Best Electric Pressure Washer for Vinyl Fences: Three 1,800 to 2,100 PSI Machines That Clean Without Scarring

What a vinyl fence needs

A vinyl fence collects green algae on the shaded side, splash dirt along the base and pollen everywhere, and none of it needs much pressure to remove. What it needs is a cleaner to loosen the algae, a wide nozzle to rinse it off and enough restraint not to score the panel with a jet. An 1,800 PSI electric with a 25 or 40-degree nozzle is the right machine, and bigger ones only add the risk of a careless pass. The three here are all in that class and differ in build, soap handling and size.

This guide is built from the published specifications and manuals of each washer and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run these washers ourselves.

How the three compare

Greenworks 1800: the fence nozzle is in the box

Greenworks lists fences among the jobs for this washer and ships it with the 40-degree nozzle that does them, plus a turbo nozzle for the base rail and posts where splash dirt packs, and a soap applicator. The 35-foot cord with a GFCI plug reaches along a fence from one outlet, the PWMA rating means the 1,800 PSI figure is measured, and the price is the lowest here. Flow is 1.1 GPM, so the rinse is a touch slow.

Ryobi 1800: the one with parts behind it

The Ryobi 1800 PSI is the light electric that Home Depot stocks parts and accessories for, with M22 connections that fit standard replacement hoses and wands, a turbo nozzle and a three-year warranty. The box lacks a 40-degree nozzle, which costs a few dollars and should be added before the fence is touched. For a long fence washed every year it is the machine built to still be working.

Westinghouse ePX3100s: foam along the fence

A fence is a lot of panel to soap, and the ePX3100s detachable foam cannon lays on a thick layer of cleaner that dwells on the algae. The whole machine weighs 10 pounds and is carried along the fence line rather than wheeled, the rating is 1,800 PSI and 1.2 GPM, and the gun, lance and nozzles store in built-in holders. It is the compact pick for a fence a long way from the tap.

Washing vinyl well

Pick a warm day; cold vinyl cracks. Rinse the panels with the garden hose, apply a vinyl-safe cleaner or a mild bleach solution with the foam cannon or soap nozzle and let it sit a few minutes without drying. Rinse with the 40-degree nozzle a foot off the panel, top to bottom, panel by panel. Use the turbo nozzle only on the base rail and post bases, and keep it off the panels. Finish with the hose.

Which one should you buy

Buy the Greenworks 1800 for the right nozzle in the box at the lowest price. Buy the Ryobi 1800 for build and parts support. Buy the Westinghouse ePX3100s for a foam cannon and a 10-pound machine to carry along the fence.