Cleaning your driveway, patio, or deck can be a time-consuming and tedious chore when using a standard pressure washer wand. The back-and-forth motion often leads to uneven cleaning and unsightly streaks, leaving you with less-than-perfect results. A dedicated surface cleaner attachment is the secret weapon for achieving a professional, uniform clean without the hassle.
These tools use spinning jets under a protective cover to blast away grime quickly and efficiently. They drastically reduce cleaning time and water usage while providing superior results. This roundup will guide you through the best surface cleaners available, helping you find the perfect model to make your outdoor surfaces look new again.
The Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners for Your Driveway
- Westinghouse Universal 15” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
- Westinghouse Universal 16.5” Stainless Steel Surface Cleaner
- Kärcher Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner 15″
- JANZ 24” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner with 4 Wheels
- MEKOH Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner 20”, 4500PSI
- Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner
- Turtle Wax 50769 Power Out Fresh Clean All-Surface Cleaner
- Briggs & Stratton 14 Inch Rotating Jet Surface Cleaner
- GIANTOOL 16.5″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner with 4 Wheels
- Greenworks Pro 2000 PSI 16-Inch Surface Cleaner
Westinghouse Universal 15” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
This 15-inch surface cleaner from Westinghouse is an excellent tool for quickly cleaning large, flat areas. It concentrates up to 3400 PSI of pressure, making it effective for driveways, decks, and patios. Its plug-and-go design with a universal 1/4-inch quick connector means you can start cleaning almost immediately with most gas or electric pressure washers.
Weighing only four pounds, this attachment is remarkably lightweight and easy to handle during extended cleaning sessions. Despite its power, it is designed for compact storage and built with durability in mind to withstand regular use on various surfaces.
Westinghouse Universal 16.5” Stainless Steel Surface Cleaner
For those seeking professional-level results, this 16.5-inch model from Westinghouse offers enhanced cleaning power. It can handle up to 4400 PSI, providing the extra force needed for stubborn dirt on concrete and other hard surfaces. The stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability and resistance to corrosion.
It features the same user-friendly 1/4-inch quick-connect fitting for seamless attachment to most pressure washers. Its straightforward design is intuitive for both homeowners and professionals, allowing anyone to tackle difficult outdoor cleaning tasks with confidence.
Kärcher Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner 15″
Kärcher is a trusted name in cleaning, and this 15-inch surface cleaner lives up to the reputation. It is universally compatible with pressure washers rated between 2600 and 3200 PSI, connecting easily with a standard 1/4-inch quick-connect fitting. The two spinning nozzles cover a wide path for faster, more efficient cleaning.
This design significantly cuts down on cleaning time and water usage compared to a standard wand. It’s a versatile tool, perfect for large horizontal surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, and can also be used effectively on hard vertical surfaces like brick and stucco.
JANZ 24” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner with 4 Wheels
The JANZ 24-inch surface cleaner offers a commercial-grade cleaning path, ideal for tackling large areas like driveways and parking pads. Its durable stainless-steel housing and heavy-duty bearing are built for long-term use. A key feature is the splash-free skirt, which reduces overspray to keep you dry during operation.
Maneuverability is a standout benefit, thanks to the four castor wheels and an adjustable handle. This setup makes it easy to push the unit around without straining your back. The dual high-pressure jets spin rapidly to break up grime and eliminate streaks, cleaning up to 12 times faster than a standard nozzle.
MEKOH Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner 20”, 4500PSI
Built for powerful cleaning, the MEKOH 20-inch surface cleaner can withstand up to 4500 PSI. Its two high-pressure water jets are designed for non-marking, uniform cleaning, preventing the streaks and irregular patterns common with lesser models. The changeable nozzles allow you to switch between powerful cleaning and softer washing patterns.
This unit is engineered for excellent efficiency, covering a large area and cleaning up to eight times faster than some competitors. Despite its robust performance, it is constructed from lightweight PP material and features solid brass components and a fully sealed bearing to prevent leaks and ensure safety.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner
For a truly deep clean, pairing your surface cleaner with a dedicated cleaning solution can make a significant difference. Simple Green Oxy Solve is a versatile cleaner designed for use in pressure washers. It works on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, vinyl, concrete, and brick.
This formula uses the power of peroxide to lift tough grime, dirt, and stains caused by mold, mildew, moss, and algae. It achieves this without harsh chemicals, providing a more environmentally conscious option for preparing and maintaining your outdoor surfaces.
Turtle Wax 50769 Power Out Fresh Clean All-Surface Cleaner
This all-surface cleaner from Turtle Wax is formulated to complement your pressure washing routine. It is designed to tackle grease and grime on various outdoor surfaces, helping to restore their original appearance. When used with your surface cleaner attachment, it can help break down stubborn, caked-on dirt.
The concentrated formula is effective and easy to use with most pressure washer soap injection systems. It provides a comprehensive clean that enhances the mechanical action of the water jets, ensuring your driveway or patio looks its best.
Briggs & Stratton 14 Inch Rotating Jet Surface Cleaner
The Briggs & Stratton 14-inch surface cleaner is designed for speed and convenience. It cleans up to four times faster than a standard 40-degree pressure washer spray tip, saving you considerable time and effort. A unique built-in detergent tank allows you to easily apply soap before scrubbing and then rinse with clean water.
Its dome-shaped design is excellent for controlling overspray, protecting nearby walls and landscaping from damage. The unit glides smoothly across surfaces like garage floors and driveways, making the cleaning process more comfortable and efficient.
GIANTOOL 16.5″ Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner with 4 Wheels
GIANTOOL offers a pro-grade cleaning experience with this 16.5-inch model. The dual high-pressure jets spin 360 degrees to eliminate streaks and tackle stubborn dirt and grease on driveways and patios. It comes with five adapters, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of pressure washer models and connection types.
Built with corrosion-resistant stainless steel and a fully sealed heavy-duty bearing, it withstands pressures up to 4000 PSI. The four swivel wheels and dual adjustable handles provide smooth maneuverability, while the splash-proof skirt helps keep you dry during use.
Greenworks Pro 2000 PSI 16-Inch Surface Cleaner
Ideal for users of Greenworks and other lower-PSI electric pressure washers, this 16-inch surface cleaner is designed for effective and efficient cleaning. It provides a wide cleaning path to reduce the time spent on driveways, sidewalks, and decks. The design focuses on delivering a streak-free finish without requiring extremely high water pressure.
Its compatibility with many popular electric pressure washer models makes it a convenient plug-and-play option for homeowners. It offers an excellent balance of size and performance, bringing the benefits of surface cleaning to a broader range of machines.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner for Your Driveway
When I first decided to buy a pressure washer surface cleaner for my driveway, I was overwhelmed by the options. After using a few different models, I’ve learned what really matters. The goal is to make a choice that saves you time and effort, turning a tedious chore into a quick job. Let’s break down the key things I look for.
First, consider the cleaning width. A wider surface cleaner covers more ground with each pass, which means you finish the job faster. For a standard two-car driveway, a model around 15 inches is a great balance of speed and maneuverability. If you have a massive driveway or a large commercial space, you might look at 20-inch models or larger, but remember that these often require a more powerful pressure washer to run effectively.
This leads directly to the second point: compatibility with your pressure washer. This is probably the most critical step. You must match the surface cleaner’s requirements to your machine’s specs. Check the required PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). Using a surface cleaner that needs more GPM than your machine provides will result in poor performance and can even damage your equipment. A good rule of thumb I use is that a higher GPM is often more important for surface cleaners than a higher PSI for achieving a clean, streak-free finish.
Next, look at the build quality and nozzle configuration. The best pressure washer surface cleaners for driveways have sturdy steel or poly decks that can handle being bumped into curbs. The swivel casters should be robust and allow for smooth direction changes. I also pay close attention to the spray bars and nozzles. Models with two nozzles provide a balanced cleaning force that prevents streaking and swirl marks. Ceramic nozzles are a premium feature as they resist abrasion and last much longer than standard brass ones.
Finally, think about the extra features that improve the experience. A quick-connect system makes attaching and detaching the surface cleaner from your wand a one-second job. Some models offer adjustable height settings, which are fantastic for cleaning uneven surfaces without leaving patches untouched. While not essential, a built-in soap dispenser can be a nice bonus for applying detergent before you scrub. By focusing on these factors—size, power compatibility, build quality, and convenience features—you can confidently select one of the 10 best pressure washer surface cleaners for driveways that will make your cleaning projects a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a surface cleaner instead of just a regular pressure washer wand?
Using a regular wand on a large, flat area like a driveway can be frustrating. It’s easy to create uneven cleaning patterns, swirl marks, and streaks because the water jet hits the same spot multiple times from different angles. A surface cleaner solves this by containing the high-pressure spray within a hood. The two or more jets spin rapidly, scrubbing the surface evenly in a single pass. This not only gives you a more consistent clean but also cuts your cleaning time down significantly. It’s a game-changer for efficiency and final results.
Can any pressure washer work with a surface cleaner?
No, not every pressure washer is suitable. Surface cleaners require a specific combination of water flow (GPM) and pressure (PSI) to operate correctly. Most smaller, electric pressure washers (around 1.2-1.5 GPM) are best paired with compact 12-inch surface cleaners. If you try to use a larger 15 or 20-inch model with an underpowered machine, it will spin slowly or not at all, and the cleaning performance will be very poor. Always check the surface cleaner’s minimum GPM and PSI requirements before you buy to ensure it’s a match for your machine.
My surface cleaner is leaving streaks on my driveway. What am I doing wrong?
Streaking is a common issue, and it usually comes down to one of three things. First, you might be moving the surface cleaner too slowly or too quickly. Find a steady, walking pace that allows the cleaner to do its job without lingering. Second, check your nozzles. They can become worn or clogged over time, disrupting the spray pattern. Replacing them with the correct size and type often fixes the problem. Finally, if you’re using a gas pressure washer, ensure you have enough GPM for the cleaner’s size. An underpowered machine is a primary cause of streaking.
Are surface cleaners safe to use on all types of driveway surfaces?
While surface cleaners are fantastic for hard, non-porous surfaces like concrete and asphalt, you need to be cautious with more delicate materials. Using a high-pressure surface cleaner on aged, crumbling, or soft surfaces like some types of pavers, stamped concrete, or even worn-out asphalt can cause damage. It can etch the surface, dislodge joint sand, or break the material. Always test in an inconspicuous area first and start with a lower pressure setting and a wider fan tip if your machine allows for it. For delicate surfaces, a lower PSI and a specialized cleaner are often better.
How do I maintain my pressure washer surface cleaner to make it last?
Proper maintenance is simple but important. After every use, I give it a quick rinse to remove any dirt and debris. It’s crucial to prevent grit from building up inside the spinning arm or nozzles. Periodically, I check the nozzles for clogs and wear, and I inspect the swivel casters to make sure they spin freely. Before storing it for the winter, I make sure to run some RV antifreeze through my pressure washer and the surface cleaner attachment to prevent any residual water from freezing and cracking the internal components. A little care goes a long way in extending the life of your equipment.
What is the real benefit of spending more on a premium surface cleaner?
The main benefits of a premium model come down to durability, performance, and features. A cheaper model might have a plastic deck that cracks if you hit a curb, while a more expensive one will typically have a reinforced steel deck that can take the abuse. Higher-end models often feature commercial-grade ball-bearing swivels for smoother operation and ceramic nozzles that resist wear far better than standard brass. You might also get convenient additions like an adjustable handle or a soap injection system. If you use your pressure washer frequently, investing in one of the better pressure washer surface cleaners for driveways pays off in the long run with superior results and fewer replacements.