Can anyone recommend a decent pressure washer for residential use?

[July]

My main interest is in something that will work on baked-in "organic soup" (= smelly standing water that eventually drained out of planters after we discovered they didn't have drainage holes in them) on a slate patio floor. I'm hosing it down daily and have scrubbed it on hands and knees, but I've still got brown grout lines and a delicate scent of whatever critter's waste was part of the organic matter in the planter.

I'm taking advice on what brand NOT to buy, as well, if anyone can offer help.

Thank you!

[Suich]

1. I've checked out the ones at Lowe's but haven't bought one yet.

I usually check out the comments, and then decide.

I borrowed an electric one from a neighbor to clean a concrete deck, my steps and some walkways and it worked great!

Good luck!

[angstlessk]

2. Go to Amazon.com even just for the reviews...no matter where you purchase it, they have a great

review process!

[Ptah]

3. This DUer just got one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1093364

[NightWatcher]

4. Dave

He's the guy we use for lawncare and pressure washing.

Get yourself a Dave.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

5. I've owned a few.

It depends on your budget and how much you'll use it. I'd personally advise don't get an electric one, or one with lots of plastic features on it, get a gas powered one preferably with a Honda engine, and the more power the better, because you can always turn it down. If you only need it once a year to clean the patio, maybe you'd be better off renting one for 1/2 a day from home depot for $25.

[Major Nikon]

6. You might be better off renting one

I have a decent pressure washer, but I probably only use it 3-4 times per year at most. If you're washing your car with it, you might want to buy one, but for occasional cleaning, you may be better off renting. Be careful using a gas operated one as some have enough power to start peeling up concrete. Start with a wide spray and work your way towards a narrower one.

[Kali]

7. have you tried some clorox?

a couple bucks for a bottle of bleach vs some gadget/machine you have to store

or as suggested above, rent one unless you really think you are going to use the thing regularly