Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM – Scrub A Dub-Dub!

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Ryobi electric pressure washer

I hate to break it to you, but Mother Nature has no concern for your property. Honey Badger don’t care. Exposure to the elements breeds mold, mildew, dirt, moss, algae and who knows what else. So the things you keep outside – such as deck furniture, or your house – are in a perpetual state of entropy known as “getting dirty”. I was thrilled when we received this Ryobi electric pressure washer to test out. Now I can badger some filthy slime, and it’s sweet as honey!

Some Quick Specs On The Ryobi 2,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Ryobi electric pressure washer
Ryobi 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer. Photo – HomeDepot.com

Before we get into my experience with the machine, let’s peek at some numbers:

* Motor: 120 Volt 13 Amp
* PSI: 2,000 max
* Flow rate: 1.2 gallons per minute
* Power cord length: 35′ w/ GFCI protection
* Hose length: 25′
* Wand length (from palm to tip): 32” w/ soap or 15° nozzle; 35” w/ turbo nozzle
* Wheel size: 8”
* Weight: 41 lbs.
* Soap dilution: 20:1 (happens automatically when using soap nozzle)

Why Electric? Isn’t Gas Better?

Power switches
Push button power switches.

Professional pressure washers are usually gas powered, with more vigor in the trigger. But for the average homeowner, it’s not worth the added headaches or expense. We want to plug and play, ride it hard and put it up wet, as they say, and not worry about stabilizing fuel, topping off the oil or choking out the neighbors in a cloud of exhaust.

There are a number of reasons you may opt for electric, including the fact that there is no gas to run out of or to gunk up the engine when it inevitably sits too long. That’s a nice attribute for something you may use only a few times a year. Also, no exhaust.

Ryobi electric pressure washer
Cord wrapping can get a little loose because of where the GFCI box rests.

The Ryobi electric pressure washer is smaller and lighter than a gas unit. So it’s easy to manage and eats up less of your finite garage space. It’s also quieter and runs only while you’re squeezing the trigger (and for a second or less when it’s first powered on), making it a lot more neighborhood friendly.

GFCI protection
Since electricity and water don’t play nicely together, Ryobi put a GFCI unit near the plug end of the power cord. So if you happen to spray your pressure washer or power cord – or stand in a puddle, you’re hopefully not going to get shocked.

Nozzle Tov – These Nozzles Shall Serve You Well

Nozzle storage
Handy storage keeps the nozzles within reach.

The Ryobi 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM electric pressure washer comes with 3 interchangeable quick connect nozzles. The blue soap nozzle sprays a wide rinsing pattern and draws detergent from the soap tank. It’s perfect for soaking down – and soaping up – areas you want to clean. The orange nozzle sprays a 15° fan at high pressure. It’s great for removing dirt, grime and the soap disbursed by the blue nozzle.

Quick connect nozzles
Swapping nozzles couldn’t possibly be any easier. Quick connectors make it a cinch.

For the toughest jobs, the black “turbo” nozzle gives you the highest pressure spray by concentrating the water stream to a fine point. With the turbo nozzle, the water traces a circular pattern, cutting a wider path as you move the wand.

3 nozzles to suit your needs
Each nozzle has its place and I’ve had great luck with all three.

Concrete Evidence

Round 1: Fight!
This slab didn’t look too terribly bad at first. I mean, look: there are still parts that are almost white. Right? Wrong!

There is something profoundly satisfying about using a pressure washer. You’re waving a wand that seems to literally “magic” the dirt away. But what’s most impressive is the visually striking change in brightness that occurs – in many cases – almost instantaneously. I begin my testing with toughest challenge my home had to offer: the concrete pad at the side door.

Ryobi vs. unsealed concrete
When wet (and a section was cleaned) it became painfully obvious just how dirty it really was.

Once I started cleaning the concrete, it was amazing how dark even the lightest areas proved to be; especially when wet. At first, I used the 15° nozzle (the orange one). It was doing the job, but felt a bit slow on the darkest parts. And I had to hold it extra close (about 3-4”) to the surface for best results. The lighter areas were a lot less demanding.

Clearing The Path – Ryobi 2,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Turbo power!
Turbo power!

Your maximum “feed rate” and the optimal distance from the surface you’re cleaning both depend on what is being cleaned, how dirty it is and which nozzle you select. With the 15° nozzle (which swept a path approx. 1-1/4” wide from a distance of 3-4″) on some rather “naturized”, unsealed concrete, I had to move at a fairly slow pace. But I could go faster – and from farther – on the lighter areas.

Nice and bright!
After pressure washing. Nice and bright! (The darker shadowed area in the foreground is just where I hadn’t rinsed off all of the dirty water.)

With the turbo nozzle, however, I was able to hold the wand back a little farther (maybe 5-6”) – sweeping a path approx. 1-3/4” wide – and move at a little faster pace.

Ryobi 2,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer Hits The Deck

Ryobi electric pressure washer
I’m fine with the oxidized look, but when it rains this deck has been getting a bit slippery. That’s a hazard that needs to be dealt with.

Next on the agenda is the front deck. I doubt it’s ever been cleaned. It may have taken a little over an hour to do the deck, railing, balusters and plastic lattice below. If it was cleaned more regularly it wouldn’t take so long, but it needed a serious ass whipping.

Big difference
Wow, what a difference!
Like new
It looks almost new again!

“Forest Green” House Comes Clean: “I’m Really Tan.” – Bystanders Shocked

Night and day
If this doesn’t convey the value of a Ryobi electric pressure washer, I can’t imagine what ever could.

Now I turn my attention to the house’s vinyl siding, starting with the dirtiest wall of all, the one that (along with the front deck) had me ready to pay a company to come pressure wash for me, and soon. Luckily, this is the back of the house, so it’s mostly hidden, even from the road behind us.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BroWhpOAfXs/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

The other three weren’t nearly as bad. However, this one wall doesn’t receive much direct sunlight and our last bout of tropical weather shifted the nastiness into overdrive. On the rear wall, however, there is a little staining that just isn’t going to come out, no matter what. Especially near the bottom of the skirting.

Worst wall of them all
See, look at the wall on the right. It wasn’t washed yet and it’s not nearly as bad as the back wall (on the left). Note to self: fix that vinyl before spraying this wall.

On A Soapbox – The Ryobi 2,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Soap injection line
This is where the line from the soap tank goes.

Assembly of the Ryobi pressure washer is minimal and took very little time. The only issue I had was that the tube from the soap tank was too short. When I inserted the tube far enough to reach the bottom of the tank, it fell a couple inches shy of the hose barb on the pump. So I cut a longer piece and all was well. Otherwise, it would stop drawing detergent when the tank was still 1/3 to ½ full.

Tube routing
But the manual says to rout it under the frame like this. The 16-3/8” length of tubing just didn’t quite reach.
Goldilocks tube: just right
I bought some 1/4” ID x 3/8” OD vinyl tubing and cut a longer piece.

When you use the blue soap nozzle, the reduced outfeed pressure automatically siphons detergent from the soap tank, diluted 20:1. It does a great job and lasts longer than I expected.

Soap tank
The soap tank’s location makes it easy to fill.

The soap tank is easily removable to allow you to empty it if you need to. It hangs on the frame with keyholes. The soaps you use are mild detergents; you don’t have to worry about killing off the lawn or any plants that get in the line of fire, as you might with bleach.

Soap tank attachment
The tank sits low on the frame so, if you place the pressure washer in grass, there’s a chance it may lift up off of the attachment posts. It never actually came off when I used it, but it could.
Simple Green
This is the detergent I used. Honestly though, the Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer does so well on water alone that I’m not sure how much of a difference the soap really made. But it certainly didn’t hurt to pre-wet and soap the house as I went along; it made the job go smoothly.

Trigger Warning – Ryobi 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

Ryobi pressure washer wand
The grip is similar in size and shape to a gas pump nozzle, only you aren’t spending your life savings every time you squeeze the trigger.

I like how the wand feels in the hand. I kind of wish it was about 2” longer so I don’t have to bend my back when cleaning deck or driveway, but it does quite well as is.

Trigger lockout
The red flip-down lever is a trigger lockout to “prevent unauthorized use”. But let’s be honest; it’s not going to prevent anyone from using it. Though it might prevent accidental trigger actuation when moving things around.

From palm to the end of the wand is a little over 31” (plus the nozzle). Reaching higher areas required my using a ladder and extension wand, which I had to buy separately from a third party. I went ahead and purchased a 30” wand extension that has a 45° angled end. Trust me, it’s worth it. I still had to use the ladder on the highest peaks, but the extension made life much easier.

Washing away years of grime
Wand extension not included, but you’re probably going to want one.
Wand holder
There’s a wand holster on the side.

The Addled Aphorism – Breaking An Adage With Ryobi

Cleaning with a Ryobi electric pressure washer
In this case, cleaning is definitely something that was noticed because it happened. I swear it didn’t seem quite this dirty, but you can clearly see a difference.

I never thought a figure of speech was the sort of thing that could be broken. But then I started pressure washing the house with this lime green monster. You know that saying about how “cleaning is something no one notices unless you don’t do it”? Well, sides of my house that didn’t seem all that dirty at first suddenly screamed “look how insanely filthy I am!” almost immediately. The contrast was startling at times!

Cleaning the side
If you have vinyl siding be sure to direct the stream so that you don’t force water into the overlaps or corners. The less moisture that gets back there, the better.

With the worst of it taken care of, the other three walls came clean with very little effort. And I was able to move along at a lot faster rate.

Roll along wherever you go
8” wheels and a built-in handle make it easy to move the Ryobi pressure washer where it’s needed. Like the wand, the handle could stand to be about 2” longer. Taller people might have to hunch over a bit.
Putting it away for the evening
The wheels are large enough that getting it up over a step or curb is easy. Yes, that siding on my shop is going to be cleaned as well. No outdoor dirt is safe around here anymore!

Keeping It Reel – On-board Hose Storage

Hose reel
The hose reel handle folds away when not in use.

The Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer has an on-board storage reel for the high pressure hose. A lot of people seem to like it. When I tried to put the hose on the reel, I found it a pain to keep the ends from slamming against the machine with every rotation. Perhaps the reel should be set up higher in the frame. There are clips to secure the hose ends, but I found them a bit underwhelming (actually, I’ve been using the clips on the reel to secure the end of the power cord).

Hose and power cord
I’ve heard from others who really like the hose storage reel. So take my opinion with a grain of salt. Photo – HomeDepot.com
Large loops for me
Personally, I prefer my hose coiled in larger loops – like this – to prevent the memory that can occur over time, so it’s not an issue for me. I just find it easier this way.

Ryobi 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer Does The Job – And Does It Well!

From dirty to clean
The heat pump got some lovin too.

Enough nit picking, we’re not done putting this thing through its paces. I also cleaned the AC unit, a metal shed, a fence and a wooden play set that was well on its way to becoming one with nature.

Eavie jeebies
Around the edge of the roof line were a bunch of areas like this. As you see, they were no match for the Ryobi pressure washer. Just take care not to blast water into the underside of the eaves.

Fencing Operation – It’s Not Easy Being Green

Ryobi makes green look easy!
Ryobi only makes it look easy.

As renowned 20th century philosopher, Kermit The Frog, famously said, “It’s not easy being green.” Granted, Ryobi pulls it off rather nicely, looking all dapper in its expertly tailored lime green getup. But heaven help the unwelcome green on any nearby fences, driveways or houses.

Freshen up the fence
This section of fence is between the house and the property line fence. I had no idea it had been painted white at some point in its life. Most of the paint is long gone, supplanted by the deep emerald hues of mold and mildew.
Green-B-Gone
The grime came off of this fence with exceptional ease.
What mold?
Kermit would be proud. Or very, very nervous.

Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer – I’m Really Lichen It!

From lichen to loving
Short of complete rot, even the worst of weathering can benefit from a good pressure washing.

Finally, we tackle an abandoned backyard play set. I plan to tear this thing apart if I can ever find some free time. The wood is slated to become a seating bench for the backyard and some goodies for the girls who once loved, but have long since outgrown, this now-rickety structure. But who wants to deal with lichen encrusted lumber? Let’s take a little time and clean this thing up.

A fresh new face
Years of neglect, gone just like that.
Ryobi cleaned the plastic swing
If you have patio furniture, your new Ryobi electric pressure washer will clean it right up. Unfortunately, this plastic swing has some deep staining. But it cleaned up pretty darned well in seconds.

It All Comes Out In The Wash With Ryobi’s 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

Cleanest home in the neighborhood
The only green left on my house is what’s supposed to be there.

It’s funny, I never paid attention to how dirty most houses, driveways, sheds and fences are. But now that mine are the cleanest in the neighborhood, I can’t help but notice everything in town that could benefit from a visit by the little bright green dirt blaster that is Ryobi.

Ryobi pressure washer. Photo - HomeDepot.com
She’s lean, she’s green and she’s a keeper!

Besides the minor issues I mentioned, the pressure washer met or exceeded all expectations. It performed absolutely beautifully; and that’s what really matters. The power is sufficient for everything I threw at it and the hose is plenty long. The Home Depot classifies this model (RY141900) as “medium duty”, but I never felt like it was overworked or struggling to keep up, even during 15-20 minute stretches of constant spraying.

In short, this is exactly the kind of pressure washer I was looking for. Plus it’s backed by Ryobi’s 3-year limited warranty, which is reassuring. It’s fun and insanely easy to use, and there’s no maintenance to worry about. Even better, for less than the price of a single professional pressure cleaning, you can own the machine and use it whenever you want to. To me, that’s real value.

Get your own Ryobi 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer for only $199.00

Buy Now - via The Home Depot

Photo of author

About Steve

Steve made his first woodworking project at age 9 (in 1982) and whittled his first wooden chain at 18. He was also a consumer electronics repair tech and shop owner for a little over 20 years, until his impending obsolescence became impossible to ignore. Since then, Steve has focused passionately on manipulating his wood... in his workshop. Don't judge him.

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1 thought on “Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer 2,000 PSI 1.2 GPM – Scrub A Dub-Dub!”

  1. We bought this pressure washer today and washed our garbage cans out with it. We used the turbo nozzle and it did well. However when we would attach the orange nozzle the motor would turn on and off on its own. So, spray, don’t spray, spray, don’t spray. Does yours do this?

    Reply

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