Which Type Is Best For Your Needs?

Gas-powered tools tend to be more powerful than their electric counterparts, but they also require significantly more upkeep, particularly when it comes to the fuel itself. A lot of people might not know that regular, untreated gasoline only lasts about three to six months before it starts to degrade. Old fuel doesn’t just perform badly, either. It can leave buildups of water, carbon, gum, and other residues that can damage the internal components of the machine if left unchecked. This isn’t usually a problem in cars, but it can cause a lot of problems in tools like pressure washers that typically only see seasonal use.Even with proper fuel maintenance, you might eventually start to see build-up in the carburetor or around the ignition system. This will need to be cleaned out, which can be a hassle.

Electric pressure washers require significantly less maintenance. You still probably don’t want to leave water in the tank, as organic contaminants can grow in there over time, which can lead to clogs. This can be cleaned out with pump protector at the end of the season, but the electric motor requires little-to-no upkeep in order to properly function. I’ve been using mine for a couple of years now, and all I’ve ever had to do is refill the reservoir. This might not be as important as power for professional use-cases, but it’s very convenient in a tool that you only take out of the shed once every few months.