Can You Use a Surface Cleaner with an Electric Pressure Washer?

If you are looking for a fast and easy way to clean large flat surfaces, such as driveways, patios, decks, sidewalks, or garage floors, you might want to consider using a surface cleaner with an electric pressure washer. A surface cleaner is a device that attaches to a pressure washer and cleans a wide area with rotating jets of water.

It can reduce the cleaning time by up to 70% compared to a standard spray nozzle, and it can also prevent damage to the surface from high-pressure water. In this article, we will explain how to choose, use, and maintain a surface cleaner with an electric pressure washer, and answer some common questions you might have.

Key Takeaways:

• A surface cleaner attaches to a pressure washer and cleans a large area faster and safer than a nozzle.
• You need to consider size, shape, material, nozzle type, and compatibility when choosing a surface cleaner. You also need to compare different models.
• You need to attach, adjust, move, and clean the surface cleaner properly when using it with an electric pressure washer.
• You need to avoid common mistakes and follow best practices to get optimal results with a surface cleaner.
• You may have some questions about using a surface cleaner, such as compatibility, psi, detergent, nozzle cleaning, and streak prevention.

How to Choose a Surface Cleaner for an Electric Pressure Washer

Not all surface cleaners are compatible with electric pressure washers, Here are some of the most important ones:

Size:

The size of the surface cleaner determines how much area it can cover in one pass. Generally, the larger the surface cleaner, the faster the cleaning process. However, larger surface cleaners also require more water pressure and flow rate to operate properly, so you need to make sure your electric pressure washer can handle it.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a surface cleaner that is no more than 4 inches wider than the spray width of your pressure washer nozzle.

Shape:

Surface cleaners come in different shapes, such as round, square, or rectangular. The shape of the surface cleaner affects how well it can reach the corners and edges of the surface. Round surface cleaners are the most common and versatile, as they can easily maneuver around obstacles and curves. Square or rectangular surface cleaners are more suitable for straight and flat surfaces, such as walls or fences.

Material:

The material of the surface cleaner affects its durability and weight. Most surface cleaners are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Plastic surface cleaners are lightweight and inexpensive, but they may not last as long as metal ones.

Metal surface cleaners are more durable and resistant to corrosion, but they are also heavier and more expensive. Some surface cleaners have a plastic body and a metal base, which offers a balance between durability and weight.

Nozzle type:

The nozzle type of the surface cleaner determines the spray pattern and angle of the water jets. Most surface cleaners have two or four nozzles that rotate at high speed and create a circular cleaning motion. The nozzles can be fixed or adjustable, and they can have different spray angles, such as 15, 25, or 40 degrees.

The spray angle affects the cleaning intensity and coverage of the surface cleaner. A smaller spray angle produces a more concentrated and powerful spray, but it also reduces the cleaning area. A larger spray angle produces a more dispersed and gentle spray, but it also increases the cleaning area.

Compatibility:

The compatibility of the surface cleaner with your electric pressure washer depends on the connection type and the pressure rating. The connection type is the part that attaches the surface cleaner to the pressure washer wand. It can be a quick-connect, a threaded, or a bayonet type.

You need to make sure the connection type of the surface cleaner matches the connection type of your pressure washer wand, or you need to use an adapter. The pressure rating is the maximum amount of water pressure that the surface cleaner can handle. It is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

You need to make sure the pressure rating of the surface cleaner is equal to or higher than the pressure rating of your electric pressure washer, or you risk damaging the surface cleaner or the pressure washer.

Top-Rated Surface Cleaners in 2023,

To help you choose the best surface cleaner for your electric pressure washer, here are some examples of the top-rated surface cleaners in 2023, along with their features, pros, and cons:

Greenworks Surface Cleaner:

This is a 15-inch round plastic surface cleaner that can handle up to 2000 psi of water pressure. It has a quick-connect connection type and two fixed nozzles with a 25-degree spray angle. It is compatible with most electric pressure washers, and it is ideal for cleaning medium to large surfaces, such as driveways, patios, or pool decks. It is lightweight, easy to use, and affordable. However, some users have reported that it may leak water or leave streaks on the surface.

Simpson Cleaning Surface Scrubber:

This is a 16-inch round metal surface cleaner that can handle up to 3400 psi of water pressure. It has a threaded connection type and two adjustable nozzles with a 15-degree spray angle. It is compatible with gas and electric pressure washers, and it is ideal for cleaning large and tough surfaces, such as concrete, brick, or asphalt. It is durable, powerful, and efficient. However, some users have reported that it may be heavy, noisy, or hard to control.

Twinkle Star Surface Cleaner:

This is a 21-inch round plastic and metal surface cleaner that can handle up to 4000 psi of water pressure. It has a quick-connect connection type and four fixed nozzles with a 40-degree spray angle. It is compatible with gas and electric pressure washers, and it is ideal for cleaning extra-large and flat surfaces, such as roofs, walls, or fences. It is lightweight, easy to use, and versatile. However, some users have reported that it may not spin well, clog easily, or leave swirl marks on the surface.

How to Use a Surface Cleaner with an Electric Pressure Washer

Here are some steps to follow:

• Step 1: Attach the surface cleaner to the pressure washer wand. Make sure the connection is secure and tight. If you need to use an adapter, follow the instructions that come with it.
• Step 2: Adjust the water pressure and detergent settings on your electric pressure washer. You can use the pressure washer manual or the surface cleaner manual to find the recommended settings for your specific model. Generally, you want to use a low to medium water pressure and a mild detergent that is suitable for the surface you are cleaning. Avoid using a high water pressure or a harsh detergent, as they may damage the surface or the surface cleaner.
• Step 3: Move the surface cleaner across the surface in a smooth and steady motion. Start from one end of the surface and work your way to the other end, overlapping each pass by a few inches. Do not lift, tilt, or drag the surface cleaner, as this may cause uneven cleaning, streaks, or swirl marks. Do not stay in one spot for too long, as this may cause damage to the surface or the surface cleaner. If you encounter any stubborn stains or dirt, you can use a spray nozzle to pre-treat them before using the surface cleaner.
• Step 4: Clean and store the surface cleaner after use. Rinse the surface cleaner with clean water to remove any dirt or detergent residue. Wipe the surface cleaner with a dry cloth to prevent rust or corrosion. Check the nozzles for any clogs or damage, and clean or replace them if needed. Disconnect the surface cleaner from the pressure washer wand, and store it in a cool and dry place.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Common Mistakes and Ensure Optimal Results

Using a surface cleaner with an electric pressure washer can make your cleaning tasks easier and faster, but you also need to be aware of some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Choose the right surface cleaner for your electric pressure washer and the surface you are cleaning. Do not use a surface cleaner that is too big, too small, or incompatible with your electric pressure washer or the surface you are cleaning.
• Use the appropriate water pressure and detergent for your surface cleaner and the surface you are cleaning. Do not use a water pressure or a detergent that is too high or too low for your surface cleaner or the surface you are cleaning.
• Move the surface cleaner in a smooth and steady motion across the surface. Do not lift, tilt, or drag the surface cleaner on the surface.
• Clean and maintain the surface cleaner regularly. Do not leave the surface cleaner dirty, wet, or clogged after use.