How to Use a Pressure Washer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Greenworks Blog Team
2025-05-23T15:27:20-04:00

If you’ve never used a pressure washer before, it can feel a bit intimidating! This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use a pressure washer safely and effectively.
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To get the best cleaning results, you'll need the right set-up and tips for your pressure washer. Learn how to use an electric pressure washer or a gas-powered pressure washer with Greenworks Tools!

Whether you're cleaning a driveway, sprucing up your deck, or preparing your house for a fresh coat of paint, a pressure washer is one of the most powerful tools for the job. But if you’ve never used one before, it can feel a bit intimidating. Don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use a pressure washer safely and effectively.

Pressure Washer vs. Power Washer

The main difference between a pressure washer and a power washer is in the water temperature. Pressure washers use cold or lukewarm water, while power washers heat the water before it's sprayed out. Power washers are better for tougher jobs like removing grease, mold, and mildew. Pressure washers are suitable for lighter cleaning tasks.

Want the benefits of both a pressure washer and a power washer? Shop the Greenworks 3000 PSI Pressure Washer with 24V 600-PSI Cordless Power Cleaner Combo Kit.

Shop All Pressure and Power Washers

The Right Pressure Washer for Your Home Exterior

Not all pressure washers are created equal—and not all home exteriors can handle the same level of power. Here’s how to match your machine to your materials:

Vinyl siding or brick can handle high-powered gas pressure washers ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 PSI.

If your home has aluminum siding, stucco, or softer woods, opt for a lighter-duty washer with around 1,200 to 1,500 PSI to avoid damage.

Consider picking up helpful accessories like extension wands or telescoping wands, especially if you’re cleaning a two-story home or hard-to-reach spots.

Pro Tip: Use caution when pressure washing a wooden deck. Always use a low-pressure setting with a fan spray nozzle and check your wood type against the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never use a pressure washer on composite decking, as it can easily be damaged.

How to Prep Your Space for Pressure Washing

Before you start pressure washing, take a few minutes to get the area ready:

1. Clear the space | Move any furniture, potted plants, or loose items out of the way.

2. Protect surrounding areas | Cover nearby plants, outlets, and walls with tarps or painter’s tape to prevent damage.

3. Check the surface | Look for loose paint, cracks, or other damage that could get worse under pressure.

4. Pre-treat if needed | Apply a detergent or degreaser to help break down built-up dirt, oil, or grime before you begin washing.

The 9 Key Steps: How to Use a Pressure Washer

Step 1: PREPARE THE POWER SOURCE

For corded electric pressure washers, simply plug the machine into an outlet that matches its voltage requirements.

For battery-powered or hybrid pressure washers, such as this Greenworks 3000PSI hybrid power model, charge and insert the batteries.

For gas-powered pressure washers, fuel up. If you're using a commercial pressure washer with a hot water boiler, be sure to use diesel, not gasoline, to power the boiler. Use your manual to check for any additional requirements related to your pressure washer model.

Commonly Asked Question: How do I hook up a pressure washer?

Answer: A standard pressure washer simply needs to be connected to a water source (typically a garden hose) to operate. We’ll cover this in step 2.

Discover the difference between Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers .

Step 2: CONNECT THE WATER SUPPLY

You'll need a standard garden hose for this step.

1. Locate the water inlet on the pressure washer. This may vary by model, but it’s usually the only place you can connect a garden hose.

2. Attach the hose and ensure the connection is tight. Loose connections can result in low water pressure or even leaks. Once you're confident the connection is secure, move on to the next step.

Commonly Asked Question: Should I turn the water on before starting my pressure washer?

Answer: Yes! It’s important to prime the pump and ensure water is flowing before engaging your pressure washer engine, as running the pump dry can damage it.

Step 3: CONNECT THE PUMP OUTLET TO THE TRIGGER GUN

Use a high-pressure hose—not a garden hose—for this step. High-pressure hoses are designed to withstand extreme pressure and heat and are usually made from durable materials like PVC or rubber.

Connect one end to the pump outlet and the other to the trigger gun.

Make sure all connections are secure to avoid leaks or pressure bursts.

Optional: Connect a Soap Injector

If you’re using detergent, connect the soap injector before attaching the high-pressure hose to the trigger gun.

Step 4: ATTACH THE WAND

Slide the wand into the end of the trigger gun. Push down and twist (or screw in, depending on the brand) to lock it in place. Tug gently to ensure the wand is secured.

Step 5: CHOOSE YOUR NOZZLE

If your pressure washer came with multiple nozzles , select the one that fits your cleaning needs.

Wide-anglenozzles clean faster over large areas.

Narrow-angle nozzles offer more concentrated cleaning for stubborn grime.

Some nozzles are low-pressure, ideal for applying soap.

Commonly Asked Question: What do the different-colored nozzles mean on a pressure washer?

Answer: Pressure washer nozzles are color-coded to indicate the spray pattern angle, which determines the power and reach of the water stream. Red nozzles are for 0-degree (highest-pressure cleaning), yellow for 15-degree (high-pressure cleaning), orange for 25-degree (medium-pressure cleaning), green for 40-degree (low-pressure cleaning), and white for detergent application.

Step 6: ATTACH THE NOZZLE

To attach your nozzle:

1. Pull back the collar at the end of the wand.

2. Insert the nozzle.

3. Release the collar so it locks the nozzle in place.

Give it a quick tug to make sure it’s secure.

Step 7: TURN ON THE WATER SUPPLY

Before powering anything on, turn on your outdoor faucet. It’s a common mistake to forget this step, which leads to confusion when the washer doesn't work.

Step 8: START YOUR PRESSURE WASHER

For electric pressure washers: Simply plug it in and press the power button or switch.

For gas-powered pressure washers:

Add oil and fuel.

Turn the fuel valve to "open".

Turn on the switch and set the choke to “full start”.

Pull the starter cord, and once it runs, move the choke to "run".

If you have a hot water boiler, start it separately and give it about 5 minutes to heat up.

Step 9: START CLEANING!

Now you're ready to clean! Here are a few pro tips:

Use a grid pattern: Start from the top and work your way down in overlapping strokes.

Hold the nozzle about 4 inches from the surface for best results.

A wide spray cleans quickly, while a narrow spray digs deeper.

When You're Done: How to Shut Down Your Pressure Washer Safely

1. Release the trigger and activate the safety lock.

2. Turn off the water source.

3. Release remaining pressure by pulling the trigger.

4. Disconnect hoses.

5. Store your pressure washer in a dry, indoor location.

BONUS TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Always keep the washer on a flat surface.

Use safety gear: goggles, boots, and gloves.

Never pressure wash from a ladder—it’s dangerous.

Keep the spray away from windows, lights, and power lines.

Clean decks once or twice a year using a 45° nozzle.

For siding, stay about 4 feet away to avoid damage.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Using a pressure washer the right way can save you time and effort—and leave your surfaces looking like new again! Whether you're using one regularly or just need it for a single job, this guide ensures that you’re using your machine safely and efficiently.

Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.

Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.

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