The best models in the test!: Pressure washers that simply clean everything.

Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors knows the problem: After a ride, shoes, jackets, or bikes are often covered in mud and dirt – and that's exactly when a portable cleaner is invaluable. High-pressure cleaners seem practical at first glance, but are usually too aggressive for sensitive outdoor gear. Portable low-pressure cleaners offer the ideal solution: They remove dirt thoroughly without damaging materials like membranes, leather, or bearings – and they do it right on the spot, before the dirt even gets into your car or tent. Our sister magazine MOUNTAINBIKE tested both high- and low-pressure cleaners.

The Kärcher pressure was even explicitly approved by the manufacturer for bicycle cleaning.

Regardless of the fact that the six models perform their task satisfactorily in different ways, wasn't there always a big "but"? Yes, because for years we've actually advised against using any pressure washer or steam cleaner on bicycles. However, this is different with these devices. Their water pressures are significantly lower, ranging from about three to a maximum of 55 bar. For comparison: A pressure washer in a car wash shoots water out of the lance at a harsh 100 to 120 bar . In the worst-case scenario, this pressure forces dirt and water into the delicate bearings and damages them. The lower pressure of these portable devices is gentler, but all of them still have sufficient power for fresh trail mud. Dry mud is also possible; however, it's advisable to pre-treat the bike or gear to avoid wasting water.

To ensure the desired mobility, five of the pressure washers have an internal battery . In terms of runtime, all the pressure washers easily empty their water tanks, some even several times. The Kärcher Plus model, with its seven-liter capacity, provided enough water for up to two bikes in our test. Greenworx and Worx handle significantly more – or simply clean even more thoroughly. The Aqua2Go manages four and a half tankfuls of water on a single battery charge, which is around 90 liters! The Red Cycling model doesn't require a battery – it's powered via the car's cigarette lighter socket.

There are significant differences in the water jet's variability. The Kärcher, for example, only has one setting, and the jet can only be adjusted using an optional accessory head. The Worx Hydroshot, on the other hand, has a five-way adjustable pressure head: in addition to various fanned steam jets, it also delivers a pinpoint and shower spray , and furthermore offers two different pressure levels. We missed having a locking function for the power button on all the cleaners. Continuous operation becomes particularly strenuous with the Greenworks.