T he trouble with the great outdoors is that it gets a bit untidy. Your garden tools might do a good job of keeping your plot in check, but keeping your patio, decking and outdoor furniture spick and span can take hours, especially if you rely on a bucket of soapy water and a scrubbing brush.

That’s where a pressure washer comes in. These handy tools connect to your hose pipe and squirt water at any cleaning problem. Stubborn and unpleasant stains, from bird dirt to years of neglect, can be lifted from your garden’s hard-wearing surfaces in seconds. With the right attachments, you can also use your pressure washer to hose down cars, bikes and boats.

At a glance

Best pressure washer overall:

Ava Go P40

£119.90 at Ava

Best budget pressure washer:

Kärcher K 2 Classic

£75 at Argos

Best cordless pressure washer:

Stihl REA 60 Plus

£224 at Just Lawnmowers

Best for variable pressure:

Nilfisk Core 140-6

£229 with additional accessories at Currys

Best pressure washer for accessories:

Kärcher K 4 WCM…