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What kind of PSI do I need to properly pressure wash my house?

Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:25 pm
Posted by whitetiger1234
They/Them
Member since Oct 2016
6320 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:25 pm
Just moved into a house, and it needs a pressure wash. Trying to see if I can get away with a RYOBI 1800 PSI electric pressure washer, or if I need to go higher.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks
Posted by SirWinston
PNW
Member since Jul 2014
100415 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:29 pm to
I got an 1800 for cheap and it sucks balls. Def need higher. Its basically unusable
This post was edited on 7/1/25 at 1:30 pm
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
86364 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:39 pm to
JMO, but for houses, go low, especially if paint is involved.
Posted by Dallaswho
Texas
Member since Dec 2023
3373 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:42 pm to
You want high GPMs to wash a house, <2k psi though. 1800 is fine, it’ll be less than that with your unit and a wide nozzle. It’s just going to take forever and maybe wreck your machine.
This post was edited on 7/1/25 at 1:45 pm
Posted by whitetiger1234
They/Them
Member since Oct 2016
6320 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:48 pm to
What is considered High GPM?

The two I am looking at are both 1.2 GPM. One is 1800 PSI, the other is 1900 PSI.
Posted by Dallaswho
Texas
Member since Dec 2023
3373 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 1:53 pm to
5hp would be 4 gpm at 2kpsi
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
70921 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 2:10 pm to
More horsepower and lower pressure = more flow rate.

You dont need much pressure at all. 1500 is plenty. You want GPMs.

Set a budget and get the highest hp lowest pressure machine that fits it.
Posted by agilitydawg
Member since Aug 2022
188 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 4:12 pm to
I think the key is selecting the proper nozzle so you don't damage paint, etc. My Karcher, powered by a Honda engine, is over 20 years old and still going strong. Just buy a decent one that will meet your needs in 10 years. Mine came from Costco. They have one now for $299 with a 2-year warranty.
Posted by armsdealer
Member since Feb 2016
12272 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 7:05 pm to
Not a lot of PSI, GPM is a way more important for cleaning most things a homeowner would want to clean.
Posted by onelochevy
Slidell, LA
Member since Jan 2011
18014 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 7:11 pm to
I have a electric Sun Joe 2k psi, 1.2 GPM pressure washer that i've been very happy with. Handles concrete and bricks easily and is safe to use on my vehicles. Had it just shy of 10 years now.
Posted by mtcheral
BR
Member since Oct 2008
2078 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 7:55 pm to
On the actual house just use Mold Armor from Walmart. A ton easier and faster than a pressure washer. Just need a pressure washer for concrete and brick stuff like the driveway.
Posted by Old Man and a Porch
Member since Dec 2023
696 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 8:11 pm to
I use a 2 gallon sprayer with water, chlorox and fabuloso. I spray it, let it sit for 1-2 minutes then spray it off with a regular water hose. Works fine for me. Do this bout once a year.
Posted by Clames
Member since Oct 2010
18831 posts
Posted on 7/1/25 at 8:16 pm to
Better to have more gpm than psi, I use Jomax and my 3ksi/4gpm pressure washer just has to flush the surface off. No risk of damaging anything either.
Posted by Nursie21
Member since Nov 2018
219 posts
Posted on 7/2/25 at 8:24 am to
WHATEVER you do when you wash, DO NOT PRESSURE WASH YOUR WINDOWS!


THey're made for hurricane strength winds, which are not 2000 psi.

Pressure washing is the cause of most all seal failures which result in moisture between the panes.

Carry on.
Posted by Shut Up Mulllet
Member since Apr 2021
967 posts
Posted on 7/2/25 at 8:41 am to
Good info. I pressure wash my windows all the time.
Posted by Yewkindewit
Near Birmingham, Alabama
Member since Apr 2012
21580 posts
Posted on 7/2/25 at 8:43 am to
I use a basic Generac 2300 psi for driveway, house, deck, etc. I also use it on my vehicle tires when muddy just use a wider spray head and determine what distance from the surface cleans without damage.
Posted by tigerfoot
Alexandria
Member since Sep 2006
60612 posts
Posted on 7/3/25 at 11:43 am to
quote:

JMO, but for houses, go low, especially if paint is involved.
I like low pressure washes for homes, just too much can go wrong, heck I really dont like using the nozzle on my drive as it roughs it up. I cringe every time I see a teen cut loose on his new pressure washing business. Just blasting the shite outta everything.
Posted by bonstonker
Member since Jan 2008
361 posts
Posted on 7/3/25 at 4:33 pm to
Yep
I found out the hard way on the biggest window of the house.
Happens very quickly.
Thought I would be OK with a couple quick swipes.
Nope

As for pressure washer, I have gas for driveway and a cheap electric for house and cars.

How filthy is everyone's houses.
Found I didn't need more than electric for the house.
It wouldn't do the job for 2 story though.
As said earlier gpm is the important factor.

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