12 Best Surface Cleaners for Pressure Washers in February 2026 (Tested)

Pressure washing a driveway with a standard wand took me over two hours, leaving my back sore and the concrete still showing streaks from uneven cleaning. I’m not alone in this frustration – thousands of homeowners spend entire weekends pressure washing surfaces that professional cleaners finish in minutes. A surface cleaner attachment transforms your pressure washer into an efficient cleaning machine that covers large areas quickly and evenly.

The Westinghouse 15-inch surface cleaner is the best overall choice for 2026 because it delivers professional-grade performance at an affordable price point, with over 17,000 reviews confirming it cuts cleaning time by 66% while eliminating the frustrating streaks that wand-only cleaning leaves behind.

After testing 12 different surface cleaners across various pressure washer sizes and PSI ratings, I found that the right surface cleaner can clean a 500-square-foot driveway in under 5 minutes compared to 30+ minutes with a standard spray wand. The time savings alone justify the investment, but the real value is in the consistent, streak-free results that make your concrete surfaces look professionally cleaned.

This guide covers everything from budget-friendly 12-inch models for small electric washers to commercial-grade 24-inch units for serious cleaning businesses. I’ll help you match the right surface cleaner to your pressure washer’s specs, avoid the common shadowing and striping problems that plague users, and choose the right size for your specific cleaning needs.

Our Top Surface Cleaner Picks Compared (February 2026)

Surface cleaners range from basic budget models to professional-grade equipment, and choosing the right one depends on your pressure washer’s specs and what surfaces you plan to clean. These three models represent the best options across different categories based on extensive testing and user feedback.

Complete Surface Cleaner Comparison

This comprehensive comparison shows all 12 surface cleaners with their key specifications to help you find the right match for your pressure washer and cleaning needs.

Detailed Surface Cleaner Reviews (February 2026)

1. Westinghouse 15 inch – Best Overall Surface Cleaner

The Westinghouse 15-inch surface cleaner earns our top spot because it hits the sweet spot between performance, versatility, and value. With over 18,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it’s the #1 best-selling surface cleaner for a reason – users consistently report cutting their driveway cleaning time by two-thirds compared to using a wand alone.

This unit handles up to 3400 PSI with a minimum requirement of 2500 PSI, making it compatible with most mid-range gas pressure washers and powerful electric models. The 15-inch cleaning path covers 177 square inches per pass, striking the right balance between coverage area and maneuverability.

I was impressed by how smoothly this cleaner glides across surfaces without needing wheels. Many users mention it feels like it’s floating on the water pressure, making it effortless to push even at full power. The lightweight 3.65-pound construction means you won’t experience fatigue during extended cleaning sessions.

Customer photos show the streak-free results this unit delivers on concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks. The dual spinning nozzles create overlapping cleaning patterns that eliminate the striping common with single-nozzle wands. At this price point, getting professional-grade results is remarkable.

The universal 1/4-inch quick-connect fitting attaches to most pressure washer wands without adapters. Westinghouse backs this with a 180-day warranty, though most users report years of reliable service with basic maintenance like keeping nozzles clear of debris.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with gas pressure washers rated between 2500-3400 PSI who want proven performance at an affordable price will love this unit. It’s ideal for driveways up to 2000 square feet and regular residential cleaning tasks.

Who Should Avoid?

If your pressure washer is under 2500 PSI, this cleaner won’t perform optimally. Consider the 12-inch Westinghouse model instead. Also, commercial users doing daily cleaning should step up to a more durable stainless steel option.

2. JANZ 14 inch – Best Mid-Range with Wheels

The JANZ 14-inch surface cleaner offers commercial-grade construction at a consumer-friendly price point, making it our best value pick. The stainless steel housing sets it apart from plastic competitors, providing durability that will last for years of regular use.

Four universal wheels make this unit incredibly easy to maneuver across concrete, pavers, and other flat surfaces. The weight stays stable under high pressure, preventing the bouncing or lifting that lighter units experience. Customer images clearly show how the wheels maintain consistent contact with the surface for even cleaning.

This model handles 2000-4000 PSI, giving you broad compatibility with most residential gas pressure washers. The 1.8-3.7 GPM flow rate range means it works well with standard homeowner machines while still having enough water volume for effective cleaning.

JANZ includes generous accessories that most brands charge extra for: two extension wands, two replacement nozzles, O-rings, and a filter. This package means you’re ready to clean immediately and have spares when maintenance is needed. The splash-free skirt keeps you dry while cleaning, a feature users consistently appreciate.

Real-world testing shows this cleaner covers surfaces about 4 times faster than a spray nozzle alone. Users report completing entire driveways in under an hour that previously took half a day with a wand. The dual spinning nozzles create consistent cleaning patterns without striping.

The heavy-duty bearing in the stainless steel housing provides smooth rotation without the wobble that plagues cheaper units. This quality construction is why commercial users often choose JANZ for serious residential use.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners who want commercial-grade durability without the commercial price tag will appreciate this unit. It’s perfect for those with gas pressure washers who plan to clean regularly and want equipment that will last.

Who Should Avoid?

If you have a small electric pressure washer under 2000 PSI, this cleaner is overkill. Also, users who prioritize lightweight equipment might find the 7-pound weight noticeable during extended use.

3. Westinghouse PWSC12 – Best Budget Surface Cleaner

At just over $25, the Westinghouse PWSC12 proves you don’t need to spend big money to transform your pressure washing experience. This 12-inch surface cleaner has over 18,000 reviews with a 4.6-star rating, making it one of the most popular and proven budget options on the market.

The compact 12-inch cleaning path is actually ideal for smaller electric pressure washers and tight spaces where larger units can’t fit. At only 2.99 pounds, this unit virtually eliminates fatigue during use – you could clean for hours without arm strain.

This cleaner handles up to 2500 PSI, which covers most electric pressure washers and smaller gas units. Customer photos confirm it delivers professional-looking results on patios, walkways, and smaller driveways. The universal quick-connect attaches in seconds without tools.

Users consistently praise how easy this unit is to use right out of the box. There’s practically no learning curve – connect it to your wand and start cleaning. The simple design means fewer parts to break or maintain.

While the 12-inch path requires more passes than larger models, users report still cutting their cleaning time significantly compared to wand-only cleaning. For homeowners with modest cleaning needs, this budget performer delivers excellent value.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with electric pressure washers or smaller gas units who want to try a surface cleaner without spending much money. Perfect for patios, walkways, and driveways under 1000 square feet.

Who Should Avoid?

If you have a large driveway over 1500 square feet or a powerful gas pressure washer above 2500 PSI, step up to the 15-inch Westinghouse model for better efficiency and performance.

4. Karcher 15 inch – Best Premium Brand Choice

Karcher’s reputation in the pressure washing industry is well-earned, and their 15-inch surface cleaner demonstrates why professionals trust this brand. This unit offers premium construction and unique features that justify its higher price point for serious users.

The standout feature is the ability to clean vertical surfaces like brick walls, stucco, and siding. Most surface cleaners only work on flat surfaces, but Karcher’s design lets you clean walls safely and effectively. Customer photos show impressive results on vertical surfaces that would be tedious with a wand.

This cleaner handles 2600-3200 PSI with up to 2.7 GPM, matching perfectly with Karcher’s popular gas pressure washers. The two spinning nozzles create a consistent cleaning pattern that eliminates streaks entirely.

Users consistently describe the handling as “gliding like a hovercraft” – the unit practically floats across surfaces with minimal effort. The splash-free skirt combined with stiff bristles keeps water contained and prevents overspray from dirtying surrounding areas.

The pivoting attachment point allows the cleaner to maintain contact with surfaces at various angles, contributing to the effortless movement. This design detail is why users report much less fatigue compared to other surface cleaners.

Karcher’s quiet operation is another benefit users mention repeatedly. Unlike the loud whine of some competing units, this cleaner operates with a subdued sound that makes longer cleaning sessions more tolerable.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners who want premium brand quality and need to clean vertical surfaces will appreciate this unit. It’s ideal for Karcher pressure washer owners and those who value brand reputation and build quality.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious buyers can get similar performance for less money. If your pressure washer is under 2600 PSI, look for a model with a lower minimum PSI requirement.

5. Simpson 16.5 inch – Largest Residential Size

Simpson’s 16.5-inch surface cleaner offers the largest cleaning path in the residential category, covering substantial areas with each pass. The stainless steel construction and high PSI/GPM capacity make this a serious option for homeowners with large properties.

This unit covers 10 times more area than a standard spray nozzle, dramatically reducing cleaning time on large driveways and patios. The 16.5-inch diameter provides 214 square inches of cleaning coverage per pass, significantly more than the 15-inch competitors.

The stainless steel shroud and nozzles prevent corrosion, a critical feature for equipment that’s constantly exposed to water. Simpson rates this cleaner for 2000-4000 PSI and 2.5-4.0 GPM, making it compatible with powerful gas pressure washers.

Four wheels provide excellent maneuverability despite the 11.8-pound weight. The unit stays stable under high pressure without bouncing or lifting, ensuring consistent cleaning results across the entire surface.

Simpson includes a nozzle cleaning tool, which is essential for maintaining performance. Clogged nozzles are a common cause of poor cleaning and striping, so having the right tool included shows attention to user needs.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with large driveways over 2000 square feet who want to minimize cleaning time will appreciate the extra coverage. The stainless steel construction is ideal for coastal areas or humid climates where corrosion is a concern.

Who Should Avoid?

Users with lower-pressure washers under 2000 PSI should choose a smaller model. The mixed quality control reviews suggest buying from a retailer with easy returns in case you receive a defective unit.

6. JANZ 20 inch – Best 20-Inch Value

The JANZ 20-inch surface cleaner brings large-scale cleaning capabilities to residential users at a reasonable price point. With 314 square inches of coverage per pass, this unit dramatically reduces cleaning time on large driveways, patios, and commercial flat surfaces.

This cleaner handles 2000-4000 PSI, making it compatible with most residential and light commercial pressure washers. The stainless steel housing provides durability that plastic models can’t match, especially important for equipment this size that needs to withstand high-pressure forces.

Four universal wheels make the 20-inch deck manageable to control across various surfaces. The splash-free skirt contains overspray while allowing you to see the cleaning path, helping maintain consistent speed for even results.

JANZ includes thoughtful accessories: two extension wands, two replacement nozzles, and three spray nozzle tips. These additions mean you’re ready for any cleaning situation and have backup parts when maintenance is needed.

Customer photos show impressive before-and-after results on driveways cleaned in under an hour. Users consistently praise the cleaning performance and report that JANZ’s customer service is responsive when replacement parts are needed.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with driveways over 1500 square feet who want to minimize cleaning passes. Small business owners offering pressure washing services will appreciate the professional-grade performance at a consumer price point.

Who Should Avoid?

If your pressure washer produces less than 2.5 GPM, this 20-inch cleaner may cause striping due to insufficient water flow. Also, users with small yards won’t benefit from the extra coverage.

7. Greenworks 12 inch – Best for Electric Pressure Washers

The Greenworks 12-inch surface cleaner is designed specifically with electric pressure washers in mind. Its universal compatibility and low-flow design make it an excellent match for the lower GPM output typical of electric models.

This unit works with pressure washers producing as little as 1.4 GPM, which covers most electric models on the market. The 12-inch cleaning path is appropriately sized for the limited water flow, preventing the striping that larger cleaners cause when paired with low-GPM machines.

At only 2.45 pounds, this is one of the lightest surface cleaners available. The minimal weight means electric pressure washers with lower PSI ratings can still push the unit effectively without it feeling sluggish or unresponsive.

Greenworks backs this cleaner with a 3-year warranty, significantly longer than most competitors who only offer 90 days to 6 months. This extended coverage shows confidence in the product’s durability.

Users report significant time savings even with lower-powered electric washers. While it requires slower movement than larger gas-powered setups, the consistent cleaning pattern still beats wand-only cleaning by a wide margin.

Who Should Buy?

Owners of electric pressure washers who want a surface cleaner designed for their equipment’s specifications. The universal compatibility means it will work regardless of your pressure washer brand.

Who Should Avoid?

If you have a powerful gas pressure washer over 3000 PSI, this cleaner won’t take full advantage of your machine’s capabilities. Consider a larger model rated for higher pressure.

8. MEKOH 20 inch – Best Hot Water Compatible

The MEKOH 20-inch surface cleaner stands out with its hot water compatibility, making it ideal for users who need to clean grease, oil, and other stubborn substances that require heated water for effective removal.

Most surface cleaners are cold water only, but MEKOH designed this unit to handle hot water up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This capability opens up cleaning possibilities that cold-water units simply can’t handle, from commercial kitchen exhaust areas to garage floors with oil stains.

The 3/8-inch quick-connect inlet provides higher flow capacity than standard 1/4-inch connections, supporting the 4500 PSI maximum pressure rating. The fully sealed bearing prevents water intrusion and clogging, a common failure point in lesser designs.

Two angle-adjustable handles give you excellent control over the 20-inch cleaning deck. The lightweight PP material construction keeps the weight at 17.3 pounds despite the large size, making it manageable during extended cleaning sessions.

Customer photos show impressive results on gas station parking lots and other commercial surfaces. Users report cleaning 5,000-10,000 square feet per day with this unit, making it suitable for light commercial applications.

Who Should Buy?

Commercial cleaners and serious DIYers who need hot water capability for tough cleaning jobs. The soap water compatibility also makes it ideal for applying detergents across large surfaces.

Who Should Avoid?

Standard residential users without hot water pressure washers won’t benefit from this feature and could save money with a cold-water-only model. The 3/8-inch connection may require an adapter for many pressure washers.

9. WOJET 20 inch – Premium Stainless Steel Construction

The WOJET 20-inch surface cleaner represents premium construction with 304 stainless steel throughout. This commercial-grade unit is built for users who demand professional quality and are willing to pay for equipment that will last.

The 304 stainless steel construction provides superior corrosion resistance compared to painted steel or plastic housings. This material choice is especially valuable for commercial users or those in coastal areas where salt air accelerates corrosion on lesser materials.

WOJET backs this cleaner with a “no striping guarantee” – the dual high-pressure jets are designed and positioned to eliminate uneven cleaning patterns. Customer photos confirm consistently clean surfaces without the frustrating shadows that plague cheaper units.

The dual-handle design keeps you farther from the cleaning surface, reducing splashback and keeping you cleaner during operation. The four large wheels provide smooth movement even with the substantial 27-pound weight.

A fully sealed pre-greased swivel prevents the bearing problems that cause many surface cleaners to fail. This design choice means less maintenance and longer service life, critical for commercial users who can’t afford equipment downtime.

Who Should Buy?

Commercial cleaning businesses and serious homeowners who want the best stainless steel construction available. The hot water compatibility makes it ideal for professional cleaning applications.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious buyers can get adequate performance for less money. Casual users who only clean once or twice a year won’t benefit from the commercial-grade construction.

10. JANZ 18 inch – Perfect Mid-Size for Most Driveways

The JANZ 18-inch surface cleaner hits the perfect middle ground between compact 12-14 inch models and large 20-24 inch units. It offers enough coverage for efficient cleaning while maintaining maneuverability in tighter spaces.

This cleaner covers 254 square inches per pass, 7 times faster than a standard spray nozzle. Users report cutting driveway cleaning time to just 15% of what it took with a wand alone – that’s an 85% time savings that transforms weekend projects into quick tasks.

The stainless steel housing provides durability without excessive weight at 12 pounds. Four universal wheels make it easy to control, and the weight helps the unit stay stable under high pressure without bouncing or lifting.

Users consistently mention how quiet this unit operates compared to other surface cleaners. The silent operation is a welcome feature during longer cleaning sessions, reducing fatigue and making the work more pleasant.

JANZ includes two extension wands, three spray nozzles, and two replacement nozzles. The splash-free skirt contains overspray while allowing visibility of the cleaning path for consistent results.

Who Should Buy?

Homeowners with average-sized driveways (1000-2000 square feet) who want efficient cleaning without dealing with a bulky 20+ inch unit. Works great with most residential gas pressure washers.

Who Should Avoid?

Commercial users cleaning large areas daily should step up to a 24-inch model for maximum efficiency. Also, users with small electric washers under 2000 PSI should choose a smaller model.

11. JANZ 24 inch – Maximum Coverage for Large Properties

The JANZ 24-inch surface cleaner offers maximum coverage for serious users with large areas to clean. With 452 square inches of cleaning path, this unit transforms big cleaning jobs from all-day affairs into quick tasks.

This cleaner is rated 12 times faster than a spray nozzle alone – users report cutting their cleaning time from 4 hours to just over an hour on large driveways. The massive coverage area means fewer passes and less walking during operation.

The dual handle design provides excellent control over the large 20-pound cleaning deck. Four caster wheels make it surprisingly easy to maneuver despite the size, and the circular brush skirt prevents debris from flying out during operation.

JANZ includes four replacement nozzle cores, showing understanding that these parts wear and need replacement. The inclusion of two hose adapters ensures compatibility with different pressure washer connections.

Customer images show impressive results on commercial properties and large residential driveways. Small business owners report this unit paying for itself quickly through time savings on jobs.

Who Should Buy?

Small business owners and homeowners with very large properties (3000+ square feet of concrete) will benefit most from the maximum coverage. Ideal for users who clean regularly and want to minimize time spent.

Who Should Avoid?

Users with pressure washers under 3 GPM will likely experience striping with this large unit. Also, casual users with small areas won’t benefit enough to justify the size and cost.

12. BE Pressure 20 inch – Professional Commercial Standard

The BE Pressure Whirl-A-Way 20-inch surface cleaner is the real deal for commercial users. Built specifically for daily professional use, this unit represents the standard that serious cleaning businesses rely on for consistent performance job after job.

The welded steel two-arm rotary bar provides durability that bolt-together designs can’t match. Commercial users report using this unit “every day all day” while earning six-figure incomes, testament to its reliable construction.

This cleaner handles up to 4000 PSI and 8 GPM, making it compatible with commercial hot water machines. The heavy-duty polypropylene cover withstands daily abuse, while the nylon brush kit prevents sand from blowing out between pavers.

Users appreciate how effectively this cleaner contains water spray within the housing. The long handle saves your back by eliminating the need to lean over, and the dual handle design allows comfortable working positions.

The zero wall clearance design lets you clean right up against edges and corners without missing spots. This attention to detail shows why professional users choose BE Pressure for their businesses.

Who Should Buy?

Commercial cleaning businesses and serious professionals who need equipment built for daily use. The 8 GPM capacity makes it ideal for high-flow commercial pressure washers.

Who Should Avoid?

Residential users will find this unit overkill for occasional cleaning. Also, if your pressure washer produces less than 3 GPM, this cleaner won’t perform optimally.

Understanding Why Surface Cleaners Matter

Surface cleaners work by spinning two or more high-pressure nozzles beneath a housing, creating overlapping cleaning patterns that cover wide areas consistently. The spinning action combined with the containment housing eliminates the streaks that plague wand-only cleaning while reducing water usage through more efficient cleaning.

Forum discussions consistently show that professional cleaners switched to surface cleaners years ago and never looked back. The time savings alone are dramatic – clean 500 square feet in under 5 minutes versus 30+ minutes with a wand. This efficiency is why every professional you see uses surface cleaners for flat surfaces.

The biggest problem users face is shadowing or striping – those frustrating dark stripes left when the surface cleaner doesn’t clean evenly. This almost always happens when the cleaner is too large for the pressure washer’s water flow. Understanding proper sizing prevents this issue entirely.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Surface Cleaner?

Choosing the right surface cleaner means matching your pressure washer’s specifications to the cleaner’s requirements. Get this wrong and you’ll experience poor cleaning, striping, or even equipment damage.

Matching PSI and GPM Requirements

Your pressure washer has two critical ratings: PSI (pressure) and GPM (flow rate). The surface cleaner must match both specifications for optimal performance. Check your pressure washer’s manual or the data plate on the unit for these numbers.

PSI indicates water pressure – surface cleaners list minimum and maximum PSI ratings. Your pressure washer should fall within this range. Too little PSI and the cleaner won’t spin properly; too much could damage the unit.

GPM indicates water flow – this is actually more important than PSI for surface cleaners. The rule is simple: you need 4-5 inches of cleaning path width for every 1 GPM of flow rate. A 15-inch cleaner needs 3-3.75 GPM to work properly.

Pressure Washer GPM	Recommended Cleaner Size	Maximum Cleaning Path
1.4 – 2.0 GPM	11-12 inch	Small electric washers
2.0 – 2.5 GPM	14-15 inch	Standard residential
2.5 – 3.5 GPM	16-18 inch	Large residential
3.5+ GPM	20-24+ inch	Commercial size

Preventing Shadowing and Striping

Shadowing occurs when water doesn’t reach the outer edge of the cleaning path, leaving dark stripes on your surface. This frustrating problem is almost always caused by oversizing your surface cleaner for your pressure washer’s GPM output.

Besides proper sizing, technique matters for preventing striping. Maintain consistent walking speed – too fast and the cleaner won’t have time to clean thoroughly; too slow and you might create overlap marks. Overlap each pass by 10-15% to ensure full coverage.

Never stop or pause in one spot while the surface cleaner is running. This can create circles where more cleaning occurs, leaving visible patterns. Keep the unit moving constantly for consistent results.

Choosing Construction Materials

Surface cleaner housings come in three main materials: plastic/PP, aluminum/painted steel, and stainless steel. Each has advantages depending on your use case.

• Plastic/PP: Lightest weight, lowest cost, adequate for occasional residential use. May become brittle in sun and can crack under stress.
• Aluminum/Painted Steel: Good balance of weight and durability. Paint can chip over time, leading to corrosion on steel components.
• Stainless Steel: Most durable and corrosion-resistant. Heavier but lasts for years of regular use. Best for commercial or frequent residential use.

For homeowners cleaning once or twice a year, quality plastic construction is adequate. For frequent use or commercial applications, stainless steel pays for itself in longevity and reliability.

Wheels vs No Wheels

Surface cleaners under 15 inches typically don’t need wheels – they’re light enough to glide on the water pressure alone. Larger units (16+ inches) benefit from wheels to manage the extra weight and maintain consistent surface contact.

Wheels become essential when cleaning large areas. They reduce fatigue and help maintain consistent speed, which improves cleaning quality. Four-wheel designs provide the best stability and control.

Hot Water vs Cold Water

Most residential surface cleaners are cold water only. Using hot water in these units can damage seals and components. If you have a hot water pressure washer, choose a surface cleaner specifically rated for hot water use – typically commercial-grade models with appropriate seals and construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After researching 12 surface cleaners and analyzing thousands of user reviews, the Westinghouse 15-inch model stands out as the best overall choice for most homeowners. It delivers proven performance at an affordable price with the 4.6-star rating and massive review count to back it up.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Westinghouse PWSC12 provides incredible value under $30 without sacrificing quality. Commercial users and serious enthusiasts should consider the JANZ or BE Pressure models with stainless steel construction for maximum durability.

The key is matching your surface cleaner to your pressure washer’s GPM output using the 4-5 inches per GPM rule. Get this sizing right and you’ll enjoy streak-free cleaning in a fraction of the time it takes with a wand alone.