“Which?” — the UK's most trusted independent consumer testing organization — recently used a Nilfisk high-pressure washer to demonstrate what separates a pressure washing expert from everyone else. Five things you should never do, straight from the people who test these machines for a living.
Watch the full reel on Instagram or Facebook.
1. Never Use Full Power on Delicate Surfaces
Wooden decking, garden furniture and painted fences all need a gentler approach. Using maximum pressure does not necessarily clean better — in fact, it can damage the surface by splintering wood fibres, stripping paint or leaving marks.
For more delicate jobs, choose a gentler nozzle designed for your pressure washer. Nilfisk offers soft cleaning nozzles for both Click & Clean machines and Premium models, helping you clean effectively while reducing the risk of damage.
2. Never Wash Your Car on Gravel
It might seem convenient to wash your car wherever it is parked, but gravel is one of the worst surfaces for car cleaning.
A high-pressure jet can pick up loose stones and send them flying towards the paintwork, causing chips, scratches or other damage. To help protect your car, always wash it on a hard, stable surface such as concrete.
Read our blog post for a step-by-step guide to washing your car with a high-pressure washer.
3. Never Rest Lances on Muddy Ground
When you are in the middle of cleaning, putting the lance down on the ground can feel like the easiest option. But if the surface is muddy or dirty, grit and debris can get into the nozzle. This can clog the lance, reduce pressure and, over time, potentially affect the performance of your machine. Instead, use the lance holder on your pressure washer or place the lance on a clean, hard surface.
If debris does get into the lance, many Nilfisk high-pressure washers include a cleaning pin designed to clear the small nozzle opening and help restore proper water flow.
4. Never Leave Your Pressure Washer in the Shed Over Winter
Leaving a pressure washer in an unheated shed or garage during winter is one of the most common mistakes owners make. Any water left inside the pump, hose or seals can freeze, expand and damage internal components. To help prevent this, always drain the water from your machine before storing it and keep it somewhere protected from freezing temperatures.
Read our blog post for a complete guide to storing your high-pressure washer during winter.
5. Never Use a Kinked Hose
A kinked hose restricts the water flow going into the machine. When less water reaches the pressure washer, the output pressure can drop and the machine may have to work harder than necessary. Before switching on your pressure washer, check the full length of the hose and straighten out any twists or kinks.
Small Habits, Better Results
These simple habits can make a real difference — not only to your cleaning results, but also to the lifespan of your machine.
You can read Which?'s full pressure washer reviews and buying guide here, including independent test scores for Nilfisk models.
Are you ready to find your perfect match? Explore the Nilfisk pressure washer range.
