Electric Pressure Washer for Mossy Patio Pad and Driveway?

[sethgood]

My next equipment purchase will need to be a pressure washer. The purpose will be to clean moss off concrete.

I am wondering if I can get away with an electric unit. I have only used industrial-type gas power in the past for car detailing applications.

[spockcat]

I've got a 6.5 hp gas powered pressure washer and it is only acceptable for cleaning concrete. I doubt an electric one is going to be acceptable. However, you might try using a house cleaning and mildew killing product that mixes with bleach, available from Home Depot. I recently used it on our vinyl siding and it worked well. It should kill the moss and make it easier to remove.

[emmettlodge]

The minimum pressure (PSI) that's generally acceptable for "blasting off" biological growth is about 1700 PSI with a 20 degree tip. Going over 2,000 PSI is highly suggested, especially if you want to use a wider tip such as a 40*. If you can find an electric pressure washer that does that pressure, then go for it.

Biological growth is hard to get off because it literally lays roots which grow into the pores and cracks of the surface, making it latch on really well.

Personally, I've never owned a pressure washer less than 3,500 PSI.

[sethgood]

Alright, I will now consider the price of hiring someone vs. a real pressure washer. Thanks for the input.

[Gorgeous]

You can rent a 3,500psi pressure washer at Home Depot.
http://www.homedepotrents.com/diyTools/washer_3500.asp

Not sure what the day rate is for one of these, though. I'm looking to do the exact same thing as you and this will be my solution, as I don't have ongoing needs to justify owning one.

[Tornado2dr]

I've got a hand-me down electric one that works fine for cars, blasting dust off the patio set/patio, here and there stuff - but it isn't nearly as strong as a gas-powered unit.

The best thing about it is that it was free and I can't hurt anything with it.

[wildcar]

I have an electric one and it does fine on concrete and siding. They have some newer electric washers that have really high presssures. remember that if you have gas you have to fill it and not let it sit for months on end with old gas and then does not want to start. Electric is quiter and only runs when you are activly spraying and stops when you release the handle, gas run constantly and gets louder under load. Another thing is electric is usually more compact than gas units so its easier to store. if you going to be doing massive amounts of cleaning than a gas is probably best

[smith2]

Electric Pressure Washer for Mossy Patio Pad and Driveway and rest of all items at 7% off just use this and get discount. This is a limited offer and I have already used it.

[Markos]

remember that if you have gas you have to fill it and not let it sit for months on end with old gas and then does not want to start.

I've literally never had an issue starting a four-cycle power washer or mower after a winter season. That's with gas sitting all season.

I have to say, there is nothing more gratifying than the before/after effect of a power washer on pacific northwest concrete.

[ATL_Av8r]

The best thing about it is that it was free and I can't hurt anything with it.

Try nicking the power cord and standing in a puddle near the nick.

[sethgood]

I've literally never had an issue starting a four-cycle power washer or mower after a winter season. That's with gas sitting all season.

I have to say, there is nothing more gratifying than the before/after effect of a power washer on pacific northwest concrete.

You'll never believe where this project is

It'd be cool to have a gas unit, but I just don't see the value in dropping $500+ for my purposes, and I don't think I have enough water pressure to get into the 3 GPM range.

[vw fiend]

tried the same thing with electric two years ago and gave up; it would have done the trick, just taken way longer. About three weeks ago, I tried again with gas:

[charlatan]

You could always rent one.