• Pressure washers can’t be used to clean everything, but they can be useful tools.
• Driveways, sidewalks, decks, patios, and fencing can all be cleaned with a pressure washer.
• Pools, artificial turf, trash cans, boats, and siding will also benefit from being cleaned with a pressure washer.

If you’re tired of scrubbing stained surfaces with a cloth, sponge, or brush, then it might be time to make the switch to a pressure washer. Despite their reputation, power washers can clean a shocking number of items without accidentally damaging the targeted surfaces—as long as you know what you’re doing and you take your time to adjust the pressure to the ideal setting.

We asked an expert about the surprising things you can clean with a pressure washer so you can make quick work of your next cleaning job.

Driveways and Sidewalks

Since driveways, sidewalks, and walkways can get dirty very quickly, it’s important to have a method of cleaning these surfaces that is just as efficient, which is why power washers are often put to use for this very service.

“Some of the best things to clean include driveways and sidewalks, where oil stains, dirt, and algae disappear almost instantly,”says Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds.

Just make sure to test the pressure output of the power washer before using to avoid damaging the asphalt, brick, or concrete surfaces.

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Pools

Power washers are an effective option for getting rid of mold, mildew, and other stuck on grime on your pool, saving you tons of time that would otherwise be spent scrubbing these surfaces.

“Power washing is one of the most satisfying ways to clean but knowing when not to use it is just as important,” Harper says.

With this in mind, it’s important to note that not all pools should be cleaned with a power washer. Generally, it’s safe to use a power washer on inground pools, but you should avoid using these tools on above ground pools, as the pressure may damage the walls or liner.

Fencing and Outdoor Furniture

While fencing is often cleaned using a pressure washer, the outdoor furniture sitting nearby is typically neglected.

“Fences and outdoor furniture are also prime candidates since they collect a surprising amount of grime,” Harper says.

But he cautions DIYers that it can be easy to go overboard with a pressure washer, so be careful around items like outdoor furniture.

DIYers that want to get rid of the dirt and grime that has built up throughout the winter can use a power washer to scrub fencing and clean the outdoor furniture.

Just make sure to take your time adjusting the pressure levels to quickly and effectively clean the intended surfaces without causing undue damage to the targeted furniture, and avoid using the power washer on any glass surfaces, like a glass tabletop.

Artificial Turf

Many homeowners, especially in more arid locations, invest in artificial turf to get the look and feel of a natural lawn. These surfaces can accumulate dirt, mold, mildew, and even odors.

Power washing the artificial turf can be a great way to clean the yard, rather than just rinsing it with a standard garden hose.

“Artificial turf benefits from a wash to clear out dirt and pet odors, but if there’s any doubt about whether a surface can handle the pressure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution,” Harper says.

Boats, ATVs, and Other Vehicles

Harper says that “even vehicles, boats, RVs, and ATVs can be safely power washed—though for cars, you’ll want to use a lower setting or you can risk stripping the paint.”

Due to the potential risk involved with using a power washer on a painted vehicle, start at the lowest setting and gradually adjust the pressure until you find the appropriate setting for cleaning the car, boat, or ATV without damaging the vehicle.

Also, it’s a good idea to use a nozzle with a wider angle to protect delicate surfaces.

Trash Cans

Trash and recycling cans, bins, and containers tend to accumulate buildup and smells from household garbage, especially in during the hot summer months of the year.

You can clean these containers by soaking or scrubbing them, but a power washer can be also used to great effect without taking as much time or physical effort.

“Trash cans—arguably one of the dirtiest things on your property—come out looking and smelling fresh,” Harper says.

Decks and Patios

After a long winter, the deck or patio can have a fair amount of dirt and grime built up, both on top and in the cracks.

Spraying these surfaces with garden hose can help rinse away lightly caked-on grime, but a power washer is a better option for dealing with mold, mildew, staining, and heavily soiled areas of the deck or patio.

“Decks and patios—whether wood, concrete, or composite—look refreshed after a wash,” Harper says. “Be extra careful with delicate materials like old wooden decks, outdoor cushions, and window frames. Also, keep an eye on water pressure around painted surfaces, as too much force can strip the paint right off.”

Siding

Given that the exterior of the home protects the interior from wind, rain, sleet, hail, and snow, it’s only natural that the siding begins to collect dirt and grime.

You can spend some time physically scrubbing the siding, but that takes a lot of time and effort. Instead, you can use a power washer to quickly and effectively handle dirt, grime, and staining.

“Siding, whether vinyl, brick, or stucco, benefits from a thorough cleaning (as long as you use the right settings),” Harper says. “Always test on an inconspicuous area before going full blast and use the right nozzle—zero-degree tips can cut through concrete, so you definitely don’t want to use them on anything fragile.”