Ryobi 18V ONE+ EZ CLEAN POWER CLEANER KIT

The 18V ONE+ EZ Clean Power Cleaner from Ryobi caught my interest as a potential solution for light-duty cleaning tasks around the house. As someone who values convenience and portability in tools, I found the idea of a battery-powered cleaner quite appealing. Here’s my detailed experience with this tool.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the Ryobi Power Cleaner strikes a balance between robust design and manageable weight. It’s compact and easy to handle, which is a big plus for those of us who don’t want to lug around heavy equipment. The tool comes with a 3-in-1 nozzle, offering Turbo, 15-degree, and Rinse modes. This versatility is handy, allowing for different levels of cleaning intensity based on the task at hand.

However, it’s important to note that the build quality has its shortcomings. The plastic components, especially the water inlet connection, feel somewhat fragile. During my first use, I was cautious not to apply too much pressure on these parts, fearing they might break. Unfortunately, this concern is valid, as I experienced the water connection snapping off during a routine cleaning task. This is a significant downside, as it compromises the tool’s overall durability.

Performance

The Ryobi Power Cleaner delivers up to 320 PSI, which is adequate for light cleaning tasks. I used it to wash my car, clean patio furniture, and remove dirt from the driveway. The Turbo mode is particularly effective for removing stubborn grime, while the Rinse mode is gentle enough for surfaces that don’t require high pressure.

For car washing, the Power Cleaner is a godsend. I filled a 5-gallon bucket with soapy water and used the siphon hose to draw water. This setup allowed me to move freely around the car without being tethered to a garden hose. The tool efficiently removed dirt and mud, making the job much quicker and less cumbersome than using a traditional hose.

However, when it comes to more demanding tasks like cleaning a driveway or heavy-duty outdoor furniture, the 320 PSI falls short. It’s not powerful enough to remove deeply embedded dirt or stains. For such tasks, a higher PSI pressure washer would be more suitable.

Battery Life and Convenience

One of the standout features of the Ryobi Power Cleaner is its portability. The 18V 4Ah battery provides up to 21 minutes of runtime, which is sufficient for most small to medium-sized cleaning jobs. I found the battery life to be impressive, as I managed to clean my car and a portion of my patio on a single charge.

The convenience of a cordless tool cannot be overstated. Being able to move around without worrying about power cords or finding an electrical outlet is a significant advantage. The tool also comes with a charger, so you can quickly recharge the battery for extended use. This aspect makes the Power Cleaner an attractive option for those with limited access to water sources or power outlets.

Ease of Use

Assembling the Ryobi Power Cleaner is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. The tool is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy-to-switch nozzle settings. I appreciated the simplicity of attaching the siphon hose or garden hose, although the fragility of the water inlet connection remains a concern.

The 20-foot siphon hose is particularly useful for drawing water from alternative sources like a pool or bucket. I used this feature to clean my patio furniture using water from a kiddie pool, which saved me from running a garden hose across the yard. The ability to use different water sources adds a layer of versatility to the tool.

Limitations

While the Ryobi Power Cleaner is convenient and portable, it’s not without its limitations. The primary issue is the fragility of the water connection points. Several users, myself included, have experienced breakage of these components, rendering the tool unusable. This is a significant drawback that Ryobi needs to address to improve the product’s reliability.

Additionally, the tool’s pressure output is limited. For light-duty tasks, it performs well, but it cannot replace a traditional pressure washer for more intensive cleaning jobs. If you’re looking for a tool to handle heavy-duty tasks, this might not be the right choice.

Ergonomics and User Comfort

The ergonomics of the Ryobi Power Cleaner are generally good, though there are areas that could be improved. The handle grip is slightly thick, which might cause discomfort during extended use. I found my hand tiring after prolonged cleaning sessions, particularly when using the Turbo mode, which requires continuous pressure on the trigger.

The weight distribution is also something to consider. While the tool is lightweight, the 3-in-1 nozzle adds some heft to the front, making it slightly unbalanced. This can make handling the tool a bit awkward, especially when reaching for higher or more awkward spots.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ EZ Clean Power Cleaner is a mixed bag. It excels in portability and convenience, making it a great option for light-duty cleaning tasks. The ability to use various water sources and the impressive battery life are notable advantages. However, the fragility of the water connections and the limited pressure output are significant drawbacks that cannot be ignored.

If you need a tool for occasional light cleaning tasks and value the convenience of a cordless design, the Ryobi Power Cleaner can be a useful addition to your toolkit. However, for more demanding cleaning jobs, you might be better off investing in a more robust pressure washer.

Given its limitations, I would cautiously recommend the Ryobi Power Cleaner for specific use cases. It’s a handy tool for car washing, cleaning patio furniture, and other light tasks, but it falls short for heavy-duty jobs. If Ryobi addresses the durability issues, this tool has the potential to be a reliable and versatile cleaning solution.