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Cleaning large surfaces and removing grime from driveways, tennis courts, roofs, and home exteriors are a breeze with the right power washer surface cleaner.
A pressure washer surface cleaner is ideal for cleaning large surfaces like driveways, decks, exterior walls, garage floors, parking lots, pool areas, semi-trailer floors, walkways, factory floors, warehouses, tennis courts, roofs, sidewalks, large areas, and other surfaces. Surface cleaners quickly cover more ground than a spray wand to remove dirt for efficient cleaning. Pressure washer spray wands are ideal for tight spaces, corners, and hard-to-reach areas but often leave streaks on large flat surfaces.
Surface cleaners are round tools that attach to the end of a pressure washer wand. Underneath the large round disc is a spinning wand with pressure nozzles on each end. The spinning wand evenly distributes the water pressure across the surface to clean it without leaving streaks. Surface cleaners take the guesswork out of pressure washing and allow you to make grimy surfaces clean and streak-free. They help remove buildup and residue such as algae, oil and grease, fuel, dirt, and stains from flat asphalt or concrete surfaces.
Our top choices for quality pressure washer surface cleaners were based on performance, construction quality, ease of use, durability, use with hot or cold water, weight, and versatility. Some are excellent for professional projects, while others are perfect for home cleaning. Let’s see how these pressure washer surface cleaners stack up.
Our Top Choice EVEAGE 14.5” Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner With Wheels
Second Choice Simpson Universal 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Third Choice Briggs & Stratton 14″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Best for Your Budget Karcher 15″ Surface Cleaner
Best High-Pressure Model SurfaceMaxx Pro 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Best Option for Gas Ryobi 16″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Best Option for Electric Greenworks 11″ Rotating Surface Cleaner
Best 20-Inch Simpson Universal 20″ Industrial Surface Cleaner
Second Choice for 20-Inch Edou 20″ Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
How We Chose the Top Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners
Each of the top 9 surface cleaners was performance tested on concrete driveways, uneven wooden decks, vinyl house siding, and fencing. These cleaners demonstrated durability and were ranked based on ease of use, maneuverability, cleaning power, user comfort on horizontal and vertical surfaces, and ability to remove grime. These models were tested with a range of pressure washers from 1,800 PSI for the low-pressure surface cleaners up to 4,200 PSI for the high-pressure models. The mid-range PSI used for testing was 2,700 PSI, which represents most average pressure washers.
The mid-size 14-inch to 16-inch is the most versatile and offers a mix of affordability and lightweight construction. While the large, 20-inch surface cleaners provide more surface coverage, they are more than most homeowners need and are best suited to commercial projects. Smaller surface cleaners also offer compact storage, which may be a determining factor for some buyers. Models with wheels are easier to navigate on large surfaces like concrete or asphalt driveways.
When choosing the best pressure washer surface cleaner on the market, it comes down to the features most important to you. Each one of these machines will get the job done, but they all have pros and cons. Some will save you money with a lower price tag, while others have more power for heavy-duty work, and some are larger to make quick work of large flat surfaces, like factory floors or semi trailer floors.
Our Top Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners
We compared each model below and ranked them based on performance and features. Check out the pros and cons of each device to find the machine that fits your needs.
1. EVEAGE 20″ Sewage Recovery Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Type: Professional
Size: 20-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 4,000
Minimum PSI: 2,000
Price Range: Expensive
Power Source: Most Gas pressure washers
The EVEAGE 20″ sewage recovery surface cleaner has an adjustable dual handle that, along with sturdy wheels, makes this cleaner easy to manage on large surfaces. Unlike many other surface cleaners, the sewage recovery feature also allows you to remove dirty water from the surface while you’re cleaning. And, with up to 4,000 PSI, you get more cleaning power than lower-pressure models. This cleaner is a bit heavier than other machines due to heavy-duty construction for the higher-pressure washer PSI. A great professional-grade option, perfect for extended use on your concrete driveway.
Simpson Universal 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
2. Simpson Universal 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Type: Semipro
Size: 15-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 3,700
Minimum PSI: 2,200
Price Range: Competitive, but not cheap
Power Source: Most Gas pressure washers
The Simpson Universal 15″ surface cleaner came in second due to its durability and ease of use. This model features a 1/4″ quick connect that snaps right onto the end of a pressure washer wand. Without a grease fitting, this surface cleaner features powder-coated steel and rust-resistant nozzles.
One of the cons of this model is that it doesn’t have wheels, which means more effort for larger areas.
Briggs & Stratton 14″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
3. Briggs & Stratton 14″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Type: Semipro
Size: 14-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 3,400
Minimum PSI: 2,200
Price Range: Competitive, but not cheap
Power Source: Smaller electric and gas pressure washers
This smaller, lightweight model weighs 3.5 pounds, making it easy to clean horizontal and vertical surfaces. The quick connect fitting makes for easy attachment to a wand. The Briggs & Stratton surface cleaner feels easy to use and maneuver, probably due to its smaller size. The model is slightly noisier than other models tested.
Karcher 15″ Surface Cleaner
4. Karcher 15″ Surface Cleaner
Type: Semipro
Size: 15-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 3,200
Minimum PSI: 2,600
Price Range: Competitive, on the cheaper end
Power Source: Most electric and gas pressure washers
Just under 4 pounds, this lightweight model offers powerful cleaning on flat or vertical exteriors. With a 1/4″ quick connect, it quickly attaches to a wand. Although this model does not have the higher pressure rating that some have, it is budget-friendly.
SurfaceMaxx Pro 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
5. SurfaceMaxx Pro 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Type: Professional-grade
Size: 15-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 4,500
Minimum PSI: 2,800
Price Range: On the more expensive end
Power Source: Most gas-pressure washers
Higher pressure and stainless steel construction offer pro-grade quality cleaning on a driveway or deck with grime or debris. Although the cleaning result is average at the minimum pressure, the unit performs best at 4,200 PSI. This machine does not work with hot water, but does have a 1/4″ quick-connect attachment.
Ryobi 16″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
6. Ryobi 16″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Type: Semipro
Size: 16-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 3,700
Minimum PSI: 2,700
Price Range: Competitive, on the cheaper end
Power Source: Most mid-sized gas-powered pressure washers
Wheels make all the difference on the 16″ Ryobi pressure washer. The 16-inch diameter means this cleaner covers a lot of ground, and the wheels make it easy to control and maneuver. It works with most medium-sized gas-powered pressure washers. It has plastic construction rather than steel, but it is still a great option.
Greenworks 11″ Rotating Surface Cleaner
7. Greenworks 11″ Rotating Surface Cleaner
Type: Consumer
Size: 11-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 2,000
Price Range: Inexpensive
Power Source: Most smaller electric pressure washers
As the smallest and most inexpensive on our list, the Greenworks 11″ cleaner is perfect for beginners and lightweight projects. It features a 1/4″ quick connect fitting for easy attachment. Although not as powerful on projects like a driveway where grime and stains build up, it is a good option for occasionally cleaning sidewalks and areas that are not too dirty. Perfect for vinyl siding and small decks. If you only need a simple, low-power option, this model has limited use but will save you money. It will also save you storage space.
Simpson Universal 20″ Industrial Surface Cleaner
8. Simpson Universal 20″ Industrial Surface Cleaner
Type: Professional-grade
Size: 20-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 4,200
Minimum PSI: 3,450
Price Range: Expensive
Power Source: Most pressure washers
The most heavy-duty and expensive cleaner on our list, the Simpson Universal 20″ is a powerful professional-grade unit. The 3/8″ quick connection fitting works with high-pressure washer hoses. An ergonomic handle makes this comfortable for use on a large driveway or in areas with heavy dirt deposits. It works with water up to 212° F.
Edou 20″ Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
9. Edou 20″ Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Type: Professional-grade
Size: 20-Inch diameter
Maximum PSI: 4,000
Minimum PSI: 1,600
Price Range: Expensive
Power Source: Most gas-powered pressure washers
The second choice for professional grade options, Edou’s 20″ heavy-duty option comes with two 17″ extensions for the wand, which makes it adjustable for users of different heights. It is too large for some projects but ideal for large, open spaces.
Quick Glance at Our Top Favorite Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners
- Our Top Choice EVEAGE 14.5” Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner With Wheels
- Second Choice Simpson Universal 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
- Third Choice Briggs & Stratton 14″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
- Best for Your Budget Karcher 15″ Surface Cleaner
- Best High-Pressure Model SurfaceMaxx Pro 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
- Best Option for Gas Ryobi 16″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
- Best Option for Electric Greenworks 11″ Rotating Surface Cleaner
- Best 20-Inch Simpson Universal 20″ Industrial Surface Cleaner
- Second Choice for 20-Inch Edou 20″ Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Features to Look for in a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
A pressure washer surface cleaner is an incredible tool. With the power of a pressure washer, a surface cleaner will blast away grime from all sorts of horizontal surfaces. It will make your decks and concrete clean and streak-free. Of course, there are many options to consider when choosing a surface cleaner. Here are just a few to help you in your search.
Type of Model
Surface cleaners can be as consumer-grade, semipro, or professional-grade. Consumer-grade models are less expensive than the other types. They usually work with electric washers at lower pressures than the semipro and pro-grade options. Semipro surface cleaners offer higher power and heavier-duty nozzles than consumer-grade and are very popular for DIY projects. Professional grade surface cleaners are expensive, can use hot water, and operate at higher pressure. Perfect for full-time professionals.
The Power Source
Two power sources for pressure washers include gas and electricity. Surface cleaners also have ratings for either gas or electric. Gasoline-powered pressure washers provide more power than electric models. It is best to choose a surface cleaner that works best with the power source of your pressure washer. Using a gas-powered pressure washer with a surface cleaner best rated for use with electricity may cause damage to your cleaner. An electric pressure washer may not have enough power to drive the nozzles on a surface cleaner rated for use with gas.
Weights and Storage Size
Size and weight matter, especially when using surface cleaners on vertical areas. If you plan to use a surface cleaner on your vinyl siding, fences, or exterior walls, you should consider one of the lighter-weight models.
PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)
Surface cleaners have a maximum of pounds per square inch. The PSI measurement refers to how much pressure the unit can handle. Most consumer-grade surface cleaners utilize around 2,000 PSI, which is appropriate for DIY projects like cleaning decks or lightly stained areas. Semipro models will typically range between 2,500 and 4,200 PSI. These are ideal for concrete floors. Higher pressure models are available at around 4,500 PSI, but these are professional grade and are too powerful for most DIY projects.
GPM (Gallons per Minute)
The gallons per minute rating refers to how many gallons of water a surface cleaner will use in one minute. When choosing a surface cleaner, be sure your pressure washer can supply enough GPM to meet the minimum requirement for the surface cleaner. If a pressure washer only provides 2 GPM to a surface cleaner that needs a minimum of 3 GPM, the surface cleaner will not be able to clean effectively.
Hot or Cold Water
Not every model of surface cleaner will handle hot water. If you need to use hot water with your surface cleaner, look for a semi-professional or professional-grade model.
Why Have a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner?
Owning a surface cleaner is much more cost-effective than hiring a crew each time you need to have something cleaned. Whether you own a business where you need a quick way to get dirt and grime off of factory floors, or a machine to scrub the sidewalks and driveway at home, there is a tool for you.
When you have a surface cleaner, you can clean up dirt and spills before they leave a stain. It will help you keep your driveway in great shape without the effort of scrubbing.
Although a surface cleaner may feel like an investment, you will save a lot of money by purchasing one rather than paying someone to clean for you. Surface cleaners are versatile tools that, along with a pressure washer spray wand, will allow you to keep different areas clean.
Please note that you should not use surface cleaners on your car as they may scratch the finish.
