A pressure washer is such a handy and versatile tool to have around the garden; its usefulness, as well as its performance and cleaning capacity, can be improved with the addition of pressure washer attachments. Let's face it life is so much easier when you don't have to rely on brushes, water, and elbow grease.
There's no doubt these machines, even the budget pressure washers, have made our lives easier. However, there are so many different brands available, like Karcher, Bosch, Worx and Ryobi, and they often have their own specific types of connections and fittings, meaning interchangeability between brands can be difficult, although not impossible. We would recommend going with the manufacturer's accessories to be on the safe side.
Best pressure washer attachments at a glance:
It would be nigh on impossible to give a comprehensive list of attachments for each manufacturer, so we've had a look across some of the different popular brands and chosen a selection of attachments to give you an idea of what's available and how they can enhance your pressure washing experience. It's worth noting that these attachments are not suitable for cordless pressure washers.
Best pressure washer attachments
Best for patio and driveway cleaning
Karcher The Kärcher T5 Patio Cleaner is a great additional accessory for your pressure washer that makes cleaning your patio or driveway a breeze. There are no bristles, just two rotating high-pressure nozzles that effectively remove dirt, grime, and even stubborn stains, while the covering hood keeps the water and dirt inside, protecting you and your surroundings from getting covered in dirty spray water – bonus!
The T5 pressure can be adjusted to clean at different strengths to suit hard or softer surfaces, depending on the material. It can also be used to clean vertical surfaces. One reviewer estimates this cleans eight to ten times faster than the standard wand.
Pros
- Great for patios, driveways, and other hard surfaces
- Adjustable nozzle position for precision
Cons
- It can leave a pattern if you move it too quickly
| Weight: | 1.4kg |
| Dimensions: | 70.8 x 28 x 99.5 cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Hood to protect you from dirty spray water
Best for budget cleaning
Nilfisk This patio washer from Nilfisk is pretty similar to the Karcher T5 but is slightly less refined. It features two rotating jets that spin under pressure, cleaning surfaces efficiently and delivering pretty consistent results. The conical action also ensures that all ridges and uneven angles get cleaned.
The compact design makes it easy to manoeuvre and reach tight spaces, and the adjustable handle adds to its ease of use. The patio cleaner is compatible with all Nilfisk Compact range pressure washers, and it is also relatively affordable. Reviewers rate this as a useful, time-saving accessory.
Pros
- Compatible with all Nilfisk's washers from the Compact range
- Conical action is good for cleansing around ridges
Cons
- Not as efficient as some other patio cleaners
| Weight: | 0.63kg |
| Dimensions: | 10.6 x 3.9 x 11 cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Easy to manoeuvre compact design
Best for accessing awkward areas
BoschThe Bosch 360° Pressure Washer Pistol is a fantastic addition to your cleaning tool kit. Its design allows easy manoeuvrability and lets you get into every nook and cranny. The 360-degree rotating nozzle allows thorough cleaning without twisting and turning your wrist and arm or getting into uncomfortable or awkward positions.
The ergonomic grip provides excellent comfort and control. The pistol's spray pressure can be adjusted to suit the surface you're working on, and there's a 450ml detergent container to help you make quick work of stubborn dirt and grime.
Pros
- Rotating nozzle for easy cleaning of hard-to-reach areas
- Variable nozzle setting for different cleaning needs
Cons
- Not so good for patios or decking
| Weight: | 0.46kg |
| Dimensions: | 26.5 x 7 x 22 cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Pivoting joint to adjust spray angle
Best for spraying foam cleanser
Stone Banks The Stone Banks Pressure Washer Snow Foam Cannon Lance Gun is a great option for making car cleaning easier and more efficient. The adjustable spray dial on the soap dispenser allows you to select the foam concentration depending on how much dirt and grime you have to deal with.
When it comes time to rinse the soap off, there are five quick-connecting spray nozzle tips allowing different degrees of cleaning power, from a 0-degree spray for tough marks to 40 degrees for rinsing. You may need to get an adapter for this to fit your particular pressure washer, but reviewers say the minimal investment is well worth it.
Pros
- Quick connect feature for speedy starts
- Durable construction with brass parts
Cons
- May need an adapter to fit your washer
| Weight: | 0.95kg |
| Dimensions: | 24.8 x 17.6 x 11.8 cm |
| Material: | Brass and plastic |
- Adjustable foam thickness
Best soft brush attachment
NilfiskThe Nilfisk brush attachment features soft bristles that are gentle on surfaces but tough enough to remove dirt and grime. The wide design of the brush is excellent at distributing the jet spray and detergent, allowing you to speed up the cleaning process, while the adjustable handle provides a comfortable grip and control.
There's also a squeegee attachment to help remove water from panels and windows, making it easier to dry off and leave a streak-free finish. Reviewers say this Nilfisk brush attachment is also ideal for cleaning windows, caravans, and conservatories.
Pros
- Soft bristles prevent scratching car paintwork
- Squeegee attachment for fast water removal
Cons
- Can be a bit messy to use
| Weight: | 0.45kg |
| Dimensions: | 29 x 40 x 29 cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Soft brush for paintwork and windows
Best for accessing high or low areas
FrunimallThe Frunimall angled lance attachment is a versatile pressure washer tool that allows effortless cleaning of gutters, roofs, the underside of cars and caravans, and other difficult-to-get-to-places. Five different nozzles are included (from 0 degrees to 40 degrees), allowing you to switch between different spray patterns and pressures, giving you complete control over the cleaning process.
The quick-connect feature makes it easy to attach and detach from most pressure washers. If you're looking for an attachment that saves you from getting out your stepladders or crawling along the ground, this is the ideal solution.
Pros
- Long length is great for hard-to-reach places
- Features adjustable pressure and angles
Cons
- May need an adapter to fit some models
| Weight: | 0.29kg |
| Dimensions: | 38.1 x 9.1 x 3.8 cm |
| Material: | Stainless Steel, Brass, Plastic, Metal, Copper |
- Angled lance to reach awkward palces
Best multi-function brush accessory
KarcherThe Kärcher WB 7 is a versatile and effective cleaning tool. It offers three functions in one, making it a convenient and space-saving choice. The foam jet applies detergent from the built-in tank to loosen dirt, the high-pressure spray tackles tough marks, and the soft bristles gently remove dirt and grime without scratching the surface, ensuring a thorough and safe clean.
The lever on the handle easily selects all the functions without the need to change accessories, and the adjustable joint allows for easy manoeuvrability, reaching even the most challenging areas. This ease of use gets much praise from happy reviewers.
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 design for multifunctional use
- Easy to use with simple lever operation
Cons
- Becomes a bit heavy when used for longer periods
| Weight: | 0.78kg |
| Dimensions: | 37.7 x 26.4 x 22.3 cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
- Three cleaning modes in one attachment
How we chose the best pressure washer attachments
All of these pressure washer attachments have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the design, functionality, and usability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching attachments to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs
What is the best pressure to use with my washer?
Pressure is measured in bars or PSI (pounds per square inch). For cleaning decking, garden furniture or cars, a pressure of around 100 bar (1450psi) is ideal to avoid any damage. For patios, you can go up to about 130 bar (1885psi), and concrete can take about 150 bar (2175psi)
Most popular pressure washers deliver a set PSI, and this is where pressure washer attachments come to the fore, as they can increase and enhance the performance of the washer. The addition of an attachment like a patio cleaner or a foam dispenser can help you get the job done more quickly, with less mess, less chance of causing any damage, and give better results. Once finished, you can stand back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!
It's always worth making sure that any attachment or accessory is compatible with your pressure washer.
Are all pressure washer accessories universal?
Unfortunately, not all pressure washer accessories are universal. All the different pressure washer brands use proprietary connectors for their pressure washer and accessories. You can buy pressure washer accessory adapters though, so you can use Kärcher accessories on Nilfisk pressure washers, for example.
What's the best pressure washer attachment for cleaning cars?
Gardens are our thing, so we asked Ryan Gilmore, Car Buying Editor at Parkers.co.uk to answer this one:
"Skip anything with a brush, those bristles don't play nicely with paintwork and will leave horrible micro-scratches in your paintwork. For my own car I would try to use the touchless method, relying on the power of the water and cleaning chemicals to do the heavy lifting. This means a foam cannon is an essential. I'd also invest in an angled chassis nozzle to clean underneath the car and the wheels arches. Mud and salt clings here like a barnacle and rot can easily take hold unless it's blasted away."
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Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music.