How To Unclog Your Ryobi Pressure Washer

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A pressure washer is a great tool to have around the home. Cleaning the car, driveway, and fencing are common uses for them, but there are at least a dozen things you can clean with a pressure washer for dazzling results. Budget-friendly brand Ryobi offers a number of these devices, and although usually reliable, blockages can occasionally be a problem. This usually results in a lack of pressure at the nozzle or even no water at all. It needs to be fixed quickly, because pressure could be building up inside the machine, potentially causing damage to the seals or the pump. 

YouTuber Garming shows how he deals with a clogged Ryobi pressure washer using CLR (calcium, lime, rust) cleaner. It's available in several different formulations, and though it's hard to tell from the video, he is probably using the stronger CLR Automotive Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover. Despite its effectiveness, it is certified as an EPA Safer Choice product and doesn't contain ammonia, bleach, or phosphates. However, it can irritate skin and eyes, so it's a good idea to wear rubber gloves and goggles when working with it. Garming uses the CLR to flush through the pressure washer's system. When he restarts the machine, the blockage is cleared and the full power of the jet is restored. Let's look at the process in a little more detail.

The first step is to check the inlet filter where the water enters the machine. This can get blocked with dirt and debris. This space is clear, so Garming then fills the soap container about a third full with CLR and tops it up with water. He then lays the pressure washer on its side and pours CLR into the inlet, which then runs down into the pump.

He leaves the CLR to work for several hours but does say it could be left for longer, or the process could be repeated if it didn't work the first time. In this case the machine works fine. Running the pressure washer for a couple of minutes should flush the remaining CLR, and it's ready to clean your patio like a pro or whatever other tasks you have waiting. Clogs can usually be prevented with regular maintenance. Check and clean the inlet filter before each use. Flush the pump with clean water after use to prevent soap buildup. Every 10 to 20 hours, clean the inlet with white vinegar, diluted 1:1 with water, and again flush with clean water. 

These straightforward steps should keep your Ryobi pressure washer running efficiently. If it does clog, the CLR hack is a quick and easy solution. However, bear in mind that there are things you should never clean with a pressure washer. It's worth checking because an unblocked machine could deliver a jet that's strong enough to cause damage.