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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.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Warm weather essentials: 42 ways to make the most of the sunshine
We know better than to take good weather for granted, especially with a weekend approaching. So with the forecast set to fair, it's time to get outside (before it inevitably starts raining again). Whether you're planning a picnic in the park, an impromptu camping trip or a gardening session, we've rounded up some of our bestsellers and the warm weather essentials you've loved to help you make the most of the sunshine. *** *** Spear & Jackson Razor Advantage bypass secateurs £18.95 at Tooled Up£7.99 at Amazon There's still plenty of time to get your garden ready for summer, and investing in a great pair of secateurs will help you make light work of any tough stems. Our gardening expert Matt Collins chose this Spear & Jackson pair as his favourite budget pick in his roundup of the best secateurs, finding them simply designed and hard-working. Niwaki hori hori knife £29.66 at Sarah Raven£32 at Burford Garden Co Amateur and professional gardeners alike can't get enough of the Niwaki hori hori gardening knife. Whether you're digging, cutting, weeding or planting, this versatile tool was one of your favourites from our summer gardening guide. The Cradley deluxe green watering can £55 at Haws£58 at Amazon Now that watering the plants is a daily activity, why not treat yourself to a beautiful new watering can? This classic style from Haws is an avid gardener's dream, with a long spout to help you reach deep into flower beds. Summer wildflower collection, five packs of seeds £4.99 at Suttons£3.89 at Amazon Grass lawns get a bad rap, but it is possible to make them greener, as Matt Collins shows in his guide to creating a more eco-friendly lawn. Why not make your garden a haven for nature with a bee-friendly mini meadow? Lay down turf for an instant transformation or sow summer wildflowers into the bald patches of an existing lawn. Bird watching book £14.99 at the Guardian Bookshop£8.98 at Amazon Next time you're sitting in the park or garden, take some time to appreciate all the wildlife that crosses your path. Birdwatching can be a great mindfulness activity, and this illustrated book will help you identify all the species you spot. For more ways to clear your mind, check out our guide to screen-free activities Kärcher K 2 Classic pressure washer £90 at Argos£89 at Amazon If your outdoor space is still looking a bit messy after winter, take advantage of the sunny weather by giving your patio, driveway or garden furniture a good clean with a pressure washer. The Kärcher K 2 Classic was rated the best budget buy in our expert reviewer Andy Shaw's roundup of the best pressure washers. Outdoor LED table lamp £75 at Burford Garden Co£79 at Heal's Add a bit of ambience to warm summer nights in the garden with this rechargeable outdoor light. It has a nifty handle for hanging and three different light modes: neutral white, warm white and candle-style flickering. For more, check out our guide to the space-saving tricks that make small spaces feel bigger Octagonal tassel parasol £149.99 at Daals If you'd rather relax in the shade than catch some rays, this lovely boho-style parasol comes in various patterns, printed either on the top or underneath. This one has the print on the bottom, meaning the pattern shouldn't fade in the sun – plus, you can enjoy it while sitting underneath it. Shade sail £15 at B&Q This shade sail is a versatile way to provide respite from the sun, even in the smallest of spaces. Royalcraft Venice bistro garden table and chairs £148.99 at Robert Dyas£199 at Marks & Spencer Level up your alfresco dining with a classic bistro set. This lovely table and chairs, available in olive green or cream, would suit even small spaces because they can be folded and stored easily. Merchant & Found is also a great place to find vintage bistro sets. Elevate your outdoor space with our pick of the best garden furniture *** Belkin BoostCharge 10k with integrated cable £24.99 at BelkinFrom £24.99 at Amazon A warm weekend is the perfect time to schedule a last-minute camping trip. Keep all your battery-powered devices topped up with our expert reviewer Pete Wise's favourite budget pick from his roundup of the best battery packs. Strawberry and pineapple kombucha £4.25 for 4 x 330ml cans at Ocado£29.99 for 24 x 330ml cans at Hip Pop Intune CBD drink £6.25 for 4 x 250ml cans at Ocado£18.75 for 12 x 250ml cans at Amazon Picnics in the park need not lead to a pounding head by 5pm. We've got plenty of alcohol-free options in our roundup of the best tinned drinks, from award-winning kombuchas to refreshingly fruity CBD sparkling drinks. Recycled stainless-steel water bottle From £35 at Ocean Bottle£35 at Ryman Keep your drinks cool on the go with this insulated water bottle made from recycled stainless steel. And each sale of an Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 1,000 plastic bottles that would otherwise have been destined to end up in the ocean. Sport Shield liquid roll-on chafing protection £17.99 at Decathlon£19.99 at Amazon Create a barrier between you and any unwanted friction burns with marathon pro Kieran Alger's go-to anti-chafe cream, whether you're going for a gruelling run or just walking to a picnic. For more, check out our guide to marathon essentials Boules set £30.99 at John Lewis£31 at Argos Get the kids outside and have some fun with this classic lawn game, which has been having something of a resurgence. Paddling pool £29.99 at B&Q£35 at Argos When it's sweltering outside, a paddling pool can keep the whole family cool and happy. This 9ft rectangular pool is sure to keep the kids entertained. Wooden quoits garden game £25.26 at Amazon Whether you're having a summer party, barbecue or a quiet weekend at home, this wholesome garden game is great fun for all the family. It's also easy to pack up and take to the park to keep the kids entertained for hours. *** Lékué ice cube tray £17.50 at John Lewis£19.99 at Lakeland Treat yourself to an ice-cold drink with this handy ice cube tray. The lid doubles up as the ice tray, and the sleek design makes it great for entertaining. It was also a bestseller from our guide to gifts we buy on repeat, so it would make a lovely present for a loved one or yourself. Rechargeable fan £12 at John Lewis Whether you want to keep cool while at home or on the go, this fan has you covered. It's small enough to be portable, and its handle doubles as a stand to make it a desk fan. Monster ice lolly mould £12.99 at John Lewis£12.99 at Lakeland This lolly mould is a wholesome pastime and a fun way to keep cool. Get the kids involved with creating some inventive flavours, and reap the rewards after a few hours in the freezer. Sandstone Red Pembroke stripe linen blend duvet cover From £139 at Piglet in BedFrom £139 at John LewisPillowcases £45 a pair at Piglet in Bed£45 for a pair at John LewisFitted sheet From £89 at Piglet in BedFrom £109 at John Lewis We asked experts for their advice on what to look for when buying bedding, and linen was recommended as great for hot sleepers. 'Linen wicks moisture away from your skin more effectively,' says textile expert Sarah Denise Cordery. This set from Piglet in Bed is not only beautiful, but also made from a linen and cotton blend that is breathable and will help you stay cool in the summer months. Avène thermal spring water spray £5.75 at Boots£5.75 at Look Fantastic On a blistering day, there's nothing more refreshing than the feeling of sea spray against your skin. But if you're not near the coast, this cooling face mist from Avène is a close second best. Suitable for sensitive skin, this spring water spray is a soothing antidote for itchy or uncomfortable skin. Pet shade bed £16.99 in store at Aldi (available from 18 May) Hot weather is even more taxing for pets, and they may need a helping hand to keep cool. This pet bed from Aldi is elevated off the hot ground and has a shade to protect them from the sun. It also comes with a travel case to keep your pet cool on outdoor ventures. *** Winnie sunglasses £30 at The White Company£29.95 at Amazon In need of some new sunnies? This A Kjærbede pair is a timeless style. Jess Cartner-Morley selected these for her May style essentials after lusting after a similar pair worn by Chloe in the White Lotus series 3. Ikesia sandals £215 at Ancient Greek Sandals£215 at Next These sandals are 'just the right balance of chic and practicality,' says Jess Cartner-Morley. Ancient Greek Sandals are made from soft leather in various styles and colours, so you can pick a pair that suits you. For more, check out Jess Cartner-Morley's May style essentials Butter yellow sandals £74.95 at Salt-Water 'Butter yellow, we are told, is the colour of spring 2025,' says fashion writer Ellie Violet Bramley. These classic Salt-Water sandals are an easy way to embrace the trend. Vinted is also an excellent source for nabbing some secondhand Salt-Waters at a bargain price. For more women's fashion updates, check out our guide to spring style essentials Red linen-blend top £47 at Nobody's Child Red linen-blend trousers £65 at Nobody's Child This co-ord is so wearable, and the linen will keep you cool on hotter days. If you're yet to try the co-ord trend, Ellie Violet Bramley advises going for a block colour as it's a 'less intimidating gateway' than a kitsch print. Uniqlo Airism dress £34.90 at Uniqlo Uniqlo's Airism range is known for its breathable qualities, perfect to keep you feeling fresh in the heat. This cotton dress comes with a built-in bra to give you full coverage without having the worry of bra straps showing. Rainbow linen jacket £180 at Boden£180 at John Lewis 'This jacket is an instant spring wardrobe shaker-upper,' says Ellie Violet Bramley. Add an instant injection of colour to your look with this fun and bright linen jacket. Barrel leg trousers £34.90 at Uniqlo For those sunny days not quite warm enough for shorts, loose-fit trousers will be your best friend. This viral pair from Uniqlo is a dreamy combo of casual enough for every day and smart enough for the office. Linen-blend light striped trousers £24.99 at H&M Pinstripe is definitely having a moment this season. This pair of linen-blend trousers would be a hard-working staple in your warm-weather wardrobe. Antler overnight bag £125 at John Lewis£125 at Antler If you need a new bag for weekends away, this one from Antler is genius. A favourite of Jess Cartner-Morley's thanks to its handy strap that can be slotted over the handle of your suitcase. 'This keeps it sitting securely on top of your luggage without everything falling over in chaos,' she says. A great option for short stays or hand luggage for longer trips. For more, check out Jess Cartner-Morley's March style edit Simple white organic T-shirt £14.90 for women's at Plain and Simple£14.90 for men's at Plain and Simple You can't go wrong with a good-quality white tee. This one from Plain and Simple is affordable and made using ethical materials and practices. White Stan Smith trainers From £85 at AdidasFrom £75 at Pro Direct White trainers are a style staple and none have stood the test of time quite like Adidas Stan Smiths. Menswear editor Helen Seamons rates them as one of the only 22 items you'll ever need in her men's capsule wardrobe edit. Colourful standard swim shorts £60 at Harvey Nichols Whether you're hitting the lido or running errands, these easy-to-wear swim shorts come with an elasticated drawstring waist and are perfect for sunny days. Jetty cord cap £40 at Finisterre Keep the sun at bay with a hat. This unisex cord baseball cap is a colourful twist on a classic style. Floral cotton sun hat £28 at Lucy & Yak This cute hat from Lucy & Yak would make a fun statement piece for a festival, but also wouldn't look out of place for a picnic in the park or a day at the beach. *** Altruist sunscreen SPF50 £22 at Victoria Health£19.99 at Amazon I know you're probably sick of hearing it, but it's worth repeating – wearing sunscreen is not only important for your health, but is one of the most effective anti-ageing tools. Altruist is a brand founded by dermatologists, and its sunscreen is 'some of the best-value high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen on the market,' says beauty columnist Sali Hughes. For more, check out Sali Hughes's guide to the best sunscreens for every need Garnier Body Repair body lotion £2.99 at Superdrug£2.99 at Amazon Keep your skin looking hydrated with a nourishing moisturiser. Skincare expert Caroline Hirons says this Garnier body repair lotion is her 'most used skincare product of all time', even after trying hundreds of luxury and budget products. 'I cover myself in the stuff every morning, and it smooths and conditions my skin without any stickiness,' says Hirons. For more, check out skin, hair and wellness essentials the experts can't live without Natural gradual tan £34.99 at Three Warriors£34.99 at Oxygen Boutique Get that summer glow without having to roast in the sun for hours. Gradual tan is the safest way to get a tan, both because you avoid the harmful UV exposure that comes with a natural tan and it's less prone to disaster than overnight self-tanners. This one from Three Warriors is 'the creme de la creme of tan', says wellness writer Hayley Spencer. For more, check out beauty treatments you can do at home – and the ones you really shouldn't, according to the experts Nails Inc orange polish £9 at Nails Inc£7.20 at Amazon Add a pop of colour to your spring looks with some bright nails. This statement orange shade from Nails Inc will add cheer to any outfit.
The Guardian
18-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
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. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. 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£135 at B&Q 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 cannon 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£149.90 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 Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion £149.99 at Ryobi£199.99 at B&Q 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: 24mins; cleaning power: 1,091 cleaning units (3 litres a minute x 360PSI); 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: 14,891cleaning 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
