Guide · Surface cleaners
Surface cleaner fit: inlet, PSI and GPM range, cold water
Check three things before buying a surface cleaner: its inlet (1/4 or 3/8 in QC), the PSI and GPM range its maker states, and whether it is cold-water only.
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Picks that fit
- SIMPSON 80625 universal 16.5 in surface cleaner, 2,000‑4,000 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
- Westinghouse universal 15 in pressure washer surface cleaner, 3,400 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
- Greenworks 5210902 15 in surface cleaner with 12 in extension wand, 3,100 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
Check three things against your machine before you buy a surface cleaner: the inlet (1/4 in or 3/8 in quick-connect), the PSI and GPM range the maker states, and whether it is cold-water only. Compare the range with your machine's rated output, not its headline maximum. If the maker states no range, you cannot confirm the fit from the listing.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
- SIMPSON 80625 universal 16.5 in surface cleaner, 2,000‑4,000 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
- Westinghouse universal 15 in pressure washer surface cleaner, 3,400 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
- Greenworks 5210902 15 in surface cleaner with 12 in extension wand, 3,100 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
1. The inlet
A surface cleaner connects through its inlet, and makers name it. Three of the four below use a 1/4 in quick-connect, the same as the nozzle end of the wands we list; the 20 in BE unit uses 3/8 in.
- RYOBI's RY31SC12 attaches with a 1/4 in quick-connect.[1]
- SIMPSON's 80165 has a 1/4 in quick-connect.[2]
- DEWALT's DXPA34SC has a 1/4 in quick-connect.[3]
- BE's 85.403.007 connects with a 3/8 in quick-connect.[4]
The cleaner usually goes where a nozzle would: on the wand's outlet. DEWALT's DXPA31SW wand, for example, has a 1/4 in quick-connect outlet for tips.[5] A 1/4 in cleaner therefore does not care what size your hose is, as long as your wand ends in a 1/4 in quick-connect. See the 1/4 in quick-connect standard and 3/8 vs 1/4 in quick-connects.
2. The PSI and GPM range
A surface cleaner spins its jets with the water the machine sends. Makers state a range, and some state only part of it.
| Cleaner | Deck | Inlet | PSI and GPM as the maker states | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI RY31SC12 | 12 in | 1/4 in QC | 2,300 PSI; no GPM listed[1] | not stated |
| SIMPSON 80165 (discontinued) | 15 in | 1/4 in QC | 2,200 PSI and 2.3 GPM minimum, up to 3,700 PSI[2] | cold, 140°F max |
| DEWALT DXPA34SC | 18 in | 1/4 in QC | up to 3,400 PSI; no GPM listed[3] | cold only |
| BE 85.403.007 | 20 in | 3/8 in QC | no clear range published[4] | rated to 180°F |
BE's spec table and description give figures that conflict, and the table does not label which is minimum or maximum, so we publish no operating range for it. DEWALT says the DXPA34SC is designed for most gas washers rated up to 3,400 PSI and lists no GPM, so its flow fit cannot be stated.[3] SIMPSON now marks the 80165 discontinued, but its listing still shows how a full range reads.[2]
3. Electric machines: compare the numbers
Use your machine's rated output, not its headline maximum.
- The Sun Joe SPX3000 (MR12 manual) is rated at 1,450 PSI and 1.24 GPM working output.[6]
- The Westinghouse ePX3500 is rated at 2,000 PSI and 1.2 GPM.[7]
- Kärcher says its residential machines range from 1.25 to 2.5 GPM depending on the model.[8]
Set those beside SIMPSON's 80165 listing: a 2.3 GPM minimum is above the rated flow of the SPX3000 and the ePX3500, and above all but the top of Kärcher's stated residential range. Its 2,200 PSI minimum is above both machines' rated pressure too. On the numbers, those machines fall short of that cleaner's stated minimum.
Kärcher's US FAQ sends owners to its accessories page for surface-cleaner compatibility rather than naming models in the FAQ.[8] For a Kärcher K2 to K5, start there.
Cat Pumps advises that a high-pressure system is only as strong as its weakest component.[9] The cleaner's maximum must also stay at or above your machine's pressure.
4. Cold or hot water
DEWALT's DXPA34SC is for cold water only.[3] SIMPSON listed the 80165 for cold water with a 140°F maximum.[2] BE rates its 85.403.007 to 180°F.[4] A temperature rating belongs to that part only, and your machine's own inlet limit still applies.
Approved surface cleaners
Picks that fit3 products
SIMPSON 80625 is the 16.5 in deck; Westinghouse's is the 15 in deck; Greenworks 5210902 is the 15 in cleaner sold with a 12 in extension wand.
More on choosing
All three use a 1/4 in quick-connect inlet. Before ordering, compare the PSI and GPM range on the maker's page with your machine's rated output. On Amazon, check that Ships from / Sold by is Amazon.com or the brand.
SIMPSON surface cleaner with a stated minimum
SIMPSON 80625 universal 16.5 in surface cleaner, 2,000‑4,000 PSI, 1/4 in QC
Westinghouse's own surface cleaner
Westinghouse universal 15 in pressure washer surface cleaner, 3,400 PSI, 1/4 in QC
Greenworks surface cleaner kit with an extension wand
Greenworks 5210902 15 in surface cleaner with 12 in extension wand, 3,100 PSI, 1/4 in QC
Next
Questions
Will a surface cleaner work with an electric pressure washer?
Only if your machine's rated output meets the cleaner's stated minimum. SIMPSON listed its 80165 from 2,200 PSI and 2.3 GPM, while Sun Joe rates the SPX3000 at 1.24 GPM and Westinghouse the ePX3500 at 1.2 GPM. Compare the numbers for your own machine.[2][6][7]
What PSI do I need for a surface cleaner?
The range the cleaner's maker states. RYOBI lists its RY31SC12 at 2,300 PSI, DEWALT its DXPA34SC up to 3,400 PSI, and SIMPSON listed the 80165 from 2,200 to 3,700 PSI. Some makers state no minimum or no GPM at all.[1][3][2]
Can a 1/4 in surface cleaner go on a 3/8 in hose?
It attaches where its inlet matches, which is usually the 1/4 in quick-connect at the end of the wand, not the hose. DEWALT's DXPA31SW wand, for example, has a 1/4 in quick-connect outlet for tips.[5]