Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner in 2018 – Reviewed
Driveways, garage floors and pool decks can look dingy after years of dirt and filth build up on these exposed surfaces. If you are looking for a hassle-free way to clean away layers of grime in your home, then a pressure washer surface cleaner might be for you!
A surface cleaner is an attachment for your pressure washer that is designed specifically to clean flat floors, and if you don’t have a pressure washer there are great options as this $100 pressure washer which can be really useful for this purpose. Highly pressurized water is used to clean surfaces inside and outside of your home. These machines work best on flat surfaces and are perfect for tile, marble, linoleum and concrete, providing great results without damaging your surfaces. Surface cleaners are not meant to clean wood decking, so be sure to check your manufacturer’s recommendations before using this accessory on any wood flooring.
Compared to standard spray nozzles, these surface cleaners will cover more ground at a faster rate, adding precious time to your day. The right surface cleaner can simplify even the toughest of cleaning jobs. When shopping for the best pressure washer surface cleaner available there is more to consider than just cost and ease of use. There are many versions on the market today, making it difficult to know which is the right one to choose. We have gathered some of the most popular products on the market to help you decide which surface cleaner is best for your needs.
5 Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Top 5 Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Reviews
1. PowerFit PF31023B Surface Cleaner
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PowerFit products are known for being reliable and high-quality without being expensive, and this unit is no different. Featuring a 15 inch pathway the PowerFit PF31023B is ideal for quickly and efficiently covering large spaces such as driveways and patios.
The PowerFit is rated for use with gas pressure washers up to 3,300 PSI. This unit is slightly heavier than similar models, weight in at 4.28 pounds, and overall dimensions of 15 x 15 x 5.5 inches. The PowerFit will clean 4x faster than a standard jet and provides a streak-free clean due to the dual 1,500 rpm rotating jets. It quickly attaches to nearly any wand using a ¼” quick-connect system.
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2. Karcher 15-Inch Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment
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The Karcher promise is “Cleaner. Quicker.” This unit upholds the promise of the manufacturer. Unlike similar products, the Karcher 15-inch attachment cleans both vertical and horizontal surfaces, allowing you to clean your pathways, garage doors and home siding with ease. Designed to maintain a fixed height throughout cleaning that removes streaks and stripes from your surfaces.
This lightweight surface cleaner is only 3.8 pounds, with dimensions of 15 x 15 x 6.7 inches, and features a splash-free outer skirt to keep you dry as you clean. This unit is compatible with gas power washers up to 3,200 PSI and electric models K1700-K2000.
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3. Yamaha ACC-31056-00-13 Surface Cleaner
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As with all Yamaha products, the ACC-31056-00-13 Surface Cleaner is a top-notch product. Featuring a wide 15” cleaning path it is ideal for cleaning large areas such as sidewalks and garage floors. The rotating nozzles evenly clean surfaces for a streakless surface, and the protective nylon skirt keeps you clean while working.
The unit attaches to any pressure washer wand through quick-connect compatibility for easy set up. The compact design is only 15 x 15 x 3 inches with a weight of 4 pounds. It is recommended use for many gas-powered washers up to 3,300 PSI, and requires just over 3,000 PSI to function properly using hot or cold water.
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4. SIMPSON Cleaning 80166 Universal 15-Inch Steel Surface Scrubber for Cold Water Pressure Washers
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Simpson products are engineered with the singular purpose of removing filth, dirt and grime from nearly any surface. With over 50 years of experience, Simpson products continuously deliver on power, performance and reliability. The SIMPSON Cleaning 80166 is built to last, featuring a high quality assembly including powder coated steel shroud and stainless steel nozzles.
The 15 inch cleaning path will quickly clean garage floors and pool decks, while the dual high-pressure rotating jets ensure streak-free cleaning with limited spray to protect nearby surfaces that you do not want to get wet. The unit is 15 x 7 x 15 inches and weighs only 3.5 pounds. The ¼” quick-connect system provides ease of use. Made for use with cold water pressure washers rated up to 3,400 PSI.
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5. GreenWorks Surface Cleaner Universal Pressure Washer Attachment 30012
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The GreenWorks surface cleaner is made to be durable and user-friendly. This 11 inch cleaning accessory can quickly clean sidewalks and patios, and at only 1.8 pounds and 10.5 x 11.75 x 11.25 inches is very compact and easy to use. It is compatible with all GreenWorks Pressure Washers and with most other electric pressure washers up to 2,000 PSI.
Don’t let the 2,000 PSI maximum fool you, the GreenWorks tool provides excellent value in its cleaning ability, cost and ease of use. You will not sacrifice power or performance to complete your task with this attachment.
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How To Choose the Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
Versatility is one of key benefits of surface cleaners in comparison to standard pressure washer wands. They are efficient enough for cleaning large surface areas, but are easy enough to use to spot clean spills or stains in confined areas. They have the ability to be gentler than other pressure cleaning options, but still have the power to strip away old varnish or paint from a deck. They are also cleaner than standard nozzles as the rotating jets are enclosed in the arm bar’s housing, often times protected by a skirt, that limits the amount of dirt and water thrown into the surrounding space.
A common complaint is that a pressure washer will leave streaks and spikes on the clean surface if the nozzle is not held at the same distance from the flooring the entire time. For a small area it may be possible to maintain this consistency, though it is not realistic for large surfaces. A surface cleaner eliminates these streaks as the pressure is consistent on each pass over a surface. An added bonus for surface cleaners is that they use less water than a traditional sprayer. The consistent pressure provided by the surface cleaner means that the water leaves the cleaner at the equal rate of the pressure.
While surface cleaners have many benefits, there are negative factors of which to be aware. As with pressure washers, they are incredibly loud. On average, they use 1.5 to 2 gallons of water per minute. To avoid possible surface damage from your pressure washer or cleaner, read the instruction manual for which surfaces to avoid. If used incorrectly, high pressure washing can damage wood and masonry surfaces by forcing water deep into the floors and preventing drying. Areas with poor drainage can also be a cause for concern as flooding is possible.
You have read through the product descriptions of many of the top cleaners on the market, and you have learned about the benefits of using a surface cleaner over a standard spray nozzle, but you may still be asking yourself which option is best. Below are additional items to consider when shopping for a surface cleaner that fits all of your needs.
Check the compatibility of your current pressure washer to the requirements of the surface cleaner, especially in regards to the functionality with gas or electric powered pressure washers. The power of your pressure washer is measured by pounds per square inch (PSI), and a sprayer rated with a higher PSI will clean better and faster. It is important that your surface cleaner match these ratings to ensure that the correct amount of pressure can be created to move the required amount of water. You will also want to verify that you are purchasing the correct diameter surface head.
Cost will be a factor in choosing the unit that works best for you. It may not be worth buying the most expensive unit if you are only cleaning a small patio once a year. If you are planning larger projects, or using your surface cleaner as part of your business, the cost may be a worthwhile expense for high-quality.
The final considerations are the functions and usability. If the goal of your new purchase is to be used in a professional setting, you might need something large than a 15 inch path to complete client jobs in a more timely manner. A lightweight attachment will prevent user-fatigue when cleaning large areas such as driveways.
Conclusion
Each of the above options have pros and cons in design to be considered, but each will provide an exceptional clean. The best purchase for you is dependent on which fits your budget and your needs. The GreenWorks Surface Cleaner Universal Pressure Washer Attachment 30012 is the most lightweight of the units, making it very user-friendly, though it has the smallest cleaning path at only 11 inches. The PowerFit PF31023B Surface Cleaner, 15-Inch uses dual 1,500 rpm rotating metal jets for a powerful clean, but is only able to clean flat surfaces. The SIMPSON Cleaning 80166 Universal 15-Inch Steel Surface Scrubber has excellent durability with its powder-coated steel shroud, though it is only compatible for cold water.
When reviewing all aspects of an efficient surface cleaner, the Karcher 15-Inch Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment is the clear winner. The ability to clean vertical surfaces makes this a multi-purpose tool and vastly increases the uses beyond flooring. You will be able to clean like a professional on a wide array of surfaces with this attachment. The inclusion of a stay-dry skirt also adds increased value to the product making it more efficient to use. For a powerful, affordable and versatile product, you cannot go wrong with the Karcher promise.
About the Author Darrell Webster
I believe there is a handyman in all of us as long as you have the right tools. I started this blog to help anyone who is interested in fixing things to learn their way around the different tools and to know how to perform different DIY tasks. I have been doing this for years and believe I am a master of this art.