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Rent a Power Washer

Power washers blast away dirt, grime, mould, and old paint with high-pressure water. Renting makes sense when you have a one-time job like cleaning a driveway, preparing a deck for staining, or washing down warehouse floors. But walking into a rental shop unprepared can leave you with equipment that is too weak for the job or so powerful it damages surfaces.

This guide explains what you should know before renting a power washer. Understanding the key specifications, matching equipment to your task, and knowing what to ask will help you get the right machine and achieve better results.

Key specifications to understand

PSI (pounds per square inch)

PSI measures the water pressure the machine produces. Higher PSI means more force hitting the surface. Typical ranges:

More PSI is not always better. Too much pressure damages wood, strips paint unintentionally, and can etch concrete. Match PSI to the job.

GPM (gallons per minute)

GPM measures water volume or flow rate. Higher GPM cleans faster because more water is available to rinse away loosened dirt. A higher GPM machine covers more area per hour than a lower GPM machine at the same PSI.

Rental machines typically range from 2 to 5 GPM. Commercial and industrial units may exceed 8 GPM.

Cleaning units

Cleaning power is often expressed as PSI multiplied by GPM. A 3,000 PSI machine at 3 GPM produces 9,000 cleaning units. A 2,000 PSI machine at 4 GPM also produces 8,000 cleaning units but cleans differently - less stripping power but more rinse volume.

For general cleaning tasks, cleaning units help compare different machines. For stripping or heavy staining, prioritise PSI. For large areas, prioritise GPM.

Electric vs. gas power washers

Electric power washers

Electric units plug into a standard outlet. They are quieter, produce no exhaust, and require less maintenance. Most electric washers fall in the 1,300-2,000 PSI range, though some reach higher.

Best for: indoor use, light to medium outdoor tasks, situations where noise or fumes are concerns.

Limitations: need electrical outlet nearby, typically lower power than gas equivalents, extension cord length limits your range.

Gas power washers

Gas-powered units use small engines similar to lawn mowers. They produce higher pressures and flow rates than most electric machines. They work anywhere without needing electrical access.

Best for: heavy cleaning, large areas, remote locations, professional results.

Limitations: louder, produce exhaust (outdoor use only), require fuel, more maintenance.

Most rental shops stock gas power washers for heavy-duty work. For serious cleaning jobs, gas is usually the right choice.

Hot water vs. cold water

Cold water power washers

Standard power washers use ambient temperature water. They work well for dirt, mud, mould, mildew, and general grime. Cold water machines are simpler, cheaper to rent, and handle most residential and light commercial tasks.

Hot water power washers

Hot water machines heat the water to 180-200°F (82-93°C) or produce steam. Hot water cuts through grease, oil, and organic matter much faster than cold water alone.

Best for: warehouse floors with oil stains, kitchen grease, equipment degreasing, food processing areas, industrial cleaning.

Hot water units cost significantly more to rent but save time on appropriate jobs. If you are cleaning greasy shop floors or degreasing machinery, hot water pays for itself in labour savings.

Matching equipment to your job

Task Recommended PSI Notes
Car washing 1,200-1,900 Higher pressure damages paint
Deck cleaning (wood) 1,500-2,000 Keep distance, test hidden spot
Vinyl siding 1,300-1,600 Too much pressure drives water behind siding
Concrete driveway 2,500-3,000 Higher for heavy staining
Paint stripping 2,500-3,500 Multiple passes, proper nozzle
Brick and masonry 2,000-3,000 Test first, old mortar can erode
Heavy equipment 3,000-4,000 Hot water helps with grease
Graffiti removal 3,500+ May need chemical assist

When in doubt, start with less pressure and work up. You can always make another pass. You cannot undo damage from excessive pressure.

Nozzles and tips

Pressure washer nozzles control the spray pattern. They are colour-coded by angle:

The rental shop should provide a set of nozzles. Make sure you understand which to use for your task. The wrong nozzle wastes time or causes damage.

Rental costs

Power washer rental costs vary by location and machine capability:

Machine Type Half Day Full Day Week
Electric 1,500-2,000 PSI $40-60 $60-90 $200-300
Gas 2,500-3,000 PSI $60-90 $90-150 $300-450
Gas 3,500+ PSI $80-120 $120-200 $400-600
Hot water commercial $150-250 $250-400 $800-1,200

Additional costs may include:

What to ask at the rental counter

When you visit the rental shop, be ready to describe your job. Tell them:

Ask the rental staff:

Tips for better results

Preparation

Technique

Safety

Common mistakes to avoid

When to hire a professional instead

Consider hiring professional power washing services when:

Professional operators have experience, proper equipment, and insurance. For complex jobs, they often achieve better results in less time.

Related equipment

References