Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment Review: The Pro-Level Upgrade Your Driveway Deserves

I still remember the feeling of dread that would wash over me every spring. Staring out at my long, concrete driveway, stained with a winter’s worth of grime, moss, and dirt, I knew what was coming: an entire Saturday spent hunched over, meticulously tracing lines with a pressure washer wand. The result was always the same—a sore back, soaked clothes, and a driveway that looked more like a zebra crossing than a clean, uniform surface. Those frustrating, overlapping “tiger stripes” were a constant reminder of hours of inefficient labor. The thought of tackling the sprawling back patio was even more demoralizing. It’s a chore that promises satisfaction but often delivers frustration and fatigue, leaving you wondering if there isn’t a smarter, faster way to restore your home’s curb appeal.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner

A pressure washer surface cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming a multi-hour, physically demanding chore into a surprisingly quick and satisfying task. This type of attachment is engineered to solve the two biggest problems of traditional pressure washing on flat surfaces: inconsistency and inefficiency. By housing two rapidly spinning nozzles within a contained deck, it delivers a uniform, streak-free finish across large areas like driveways, patios, sidewalks, and even garage floors. The main benefits are a dramatic reduction in cleaning time—often by more than 75%—and a professional-grade result that is nearly impossible to achieve with a standard nozzle. It also minimizes overspray, keeping you, your walls, and your flowerbeds significantly drier.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daunting task of cleaning large, flat surfaces. This includes homeowners with extensive concrete driveways, large wooden decks, or sprawling stone patios. It’s also an invaluable tool for small business owners or maintenance professionals who need to clean walkways or entryways efficiently. However, it might not be suitable for those who primarily need to clean vertical surfaces, vehicles, or intricate, uneven areas like stone walls. For those tasks, a traditional set of pressure washer nozzles or specialized attachments like a foam cannon would be a more appropriate choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The diameter of the surface cleaner dictates how quickly you can cover an area. A larger diameter, like the 16.5 inches on the Westinghouse model, is ideal for big driveways and patios, significantly cutting down on the number of passes required. Consider the size of your typical projects; a smaller 12-inch model might suffice for a small walkway, but a larger one offers unparalleled efficiency for bigger jobs.
• Capacity/Performance: Check the maximum PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) rating of the surface cleaner. It must be compatible with your pressure washer’s output. The Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment is rated for up to 4400 PSI, making it suitable for a wide range of powerful gas and electric models. Using a cleaner with a lower PSI rating than your machine can cause damage.
• Materials & Durability: Surface cleaners typically come in two varieties: plastic or metal. While plastic models are lighter and often cheaper, they are prone to cracking and can “float” or lift off the surface under high pressure, leading to inconsistent cleaning. Stainless steel construction, as seen in this Westinghouse model, offers superior durability, rust resistance, and the necessary weight to stay firmly planted on the ground for a perfect finish.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like caster wheels are a game-changer, transforming the task from a physical battle into a smooth glide. Look for a standard connector, like the 1/4” quick-connect fitting, for hassle-free attachment. For long-term care, maintenance is minimal; simply ensure the nozzles are clear of debris after each use to maintain optimal performance.

While the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Stainless Steel Workhorse

Pulling the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment from its box, the first thing we noticed was its reassuring heft. This isn’t the flimsy, plastic disc that often comes bundled with budget pressure washers. The entire housing is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, giving it an immediate feel of professional-grade quality. It feels robust and substantial, an impression confirmed by several users who noted it was “built like a tank” and a “very well-made” unit you could “run a business with.” Assembly was nonexistent; it’s ready to go right out of the box. The three caster wheels spin freely, and the internal spray bar rotates smoothly by hand. Compared to a previous plastic Generac model one user mentioned, the difference is night and day. Where the plastic one felt like a constant “battle trying to keep the unit on the ground,” this stainless steel attachment feels planted and purposeful.

Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure

A tool can look impressive on the workbench, but its true value is only revealed under real-world conditions. We paired the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment with a 3400 PSI gas-powered pressure washer—a common setup for serious homeowners—and set it loose on a variety of challenging surfaces. Our goal was to test its efficiency, cleaning quality, durability, and overall user experience. From a moss-covered sidewalk to a sprawling, oil-stained driveway, this attachment faced the kind of grime that would normally consume an entire weekend.

Built to Last: A Deep Dive into the Stainless Steel Construction

The single most defining feature of this surface cleaner is its stainless steel housing. In a market flooded with plastic alternatives, this choice of material is not just a minor upgrade; it fundamentally changes the tool’s performance and longevity. During our testing, this became immediately apparent. Under the force of 3400 PSI, lighter plastic models we’ve used in the past have a tendency to “hover” or lift off the concrete, creating an inconsistent spray distance that results in the very stripes you’re trying to avoid. The weight of the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment keeps it firmly grounded. There was no battle to keep it down; it stayed planted, allowing the dual high-pressure nozzles to do their work at a consistent, optimal distance from the surface.

This durability is a sentiment echoed repeatedly by other users. One reviewer, comparing it to their old plastic Generac unit, celebrated that it was “not only bigger, made from high quality steel” but also eliminated the fight to keep it on the ground. Another simply stated it was “very well made. Appears robust – and rust proof.” This is a crucial point for a tool that is constantly exposed to water. The stainless steel construction ensures that it won’t corrode or degrade over time, a promise that its plastic counterparts simply cannot make. It feels like a long-term investment rather than a disposable accessory, capable of withstanding the rigors of heavy seasonal use for years to come. This robust build is a key reason why it delivers such professional, consistent results.

The Game-Changer: How Caster Wheels Revolutionize Surface Cleaning

If the stainless steel body is the foundation, the three caster wheels are the feature that brings true delight to the user experience. Cleaning a large driveway without wheels means you are constantly pushing, pulling, and fighting the friction of the unit against the concrete. It’s exhausting. The Westinghouse attachment, however, glides. We found that we could effortlessly guide the 16.5-inch deck across the entire length of a two-car driveway with just one hand. The motion is smooth and requires minimal effort, transforming the job from a strenuous workout into a leisurely walk.

This newfound ease of use was a highlight for many users. One remarked, “The coaster wheels work great for smoothly moving across concrete surfaces.” Another, who had borrowed a neighbor’s wheel-less model, knew they wanted their own with wheels, stating the Westinghouse’s design “added a whole new ease to cleaning.” This sentiment was perfectly captured by a user who said, “With one hand I can glide this over the driveway and let it do the work. If you go with the ‘work smarter, not harder’ approach, get it.” It’s important to set realistic expectations, however. One meticulous reviewer noted that on uneven pavement or significant curves, the wheels can get a bit “quirky.” We observed this as well; on a heavily cracked or sloped area, you do need to guide it more deliberately. But for the vast majority of flat surfaces—driveways, sidewalks, patios—the wheels are nothing short of a revelation.

Raw Cleaning Power & Efficiency: From Hours to Minutes

Ultimately, a surface cleaner is judged by two things: how well it cleans and how fast it does it. In both respects, the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment is a resounding success. The 16.5-inch cleaning path is substantially wider than the tiny fan of a spray nozzle, and the results are staggering. One user reported that a section of their driveway that previously took an hour with a wand was completed in just 15 minutes with this attachment. Our experience mirrored this perfectly. A long sidewalk that would have taken at least 45 minutes of tedious, stripe-risking work was completely restored to its original bright-white state in under 10 minutes. The time savings are not incremental; they are monumental.

The quality of the clean is equally impressive. The spinning action of the nozzles creates a uniform, streak-free finish that looks professionally done. As one user demonstrated with a photo, the attachment produced “amazing” results on a sidewalk using “no cleaning solution at all, Water only.” It effectively lifted years of built-up grime, mold, and dirt, as another user confirmed it “did an excellent job removing mold from the patio surface.” It’s worth noting that, as with any surface cleaner, the most stubborn, set-in oil stains might require a pre-treatment or a final, quick blast from a 0-degree nozzle. However, for 99% of the grime covering a typical surface, this attachment eradicates it efficiently and completely, a fact that makes it an absolutely essential tool for large cleaning projects.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user sentiment for the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment is overwhelmingly positive. The most common praise centers on the massive time savings. One user, who received professional quotes ranging from $175 to $600 to clean their driveway, was able to achieve the same results themselves, stating they “saved money and a lot of hours versus using the spray wand alone.” Another simply said it “cut my driveway and sidewalk total power washing time down by at least 1/2.”

The robust build quality and the inclusion of wheels are also frequently lauded. Comments like “An absolute solid unit,” “seriously impressed,” and “the rotating wheels are a game changer” are representative of the general feedback. However, the feedback isn’t without its nuances. A couple of users pointed out its limitations, which align with our findings. One noted that it “Must be used on level pavement” as the wheels can be tricky on curves, and that “some tougher spots need the spray nozzle.” This is fair and important context for any potential buyer. We also noticed several negative reviews related to shipping damage or assembly issues, but these were for entire pressure washer *units*, not this specific *attachment*, a common issue when user feedback for different products gets bundled together online.

How Does It Compare? Westinghouse Surface Cleaner vs. The Competition

While the Westinghouse attachment excels at its specific job, it’s part of a larger ecosystem of outdoor cleaning tools. Understanding where it fits requires looking at a few alternatives designed for different, though sometimes overlapping, needs. The right choice ultimately depends on what equipment you already own and what your primary cleaning tasks are.

1. Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer 2500 PSI

This first alternative is a complete pressure washer system. The Westinghouse ePX3500 is a great choice for someone who doesn’t already own a pressure washer and prefers the convenience of an electric model. With 2500 Max PSI, it has ample power for most home cleaning tasks, from washing cars to cleaning fences and patios. Its anti-tipping technology is a clever design feature that solves a common frustration with upright electric washers. If you’re starting from scratch and need an all-in-one solution for a variety of jobs, the ePX3500 is a fantastic option. However, if you already own a powerful gas or electric pressure washer, the surface cleaner attachment we reviewed is the more economical and specialized upgrade for large flat surfaces.

2. Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer 1.2 GPM

The Greenworks Compact Electric Pressure Washer is geared towards users with smaller-scale cleaning needs and limited storage space. It’s lightweight, highly portable, and perfect for tasks like washing a car, cleaning outdoor furniture, or tackling a small deck or patio. Its power output is more modest, which is ideal for more delicate surfaces but would be underpowered for use with a large surface cleaner attachment like the 16.5″ Westinghouse. This is the right tool for someone who values portability and ease of use for light-duty cleaning and doesn’t have a massive driveway to contend with. For sheer efficiency on large concrete areas, it can’t compete with a more powerful washer paired with our reviewed surface cleaner.

3. SwiftJet Foam Gun Kit

This final alternative serves a completely different, highly specialized purpose: vehicle washing. The SwiftJet Foam Gun attaches to a standard garden hose, not a pressure washer, to create a thick layer of cleaning foam on a car’s surface. This is a dedicated tool for automotive enthusiasts who want a gentle, effective way to wash their vehicles without the high pressure that could potentially damage paint. It is in no way a substitute for a pressure washer or a surface cleaner for cleaning driveways, decks, or siding. You would choose the SwiftJet if your primary goal is detailing your car; you would choose the Westinghouse surface cleaner if your main challenge is grimy concrete or wood surfaces.

The Final Verdict: Is the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment a Must-Have?

After extensive testing and poring over real-world feedback, our conclusion is clear: if you own a pressure washer and have more than 100 square feet of driveway, patio, or sidewalk to clean, the Westinghouse 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment is not just a luxury—it’s an essential, time-saving investment. Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction provides the durability and weight needed for consistent, streak-free results, while the caster wheels make the entire process remarkably effortless. It transforms a dreaded, back-breaking chore into a quick and genuinely satisfying task.

While it may struggle on highly irregular surfaces and the toughest oil stains might require a direct nozzle blast, these are minor limitations on an otherwise outstanding tool. It delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of the time and cost of hiring a service. For any homeowner looking to reclaim their weekends and maintain a pristine-looking property with minimal effort, this attachment is an absolute game-changer. If you’re ready to stop drawing stripes and start cleaning smarter, we can’t recommend it highly enough. You can check its current price and get one for your cleaning arsenal here.