The short answerMost homes do well with an electric pressure washer around 1,800 to 2,300 PSI and 1.2 to 1.8 GPM. It handles cars, patio furniture, siding and a small deck for $130 to $250. Step up to gas only if you have a lot of concrete to clean.
What to buy
Cars and small jobs
Compact electric, 1,500 to 1,800 PSI
Light, quiet, and gentle enough for car paint and patio furniture. It's slow on concrete, so a driveway will eat your whole afternoon.
$90 to $150
See options on Amazon →Most homes
Electric, 1,800 to 2,300 PSI, 1.2 to 1.8 GPM
Plugs into a regular outlet, starts with a trigger pull, and needs almost no upkeep. It cleans concrete slowly, and the cord and hose limit how far you can roam.
$130 to $250
See options on Amazon →Big driveways
Gas, 2,800 to 3,400 PSI, 2.3 to 2.5 GPM
Cleans concrete much faster and goes anywhere a garden hose reaches. It's loud and heavy, and it needs oil, fresh fuel and care before winter storage.
$300 to $500
See options on Amazon →Add-on for flat concrete
Surface cleaner attachment, 12 to 15 in
A spinning spray bar under a dome that cleans driveways in even passes with no zebra stripes. Check that it matches your washer's PSI rating and wand fitting.
$25 to $80
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cleaning one driveway once a year? Rent a gas unit for the day and skip the storage, the oil changes and the stale fuel.
What the numbers mean
- PSI
- Pounds per square inch, the force of the water. About 1,500 to 2,000 suits cars and furniture, and 2,800 or more speeds up concrete.
- GPM
- Gallons per minute, the amount of water. More GPM rinses dirt away faster, so on big areas it matters as much as PSI.
- Nozzle tips
- Color-coded by spray angle: red is 0 degrees, yellow 15, green 25, white 40, and black is for soap. Start with white or green and step closer before you go narrower.
- Electric vs gas
- Electric is quieter, lighter and close to maintenance-free, and it tops out around 2,300 PSI. Gas hits 2,500 to 4,000 PSI and comes with engine upkeep.
What not to pay for
- Chasing the highest PSI
More force than the job needs scars wood, strips paint and etches concrete. Buy for the surfaces you own.
- The red 0-degree tip
It shoots a pencil-thin jet that carves wood and cuts skin. Most people never need it.
- Feeding it hot water
Home pressure washers are built for cold water, and hot water damages the pump seals. Hook it to the cold tap.
The spray can cut skin and force water under it, and that needs a doctor right away even if it looks small. Wear eye protection and closed shoes, never spray from a ladder, and never point the wand at people or pets. Run gas models outdoors only, because the exhaust carries carbon monoxide.
Questions
Is an electric pressure washer strong enough for a driveway?
Yes, but it's slow. Pair a 2,000 PSI electric with a surface cleaner and plan on an afternoon for a 2-car driveway. For big or badly stained concrete, gas is faster.
Can I pressure wash my car?
Yes, with the white 40-degree tip and roughly 1,200 to 1,900 PSI. Stay about 12 in back. Keep the spray away from chipped paint, decals and rubber seals.
Will a pressure washer damage my deck?
It can. Soft woods like pine and cedar scar fast, so use a wide tip and stay about 12 in back. Keep the wand moving along the grain, and test a hidden spot first.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.