The Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners for Driveways, Patios, Decks, and More

When pressure washing an area exposed to foot and vehicle traffic, a pressure washer surface cleaner can provide a better, more consistent clean than using the wand alone. To find the best, we tested 14 highly rated models on a large concrete driveway. Our favorite was the Simpson Universal, a versatile model that can withstand heavy-duty use. 

A pressure washer surface cleaner is a disc-shaped tool that connects to the end of your pressure washer wand. Under the disc is a spinning wand with pressure nozzles at each end that clean a surface quickly and efficiently while saving time and water.

We scoured the market and researched top-rated pressure washer surface cleaners in various categories. We did a deep dive into the specifications, features, and customer reviews. Then, we tested each one to find out how it would perform on a variety of common outdoor cleaning projects, such as ridding dirt and grime from driveways and walkways. Read on to learn more about how we chose the best pressure washer surface cleaners and how each of our picks performed in testing.

1. BEST OVERALL: Simpson Universal 15″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Karcher 15″ Universal Surface Cleaner
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3. BEST FOR ELECTRIC: Greenworks 11″ Rotating Surface Cleaner
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4. BEST PROFESSIONAL: Simpson Universal 20″ Industrial Surface Cleaner
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5. BEST FOR GAS: Ryobi 15” Gas Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
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6. BEST LARGE: Westinghouse 16.5″ Stainless Steel Surface Cleaner
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7. BEST LOW PRESSURE: SurfaceMaxx 14” Surface Cleaner
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8. BEST DURABLE: Karcher 15” Metal Surface Cleaner With Wheels
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Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

We tested the following models on a variety of surfaces. Read on to find out how each performed and whether one may be right for your next cleaning project.

Our Ratings

DIYers hunting for a quality pressure washer surface cleaner that can be attached to a wand may want to check out this model from Simpson. This semipro model features a 15-inch deck made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel for durability. With a 3,700-PSI maximum rating and a 140-degrees-Fahrenheit maximum water temperature rating, it works with most gas-powered cold-water pressure washers.

This pressure washer surface cleaner from Simpson features a ¼-inch quick-connect fitting. The fitting allows users to snap their pressure washer wand on and off the unit with ease. While it doesn’t have a grease fitting, the stainless steel wand and nozzles resist corrosion from typical use.

While most of the other midsize models we tested were housed in plastic, the powder-coated steel housing and stiff ¾-inch bristle ring felt much more durable. The rotating spray arm worked smoothly and quietly. The price was competitive, but it was not cheap.

What our tester says: “I especially liked the combination of durability and performance in the Simpson 15-inch surface cleaner. It was large enough to clean 500 square feet of driveway in less than 5 minutes and also lightweight enough to use comfortably on vertical surfaces like my fence.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Simpson 15″ pressure washer surface cleaner at Amazon, Tractor Supply, or Grainger. 

Our Ratings

Those looking to stretch their surface cleaner pressure washer budget as far as it will go may want to check out the Karcher 15-Inch Surface Cleaner. This unit is compatible with a gas-powered or electric pressure washer machine with ¼-inch quick-connect fittings, doubling the value of this model. This is unlike many of Karcher’s homeowner-grade pressure washer cleaners that accept only Karcher-specific nozzles.

This model from Karcher features a maximum operating pressure of 3,200 PSI, offering a high-powered approach without a bank-breaking price tag. The entire kit weighs just under 4 pounds, so it’s suitable for cleaning vertical surfaces like fences, concrete walls, and more. 

We noted that the maximum pressure rating on this budget-friendly Karcher 15-inch surface cleaner is close to that of the gas pressure washer we used for testing. It cleared debris well; however, we did note that cleaning power was somewhat less than that of the Simpson 15″ and Briggs & Stratton models, requiring a second pass in some heavily soiled areas. 

What our tester says: “I only experienced minor kickback with no clogging or damage to the unit. The spray arm turned smoothly and the higher water volume flushed away debris easily.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Karcher 15″ pressure washer surface cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings

Outfitting a large pressure washer surface cleaner onto an electric model is bound to disappoint, so Greenworks offered an answer. This small pressure washer surface cleaner​ was designed for a maximum pressure of 2,000 PSI for efficient cleaning with lightweight electric pressure washers. And with its 11-inch width, most of those pressure washers can handle it.

This electric pressure washer surface cleaner might be light-duty, but it’s fitted with some sturdy features. The Greenworks has a ¼-inch quick-connect fitting that users can attach directly to a wand for stand-up use or to a hose for handheld scrubbing on vertical surfaces. And since it weighs less than 2 pounds, it’s a breeze to push around.

We tested the Greenworks surface cleaner using a 1,800-PSI 1.1-GPM electric pressure washer. Because of the lower pressure and flow rate, the cleaning performance was weaker than the other models we tested on more powerful machines. 

It was significantly slower than the others on the driveway (although twice as fast as the electric pressure washer with a conventional 40-degree spray nozzle), but it did the job. It worked well for light-duty cleaning on fairly smooth vertical and horizontal surfaces like vinyl siding, wood privacy fence, and a small deck, which is where a portable pressure washer makes the greatest impact.

Get the Greenworks pressure washer surface cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

For the largest and toughest cleaning jobs, the Simpson 20-inch industrial pressure washer surface cleaner is a go-to tool. It works with cold-water or hot-water (up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit) power washers that deliver 2.3 to 4.0 GPM at 3,450 to 4,500 PSI. The 20-inch rotating spray arm offers 10 times the coverage of a spray wand with a 40-degree nozzle. This is a great choice for scrubbing the largest and dirtiest driveways, patios, decks, sidewalks, and more.

The large powder-coated steel housing and stiff bristles prevent overspray and provide excellent corrosion resistance. Brass sprayer components and an in-line filter increase the cleaner’s durability. A ⅜-inch quick-connect coupler provides the attachment to the high-pressure hose. The ergonomic handle with handlebar-style grips reduces operator fatigue on big jobs. 

Our 4,200-PSI 3.2-GPM pressure washer delivered plenty of water pressure and flow to operate this Simpson surface cleaner. The large coverage area and powerful water-handling ability of this tool made quick work of our driveway test area, cleaning 1,000 square feet of concrete in just under 15 minutes. It also did a great job on the main part of the deck without damaging the wood, but it was really too large and bulky to properly reach the edges and corners. 

The handle setup was comfortable, making it easy to control the surface cleaner, but it also increased the amount of clearance we needed to navigate the space. This professional pressure washer surface cleaner​ would be an excellent choice for someone who makes their living pressure-washing driveways or other large, open spaces.

Get the Simpson 20″ pressure washer surface cleaner at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

Ryobi’s gas pressure surface cleaner is a powerful cleaning tool. It works with gas pressure washers producing at least 2,500 PSI and up to 3,400 PSI. We tested it using a 2,900-PSI 2.5-GPM Ryobi gas-powered pressure washer. With this dynamic duo, we were able to clean a four-car concrete driveway, about 500 square feet, in about 30 minutes. It sits on three caster wheels that rolled well over the driveway and made it easy to control. While we had to pass over some areas two or three times, we were able to clean with relative ease, avoiding striping, streaks, and other inconsistencies. 

Our only concern was with build quality. While it worked flawlessly and we didn’t experience any damage, this pressure washer surface cleaner simply has more plastic parts than others we tested, suggesting that it may not last as long. It also has a narrower 15-inch cleaning path, though it cleaned so well that we didn’t find it took any longer than the wider models we tested.

Get the Ryobi 15” pressure washer surface cleaner at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

Westinghouse’s surface cleaner pressure washer attachment​ is built to last and handle large jobs. With its all-metal stainless steel construction, it’s more durable than pressure washer surface cleaners with plastic parts. It sits on four casters and comes with two extensions for connecting to a pressure washer wand. 

We used this large surface cleaner for pressure wash on a driveway and found it produces excellent results, albeit with the right size pressure washer. Its wheels coupled with its light weight made it easy to push around the driveway. It also produced excellent cleaning results, provided we supplied it with ample pressure. When attached to our gas pressure washer, it blasted away mildew, green algae, and stains in a single pass with no streaking or stripes thanks to its dual rotating jets. At 16.5 inches wide, the Westinghouse pressure washer can cover a lot of ground quickly. We were able to cover 600 square feet of driveway and sidewalk in under 30 minutes.

With a wider cleaning width comes a greater demand for power. This pressure washer is built to handle a max pressure of up to 4,400 PSI and max flow of 4.2 GPM. Thus, it didn’t clean nearly as well with our electric pressure washer, which wasn’t able to create the flow rate and pressure needed to remove dirt. 

Get the Westinghouse 16.5” pressure washer surface cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Co.

Our Ratings

The SurfaceMaxx surface cleaner is an affordable option for cleaning smaller driveways and patios. It uses dual spray nozzles and works with gas and electric pressure washers ranging from 1,600 to 3,400 PSI and covers a 14-inch-wide path. During testing, the SurfaceMaxx performance was mixed. It cleaned our concrete driveway with our electric pressure washer, but it took several passes to fully clean the surface, which ultimately slowed us down. Its performance was significantly better with our gas pressure washer, cleaning away grime and algae in two passes. 

Unlike other concrete pressure washer surface cleaners we tested, this one does not sit on wheels. Instead, it rides on a stiff-bristled brush that surrounds the rim of the surface cleaner. While this served to scrub the driveway, which helped with mildew and mold removal, it made it harder to push around. 

While the SurfaceMaxx pressure washer is made mostly of plastic, it does have a durable feel to it. However, we wouldn’t expect it to last as long as pressure washers we tested with more metal parts. It is one of the most affordable pressure washer surface cleaners we tested, costing a fraction of other models. Given its performance and build quality, it’s a good option for smaller driveways or cleaning patios, sidewalks, and decks. 

Get the SurfaceMaxx 14” pressure washer surface cleaner at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or SurfaceMaxx.

Our Ratings

Karcher’s metal surface cleaner is equipped to clean large driveways with a max PSI and large size. It can handle pressure washers ranging from 2,600 to 4,000 PSI and a max 4.0 GPM. We hooked it up to a gas pressure washer with 2,900 PSI and a flow rate of 2.4 GPM with two spinning nozzles. The Karcher cleaned well, removing layers of grime in just a few passes. We were able to clear about 500 square feet in 30 minutes. The Karcher removed mildew but did leave some stubborn algae. Using a high-pressure washer that’s closer to the surface cleaner’s max PSI probably would have removed this tougher grime. The Karcher was less effective using an electric power system with lower flow. It’s clearly a surface cleaner that demands the muscle of a gas-powered pressure washer. 

The Karcher 15-inch pressure washer surface cleaner with wheels​ sits on two casters that allow us to roll it easily across the concrete. Once up and running, this concrete pressure washer requires very little physical exertion to move it around. It’s durably built with all stainless steel construction. There’s also a skirt that surrounds the rim of the machine, preventing debris from kicking out from under the surface cleaner. 

Get the Karcher pressure washer surface cleaner on Amazon.

ALSO TESTED

Karcher 11″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner

When searching for a consumer-grade pressure washer surface cleaner, the Karcher 11-inch surface cleaner may be worth considering. This affordable option hooks to electric Karcher model pressure washers with a maximum pressure of 2,300 PSI, allowing users to get more utility out of their washers. However, the connectors are not universal like the ¼-inch quick-connect couplers on all of the others tested. For this one, we would specifically need a Karcher electric pressure washer, so it has a significant limitation.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners

With different tool capabilities and different users in mind, we decided to test these surface cleaners with a range of different pressure washers. Our go-to machines were a 2,700-PSI 2.3-GPM gas pressure washer and 2,900-PSI 2.4-GPM machine. We felt like these pressure washers represented a good midrange pressure and flow rate that would work for the broadest number of users. For the low-pressure surface cleaners we used a 1,800-PSI 1.1-GPM electric pressure washer. A 4,200-PSI 3.2-GPM machine served as the tester for the most powerful surface cleaners.

Our primary testing area was a large concrete driveway divided into 500-square-foot sections. The test involved installing the surface cleaner onto the pressure washer, giving it a quick trial to ensure that the pressure and flow rate of the machine were appropriate for the attachment, then running a timed cleaning of the 500-square-foot section. 

During this phase we assessed each surface cleaner for actual cleaning power, user comfort, and perceived durability. We also tested each model on a wooden deck to get a feel for maneuverability in smaller spaces and on uneven surfaces. Finally, each of the lightweight models was tested on a vertical surface: a wood privacy fence, vinyl house siding, or a low concrete wall. We didn’t use any pressure washer soap during testing.

Our scoring favored the versatility of midsize, wheelless surface cleaners. The 14-inch to 16-inch models tended to offer the best blend of durability, lightweight construction, multisurface performance, and cleaning power for a competitive price. However, we also noted the practicality of smaller electric-powered models for limited use where storage space comes at a premium. The largest models, especially those with wheels, lend themselves to extended use on large expanses, which some customers will appreciate.

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner

Pressure washer surface cleaners are efficient concrete cleaners and can make quick work of tidying up a number of heavily soiled outdoor surfaces. But there’s quite a bit to know before choosing one. The following sections include the most important considerations to keep in mind when selecting the best pressure washer surface cleaner based on your needs.

Material and Durability

Pressure washers come in a variety of different build qualities. Models designed for home use have plastic housing with brass and steel fittings and nozzles. These consumer-grade pressure washer surface cleaners are suitable for home use, cleaning smaller concrete driveways and walkways. They’re also lightweight, making them a good choice for cleaning vertical surfaces, like a fence. Professional-grade pressure washers have stainless steel construction, so they can endure bigger cleaning projects, higher pressure and water flow, and more frequent use. They’re more expensive but worth it if you’re cleaning a larger driveway or using a large gas pressure washer. 

Ease of Use

Pressure washers all work and connect with pressure washers very similarly. They have quick connections that allow you to attach them to the pressure washer wand in seconds. But once up and running, they can vary in how easy they are to push around. Pressure washer surface cleaners typically sit on casters, which allow you to roll them around the driveway. More affordable models may simply sit on a stiff brush skirt, requiring more effort to push them over a driveway. 

Power Source

Pressure washing equipment uses one of two power sources: gas or electric. And as such, many of the best pressure washer surface cleaners are rated for specific power sources. Since gasoline-powered models offer more pressure than electric models, the pressure washer surface cleaners for gas machines are more robust. 

Why is this important? Since they use water volume to power the spinning, there are no electrical components driving the wand or nozzles under the surface cleaner. Using a gasoline-powered model with an electric corded or cordless pressure washer might not provide enough pressure to spin the wands. The opposite is also a big pressure washer mistake and could destroy the surface cleaner. 

Deck Size and Weight

Just like the different power sources and grades, pressure washer surface cleaners come in a variety of sizes and weights. When it comes to DIY applications, size is the most important.

The most popular width for consumer-grade pressure washer surface cleaners is 11 inches. For semipro models, the most common size is 15 inches, but 20-inch and 24-inch models are available as well. For pro-grade, there are pressure washer surface cleaners that exceed 36 inches.

Weight is less of a consideration for DIYers and homeowners. Most DIYers and homeowners can handle the up to 10-pound weight of most semipro and consumer-grade pressure washer surface cleaners. However, pro-grade pressure washer cleaners can be so heavy that users often leave them in the truck.

Pounds per Square Inch

Pounds per square inch (PSI) refers to the amount of pressure the pressure washer rotary surface cleaner​ can handle. The higher the number, the more aggressive the jets will be, and the deeper they’ll be able to clean. 

Lighter-duty consumer-grade pressure washer surface cleaners, including cordless pressure washers and portable pressure washers, tend to operate in the 2,000 PSI range. They’re able to handle light-duty stained areas and are ideal for pressure washing decks and other surfaces without damaging them.

Medium-duty semipro models range between 2,500 PSI and 4,000 PSI, with most landing around 3,500 PSI. These models are sufficient for cleaning tougher stains, garage floors, and concrete surfaces. 

Professional-grade models offer more than 4,500 PSI, which can be far too much pressure for a homeowner or DIYer.

Gallons per Minute 

Each pressure washer surface cleaner has a gallons per minute (GPM) rating as well, referring to the amount of water it will use each minute. It’s a significant factor when choosing a professional model, but most consumer or semipro-grade pressure washer cleaners only use a few GPM.

The minimum or required GPM rating is most critical for semipro and consumer-grade surface cleaners. Using a pressure washer surface cleaner that requires a minimum of 3 GPM on a small pressure washer that can only supply 2 GPM will result in very little cleaning capability.

Additional Features

Beyond spray pressure, volume, and pressure washer compatibility, there are some additional features that can make a pressure washing surface cleaner more appealing.

Pressure washer surface cleaning wands spin at more than 1,000 revolutions per minute, and they kick up a lot of sand and dirt. To ensure they keep operating correctly, some have grease fittings for restoring worn grease. This is best done every 10 to 12 hours of runtime.

Also, many of the best pressure washer surface cleaners feature quick-connect fittings. Users can snap their pressure washer wand onto the cleaner via these fittings and switch back to the wand whenever necessary. 

The Advantages of Owning a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner

Hiring a pressure-washing service to take care of soiled surfaces can be very expensive. A small deck will be charged on the lower end of the price scale, while the cost to pressure wash driveways can be considerably more. Owning a pressure washer surface cleaner allows users to clean those surfaces anytime without hiring a contractor.

Driveways and walkways are expensive, and they take a lot of abuse. Whether being used to clean up oil dripping from a car or the typical dirt and grime on the average outdoor surface, surface cleaner pressure washing allows users to clean up any issues before they stain and discolor the surface.

Pressure washers can be big purchases, and many DIYers opt not to purchase one for fear they’ll never use it. With the best pressure washer surface cleaner on hand, you’ll be adding versatility to your pressure washer and increasing the variety of things you can pressure-wash.

• You’ll be able to save money by not hiring a pressure-washing contractor
• You can remove dirt, grime, and discolorations before they have a chance to stain
• Pressure washer surface cleaners transform a pressure washer into a more versatile tool

FAQs

Even with all of the above information about using a pressure washer surface cleaner, you may have some additional questions. This section aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pressure washer surface cleaners.

Q. Can I use hot water with a pressure washer surface cleaner?

Pro-grade and some semipro-grade pressure washer surface cleaners can handle hot tap water.

Q. Can I use a surface cleaner on fences or walls?

Yes, you can use certain surface cleaners on walls, fences, and, in some cases, you can even use them to pressure wash a house. But for vertical surfaces, it’s easier if the model is lightweight. Also, make sure to dial back the pressure.

Q. Will water consumption increase when I use a surface cleaner attachment?

Pressure washer surface cleaners are more efficient than washing a driveway by wand alone. They reduce the amount of water required to clean a surface properly. 

Q. Does a surface cleaner require heavy maintenance?

Most semipro and consumer-grade pressure washers are relatively maintenance-free. Simply ensure that they’re clean after each use. Pro-grade models with grease fittings also require cleaning, but topping off the bearings with grease every 10 to 12 hours is necessary.

Q. Will a pressure washer surface cleaner lower my machine’s cleaning power?

Pressure washer surface cleaners do not hinder the cleaning power of a pressure washer as long as the product selected is compatible with the machine. Selecting the best rotary surface cleaner for pressure washing starts with matching the product to your machine. Check the manufacturer specifications on both to ensure an accurate match. 

Q. What size pressure washer is best for surface cleaner?

Pressure washer surface cleaners list a minimum and maximum PSI rating and GPM flow rate, and it’s important that your pressure washer falls within this range for the best cleaning ability. There’s no one best size, as there are small and large surface cleaners to fit multiple sizes of pressure washers.

Q. How much GPM do I need for a surface cleaner?

As a general rule of thumb, your pressure washer surface cleaner should be 4 to 5 inches for every 1 GPM flow rate of your pressure washer. Therefore, if your pressure washer has a 3 GPM flow rate, you’ll need a 12 to 15-inch surface cleaner.

Q. Are all pressure washer surface cleaners the same?

While all pressure washer surface cleaners work similarly, hooking to a pressure washer and dispersing water to a large area, they can have different features. These tools come in many sizes for different PSI and GPM ratings. Some feature wheels for easy maneuvering or lightweight construction for use on vertical surfaces, while others do not.

Meet the Testers

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.

Mark Wolfe is a product tester and writer with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. He kept his tool box well stocked in order to build or repair fences, walls, irrigation systems, and equipment on any given day. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest hand tools, lawn-care products, outdoor power equipment, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.

 

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