This article explores the Best pressure washers for Concrete Driveways and how to clean them effectively.
Have you ever used one of these fantastic tools to power wash a driveway or sidewalk? If not, a driveway pressure washer makes it easy to clean – and saves you countless hours of scrubbing with a brush and using a garden hose.
If you’re wondering what PSI (pounds per square inch) of water pressure you need to Clean Concrete, or whether you can damage Concrete with a Pressure washer, we’ll help you sort all that out as well.
Our overall Top Choice is the Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot Gas Pressure Washer. It’s an all-around high-pressure (3,200 PSI) washer that cleans everything from your driveway and walkway to fences, patio furniture, and even your vehicles!
We’ve done extensive research to make your decision easier. We’ve read the reviews, reviewed the manufacturer’s manuals, and watched videos to help you decide which pressure washer to buy.
Best Pressure Washer For Concrete Driveways:
Editor’s Pick: SIMPSON – 3200 PSI “MegaShot” Gas Pressure Washer
What’s the best pressure washer for driveways? The Simpson Mega-Shot Pressure washer with a HONDA 190cc engine is the best choice for cleaning concrete driveways and any other part of your home.
First, it has a premium Honda 190cc engine with an axial-cam pump (no oil changes required).
Top all that off with a 25-ft. “more flex” spray hose and add the premium hose connectors, and you’re in fantastic shape to pressure-wash anything.
The Simpson MegaShot is an Amazon bestseller. It has a welded steel frame and larger 10″ pneumatic wheels, unlike solid rubber wheels that don’t traverse uneven ground well.
- HONDA GC190 premium residential engine
- Maintenance-free OEM Technologies axial cam pump
- 1/4 in. x 25 ft MorFlex hose is non-marring, kink-resistant, and abrasion-resistant, and equipped with an M22 connection
- Welded steel construction frame
- 10” Premium pneumatic wheels
- 5 Quick connect nozzle tips: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- The power washer pull cord is designed for easy pull – it may not start with a hard pull
- The engine died after the first 5 minutes of running. (IMO – typical for new motor break-in period)
Simpson – Editor’s Pick Best Pressure Washer For Driveways
Simpson
Runner Up: Westinghouse WPX3200 – Gas Pressure Washer
- 12″ Never-Flat Wheels
- It’s not lightweight, but the wheels work well for rolling the pressure washer across the grass.
- Lifting the machine can be heavy for some people.
Westinghouse “Gas Pressure Washer” Quick-Start Guide:
For a good reason, the Westinghouse WPX3200 (3,200 PSI) is our runner-up model for driveways.
This incredibly powerful Gas-powered pressure washer is a pro at doing light work – and keeping your property and possessions clean.
Quickly and effortlessly pressure wash driveways, fencing, patios, walkways, or vehicles with a whopping 3,200 PSI of water pressure.
It can easily switch between various cleaning tasks, including five spray tips (0°, 5°, 15°, 25°, and 40°) and soap.
Owners have found the Westinghouse to be an excellent unit for the price. It is well-built and very dependable. Others are delighted by how sturdy it is and appreciate its power, given how compact the unit is.
Features of the Westinghouse WPX 3200
- High-powered gas motor – with 3200 MAX PSI (Pounds per square inch) at 2.5 GPM (Gallons per minute)
- Instant start and stop system – The induction motor only runs when the spray gun trigger is pulled, creating a quieter cleaning experience
- Soap Nozzle and onboard Soap dispenser.
- Twelve months of limited consumer warranty.
- The Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association (PWMA) tested, certified, and verified them. All water pressure and flow rate claims were independently assessed in a lab.
- Easily switch tasks – You could clean oil from a driveway in one minute and wash your car, deck, or house with the five different spray tips.
- 25-foot high-pressure hose – No need to struggle reaching hard-to-get-to places with the 25-foot high-pressure hose
- Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 39 inches
- Item Weight – 62 pounds
We’ve chosen Westinghouse because of its superior cleaning power and attractive price.
You’re getting much more than just a power washer; this takes care of all your cleaning needs…you’ll never again have to worry about scrubbing by hand.
Westinghouse WPX 3200 – Runner Up – Gas Pressure Washer
WESTINGHOUSE
Best “Heavy Duty” Pressure Washer – Simpson “Clean Machine” – 3,400 PSI
- Durable and powerful Simpson 208CC – CRX – OHV engine
- OEM Technologies Axial Cam Pump (NO Oil Changes -Ever)
- 5/16″ x 25′-0 Abrasion-resistant, Non-marring, Heavy-duty Pressure Hose
- 10″ Pneumatic Tires Provide Stability on Uneven Ground
- 3,400 PSI with 2.0 Gallons per minute (GPM) water flow
- 24 months of limited consumer warranty and three months of the limited commercial warranty
- More expensive than other choices
The Simpson Gas-powered pressure washer is the most powerful of the three we’ve thoroughly researched and gets our vote for the best “heavy-duty” pressure washer.
It has a water pressure of 3400 MAX PSI and a flow rate of 2.0 MAX GPM, and the long-lasting Simpson CRX 208cc engine makes it ideal for Vinyl siding, fences, and decks, as well as for Concrete Driveways.
It also has a 25’ high-pressure hose, four quick-connect spray nozzle tips for precise cleaning control, and a 1-gallon detergent tank.
The 0-degree spray tip creates a concentrated, powerful stain-and-oil-removal spray setting.
The 25-degree spray tip is designed to clean concrete, hardwoods, decking, patios, and driveways, while the 40-degree spray tip is suitable for washing cars and trucks.
Finally, the low-pressure soap spray can be applied to the cleaning detergent before the final rinse.
Final Impressions:
We love the Simpson Clean Machine’s power. It’s also easy to assemble and use, and the hose and wand are of higher quality than those on many other models.
We also love the Simpson CRX 208cc engine; the self-contained axial pump never requires oil changes.
We recommend you run it empty of gas before winter sets in so it won’t freeze. Of course, that’s just for people up north, where gas can freeze if left dormant.
We also advise constantly releasing the water pressure and disconnecting the water supply line before disconnecting the wand.
If you want a more robust and flexible pressure washer, this could be the unit for you.
Simpson – Heavy-Duty Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
SIMPSON
Best Value: “Electric” Pressure Washer – Sun Joe SPX3000
- Dual Detergent tanks – 2x 0.9-liter removable tanks
- Accessories – The two removable detergent tanks also come with five quick-connect spray tips, a 34-inch extension wand, a 20-foot high-pressure hose, a 35-foot power cord (GFCI-protected), a garden hose adaptor, and a needle clean-out tool.
- Total Stop System (TSS) Prolongs pump life. When the trigger isn’t engaged, it automatically shuts off.
- Lower-powered, lower PSI than other models on the list.
- The connector/coupler is plastic out of the box, and owners prefer a more durable metal.
- Some owners like aftermarket nozzles.
If you’re on a budget but still want a small yet versatile pressure washer, the Sun Joe Pressure Washer could be the answer.
America’s number-one best-selling pressure washer, the Sun Joe SPX3000, is our “Best Value” choice for tackling a wide range of everyday cleaning tasks, from removing stubborn mildew and washing fences to cleaning your car.
It’s not hard to see why Pressure Joe is so famous. Owners have found it lightweight and easy to move around. It’s also hushed and doesn’t have a noisy gas engine.
Some users have replaced the plastic connector with a brass or metal version. The manufacturer replaced this free of charge, but they sell it for a reasonable price on their website.
Features of the Sun Joe Pressure Washer:
- Lightweight, weighing only 31 pounds
- Backed by a full 2-year warranty
- Dual tanks allow you to store two different types of detergent. Switch with a simple turn of the dial. It means you’ll never have to empty and wash out a tank to switch jobs
- Five quick and easy connect spray tips – From a punishing pinpoint precision clean to a powerful band spray. With 0º, 15º, 25º, 40º, and soap nozzles, you can attack everything from light to heavy-duty cleaning tasks
- Total Stop System (TSS) – When you’re not engaging the trigger, the pump is automatically shut off, saving energy and prolonging the life of the pump
- PSI 2030, GPM 1.76
- Motor – 14.5 Amp/1800 Watt
- 34-inch extension spray wand, a 20-foot high-pressure hose, and a 35-foot power cord. Demolish every bit of dirt. Reach high and reach low.
- Easy to assemble
Sun Joe – Best Value Pressure Washer
Sun Joe
What is the best pressure washer for your car or truck? Check out the top 5 here.
Best Onboard Accessories: PaxCess 3000 PSI Max Power Pressure Washer
- 2150 PSI pressure spray
- Four spray nozzles (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°)
- Onboard Detergent tank
- Onboard Hose Reel
- Extremely easy on your budget for this Power
- 1.8 GPM flow rate
- 26’ power cord
- They have plastic parts. The manufacturer recently upgraded to Metal Wand and Connectors.
If you are looking for a complete high-pressure washer package for under $150, you are probably looking for this Paxcess pressure washer.
With this machine, you’ll get four different spray nozzles that offer plenty of versatility for your job.
If you need high power output but aren’t willing to pay premium prices, this pressure washer is right up your alley.
As demonstrated by some of the best Amazon reviews, everyone was astonished by how well it cleans, especially given its low price.
Pax-Cess – Best Pressure Washer Onboard Accessories
PaxCess
Tips: Cleaning Driveway With Pressure Washer:
Here are a few suggestions for safely pressure-washing your driveway or other concrete surfaces. You can also apply these concrete driveway cleaning tips to just about any driveway surface you choose to pressure wash, so here we go:
1) Should I use the Standard Green Tip for pressure washing?
The red and yellow tips (0 and 5 degrees) concentrate all the water pressure into a small area. Use extreme caution with Red and Yellow pressure washer tips, as they can blast loose pieces off and possibly etch the concrete.
The white and black tips (25 and 40 degrees) are broader and fan out more. They are designed for washing cars, siding, and wood decks, and are best for preventing damage to concrete.
2) What is the maximum pressure setting I should use?
The maximum pressure washer you should use around the home should be between 3,000 and 3,500 PSI. Anything more powerful is rarely needed for household maintenance.
Small electric pressure washers may not be a good option for cleaning hard surfaces like concrete if they don’t have enough PSI to tackle those greasy stains.
3) Should You Seal the Concrete Driveway After Pressure Washing?
After the driveway has dried for at least two days, it is recommended that you seal the concrete. This will prevent dirt and stains from penetrating its open pores.
This will keep your concrete cleaner longer and make cleaning easier when you pressure-wash it. The dirt and stains will stay on the surface, making them easier to remove.
4) Is a Pressure Washer The Best Way To Clean Vinyl Siding?
If you have minimal dirt build-up, a pressure washer is the quickest way to clean vinyl siding. But generally, the results are Not Permanent.
If you are seeing heavy amounts of “mold or mildew,” we highly recommend using an excellent spray-on vinyl siding cleaner instead.
With vinyl siding cleaners, spray the solution with a bug sprayer and walk away. Some siding cleaners eliminate mold within minutes, while others take longer.
However, within 1-2 weeks, the mold and mildew will disappear—usually for good.
5) How to Not Damage Concrete with Pressure Washers
Here are some tips on how to make sure not to damage your concrete driveway with a pressure washer:
- Use the correct pressure. A pressure washer can range from 0 to 4000 PSI (pounds per square inch), and you’ll need to use a lower PSI for concrete than for other surfaces. A good rule of thumb is to use a pressure washer with a PSI of 2,000 to 3,000 for concrete.
- Use the proper nozzle. The nozzle on your pressure washer determines the spray width and intensity. You’ll want to use a wide-angle nozzle with a 25-degree spray pattern for concrete.
- Keep the nozzle moving. Don’t hold the nozzle in one spot for too long, as this can cause the concrete to etch. Instead, keep the nozzle moving in a sweeping motion.
- Start at a low PSI and increase it as needed. It’s better to start with a low PSI and increase it if needed rather than starting with a high PSI and damaging the concrete.
- Test the pressure in an inconspicuous area. Before you start pressure washing your entire driveway, test the pressure in an inconspicuous area to ensure it’s not too high.
- Rinse thoroughly. After you’ve finished pressure washing, rinse the concrete thoroughly with clean water. This will help remove any dirt or debris the pressure washer may have dislodged.
Additional Safety Tips While Using a Pressure Washer:
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris.
- Don’t pressure wash on a hot, sunny day; the concrete could dry too quickly and crack.
- If your concrete is in poor condition, you may want to hire a professional pressure washer.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Terminology Used For Pressure Washers?
These are terms used to describe Pressure Washers:
- PSI = Pounds Per Square Inch
- GPM = Gallons Per Minute
- CPU = Cleaning Power Units
How Long Do Pressure Washer Pumps Last?
Depending on the quality of the unit, a gas pressure washer pump will typically last 300 – 3000 hours.
Generally, electric pressure washer pumps last longer than their gas counterparts, as there are no combustible parts to wear out.
How Much PSI Do You Need to Clean Concrete?
The recommended Minimum PSI for cleaning concrete is 2200 PSI; however, 3,000 PSI will get the job done more quickly and effectively if you can afford the upgrade.
Many pressure washers on the market aren’t cut out for the job. Often, they don’t have the power to remove tough dirt and grime or harder-to-remove substances like oil from your driveway.
Low-cost pressure washers typically have pumps with very short lifespans, often 60-100 hours.
Can I damage my Concrete with a Pressure Washer?
A: Pressure washing can damage your concrete driveway or patio. Most believe that concrete is solid and, therefore, indestructible.
However, using a pressure washer with the incorrect tip, holding it too close to the concrete, using too high a pressure, or combining all three can etch and damage the concrete surfaces.
How Do You Get Rid of Lines In Concrete?
One common complaint is how to remove the lines of stains left on the concrete after pressure washing. Those lines are usually caused by getting tired and not taking as much time as you started.
The best solution to this problem is to use a turbo nozzle that rotates the water, cleans a more extensive area, and does not leave lines.
We also recommend a Turbo nozzle for cleaning Vinyl siding, as a high-pressure Washer can slice through it if the wrong tip is used.
Should I Use Detergent To Clean a Concrete Driveway?
If you have greasy stains, mold, or mildew, we recommend using detergent or soap before you pressure wash. These liquid cleaners will loosen dirt from the concrete’s open pores and more effectively remove stains.
Mold, mildew, rust, and oil stains need special treatment and cleaners. Rust is a chemical stain, but oil penetrates concrete pores and is difficult to remove.
Pressure washing will remove the surface oil, allowing the oil inside to resurface and the stain to return.
A pressure washer driveway cleaner works like detergent for clothes in your washing machine. All-purpose cleaners, such as SealGreen Driveway and Garage Cleaner, usually handle this job quickly.
Here’s a great video from the fine people at SealGreen on how to clean your concrete.
Mold, mildew, rust, and oil stains need special treatment and cleaners. Rust is a chemical stain.
However, oil penetrates the concrete’s pores and is difficult to remove. Pressure washing will remove the surface oil, allowing the oil inside to resurface and the stain to return.
Before you use a pressure washer and detergent cleaner, Pre-soak the concrete with your garden hose, add soap, wait 10-15 minutes, then use the pressure washer to finish.
Can You Damage the Driveway Sealer With a Pressure Washer?
Damaging concrete sealers or coatings with a pressure washer is possible. This often occurs due to excessive water pressure in small areas, which can also etch and damage the concrete.
The top layer of concrete provides most of its resistance and strength. Once that layer has been removed, the concrete is also susceptible to deterioration.
Conclusion
Owning a pressure washer has many benefits. It keeps your property and possessions clean and in good condition and protects against harmful bacteria that can accumulate.
Regular pressure washing can prevent mildew and grime and help reduce premature aging of your property.
You’ll also save many hours trying to do it all by hand, only to be disappointed with the results. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the pressure washer do all the hard work for you!
We’ve reviewed five great pressure washers today, and the one you choose will depend on your budget, needs, and usage frequency.
Our number one pick is the Simpson Mega-Shot gas-powered Pressure Washer. With its Honda 190CC engine and 3200 PSI, this thing is a beast.
Our runner-up, the Briggs & Stratton S2200 Pressure Washer, is a little more “tame” with 2200 PSI but still offers 1.2 GPM, 25’ High-Pressure Hose, Turbo Nozzle, and Detergent Foamer.
However, if you’re looking for the best value, check out Sun Joe’s SPX3000, one of the best all-around pressure washers for light-duty homeowner tasks.
Four easy-to-attach spray tips can handle any cleaning job, from light to tough.
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Additional Reading
How do you safely use a pressure washer? – State Farm Insurance
The Best Wood Chipper You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
Discover our favorite pressure washers under $300 – BesthomeGear.com
