The Ultimate Guide to Surface Cleaners for Pressure Washers

May 13, 2025 | Nate Cord

When paired with a surface cleaner attachment, pressure washers are an unstoppable cleaning force! But are they worth it? And if so, what model do you need? In this guide, we answer this and some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand what surface cleaners are and if you need one.

What is a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner?

A pressure washer surface cleaner is an attachment for your pressure washer designed to clean large, flat surfaces.

Unlike a standard pressure washer wand, which sprays water in one narrow, oscillating stream, a surface cleaner uses rotating nozzles to spread the water, covering more ground in less time.

Think of this like two high-pressure jets spinning in a circular pattern as you move the surface cleaner around. This differs from a standard pressure washer wand, which requires a back-and-forth movement that can leave streaks.

Gear-driven models are available, which ensure consistent rotation. These are more durable than spray-driven rotations, but require lubrication and maintenance.

To recap, while the standard wands are great for precision cleaning in tight spaces, surface cleaners are better for quickly cleaning large surfaces.

Most surface cleaners are used on concrete, patios, driveways, and heavy traffic areas for oils, grease, dirt, mud, mould, mildew, gum, and other tough stains. But there are different models for different applications — more on that later. First, how does a surface cleaner work?

How Do Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Work?

A pressure washer surface cleaner has dual nozzles mounted on a rotating bar. As water exits the nozzles, the force causes the bar to spin (1,000 – 3,000 RPM), creating overlapping 360° spray patterns.

The consistent nozzle height and overlapping passes create a smooth, even cleaning path with minimal mess and no stripes, allowing you to cover larger surface areas in a much shorter time. This makes it faster and easier to clean with than a standard pressure washer hose, and more effective at removing dirt, grime, and debris from the surface.

Most surface cleaners work the same, but there are differences between models which make them more or less suited for certain applications. For example,

• Domestic models (12–20″ wide) are often used for driveways and decks.
• Commercial-grade cleaners (24–36″ wide) are used for larger surfaces, warehouses, car parks, and industrial courtyards.
• Hybrid models have swappable nozzles for hot water or chemical cleaning and are used for heavy-duty and professional applications.

In addition, the more gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per square inch (PSI) your pressure washer has, the larger the surface cleaner you can use. The larger the surface cleaner, the faster the clean. In general, domestic models (often electric) have a lower PSI, whereas industrial models (often petrol) tend to have a higher PSI.

On a similar note, electric pressure washers tend to use bayonet connectors that twist and click to lock together, whereas petrol models have heavier-duty components for professional use.

Are Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Universal?

Most brands create “universal” surface cleaners, but compatibility still depends on your make and model. Always check that your pressure washer is compatible with your surface cleaner before purchase. Most manufacturers specify the range of pressure and flow requirements their surface cleaner can handle.

FAQs

Should I Get a Surface Cleaner with or Without Wheels?

This depends on your surface. Wheeled surface cleaners are ideal for smooth surfaces, as the wheels maintain consistent height and reduce user fatigue. However, the wheels can snag on cracks or uneven surfaces. Wheel-free models are therefore better for textured surfaces, like brick, but are more at risk of tilting over.

Can I Use Hot Water with My Surface Cleaner?

Only if the model is rated for it. Professional-grade cleaners tend to be suitable for use with hot water, but you should still check your manufacturer’s specific recommendations first.

Why Does My Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Leave Streaks?

Streaks are often caused by inconsistent speed or clogged nozzles. For a flawless finish:

• Move the cleaner at a steady pace (1–2 feet per second).
• Overlap each pass by 3–4 inches.
• Soak nozzles in white vinegar monthly to dissolve mineral deposits.
• If your machine struggles, reduce the cleaner size or upgrade your pressure washer.

Do you have another question or require additional advice? Check out our blog posts on pressure washers, or don’t hesitate to get in contact with our experts using this form or via phone at +441639849847.

Looking for a premium pressure washer? At Generators Direct, we offer a range of petrol, electric and diesel pressure washers and accessories (including surface cleaners) for your specific needs from top-rated brands.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after-sales support from our experts.