Should I buy an electric or gas pressure washer for my vinyl siding?

Don't know which to buy...I'm afraid of using the gas ones, they have more power...but my house is pretty dirty, will a electric one clean it good...I know with electric ones I will nee electric cords,{that won't be a problem.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
  11 answers
  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Mar 08, 2017

    Have you ever used a gas lawn mower or a gas grill, it's no different you just have to have some confidence. Ask a neighbor that has one to let you try it and then make your decision, I would be scared to use electric with water that's scarier to me personally.

    • Debra Thommen Reynolds Debra Thommen Reynolds on Mar 10, 2017

      I had my brother do my my house once, it was a gas one, but he doesn't have it any more. I was thinking of getting my brother to do it, or my son in law..to be honest I'm scared to do it..not only can do damage to the house, but I could hurt myself...LOL

      Thanks

  • William William on Mar 08, 2017

    You can rent one at Home Depot for a try out. If you never used one be careful on pressure settings. You can blow right through the siding. Gas or electric they have adjustments for different pressures. When I was in HVAC I used an electric one. Lighter and convenient. Especially having to haul it on roofs. I remember some HVAC techs had pressures to high a blew right through AC coils =:(

    • Debra Thommen Reynolds Debra Thommen Reynolds on Mar 10, 2017

      That's a good idea to rent one {my nearest Home Depot, Menards, and Lowe's is about 30-40 miles. i know they can ruin siding, that's what scares me..LOL. Thanks for replying back to me.


  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Mar 09, 2017

    I agree-- make sure that the pressure settings aren't too strong so you don't damage your siding. good luck!

  • Kathy G Kathy G on Mar 09, 2017

    I'm not a pro by any means. We used to pressure wash our siding until I read or heard that the pressure can force water behind the siding and cause mild. I think it was on HGTV. Anyway, we started using an outside bleach that you spray on and let sit for a short time and then rinse with a garden hose. Super easy and works great. First time might need a scrubbing with a long-handled brush... after that, no brushing. Spray on, rinse off.

    • See 1 previous
    • I just use Dawn in a 5 gallon bucket with a long handled broom. I am on "Nextdoor" a neighborhood email to help each other for things just like this. I asked for high school or college kids. Rounded up a few of them to help me and work from top down, as I have a 2 story too. Fed them lunch, and paid them for their time. Way cheaper than hiring a service, and since their parents are my immediate neighbors, they did a great job. Frankly I am so grateful for them, as there are things that I can no longer do by myself anymore.

  • Mary Mary on Mar 10, 2017

    Kathy is right be careful of pressure but the bleach idea is best. Electric or gas just depends on what you want to wash and where, and how much pressure you need. Gas goes anywhere.

  • Sue16271512 Sue16271512 on Mar 12, 2017

    You dont need either one. Go to walmart or lowes, armour all make this stuff where you just attach the hose right to the bottle. Its not expensive at all. Give it a try!

  • Debra Thommen Reynolds Debra Thommen Reynolds on Mar 13, 2017

    Thanks...I will have to try it. Do you know where I would find it @ Walmart or Lowes? Do you know what it is called?

  • Claude Claude on Mar 13, 2017

    I used mean green cleaner according to the directions and it was inexpensive and excellent...I also used the long handle from my pool skimmer and attached a brush o it for the second floor. Wash when the sun is NOT directly on the house, you will get a better job and it will rinse easily and not damage your shrubs...cover them anyway.