Minimum unit of power washer

[JackOfDiamonds]

I know every time I ask for tool recommendations on here, people end up recommending professional and contractor grade tools and insist anything less is a waste of money. But I am but a humble homeowner and the smallest and lightest tool that gets the job done is usually the better choice.

I don't have space for a "real" pressure washer but I have a cherry tree that dumps sticky cherries on my driveway for about 2 months every summer. Could be the correct fix is actually a chainsaw to cut the tree down, but I'd like to try a power washer first. The cherries are just barely too sticky that a garden hose won't work. I just need a little more kick. Had anyone tried those "power cleaners" that run on drill batteries, like this Ryobi? Is it just a waste of time or do they actually work?

RYOBI ONE+ 18V EZClean 320 PSI 0.8 GPM Cordless Battery Cold Water Power Cleaner (Tool Only) RY120350 - The Home Depot

Expand your RYOBI 18V ONE+ System with the 18V ONE+ EZ CLEAN Power Cleaner. The powerful motor provides up to 320 PSI for quick portable cleaning, making it ideal for cleaning windows, outdoor furniture,

www.homedepot.com

 

[mike93lx]

Those are fine for dispensing soap to wash a car.

A corded 120v unit would be the minimum, IMO and you can get a lot done with them. If you need more than that, rent a 4gpm unit

 

[Komet]

I went with the cheapest Ryobi corded pressure washer at Home Depot, the 1800 psi one, and I'm confident it would do your job. I wanted the corded model because I use it for 30-90 minutes at a time and I don't need the portability since I'm hooking it up to the hose anyway. I'm skeptical of the cordless units, 320 psi doesn't seem much better than the hose.

 

[strutaeng]

Coinsidently, I was at my brother's house last weekend and he had a Ryobi 120V pressure washer in his backyard his BIL was given. He said it was junk and that he would never buy one of those. Apparently it was the second one they'd given him. I didn't ask if it was the same brand both times.

Can't you just spray some mild stuff, scrub with a stiff bristle brush and garden hose it off?

 

[RTM]

Another whole thread on how to pressure wash a driveway.
Couple of pros weighed in.

Power washing a driveway

I have a Honda powered simpson power washer, 3400 PSI, 2.5 gpms. Similar to the John Deere washer I left to my brother up north 10 years ago when I relocated here to the south. I currently have a concrete driveway out front and a large concrete patio out back, never had concrete in this...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[desertdog256]

At only 320 psi I would not have high hopes that it would be very effective. There are some fairly small and inexpensive electric units that are in the 1500-2000 psi range. That would be a minimum for me if I was buying it. And I would not consider them any more than homeowner/DIYer grade.

 

[ItsNemo]

Those power cleaners are just not quite enough to do any serious work. Spraying dirt off a chair maybe, but trying to actually clean anything they are just not enough flow or pressure.

The 1500-2000psi electric ones are the ideal for a home owner. I have a 1700? psi one and it's enough to clean the deck or any serious grime, it's slow compared to a big gas powered one, but it's effective.

 

[saltwater4life]

I have had the 1600 electric RYOBI pressure washer for years now to rinse off outdoor furniture and cleans the cars with. Love it can’t recommend enough