Note: This post describes our experience renting a heavy-duty, gas-powered pressure washer. For information about a more compact, budget-friendly electric model we now use, see our separate Getting Started With Pressure Washing guide.
I discovered a new favorite tool this spring: a rented 2000 PSI gas pressure washer. We picked it up from a local tool rental department for the day. For a modest rental fee and a borrowed vehicle to haul it, we had full access to a powerful cleaner that transformed several tired outdoor surfaces in just a few hours.
I had never used a pressure washer before and felt a bit nervous about handling someone else’s equipment, but the rental staff gave a quick demonstration. The setup was straightforward: attach the spray gun to the high-pressure hose, connect that hose to the machine, hook up a garden hose for the water supply, start the motor, and you’re ready to go. The unit we rented runs on gasoline, so you do need to handle it with care and follow safety precautions.
Our main project was the deck. After construction late in the previous season, the pressure-treated wood needed time to dry before staining, and by the time it was safe to seal the wood the weather had turned too cool to apply stain. Months of leaves, acorns and winter grime had left the deck looking dull and patchy, so the pressure washer was the ideal tool to prep the surface for the upcoming sealing and staining.
Using the pressure washer felt oddly satisfying. As the jet cut across each board, dirty, weathered wood revealed a lighter, fresher tone underneath. Working board by board made a noticeable difference, though it wasn’t always completely perfect—some stubborn stains remained where organic debris had sat for too long.
After an initial pass with the pressure washer, I went back later with a dedicated cleaner (applied without pressure) to handle the remaining spots before staining. Many pressure washers can also draw detergent into the stream, which combines pressure and cleaning solution for even better results. For our deck, that would have been another useful option.
With the rental for 24 hours, I expanded the effort beyond the deck. Fences, railings, steps and other wooden elements around the house all benefited from a good blasting. The difference was immediately visible and gratifying enough that I kept going until there really was nothing left to clean.
I also discovered that the pressure washer improved the appearance of brickwork. We rented a moderate-pressure model; higher-pressure units can damage some types of brick, so it’s worth checking recommended settings for masonry before you start. Even with the gentler setting, moss, algae and grime lifted away to reveal much cleaner brick surfaces.
The process is physically demanding. Holding and guiding the spray gun for hours can tire your arms and shoulders, and you can expect some backsplash and a fair amount of dirt. We kept a steady rhythm: one person managed the washer while another looked after kids and photographed progress. The teamwork made the job faster and kept things safe.
At our new house, one particularly shaded area above the deck had developed heavy green staining from moisture and lack of sunlight. The pressure washer brought that area back to life, revealing clean brick underneath board by board. The transformation was so dramatic it felt like “de-greening” the surface.
By late afternoon it was time to return the rental. We were tired, a little dirty from back spray, and completely satisfied with the results. The deck and surrounding wood looked far closer to their original condition, and the brick and concrete surfaces had an unexpected facelift. The pressure washer proved to be an efficient, powerful tool for seasonal exterior cleanup and for preparing surfaces for staining or sealing.
In short: a rented pressure washer is a great investment for major spring cleaning projects. It’s important to choose the right pressure for each surface, follow safety guidelines, and consider using a cleaning solution when tough stains linger. When used properly, a pressure washer can make wood, brick, and concrete look refreshed and ready for maintenance or finishing.
PS: On Tuesday, May 7th at 7pm we’ll be chatting with Kate Hall (aka Richmond Mom) about parenting, decorating with family in mind, and Mother’s Day gift ideas at the Barnes & Noble in Glen Allen. The event includes a Q&A and a book signing—everyone who can make it is welcome.