I still remember the feeling of dread that would wash over me every spring. Staring out at my 100-foot-long concrete driveway, stained with a winter’s worth of grime, algae, and leaf tannins, I knew what was coming: a full weekend lost to the slow, painstaking process of pressure washing. Armed with a standard 25-degree nozzle, I’d spend hours meticulously tracing lines back and forth, trying desperately to overlap them perfectly. The result was almost always the same: a cleaner driveway, yes, but one marred by unsightly “zebra stripes” and missed spots. My back would ache, my legs would be soaked, and the sheer amount of time squandered felt like a defeat. The alternative—hiring a professional—was an expense I couldn’t justify year after year. This frustrating cycle is what sends countless homeowners and small business owners searching for a better, faster, and more effective solution.
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-day chore into a manageable afternoon task. It attaches to your existing pressure washer wand and uses a pair of rapidly spinning nozzles under a contained deck to clean large, flat surfaces with incredible speed and uniformity. The primary benefit is the elimination of streaks and lines, delivering a professional-grade, consistent finish that’s nearly impossible to achieve with a standard nozzle. It also drastically reduces cleaning time—often by up to 80%—and minimizes the physical strain on your back and shoulders. The enclosed deck contains the high-pressure spray, protecting you, your windows, and your landscaping from messy overspray and flying debris.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daunting task of cleaning large concrete driveways, expansive patios, pool decks, sidewalks, or commercial walkways. If you value your time and demand a professional look without hiring a service, a surface cleaner is a game-changing investment. However, it might not be suitable for those who only have a very small balcony or a tiny patch of concrete to clean, as the size could be cumbersome. For extremely tight or uneven areas, a traditional wand with a turbo nozzle might still be necessary. For those without a compatible pressure washer, the initial investment would include both the washer and the attachment.
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 20-inch model like this one is fantastic for large, open spaces, significantly reducing the number of passes required. However, consider if you have narrower walkways or tight corners where a smaller 15-inch model might be more nimble. Measure your most common cleaning areas before you buy.
- Capacity/Performance: This is the most critical factor. A surface cleaner’s performance is directly tied to the power of your pressure washer. The MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner requires a minimum of 2000 PSI and 2 GPM (gallons per minute) to function effectively. Using it with an underpowered machine will result in the spray bar failing to spin properly, leading to poor cleaning results. Always check your pressure washer’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
- Materials & Durability: Look for robust construction. This model uses a combination of a lightweight PP (polypropylene) deck, solid brass fittings, and a fully sealed bearing. The PP housing is great because it resists dents, heat, and chemicals. Solid brass is the gold standard for fittings as it won’t rust or corrode. A sealed bearing is crucial for longevity, preventing water and grit from causing premature failure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like wheels (casters) and ergonomic handles dramatically improve the user experience. Casters allow the unit to glide effortlessly, whereas “floating” models require more effort to hover at the correct height. Adjustable handles reduce fatigue. For maintenance, simply flush the unit with clean water after each use to clear debris from the nozzles and internal parts.
A quality surface cleaner can revolutionize your outdoor cleaning projects. Once you’ve determined this is the right tool for you, the next step is finding the right model.
While the MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner 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: A Professional Tool Right Out of the Box
Unboxing the MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner, my first impression was one of substance. It felt solid and well-engineered, a significant step up from the flimsy, all-plastic units I’ve seen in big-box stores. One user noted that upon opening it, they thought “it’s hella work to put them together,” but were pleased to find it “was very simple.” I can confirm this sentiment. Assembly was straightforward, involving attaching the two-part handle and the trigger gun assembly, which took less than ten minutes without needing to glance at the manual. The four casters were pre-installed and spun freely. The overall look and feel, as another user aptly put it, is that of a “professional tool.” The ergonomic, angled handles felt comfortable in my hands, a clear indicator that this tool was designed for extended use. You can immediately tell that the combination of a sturdy deck, smooth-rolling wheels, and a comfortable grip is designed to make a tough job much, much easier. It’s a piece of equipment that gives you confidence before you even pull the trigger. You can check the latest price and availability for yourself.
Advantages
- Dramatically reduces cleaning time on large surfaces (up to 8x faster)
- Four universal casters provide exceptional maneuverability and smooth gliding
- Dual spinning jets provide a consistent, streak-free finish
- Robust build with heavy-duty PP, solid brass, and a sealed bearing for longevity
- Ergonomic, angle-adjustable handles reduce user fatigue
Limitations
- Actual cleaning path is closer to 17 inches, not the advertised 20 inches
- Handle assembly does not lock for upright storage
- Trigger gun includes a male quick-connect, which may require an adapter for some setups
Deep Dive: Putting the MEKOH Surface Cleaner to the Test
A tool can look great on paper, but the real test is how it performs under pressure—literally. We put the MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner through its paces on a variety of heavily soiled surfaces to see if its performance matched its promising specifications. From algae-caked concrete to a grime-covered wooden deck, we evaluated its cleaning power, ease of use, and overall durability.
Raw Cleaning Power and Efficiency
We paired the MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner with a gas-powered 4400 PSI, 4.2 GPM pressure washer, a combination well within the unit’s maximum rating of 4500 PSI and 4 GPM. Our primary test subject was a north-facing concrete patio that had developed a slick, hazardous layer of green algae and was darkened with years of embedded dirt. With a standard wand, this job would have taken at least two hours of tedious, stripe-producing work.
With the MEKOH, the results were nothing short of astonishing. The moment I pulled the trigger, the internal spray bar spun to life, and the unit glided forward, erasing a wide, clean path through the grime. The two high-pressure jets, spinning at high RPMs, obliterated the algae and lifted the deep-seated dirt without leaving the tell-tale “zebra stripes” that plague standard nozzles. The process felt less like cleaning and more like watching a magic eraser at work. We found ourselves agreeing with one user who, after tackling five-year-old roof repair stains, was “very impressed.” This tool truly makes short work of daunting tasks. A key discrepancy we confirmed, as noted by a fellow user, is that the effective cleaning path is closer to 17 inches due to the housing’s diameter. While slightly smaller than the “20-inch” name suggests, the sheer speed and quality of the clean make this a minor point. The efficiency gains are so massive that you won’t be concerned about a couple of inches. This is a feature that really sets it apart from smaller models.
Design, Ergonomics, and Maneuverability
This is where the MEKOH truly shines and differentiates itself from many competitors. The inclusion of four universal casters is a masterstroke of design. Instead of having to constantly support the weight and maintain the hover height of a “floating” surface cleaner, the wheels allow the MEKOH to glide effortlessly across the surface. Pushing and pulling the unit requires minimal effort, making it feel more like you’re vacuuming a carpet than pressure washing concrete. We navigated around patio furniture legs and along curved garden bed borders with surprising agility. The unit feels incredibly smooth and quiet during operation, a sentiment echoed by a user who simply stated it’s “so smooth and Quiet it’s perfect!”
The dual, angle-adjustable handles are another major ergonomic win. They allow for a comfortable, two-handed posture that significantly reduces strain on the back and shoulders during long cleaning sessions. We worked for over an hour straight without feeling the fatigue that typically sets in after 20 minutes with a standard wand. The integrated splash guard skirt is highly effective at containing the high-pressure spray, keeping our legs and surrounding areas dry and clean. However, we did notice what one astute user pointed out: after a while, the skirt can trap a layer of dirty water, which can slightly reduce cleaning efficiency as the jets have to blast through it. We found their solution of tilting the unit occasionally to release the water worked perfectly. For those looking for a tool that prioritizes user comfort, the ergonomic design of the MEKOH is a major selling point.
Build Quality, Durability, and Compatibility
Long-term value depends on durability, and the MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner appears built to last. The heavy-duty PP housing feels resilient and capable of shrugging off accidental bumps against walls or curbs. The heart of the unit—the rotating assembly—features solid brass components and, most importantly, a fully sealed bearing. This is a critical feature that prevents grit and dirty water from entering the mechanism, which is the leading cause of failure in cheaper surface cleaners.
The trigger gun and handle assembly are robust. We noted one user experienced a broken plastic gun handle, which is concerning; however, their follow-up was overwhelmingly positive. The company’s customer service responded quickly, informed them of a lifetime warranty, and shipped a replacement part immediately. This level of support transforms a potential negative into a massive positive, showing the company stands behind its product. Another critical piece of feedback we investigated was a user’s frustration with the gun having a male 3/8” quick-connect inlet. Most pressure washer hoses have a male end, designed to connect to a female inlet on the gun. The MEKOH’s choice is unconventional and may require some users to purchase an inexpensive female-to-female adapter. While it’s an easy fix, it’s an odd design choice that buyers should be aware of to avoid a frustrating delay on cleaning day. Knowing this upfront can save a lot of headaches, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to prepare for your specific setup.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the feedback from users of the MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner is overwhelmingly positive, with most praising its transformative effect on large cleaning jobs. Many, like one who used it to clean a heavily soiled slab, declared it “Very well built” with the “look and feel of a professional tool,” and were “Quite happy” with their purchase. The theme of making “short work of the task” is a common refrain.
However, no product is perfect, and the user feedback provides a balanced perspective. The most common constructive criticism relates to the advertised size. As one user bluntly stated, “It is not a 20” surface cleaner. It is closer to 15 / 16”… The product does clean well, but I would not have ordered it if I knew it was smaller.” This is a valid point about marketing accuracy, even if most agree the performance is still excellent. Another significant point of friction is the gun’s connection fitting. One user detailed their frustration at receiving a gun with a male quick-connect, which is the reverse of the industry standard, forcing them to find a workaround. While these issues are important, they are often overshadowed by the praise for the unit’s performance and the company’s responsive customer service, which has been highlighted for quickly resolving issues under warranty.
How Does the MEKOH 20” Surface Cleaner Compare to the Alternatives?
The MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner is a fantastic tool, but it exists in a crowded market of pressure washer accessories. To understand its place, it’s helpful to compare it against other popular options, even those that serve a different primary purpose.
1. RIDGE WASHER 5000 PSI Pressure Washer Gun
This is not a direct competitor but an alternative component. The RIDGE WASHER gun is a heavy-duty replacement trigger gun designed for high-end pressure washers, boasting a 5000 PSI and 12 GPM rating. A user might choose this over the MEKOH package if they already own a surface cleaner attachment but are unhappy with the stock gun that came with their pressure washer. It’s an upgrade for someone seeking more robust build quality, higher flow-through capacity, or better ergonomics in the gun itself. It’s for the user who wants to customize their existing setup, not for someone looking for an all-in-one surface cleaning solution.
2. SIMPSON 80165 15″ Steel Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
The SIMPSON 80165 is a direct competitor and a popular choice. The most significant differences are size, construction, and mobility. The SIMPSON has a smaller 15-inch cleaning path, making it better suited for smaller patios and walkways but less efficient on large driveways compared to the MEKOH’s ~17-inch path. It features a powder-coated steel housing, which some may prefer for its rugged feel, though it’s heavier. Critically, the SIMPSON is a “floating” design without wheels, meaning the user must support its weight and maintain the correct hover height. This requires more physical effort than gliding the wheeled MEKOH. This is a better choice for users with smaller jobs or those loyal to the Simpson brand who don’t mind a more physical cleaning experience.
3. Chemical Guys Snubby Pressure Washer Gun
Like the RIDGE WASHER, the Chemical Guys Snubby is an accessory, not a surface cleaner. Its purpose is entirely different. This compact, “snub-nose” gun is designed specifically for automotive detailing. Its short length provides superior control when working in tight spaces like wheel wells or undercarriages and is ideal for use with a foam cannon. Someone would choose this product if their primary use for a pressure washer is washing vehicles. It offers precision and control that a long-wand setup cannot. It is not an alternative for cleaning a driveway but a specialized tool for a completely different application.
The Final Verdict: Is the MEKOH 20” Surface Cleaner Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The MEKOH 20” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner is a phenomenal tool that delivers on its core promise: to clean large flat surfaces quickly, efficiently, and without leaving streaks. Its powerful cleaning action, combined with the superb maneuverability afforded by its four-caster design and ergonomic handles, transforms a dreaded chore into a satisfying and surprisingly fast task. While it has minor flaws—namely the slightly smaller-than-advertised cleaning path and the unconventional male connector on the gun—these are easily outweighed by its outstanding performance, solid construction, and what appears to be excellent, warranty-backed customer support.
We would recommend this product without hesitation to any homeowner or small business owner with a compatible pressure washer (2000+ PSI) and a significant amount of concrete, decking, or pavement to maintain. It’s a game-changing investment that pays for itself in the countless hours of labor you’ll save. If you’re ready to say goodbye to zebra stripes and reclaim your weekends, this is the tool you’ve been looking for. You can find the best price and order yours online today.