Ryobi 18V ONE+ EZCLEAN POWER CLEANER

Owning a versatile cleaning tool can make a significant difference in maintaining various surfaces around your home. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ EZClean Power Cleaner, model RY120350, promises to be that handy device, offering up to 320 PSI of cleaning power. As a long-time user of Ryobi tools, I was eager to see how this portable power cleaner would perform on a range of tasks, from washing my car to cleaning patio furniture and even handling some light-duty outdoor chores.

First Impressions and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner is compact and lightweight, which is a big plus for those quick, grab-and-go cleaning tasks. Assembly was straightforward, taking only a couple of minutes. The tool comes with a 3-in-1 nozzle that offers Turbo, Rinse, and 15-degree spray patterns, giving you flexibility for various cleaning needs. The inclusion of a 20-foot siphon hose, a 2-liter bottle adaptor, and a garden hose connector adds to its versatility.

Performance

Car Washing

One of the first tasks I tackled was washing my car, a frequent necessity given my muddy job site. Using the siphon hose with a 5-gallon bucket of mildly soapy water, I found the power cleaner to be quite efficient. The Turbo mode provided enough pressure to remove loose dirt and grime without being overly aggressive on the paint. The Rinse mode was particularly useful for washing off soap suds without splashing residue everywhere. This setup allowed me to walk around the car easily, making the task less cumbersome compared to dragging a traditional hose.

Patio Furniture and Outdoor Surfaces

Next, I moved on to cleaning my patio furniture and some outdoor surfaces like the deck and driveway. Here, the 15-degree nozzle came in handy. While the cleaner doesn't match the power of a full-sized pressure washer, it was effective for light-duty tasks. It handled algae on the mortar between bricks and cleaned my patio mats and chairs with ease. The 20-foot siphon hose was especially useful for drawing water from my pool, making it convenient for areas without a direct water source.

Battery Life

The power cleaner operates on an 18V ONE+ 4Ah lithium battery, which Ryobi claims provides up to 21 minutes of runtime. In my experience, the battery life was sufficient for most small to medium cleaning tasks. I found that a single charge was enough to wash my car and clean the patio furniture without needing to recharge. However, for more extended cleaning sessions, having an extra battery on hand would be beneficial.

Build Quality and Durability

While the Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner excels in portability and ease of use, its build quality leaves something to be desired. The water inlet connection is a known weak point. It broke during my initial use, and I had to replace it with a more robust fitting from a hardware store. This fragility is a significant drawback, especially if you plan to use the tool frequently. The plastic components feel less durable compared to other Ryobi tools I've used, which is disappointing for a brand known for its reliability.

Ergonomics

Ergonomically, the tool is a mixed bag. The hand grip is on the thicker side, which may cause fatigue during extended use, especially if you have average-sized hands. The 3-in-1 nozzle, while convenient, adds to the overall weight of the unit, making it somewhat cumbersome for longer cleaning tasks. A more streamlined design or separate nozzles for each spray pattern could potentially mitigate this issue.

Versatility

One of the standout features of the Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner is its versatility. The ability to switch between a siphon hose, a 2-liter bottle, and a garden hose for water supply makes it adaptable to various situations. I found the siphon hose particularly useful for cleaning my dock, where I don't have a running water source but can easily draw from the lake. The tool's ability to apply cleaners or pesticides using the 2-liter bottle adaptor is another practical feature, adding to its versatility.

Noise Level and Storage

The noise level of the power cleaner is relatively low, making it less intrusive than gas-powered pressure washers. Storage is also convenient due to its compact size, and it fits easily in a garage or shed without taking up much space.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ EZClean Power Cleaner is a convenient and versatile tool for light-duty cleaning tasks. Its portability and ease of use make it a good option for quick jobs around the house, such as washing cars, cleaning patio furniture, and handling small outdoor chores. However, its build quality, particularly the fragile water inlet connection, is a significant drawback. The tool's ergonomics could also be improved for more comfortable extended use.

Would I recommend the Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner? It depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a lightweight, portable solution for occasional light-duty cleaning tasks and already own other Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools (and thus have spare batteries), this tool can be a handy addition to your arsenal. However, if you require a more robust and durable solution for frequent or heavy-duty cleaning, you might want to consider other options or a more traditional pressure washer.