.
- More reviews here

From the four seasons you experience in a year, the winter season is the time that you will need to use your high pressure washer more often. Winter is the most important time of the season to keep your car clean. This is essential especially if you reside in a place that gets heavy snowfall. Some may disregard cleaning their cars during the winter because they think snow will just cover it again once they use their car. For some reasons, keeping your car clean during the winter will prevent further damage to the car and keep it at its perfect outer condition. Salt and mud that are mixed on snow will severely damage car paints and will surely turn into rust if not cleaned immediately. Especially if you are living near the ocean, salt particles can easily penetrate into the car’s enamel, which can cause corrosion to the metal. In colder climates, it is advisable to clean the car with the use of a high pressure washer. This reduces cleaning time, which prevents letting the water solidify while cleaning. In washing a car with a high pressure cleaner, a few basic tips are essential to ensure an effective and safe car cleaning.

Winter high pressure washer car cleaning tips

Generally, the steps in cleaning a car with a high pressure washer are the same with any other else. However, it only differs on the type of cleaning solution used and the duration of cleaning. What we want to achieve here is to prevent low temperatures from compromising the car wash. Special shampoos that are designed for the winter season are available. It has less freezing tendencies, which makes it less likely to turn into ice once applied. Furthermore, special solutions targets salt particles in order to effectively remove harmful elements from the snow. In addition, it provides a special coating that will prevent snow from penetrating into the paint. It is also long lasting to keep your car protected at all times. For these reasons, it is important to ask the assistance of a store agent to look for the perfect cleaning solution for winter. Furthermore, talking about the high pressure washer, basic preparation is still important. Check all connections for leaks and test the pressure of the water into a surface before using it to the car. Also, check the water if ice formations are not present. The presence of ice on a pressure washer will project high velocity projectiles, which can make dents and damage car paints. Always keep a ninety-degree angle when cleaning, stand at least five feet away from the car and focus your cleaning on areas that mostly collects dirt like the bumpers, tires, and mudguards. After cleaning, make sure to completely dry the surface of the car because ice can easily build up with just a slight drop of water. Doing these for at least once, a week will ensure a good looking and damage-free car paint job. Learn to get the most of your high pressure washer through, use it at its recommended usage and always follow manufacturer’s instruction during operation.

Cleaning your car can be a disaster if you will not use a high pressure washer. In the past, car owners used to use traditional pail or garden hose to clean their cars or bring their car to a car-washing center to get everything washed up. At that time, these simple methods are enough to clean a car but it takes a lot of time and effort to wash a car. However, why bother washing your car the old way by bringing it to a service center if you can do it all by yourself with the use of a high pressure washer? A High pressure washer has been around for quite some time, it is a very effective tool in cleaning almost anything from patios, yards, cars, streets and all kinds of surface.

High pressure washer washing for car owners

It s composed of a high pressure hose, an electric or gas powered motor, and a connection from a water source. The pressure washer works by ejecting pressurized stream of water to effectively blast and clean dirt and stains on a surface. The use of a pressure washer eliminates the use of a cleaning rug because the water pressure itself is enough to remove the dirt. Today, one effective use of a power washer is car washing. Many car owners prefer to clean their car by themselves rather than bringing it on a car wash center. This is all because of the efficiency of a high pressure cleaning in cleaning a car. However, when cleaning luxury cars, you might want to follow the exact procedures in car cleaning to prevent damaging the car. Here are some basic tips in cleaning luxury cars with a pressure washer.

Tips in cleaning a car with high pressure washer

With these few simple tips, car cleaning can be very easy. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and effective car cleaning with a pressure washer.

1. Before using a power washer to clean your car, you might want to check first how to operate a pressure washer and how to use a cleaning solution.

2. After reviewing the details, begin with cleaning the car with a cleaning detergent starting from the bottom part of the car, making your way up. Pay more attention to sensitive areas of the car like the bumper, side mirror, and decals.

3. Focus on cleaning the bumper and mudguard since these are the parts of the car the mostly collects more dirt.

4. Apply the detergent evenly and let it sit for around five minutes but do not let it dry. Keep it wet for a more effective cleaning.

5. For parts of the car that collects more dirt, use a special rotating brush to loosen the dirt.

6. When rinsing, use a smooth attachment and work from the top part of the car down.

7. Always keep the spray nozzle at a ninety-degree angle to prevent damaging the paint and decals.

With all these tips applied, you can surely give your car a service center look with just the use of a high pressure washer.

Karcher’s award-winning, German-engineered K3 series of pressure washers offers premium performance and durability. The Karcher K 3.48 M Plus 1,800 PSI 1.5 GPM Electric Pressure Washer With 25-Foot Hose employs Karcher’s patented pump technology and a powerful maintenance-free induction motor that lasts up to three times longer. Equipped with two spray wands, the K 3.48 M is able to tackle any cleaning project around the home. For tough jobs, attach the included DirtBlaster Spray Wand to increase the effective pressure by up to 50%. For less intense cleaning, attach the included Vario Power Spray (VPS) Wand, which allows you to adjust the pressure right on the wand. The trigger gun features a total stop function, meaning the motor only runs while your spray, reducing noise and power consumption. The trigger gun also includes a child safety lock. The K 3.48 M comes equipped with an onboard detergent tank that makes cleaning a snap. Simply fill the tank with pressure washer detergent, select the low pressure setting on the VPS wand and begin spraying. It’s that easy. Karcher recommends using the SoapPac line of detergents with the K 3.48 M. This model is also compatible with a wide variety of Karcher accessories, including the Deck and Driveway Cleaner, Rotating Wash Brush, Wheel Rim Brush and more. The K 3.48 M features an upright ergonomic design with a handle and wheels for easy maneuvering. It takes up very little storage space thanks to the integrated accessory holder. You can even draw water from a standing source such as bucket or pond, a feature that comes in handy when a water faucet isn’t available (requires optional Water Suction Hose). Karcher is the world’s largest manufacturer of pressure washers and the #1 brand for commercial pressure washers. Headquartered in Germany, the company invests heavily in research and development, currently holding more than 350 patents. Technical Specs: 1800 PSI, 1.5 GPM, 35ft. Power Cord, 25ft. High-Pressure Hose, 120 V / 60 H

Pros
- Assembling the unit is simple and I did not even nead the diagram.
- The hose was simple to attach- It has an O-ring so push it gently into the base of the pressure washer before trying to thread the hose into the unit.
- This pressure washer is great for cleaning the siding, makes the deck look like new and cleaning up the patio furniture.
- Both the electrical cord and hose are very long so you are not constantly moving the washer.
- Both the cord and hose store nicely over the handle of the unit.
- Great unit and an excellent value.
- More pros here

Cons
- The trigger gun is suppose to just “click” into the pressure hose, but there simply is no real connection and the trigger gun just leaks water all over the place, I tried time and time again to get it to work.
- The directions just say insert the trigger gun into the hose and “click,” but some mechanism within the gun that connects the gun to the hose must have broken–and I just took it out of the box–so I never even had the chance to use it.
- Heavy construction.
- More reviews here