A pressure washer is a handy tool and is exactly what you need to clean things like a dirty brick patio, weathered wood, and other hard to clean surfaces. Like any other household appliance, they require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Fortunately, pressure washers are fairly easy to maintain and pressure 
washer parts are readily available either online or at most home improvement stores. You should be aware those pressure washers are not to be used on every surface that may need to be cleaned; they can harm some surfaces and even yourself it you’re not careful.
A pressure washer takes the low water pressure of a garden hose, and boosts the pressure way up with a special pump. The pump is powered either by a gas or electric motor. Probably the most important part of the pressure washer is the spray wand. There are special tips that can be attached to the wand that will concentrate or spread out the high pressure water stream.
Reading the owner’s manual before using the pressure washer is advised; it contains very important safety information that will keep you from damaging the machine, hurting yourself or the surface you are trying to clean. Protective equipment is necessary when operating a pressure washer; safety goggles, ear muffs or plugs and work gloves are recommended.
The tips that concentrate the stream of water may be color coded; red is a 0 degree tip and is the most concentrated stream of water. Yellow produces a 15 degree wide spray pattern and may be the best for heavy duty cleaning chores. The green tip is a 25 degree tip and is the best for general household cleaning. The white tip produces an even wider spray pattern at 40 degrees, this is best for surfaces that may be damaged with a more concentrated stream. The black tip (65 degree wide pattern) is best used for applying detergents or bleach to the surfaces you will be cleaning.
If you have a gas powered pressure washer, remember to check the oil before using it and make sure there is plenty of gas. Many machines offer the convenience of a reservoir for cleaning solutions, this can be very helpful. Before starting the pressure washer check the hose to make sure it is straight and will not hit anyone or anything when the machine is turned on.
You will be surprised at the many uses you will find for your pressure washer around the house. It can clean mold and mildew off old bricks and make a concrete driveway look brand new. However it is important not to stay in one place too long or use a pressure that is too high for the surface or you may damage the surface. As with any power tool, just use it safely.