12 Stihl Cleaning Tools That Can Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space

You probably know Stihl as one of the leading power tool brands, or as the manufacturer behind Consumer Reports' top-rated battery push mower. But did you know that it also has a small but powerful line of cleaning tools? If not, then this guide could well be of interest. In it, we've pulled together 12 nifty tools that could easily help you to spruce up your outdoor space.

For example, if you're in the market for a pressure washer, you'll find no fewer than five listed below, each suiting itself uniquely to homeowners with different requirements. Similarly, we've found a selection of wet/dry vacuum cleaners to help keep your garage, shed, patio, and gutters spruced. You'll find handheld leaf blowers that pack a surprising punch, and a vacuum shredder to turn them into mulch. Add to this some useful tools to complement your chosen pressure washer, and if you're craving a better way to clean your outside space, this guide to Stihl's line-up of cleaning equipment is likely to pique your interest.

The first up in this list is Stihl's RCA 20 Battery Powered Pressure Washer set. It's a handheld device, and it's cordless, so it's useful for cleaning away from the house where it's tricky to run cables. It comes with two batteries and a charger, plus an array of accessories that include wands, hoses, and a foam nozzle. Now, before we go any further, we should say that, with its 350 PSI of operating pressure, it's nowhere near as powerful as Stihl's more-traditional "standing" pressure washer units. However, it isn't meant to be.

Instead, it's designed, per Stihl, for lighter-duty work. You could use it to clean down garden furniture, or to remove dirt from your shed ahead of a repaint. The reduced pressure should avoid damage on more delicate materials, too. And if you make use of that supplied foam nozzle, you can benefit from more of your detergent's cleaning power. Foam sticks to a surface for longer than regular, soapy water. This gives it a chance to "lift" dirt from the surface, thus reducing the amount of pressure you need from your water source in order to remove it.

If you're in the market for a more traditional pressure washer, with enough oomph to strip the dirt from your house and pavers, then Stihl's RE 90 Plus Corded Electric Pressure Washer could be worth considering. It sits in the middle of Stihl's corded RE line of electric washers, delivering 1800 PSI of pressure (versus the 350 PSI of the handheld RCA20). It also delivers 432 liters of water per hour, versus the RCA's max water-throughput rating of 230 liters. And with a price tag of $259 (which includes an adjustable flat-jet nozzle, a rotary nozzle, plus a detergent sprayer tool), the RE90 is also $20 cheaper than the handheld alternative.

As we'll see shortly, there are pricier and more powerful pressure washers available from Stihl. Depending on the regularity with which you need to use it, you may well find that one of those models is better suited to your needs. However, if you only have the occasional need for a pressure washer, and you don't think the handheld version will quite cut the mustard, then this is arguably the best budget-friendly model in Stihl's line-up. It is, per the brand, a "lightweight and compact" tool, one that's designed to fulfill the needs of most residential users.

Sticking with the brand's RE line of pressure washers, the RE 100 Plus Control Corded Electric Pressure Washer offers an upgrade on the RE 90. It's priced at $379, which buys 1,000 more RPM of speed versus the 19,000 offered by the RE 90. It also delivers 18 more liters of water per minute (a result of that extra speed) and comes with a built-in detergent tank, instead of a separate detergent sprayer tool. There are three power settings to switch between as well, which help to avoid common pressure washing mistakes like damaging your surfaces with too much power.

On to the actual operating pressure, and power isn't much of an upgrade with the RE 100 model. It yields the same 1,800 PSI operating pressure as the cheaper washer, and the same maximum pressure of 2,170 PSI. However, that's likely to be enough to cope with most household pressure washing tasks. And given the convenience and precision that those additional built-in features add to the unit, the extra bucks are likely to feel like a sound investment for those with regular pressure washing to take care of.

Moving into Stihl's RB line of gas-powered pressure washers, we'll look first at its "entry" model: the RB 200 Gasoline High Pressure Washer. As a whole, the range extends from domestic-grade to more commercial-grade machines. The RB 200 is the smallest and cheapest model in the range, however, it remains almost twice the price of the RE 100 Plus. It currently costs $749, and as you might expect, it somewhat justifies that tag with considerably more pressure as standard. It delivers 2,500 PSI of operating pressure — 400 more than the two electric models featured previously.

As is standard in the RB range, this unit also includes a detergent injector system. This makes cleaning with detergents easier, without having to switch attachments in and out. And since it's gas-powered (and comes mounted on a cart), it's easier to move around your space without worrying about cords — one of the main downsides to electric pressure washers. Of course, gas comes with its own set of maintenance requirements, and you'll need to remember to buy fuel. But if you value portability and have the need for a little extra power to deal with heavy, stubborn grime — and you don't want to spring for commercial-grade equipment — then the RB 200 may at least be worth considering.

Moving into the uppermost model in the RB line's residential-grade pressure washers, the name of the RB 400 Dirt Boss Gasoline High Pressure Washer makes a bold promise right out of the box. It's priced at $979, which is more than $220 more expensive than the RB200. That seems like a lot, however, the price hike buys a few important upgrades that suit it well to those who intend to put their new washer through its paces.

For example, with its 196cc engine (versus the 190cc RB 200) the Dirt Boss yields 200 PSI more in terms of operating pressure, as well as 0.4 gallons more water per minute. It's also built better under the hood, says Stihl, meaning it's better suited to daily use than other models. This is in part thanks to ceramic-coated pistons and the cast-iron engine liner — both of which contribute to the most durable build in Stihl's residential-grade line-up of pressure washers.

It's fair to say that most, if not all, households around the country own some sort of vacuum cleaner. However, while traditional appliances are reserved for dry cleaning only, that only accounts for a portion of the messes modern homeowners have to deal with. This is why a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is worth having around. And while they can set buyers back a significant buck, you don't actually need to spend a fortune in order to arm yourself with decent equipment. As an example, the SE33 Electric Vacuum Cleaner from Stihl is currently priced at $119.99. It's the brand's entry-level model, and as expected, it delivers the least amount of suction power (200 bar) out of all of Stihl's wet/dry cleaning appliances.

However, that's not to say that it's unreliable. According to Stihl, it's a high performer for light-duty wet/dry cleaning wrapped up in a well-priced package. It can handle a variety of cleaning tasks, including both wet and dry cleaning (or regular vacuuming in moisture-prone spaces, like the bathroom). It can also be switched to blower mode, allowing you to clear off dusty surfaces, blow leaves off of your patio, and even use your wet/dry vacuum to clear a clogged drain. The main downsides to this unit, versus the more expensive models, is primarily the amount of waste it can hold in its canister, and the length of the supplied hose and cord. It also yields slightly less suction power. But as you'll see, the difference isn't huge, so if your needs for a wet/dry vacuum are light-duty only, this could well be a cost-effective addition to your household cleaning toolkit.

The next model up in Stihl's SE range of wet/dry cleaning appliances is the SE 62 Electric Vacuum Cleaner. It's priced at $239, which is $120 more than the cheapest model in the line-up. However, those additional dollars buy considerably more in terms of functionality. Starting with power, it offers 10 bar more in the way of suction compared to the SE 33. That's not much, but it could make a difference in areas that are particularly prone to dust and dirt, like garages, sheds, and kitchens. It'll also make daily vacuuming quicker and more efficient. In fact, per Stihl, this particular appliance is designed to be "your vac for heavy-duty household cleanups."

It's equipped with a 5.2-gallon canister, which is 2 gallons larger than the one supplied with the smaller model. It also offers greater freedom of movement, thanks to a 16-foot electrical cord, plus an 8-foot hose that's 2 feet longer than the SE 33's. Of course, you may not need to worry about that if you're only buying a wet/dry cleaner for the occasional spill in the shed. But if you're looking to upgrade your regular household vacuum with something that can also handle wet spills, then you might. If you intend to use it everyday, you may just be glad that you sprung for the additional suction, canister space, and maneuverability.

Moving into the high end of Stihl's wet/dry cleaner category, the SE 122 Electric Wet/Dry Vacuum currently fetches $469.99 — $230 more than the SE 62. And while that difference is almost double that of the two smaller models, the improvements are there to justify it. Firstly, it delivers 250 bar of suction power — an increase of 40 bar compared to the previous model. It also has a 7.9 gallon waste canister, which is 2.7 gallons larger than the cheaper, mid-range unit. A 10-foot suction hose makes it even easier to clean in high and hard to reach areas, and combined with a 25-foot electrical cord, yields 11 extra feet of total reach versus the SE 62.

Of course, with a price tag that's approaching the $500 mark, you may well question your need for such a heavy-duty cleaning tool. As Stihl itself says, the SE 122 is designed as a professional wet/dry vacuum for the toughest cleaning jobs. However, if you have a large house, garage, patio, and shed that all need regular cleaning, then the ease with which this unit is designed to handle heavy messes is unlikely to feel like an extravagance.

Described by Stihl as "the world's most powerful handheld blower throughout the entire battery life," the BGA 250 Battery Powered Blower makes some big promises immediately out of the box. It's $329, which is reasonably pricey for a cordless tool, and it's sold as a "tool only," meaning you'll have to spend extra to power it. However, reading through the specs, we feel that it could well be worth considering for anybody who demands a lot from their cleaning equipment.

Starting with power, the BGA 250 pushes out a maximum velocity of 190 mph. This is more than double that of Stihl's BGA 86, which is only $80 cheaper. The BGA 250 also compares strongly to blowers from other cordless brands. Ryobi's 40V backpack-mounted blower, for example, which costs almost $630, delivers 10 mph less air speed than this tool from Stihl. On the other hand, Ryobi's expels 850 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM), which is around 250 more than Stihl's blower. Still, that's impressive given the scaled-down size of the Stihl blower, not to mention the lower price tag. Ultimately, whether a leaf blower is worth it depends on the nature of your garden. And even if it is, you'll need to choose carefully between a backpack and handheld leaf blower, ensuring your tool blows enough air to actually make your cleanups easier. But if you favor a handheld tool that you can use without too much hassle (and store without too much space), then this compact entry from Stihl is about as good as the brand has to offer.

Offering an upgrade in terms of functionality versus the BGA 250, the SHA 56 Battery Powered Vacuum Shredder is also cheaper, currently priced at $299.99. Per the name, it's designed to help remove leaves from your garden without a rake, sucking them up like a regular vacuum cleaner and dispensing them into a bag. More than that, the unit also shreds the leaves while you vacuum, making them easier to use as mulch or decant into waste disposal bags.

Usefully, the unit doubles as a leaf blower, albeit a slightly less powerful one compared to the BGA 250. It produces 47 mph of air speed, which is considerably less than the 190 mph on offer from the handheld version. The CFM rating is lower, too, in fact it punches out around half the amount of air per minute. However, given that the primary purpose of the tool is to vacuum and shred your leaves, the fact that it has a blower mode at all feels like something of a bonus. And if you like to greencycle your garden's leaves and clippings and repurpose them as mulch, then the utility of this vacuum shredder from Stihl feels like a much more practical choice than an out-and-out blower.

If any of the RB line of Stihl pressure washers caught your eye, then so, too, might this Rotary Surface Cleaner accessory tool. It's compatible with all models in the RB line-up, and is a useful ally in keeping your exterior's hard surfaces clean. It plugs into the pressure washer wand, combining rotating action with pressurized water to remove dirt layers from pathways, patios, and other things you might clean with a pressure washer.

Of course, you don't technically need this rotary tool in order to clean your pathways and patio. In fact, you can just as easily spray them down with one of the nozzles that come with the pressure washer itself. However, when cleaning your paving this way, you can easily make yourself filthy by exposing yourself to sprayback. It's also easy to accidentally damage your surfaces. If you hold the jet too close, or use it on too high a setting, you can accidentally gouge softer stones, like sandstone and limestone. You also risk damaging the grout lines, leaving you needing to refinish your walkways and patio. This tool does away with such concerns, as it meters out the pressure evenly, applying just enough in combination with the rotary brush to lift and remove stubborn grime.

Whether you're cleaning your car or lifting a few winters' worth of grime from your siding, foam is likely to be your friend. Detergent foam clings to vertical surfaces better than regular suds, which in turn gives the chemicals more time to work their magic. Stihl's Foam Nozzle uses the pressurized water from your pressure washer to turn detergents into foam, and it's compatible with all RE pressure washer models.

You can adjust the spray pattern size and the amount of foam you want to apply, depending on how far you need to stretch your detergent — and the severity of the dirt you're trying to remove. It comes with the nozzle itself, plus a plastic, Stihl-branded bottle that you fill with your chosen cleaning solution. And while you might question the need for it given the separate detergent spray attachment that comes with pressure washer models like the RE 90, it seems that this accessory offers something of an upgrade. As one Stihl customer put it, "This foam cannon is way better than the one that comes with the RE 90 from factory. It coats so well I was worried a neighbor would complain about the amount of soap in the driveway."