April 13th, 2021 by Sarah Miles

A pressure washer is a really useful appliance for almost any outdoor cleaning job. They can be used to clean patios, decking, walls, and even your car or caravan. One of the things that makes them so versatile for a range of jobs is the choice of attachments you can get that offer tools for specific tasks. Using these attachments usually creates a better finish and makes the job easier.

However, the choice can seem a bit overwhelming so here is our quick guide to the different attachments available and their best applications.

Telescopic lance

As the name suggests, this is a lance that can extend, often up to around 10 metres, to clean high areas. They often come as a complete section with a handle grip and nozzle. Overstretching is a common cause of DIY accidents so this a good solution for allowing you to work on high areas safely. If you need to clean out your roof or your guttering, you’ll want one of these.

Extension lance

The extension lance has a similar purpose to a telescopic lance, in that it adds extra length, but it’s a little simpler. They fit between the existing lance and handle and will add around 40cm to your pressure washer.

Snow foam lance

If you want to use snow foam to clean your car or bike, you will need a snow foam lance. The specialised lance is fitted with a mesh that agitates the liquid foam and creates that satisfyingly thick foam that’ll cling to your car. For best results, choose a lance that has an adjustable nozzle and an air intake dial. This will help you adjust the amount of air that’s pulled into the snow foam mix, which can affect how thick your foam becomes.

Pro-Kleen Snow Foam Lance Compatible with Karcher K Series

Price: £26.99

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Nozzles

The nozzle at the end of the lance is what determines the spray pattern. There are too many different nozzles to mention here, but they can generally be divided between wide, low-pressure nozzles and narrower high-pressure ones. The most common you’ll find is the turbo nozzle, which restricts your spray to a very narrow high-pressure jet.

Brushes

Brush attachments allow you to agitate dirt from surfaces while spraying them, so they are useful for those stubborn, tricky spots. You can find fixed brushes, which remain in one position, or rotating, which turn as they clean. A cleaning brush is also equipped with a spray system that allows the detergent to be sprayed through the brush as well as water.

Brushes can be used on flat or curved surfaces and are most often used to clean cars.

Patio cleaners

Specifically designed for cleaning patio areas, these attachments apply the water jet direct to where it’s needed. Because it concentrates water onto a more confined area it gives it a deep clean and also makes less mess.

Pro-Kleen Pressure Washer Accessory Kit

Price: £44.99

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Suction hose

These are designed to help you reduce water consumption as they allow you to take water from a static source, such as a rainwater butt, rather than the mains water supply.

Detergent bottles

While water pressure alone can give you really good results, some surfaces may require the use of a detergent or chemical cleaner. Some pressure washers come with an inbuilt detergent tank, but you can also buy detergent bottles that attach to the lance. This can be particularly useful if you have a few jobs to do that all require a different cleaning product as you can change them easily without needing to empty, clean out, and refill a tank.

90° angle lance

This is a lance that turns at a right angle at the end to allow you to direct water into more difficult to reach areas, such as underneath cars, without having to twist yourself into position.

Under-chassis

Another one designed to get underneath cars easily, an under-chassis attachment has a jet, or several jets, mounted on wheels that can be rolled under the vehicle. The jets direct water up onto the underside of the car.