Latest news with #BoschUniversalAquatak135
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The best pressure washers: eight expert picks for cleaning garden furniture and patios
The trouble with the great outdoors is that it gets a bit untidy. Your lawnmower might do a good job of keeping your garden in check, but keeping your patio, decking and outdoor furniture spick and span can take hours, especially if you rely on a bucket of soapy water and a scrubbing brush. That's where the pressure washer comes in. These handy tools connect to your hose pipe and squirt water at any cleaning problem. Stubborn and unpleasant stains, from bird dirt to years of neglect, can be lifted from your garden's hard-wearing surfaces in seconds. With the right attachments, you can also use your pressure washer to hose down cars, bikes and boats. *** Best pressure washer overall: Ava Go P40£149.90 at Ava Best budget pressure washer: Kärcher K 2 Classic£72 at Argos Best cordless pressure washer: Stihl Rea 60 Plus£224.99 at Charlies Best for high-power deep cleaning: Bosch UniversalAquatak 135£128.25 at Amazon *** I've been testing all sorts of cleaning gadgets for years. I've tested vacuum cleaners, mops, hard-floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, window vacs and various robots designed to do jobs automatically, from internal cleaning to lawn mowing. I've got a keen nose for a labour-saving device, and I live in a busy household that never seems short of a dirty surface to test things on, including an extensive patio area and a filthy car. There was a perfect alignment of dirty jobs crying out to test these pressure washers on. I gathered eight pressure washers of various types and prices from a range of manufacturers, and put each through the same tests. First, I used each washer to clean one of the dirty paving slabs at the side of my house. This is where the dog gets washed after walks and it's a well-trodden thoroughfare, making it a dark and grimy corridor. Next, I wanted to test the washers on decking. Unfortunately, I don't have a deck of my own, so I had to find someone else's to clean. Fortunately, a shoutout on our neighbourhood WhatsApp group found a neighbour with a deck that hadn't had a deep clean for a few years, so it was primed and ready to challenge the washers. This was by far the wettest job of the lot – but my neighbour was delighted with the extreme hose down I gave it. I then washed the wheels of my car. As with most cars, it has only four, so I washed half of each wheel with each washer, so I could compare their work. Where appropriate, I tried the various attachments and settings that I hadn't used previously on other jobs. It included cleaning out empty water butts, clearing a few years of built-up algae off my whirligig and testing the supplied foam cannons on the rest of my car. All of the pressure washers were supplied by their manufacturers, most of whom will pick them up when I've finished. Any that don't get collected will be given to Workaid, a Chesham-based charity that refurbishes tools of all kinds. It donates them to training centres and self-help organisations in Africa and the UK, to help young people develop new skills or start their own businesses. *** *** £149.90 at Ava£164.90 (XL) at Amazon Ava may not be a household name in the UK but the Norwegian pressure washer manufacturer has entered the market with affordable products that are designed to last. The P40 is a great entry-level device that should last for years, with a 10-year warranty to back it up. Why we love itIt's clear that the design focused on how the product would be used. It feels better built than similarly priced rivals, from the kink-free steel-lined pressure hose to robust but easy-to-release clips that hold all the parts together. My favourite feature is the extendable lance. At the push of a button, the lance can extend from 84cm to 116cm. If you're working on cleaning a floor, there's no question this will reduce the amount of bending you have to do. The kit I reviewed came with two nozzles (one variable for adjusting the width and pressure of the cleaning area, and another turbo nozzle for particularly tough jobs) and a foam cannon. Matching this with Ava's detergents made car cleaning a breeze, and it performed well in all my tests. It's a shame that … it's not as powerful as the most powerful products we've tested here, so it can be bettered for stubborn dirt on the hardest surfaces. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, drains/guttering, vehiclesPressure hose length: 6mWeight: 4.5kgCorded or cordless: cordedCleaning power: 11,313 cleaning units (6.5 litres a minute x 1,740PSI)Attachments included: zoom lance, turbo nozzle, vario nozzle, foam cannonWarranty: 10 years *** £72 at Argos Kärcher sells more pressure washers than any other manufacturer, with the low price of the K 2 indicating why. None of the other washers we tested were as affordable as this compact unit. Why we love itIts affordability makes it ideal if you want something quick for occasional use. Considering the low price you're still getting a surprisingly effective cleaner. It doesn't have the clever design and high build quality of corded rivals from Ava and Bosch, but there's been no skimping on raw cleaning power. It's a lesser specification but still comes with two nozzles, which are pre-attached to their own lances. One produces a lighter spray at a fixed angle, while the other is a turbo nozzle that sends out a powerful rotating jet. The turbo nozzle was good at cleaning paving slabs and the lighter nozzle did good work on my car wheels. It's a shame that … you get what you pay for in build quality: the pressure hose wants to stay curled up, no matter what you do with it, and the unit is so light that it's prone to falling over. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, drains/guttering, vehiclesPressure hose length: 3mWeight: 3.2kgCorded or cordless: cordedCleaning power: 9,573 cleaning units (6 litres a minute x 1,595PSI)Attachments included: single spray lance, dirt blaster lanceWarranty: five years *** £219 at Just Lawnmowers£224.99 at Charlies Moving from corded to cordless washers usually incurs an increase in cost and a decrease in pressure. But while the mega battery for Stihl's Rea 60 Plus is pricey, it can push out water at pressures that rival corded tools. Why we love itDuring testing, the Rea 60 Plus surprised me with its high pressure, which is closer to corded levels than the other battery-powered washers we tested. Although full-pelt washing diminishes the battery rapidly, Stihl has added a power dial that lets you tame the jet. That means you can wash at a lower pressure for longer, and this lower pressure is useful for more delicate tasks as well. You can also control the flow with the handy nozzle, which lets you choose between three jet types (fan, rotary and cleaning agent, with the latter fed from a hose on the side of the main unit). What I really admired about the Rea 60 Plus was how neatly it all packs away, largely thanks to its pressure hose reel. When you start you can just pull out what you need, up to its 5m length. The storage clips for the dismantled lance and gun and the lack of a power cord also help keep things neat and tidy. It's a shame that … although the Rea 60 Plus is affordable, it doesn't come with a battery or charger, which adds another £197 to the cost. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, drains/guttering, vehicles, away from homePressure hose length: 5mWeight: 6.7kgCorded or cordless: cordlessQuoted battery run time: 25minsCleaning power: 8,485 cleaning units (4.5 litres a minute x 1,885PSI) Attachments included: 3-in-1 nozzleWarranty: three years *** £135 at B&Q£128.25 at Amazon The Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 is a corded pressure washer that offers a good balance between high pressure, reasonable price and usable design. Why we love itWith a high maximum pressure and a high flow rate, the cleaning power of the UniversalAquatak 135 isn't really in question. In my tests it quickly lifted dirt from every surface I pointed it at. There's a little assembly to be done but it's nothing too arduous and doesn't require any tools: it's just a case of clipping the wheels on to the unit and assembling the handle mechanism. Despite having wheels, it's not particularly large or heavy, so there's no problem lifting it and carrying it around. It comes with a single nozzle that can be rotated to select one of three jet settings – fan, rotary and pencil – to provide various pressures to suit your requirements. It's a shame that … I found the long 7m pressure hose had a strong desire to stay curled up, and it doesn't have the extendable lance or extra-long warranty of the Ava P40. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, drains/guttering, vehiclesPressure hose length: 7mWeight: 6.9kgCorded or cordless: cordedCleaning power: 14,685 cleaning units (7.5 litres a minute x 1,958PSI) Attachments included: 3-in-1 nozzle, 450ml detergent nozzleWarranty: three years *** *** £179.99 at Ryobi Best for: weight and portability For lightweight duties, the Ryobi 18V One+ is quick to set up and use. In the garden, you can connect your hose directly to the lance, so there's no pressure hose to worry about, but you do then have to drag your hose around. I didn't find this to be any more of a problem than using it for regular watering, though. It comes with its own hose, too, which you can connect up and dip into any water supply, further enhancing its portability. This would be great for washing down equipment after a boating trip, for example, where there's a plentiful supply of water. You could also use it with captured rainwater from a water butt or similar. It didn't make the final cut because … it doesn't provide the same kind of pressure as the winners, although it's certainly the right tool for the right job. The lack of pressure wasn't particularly apparent in my cleaning tests, but you will notice it when tackling the toughest jobs. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, drains/guttering, vehicles, bikes, away from home; pressure hose length: N/A; weight: 2.7kg; corded or cordless: cordless; quoted battery runtime: 18mins; cleaning power: 1,607 cleaning units (2.6 litres a minute x 595PSI); attachments included: 3-in-1 nozzle, 6m siphoning hose, 18V battery and charger; warranty: three years *** £391 (including battery and charger) at Bosch£177.95 (no battery) at Amazon Best for: an affordable cordless pressure washer This battery-powered Bosch sits somewhere between the Stihl and the Ryobi in terms of its cleaning power. It doesn't have the full-pelt power of the Stihl but it's more affordable. And while not quite as portable as the Ryobi, it does at least have the option of portability, whether you're using it around the garden or flinging it in the car to take elsewhere. It comes with much the same equipment as the mains-powered Bosch, including the handy three-in-one nozzle and a clip-on detergent tank you can use to quickly cover a dirty item in cleaning foam. It didn't make the final cut because … it's not quite as portable as the Ryobi or as neat as the Stihl. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, vehicles, away from home; pressure hose length: 4m; weight: 4.7kg; corded or cordless: cordless; quoted battery run time: 45mins; cleaning power: 4,496 cleaning units (3.1 litres a minute x 1,450PSI); attachments included: 3-in-1 nozzle; warranty: three years *** £130 at Argos£129 at Amazon Best for: a better-built version of the K 2 If you've got a little more to spend than the sub-£100 for the K 2, then the K 3 is a level up in build quality. The pressure and flow rate are improved, so you get a more powerful clean, though I didn't notice a huge difference in my tests. However, the device itself is a definite step up, with a longer pressure hose, wheels for dragging it about and an extendable handle. Otherwise, it's largely the same as the K 2, but better balanced and less prone to falling over. It didn't make the final cut because … if you're moving up from the K 2 and can afford it, the Ava P40 and the Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 are better options for only a few pounds more. Suitable for: patio, decking/fences, garden tools, garden furniture, vehicles; pressure hose length: 6m; weight: 3.8kg; corded or cordless: corded; cleaning power: 11,023 cleaning units (6.3 litres a minute x 1,740PSI); attachments included: single spray lance, dirt blaster lance; warranty: five years *** £79.99 at Screwfix Best for: affordable power The Titan TTB1800PRW from Screwfix is a no-nonsense pressure washer that's affordable and powerful. In fact, it's the most powerful washer I tested, yet is available from Screwfix for less than £100, with only the less powerful Kärcher K 2 Classic beating it on price. Once I'd assembled the washer (see below) it made short work of the cleaning tasks I set it. It comes with two nozzles and I generally preferred the power nozzle over the other, as it did a significantly better job of lifting off dirt. It was also the only model to come with a patio cleaning brush tool, though I found this to be too light to be of much use and preferred the roto nozzle during testing. It didn't make the final cut because … it took more assembly than any others, requiring a screwdriver to put together some of the parts. I didn't like the extendable handle: it doesn't lock into place and can catch you out when reaching to pick it up. Suitable for: patio, garden tools, vehicles; pressure hose length: 6m; weight: 7.1kg; corded or cordless: corded; cleaning power: 14,891 cleaning units (7.3 litres a minute x 2,031PSI); attachments included: vario fan nozzle, roto nozzle, patio cleaner; warranty: two years *** *** Pressure washers are simple tools that accept water from a water supply, build up the pressure using an electric motor, and then squirt out the water again from a gun attached to a separate hose (called a pressure hose). All the washers I tested use a universal garden hose attachment that lets them easily hook up to your water supply. My garden hose has a Hozelock connector, which fitted perfectly on to every model, so check yours is compatible. Once the water is connected and the tap is on, you can power up the washer either by connecting it to the mains or charging and slotting in a battery. Then you simply select an appropriate attachment or setting, depending on the pressure you want, and point it at the dirt. The gun has a trigger so you can start and stop the water as you please without returning to the main unit or closing the tap. Keep in mind that dirt and debris can fly around when squirted at high pressure. Safety glasses, long trousers and proper shoes should be worn. Gloves are a good idea, and you might want to deck yourself out in some waterproof clothing. Different jobs require different amounts of pressure. Heavy-duty dirty work, such as blasting a concrete paving slab, is best done with high-pressure washers that can produce pressure in excess of 100 bar (1,450PSI). You can get decent results from lower-pressure washers, too, but it might take a bit longer. Softer surfaces, such as wooden fencing and decking, shouldn't be attacked with the highest pressure settings of a powerful washer but can be hosed down with a less powerful spray. Washers with pressure of less than 100 bar can be used for this kind of thing. Try your washer on a small and inconspicuous area first to see how it fares before tackling the whole thing. Some jobs are best done with the pressure at a minimum, such as washing your car. Although you can still use a pressure washer for this, you should use a rinse setting, or a fan setting from a safe distance – the pressure is most intense at the tip of the nozzle. Pressure washers with foam cannon are good for covering a car with soap, which you can then rinse after it's lifted off some of the dirt. Don't mix detergent with your pressure washer's main water supply, though, as this can damage the device. None of the pressure washers I've reviewed here were particularly noisy. Your nextdoor neighbour will notice when you're using one, but they're quieter than lawnmowers and hedge trimmers. There's no requirement to wear ear defenders. *** Andy Shaw is a freelance consumer journalist and technology addict. Having reviewed tech products professionally for more than 30 years, his favoured working environment is a small desk surrounded by big boxes. His greatest weakness is that he never, ever remembers how things came out of their packaging, so they rarely fit back in again when it's time to return them • This article was amended on 23 April 2025. The article previously referred to the Ryobi 18V cordless One+ 22 bar power washer, but the model tested was actually the Ryobi 18V cordless One+ 41 bar HP brushless power washer. The battery life and cleaning units have been updated accordingly.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
I tested pressure washers at Aldi, B&M and Argos – the winner beats big brand Karcher and is much cheaper
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CLEANING a grubby patio with a brush and some elbow grease is hard graft. That's where pressure washers come in. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Lynsey Hope tested out the best pressure washers ahead of summer Credit: Oliver Dixon These efficient machines certainly make lighter work or a deep clean. They can also be used to clean cars, garden furniture and spruce up kids toys such as trampolines. There's a huge range on the market so knowing which one to choose is not always easy. High pressure is essential if they are to lift any sort of deeply-ingrained dirt, but lower-pressure washers are more economical if you're just cleaning mucky boots. Pressure washers generally draw between 1,400 and 2,800 Watts, which at today's prices will cost between 34p and 68p an hour to run. Lynsey Hope tried some best-sellers, including Aldi's new machine. Here, she reveals her verdict: Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 £105, Weight: 8kg Hose: 7m Power: 1,900 watts 9 The bosch gadget is a bit noisy but it's easy to move around Credit: Oliver Dixon Lynsey says: "I got great cleaning results with this Bosch pressure washer, it was my favourite. "It's very powerful though not particularly speedy and took around a minute longer to clean a square metre of patio compared to some other models. "The hose was a generous 7m long. It did the best job of getting rid of the toughest grime and cleaned up the patio well, even after I'd used the Karcher on it. "This was the one that managed to get rid of the toughest spots of grime. "It is a bit noisy, but it's light to carry so easy to manoeuvre and it doesn't take up much storage space. "No fancy accessories but you don't need them. "It was also one of the easiest to put together, no messing around with screws and faffing with different parts." Performance: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Total score: 10/10 Karcher K3 Power Control 1.676-107.0 Pressure Washer £139, Weight: 4.4kg Hose: 7m Power: 1,600 watts 9 The Karcher did a good job of removing caked-on mud Credit: Stewart Williams Lynsey says: "Not the brand's cheapest model, nor the most expensive. "What I liked was how light and easy to manoeuvre it was. "It's small and reasonably affordable and the power control high-pressure gun is brilliant for cleaning everything from muddy bikes to surface dirt on patios and decking. "It's easy to adjust the pressure level and the spray, just by twisting the nozzle. "You can also switch to the ferocious dirt buster lance if you've got some tougher dirt and debris to get rid of. "It did a good job of removing caked-on mud from the family car and there is a built-in detergent tank to make easy work of adding patio cleaner. "All the accessories can be kept on the unit, so it's easy to swap them around. "I liked it - the only downside is the price. You are paying for a brand name here." Performance: 4/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 8/10 McGregor Compact Pressure Washer £60, Weight: 5.8kg Hose: 3m Power: 1,400 watts 9 Argos is selling an affordable washer suitable for light or medium tasks Credit: Oliver Dixon Lynsey says: "A small and light pressure washer best suited to light or medium tasks. "It isn't going to clean a filthy patio but it will do small areas and was brilliant for garden furniture, bikes and even the car. "The hose is a lot smaller than on the bigger units but I loved how compact and lightweight it is. "The pressure adjustable lance allows you to alter the water pressure depending on the task, it was easy to connect the hose with no leaks and it has a removable detergent tank. "Great price and very effective." Performance: 3/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 7/10 VonHaus 1,600W Pressure Washer £89.99, Weight: 5.6kg Hose: 5m Power: 1,600 watts 9 The VonHaus gadget isn't the most powerful, but it's easy to use Credit: Oliver Dixon Lynsey says: "Middle of the road in terms of performance. "You could adjust the pressure on this washer from about 90 to 130 bar to suit the task in hand. "It's certainly not the most powerful, but it's easy to use, light to manoeuvre round and it did a reasonable job of cleaning tough dirt and grime. "The hose could have done with being a bit longer." Performance: 3/5 Value: 3/5 Total score: 6/10 Draper 230V 135 bar Pressure Washer - 1,600W £124.99, Weight: 8kg Hose: 5m Power: 1,600 watts 9 The Draper pressure washer is expensive but came with 'exceptional' results Credit: Oliver Dixon Lynsey says: "Quite a pricey model, but the cleaning results were exceptional and in minimal time. "I certainly felt this needed less elbow grease on my part than some of the models. "It comes with a detergent nozzle, fixed brush head and a turbo nozzle and the total stop device is designed to save water and prolong the life of the motor and the pump. "It's lighter than many and it has a carry handle and large wheels, making it easy to manoeuvre around your space. "The hose could have been longer but it's also light and compact, so easy to store. "On the pricier side, but did a good job." Performance: 5/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 9/10 Black & Decker 1,500PSI Pressure Washer £79, Weight: 4.9kg Hose: 6m Power: 1,400w 9 B&M is selling a Black & Decker pressure washer for £79 Credit: Stewart Williams Lynsey says: "Thought this was a great price at B&M. "It's light and portable and all the accessories including the lance, nozzles and wand can all be stored within the use for easy storage. "The aluminum pump was powerful and seemed durable. "It's not as powerful as others so didn't perform the best on tough grime but was great at cleaning furniture, the kids' trampoline and it gave the patio a decent once over without causing too much spray and mess." Performance: 3/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 7/10 Aldi Ferrex High Pressure Washer £89.99, in Aldi stores only Weight: 12.7kg (with accessories) Hose: 10m Power: 2,400 watts 9 Aldi's selling a pressure washher for £89.99 Credit: Oliver Dixon Lynsey says: "Quite a big, heavy unit so it is harder than many of others to lug around and it's quite big to store. "However, it is powerful and was one of the best at getting rid of tough grime. "The handle is height-adjustable and it has a spray gun as well as a rotating brush, turbo nozzle and cleaning needle. "You can add detergent to a tank at the back and it comes with a special brush head for car cleaning and some patio cleaner so it's great value. "The hose is extra long at 10 metres. "It's noisy, but if that doesn't bother you this is very powerful and a great price at less than £90." Performance: 4/5 Value: 5/5 Total score: 9/10 Titan TTB1800PRW 140 Bar Electric Pressure Washer £79.99, Weight: 10.1kg Hose: 6m Power: 1,800 watts 9 Titan's gadget is tall and heavy, but it did a decent job Credit: Oliver Dixon Lynsey says: "Bit of a pain to put together and the instructions could have been clearer, but once assembled, this did a decent job. "It's user friendly and the narrow, well-balanced unit is easy to move around. "It's tall and heavy, but not too cumbersome to move about during use. "It required less water to get things clean and surfaces weren't so drenched after use. "This might be useful if you were cleaning patio furniture in the morning and wanted to be sat on it by the afternoon. "There is also a slightly more powerful 150 bar model, but this did a good job and is reasonably priced." Performance: 4/5 Value: 3/5 Total score: 7/10
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I tested pressure washers at Aldi, B&M and Argos – the winner beats big brand Karcher and is much cheaper
Lynsey Hope, Consumer reporter Published: Invalid Date, CLEANING a grubby patio with a brush and some elbow grease is hard graft. That's where pressure washers come in. These efficient machines certainly make lighter work or a deep clean. They can also be used to clean cars, garden furniture and spruce up kids toys such as trampolines. There's a huge range on the market so knowing which one to choose is not always easy. High pressure is essential if they are to lift any sort of deeply-ingrained dirt, but lower-pressure washers are more economical if you're just cleaning mucky boots. Pressure washers generally draw between 1,400 and 2,800 Watts, which at today's prices will cost between 34p and 68p an hour to run. Lynsey Hope tried some best-sellers, including Aldi's new machine. Here, she reveals her verdict: Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 £105, Weight: 8kg Hose: 7m Power: 1,900 watts Lynsey says: "I got great cleaning results with this Bosch pressure washer, it was my favourite. "It's very powerful though not particularly speedy and took around a minute longer to clean a square metre of patio compared to some other models. "The hose was a generous 7m long. It did the best job of getting rid of the toughest grime and cleaned up the patio well, even after I'd used the Karcher on it. "This was the one that managed to get rid of the toughest spots of grime. "It is a bit noisy, but it's light to carry so easy to manoeuvre and it doesn't take up much storage space. "No fancy accessories but you don't need them. "It was also one of the easiest to put together, no messing around with screws and faffing with different parts." Performance: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Total score: 10/10 Karcher K3 Power Control 1.676-107.0 Pressure Washer £139, Weight: 4.4kg Hose: 7m Power: 1,600 watts Lynsey says: "Not the brand's cheapest model, nor the most expensive. "What I liked was how light and easy to manoeuvre it was. "It's small and reasonably affordable and the power control high-pressure gun is brilliant for cleaning everything from muddy bikes to surface dirt on patios and decking. "It's easy to adjust the pressure level and the spray, just by twisting the nozzle. "You can also switch to the ferocious dirt buster lance if you've got some tougher dirt and debris to get rid of. "It did a good job of removing caked-on mud from the family car and there is a built-in detergent tank to make easy work of adding patio cleaner. "All the accessories can be kept on the unit, so it's easy to swap them around. "I liked it - the only downside is the price. You are paying for a brand name here." Performance: 4/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 8/10 McGregor Compact Pressure Washer £60, Weight: 5.8kg Hose: 3m Power: 1,400 watts Lynsey says: "A small and light pressure washer best suited to light or medium tasks. "It isn't going to clean a filthy patio but it will do small areas and was brilliant for garden furniture, bikes and even the car. "The hose is a lot smaller than on the bigger units but I loved how compact and lightweight it is. "The pressure adjustable lance allows you to alter the water pressure depending on the task, it was easy to connect the hose with no leaks and it has a removable detergent tank. "Great price and very effective." Performance: 3/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 7/10 VonHaus 1,600W Pressure Washer £89.99, Weight: 5.6kg Hose: 5m Power: 1,600 watts Lynsey says: "Middle of the road in terms of performance. "You could adjust the pressure on this washer from about 90 to 130 bar to suit the task in hand. "It's certainly not the most powerful, but it's easy to use, light to manoeuvre round and it did a reasonable job of cleaning tough dirt and grime. "The hose could have done with being a bit longer." Performance: 3/5 Value: 3/5 Total score: 6/10 Draper 230V 135 bar Pressure Washer - 1,600W £124.99, Weight: 8kg Hose: 5m Power: 1,600 watts Lynsey says: "Quite a pricey model, but the cleaning results were exceptional and in minimal time. "I certainly felt this needed less elbow grease on my part than some of the models. "It comes with a detergent nozzle, fixed brush head and a turbo nozzle and the total stop device is designed to save water and prolong the life of the motor and the pump. "It's lighter than many and it has a carry handle and large wheels, making it easy to manoeuvre around your space. "The hose could have been longer but it's also light and compact, so easy to store. "On the pricier side, but did a good job." Performance: 5/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 9/10 Black & Decker 1,500PSI Pressure Washer £79, Weight: 4.9kg Hose: 6m Power: 1,400w Lynsey says: "Thought this was a great price at B&M. "It's light and portable and all the accessories including the lance, nozzles and wand can all be stored within the use for easy storage. "The aluminum pump was powerful and seemed durable. "It's not as powerful as others so didn't perform the best on tough grime but was great at cleaning furniture, the kids' trampoline and it gave the patio a decent once over without causing too much spray and mess." Performance: 3/5 Value: 4/5 Total score: 7/10 Aldi Ferrex High Pressure Washer £89.99, in Aldi stores only Weight: 12.7kg (with accessories) Hose: 10m Power: 2,400 watts Lynsey says: "Quite a big, heavy unit so it is harder than many of others to lug around and it's quite big to store. "However, it is powerful and was one of the best at getting rid of tough grime. "The handle is height-adjustable and it has a spray gun as well as a rotating brush, turbo nozzle and cleaning needle. "You can add detergent to a tank at the back and it comes with a special brush head for car cleaning and some patio cleaner so it's great value. "The hose is extra long at 10 metres. "It's noisy, but if that doesn't bother you this is very powerful and a great price at less than £90." Performance: 4/5 Value: 5/5 Total score: 9/10 Titan TTB1800PRW 140 Bar Electric Pressure Washer £79.99, Weight: 10.1kg Hose: 6m Power: 1,800 watts Lynsey says: "Bit of a pain to put together and the instructions could have been clearer, but once assembled, this did a decent job. "It's user friendly and the narrow, well-balanced unit is easy to move around. "It's tall and heavy, but not too cumbersome to move about during use. "It required less water to get things clean and surfaces weren't so drenched after use. "This might be useful if you were cleaning patio furniture in the morning and wanted to be sat on it by the afternoon. "There is also a slightly more powerful 150 bar model, but this did a good job and is reasonably priced." Performance: 4/5 Value: 3/5 Total score: 7/10 Gardening mistakes that could get you fined Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues. Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. " While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. 'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn. The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer. Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries 'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. 'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance. "Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.' Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade. But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures. 'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts. Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros. However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing. You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Garden lovers race to B&Q as patio moss and algae ‘killer' halved in price just in time for summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF your patio is looking a little worse for wear this spring, don't worry there's a quick fix. B&Q shoppers are heaping on the praise for a handy gadget that will leave your outdoor area sparkling. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A B&Q shopper shared the impressive bargain she picked up on a gardening gadget ahead of the summer Credit: Facebook 3 Gardening fans can pick up an outdoor cleaning gadget for almost half off at their local B&Q Credit: Facebook Whether there's moss sprouting up on between your concrete slabs or algae covering your decking, this item will clean them instantly. And now is the best time to invest in this B&Q buy, and not just because summer is quickly approaching. The Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 High-Pressure Washer is currently on sale for a fraction of its original price. One impressed buyer shared the offer on the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK. "Haven't had a bargain for a while - always check out the clearance section in B&Q," the homeowner wrote. They shared an picture of the price tag, which showed the item had been reduced from £159 to just £80. Given the almost 50% discount, the shopper encouraged their fellow bargain hunters to hurry. The Facebook user pointed out there were only five washers left on the shelf of her local B&Q. According to Bosch, the pressure washer guarantees "fast, flexible, and effortless" cleaning. It includes a Trio Nozzle with fan, rotary, and pencil jet settings, for "versatile cleaning". Get your patio sparkling with a £1.49 Wilko buy - as shoppers rave the 'results speak for themselves' The gadget comes equipped with a quieter motor pump and a 450-ml High-Pressure Detergent Nozzle, which saves time by applying soap quickly. It is described as having "greater mobility and easier storage" thanks to an extendable handle and larger wheels. Facebook users shared their thoughts on the deal in the comments section. "Wow. Great bargain," wrote one impressed bargain hunter. Another person described the offer as "fabulous". How to clean green algae off decking Is your decking covered in green algae or moss? The experts at Ronseal have shared their guide to cleaning your decking after a wet and warm winter. You'll need: A wire brush Decking cleaner A pressure washer or hose Clear the decking Clear your decking and grab a broom - give it decking a good sweep to dislodge any dirt. Choose your cleaner Some cleaners are better at tackling certain jobs than others, so you need to consider what it is you want the cleaner to do. Decking Cleaner and Reviver preps new wood whilst cleaning up older decking. It can tackle algae and mould and can be used over stains and oils. It's a good general-purpose cleaner and can brighten up your decking throughout the year. This is good for decking that's dirtier than average and in instances where a brush and jet wash don't quite cut it. Decking Stripper is for tough stubborn stains that won't budge. It does exactly what it says on the tin and strips all stains and oils from your decking. It's ideal for prepping your deck ready for a fresh coat of stain, paint or oil. This is most effective with really, really dirty and discoloured decking that needs reviving. Clean your decking Top tip: Before you power ahead, read the instructions on the back of the packet. Some of our cleaners don't need water and can be poured directly onto your decking. And B&Q has more offers available on garden furniture with 25% off some items. Gardening fans can also nab a £15 bargain that is said to transform your outdoor space. And another £8.50 gardening gadget will leave your lawn perfect ahead of summer. A budget hack can also turn your garden into a trickling oasis in time for the warm weather. And another affordable item can help remove stubborn algae from your garden fences.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Garden lovers race to B&Q as patio moss and algae ‘killer' halved in price just in time for summer
Roisin Chapman, Lifestyle Reporter Published: Invalid Date, IF your patio is looking a little worse for wear this spring, don't worry there's a quick fix. B&Q shoppers are heaping on the praise for a handy gadget that will leave your outdoor area sparkling. 3 3 Whether there's moss sprouting up on between your concrete slabs or algae covering your decking, this item will clean them instantly. And now is the best time to invest in this B&Q buy, and not just because summer is quickly approaching. The Bosch Universal Aquatak 135 High-Pressure Washer is currently on sale for a fraction of its original price. One impressed buyer shared the offer on the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK. "Haven't had a bargain for a while - always check out the clearance section in B&Q," the homeowner wrote. They shared an picture of the price tag, which showed the item had been reduced from £159 to just £80. Given the almost 50% discount, the shopper encouraged their fellow bargain hunters to hurry. The Facebook user pointed out there were only five washers left on the shelf of her local B&Q. According to Bosch, the pressure washer guarantees "fast, flexible, and effortless" cleaning. It includes a Trio Nozzle with fan, rotary, and pencil jet settings, for "versatile cleaning". Get your patio sparkling with a £1.49 Wilko buy - as shoppers rave the 'results speak for themselves' The gadget comes equipped with a quieter motor pump and a 450-ml High-Pressure Detergent Nozzle, which saves time by applying soap quickly. It is described as having "greater mobility and easier storage" thanks to an extendable handle and larger wheels. Facebook users shared their thoughts on the deal in the comments section. "Wow. Great bargain," wrote one impressed bargain hunter. Another person described the offer as "fabulous". How to clean green algae off decking Is your decking covered in green algae or moss? The experts at Ronseal have shared their guide to cleaning your decking after a wet and warm winter. You'll need: A wire brush Decking cleaner A pressure washer or hose Clear the decking Clear your decking and grab a broom - give it decking a good sweep to dislodge any dirt. Choose your cleaner Some cleaners are better at tackling certain jobs than others, so you need to consider what it is you want the cleaner to do. Decking Cleaner and Reviver preps new wood whilst cleaning up older decking. It can tackle algae and mould and can be used over stains and oils. It's a good general-purpose cleaner and can brighten up your decking throughout the year. This is good for decking that's dirtier than average and in instances where a brush and jet wash don't quite cut it. Decking Stripper is for tough stubborn stains that won't budge. It does exactly what it says on the tin and strips all stains and oils from your decking. It's ideal for prepping your deck ready for a fresh coat of stain, paint or oil. This is most effective with really, really dirty and discoloured decking that needs reviving. Clean your decking Top tip: Before you power ahead, read the instructions on the back of the packet. Some of our cleaners don't need water and can be poured directly onto your decking. And B&Q has more offers available on garden furniture with 25% off some items. Gardening fans can also nab a £15 bargain that is said to transform your outdoor space. And another £8.50 gardening gadget will leave your lawn perfect ahead of summer. A budget hack can also turn your garden into a trickling oasis in time for the warm weather. And another affordable item can help remove stubborn algae from your garden fences.
