DeWalt 18 in. Surface Cleaner

Cleaning large surfaces like driveways, patios, and decks can be a daunting task, especially when using a standard pressure washer wand. With that in mind, I was eager to try out the DeWalt Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner, model DXPA34SC. This surface cleaner, boasting an 18-inch diameter and compatibility with cold water pressure washers up to 3400 PSI, seemed like the perfect solution for efficient and thorough cleaning of expansive areas.

Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the build quality of the DeWalt Surface Cleaner. It features a powder-coated steel shroud and stainless steel nozzles, giving it a robust and durable feel. The universal fit for standard 1/4 inch QC spray wand connections meant it was compatible with my existing pressure washer setup, making the installation process straightforward. I simply snapped it onto my pressure washer wand, and it was ready to go.

The initial performance of the surface cleaner was impressive. The two high-pressure rotating jets provided an even and powerful spray, effectively removing dirt, grime, and algae from my driveway. The 18-inch diameter allowed me to cover more ground in less time compared to a traditional wand, significantly speeding up the cleaning process. The cleaner glided smoothly over the concrete, leaving a uniformly clean surface behind.

However, my initial enthusiasm was short-lived. After about two hours of use, the rotating jets started to slow down and eventually stopped spinning altogether. I disassembled the unit, cleaned the jets with the included needle tool, and reassembled it, hoping that would resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the problem persisted. The jets would occasionally spin but remained mostly stationary, causing the cleaner to leave streaks and uneven lines on the surface.

Frustrated but determined to give it another chance, I purchased a second unit, thinking the first one might have been a defective piece. This time, I handed it over to a maintenance worker at my office. The second unit worked fine for a couple of uses but soon exhibited the same problem. The rotating jets stopped spinning, and the cleaner left unsightly trails on the deck. I even tried a third unit, hoping for better luck, but the issue remained consistent.

One potential cause I considered was the presence of fine sand in my cleaning area, which might have clogged the jets. I thoroughly cleaned the area and even added filters to the pressure washer intake line to catch any debris. Despite these measures, the surface cleaner continued to malfunction. The jets would occasionally spin, but they never maintained a consistent rotation speed, rendering the tool ineffective.

Another significant drawback I encountered was the lack of available replacement parts. When the spray nozzles or internal components wore out, finding replacements proved impossible. DeWalt customer service informed me that they do not stock replacement parts for this model, leaving me with no option but to purchase an entirely new unit each time it failed. This lack of support and the short 90-day warranty added to my frustration.

In terms of design, the DeWalt Surface Cleaner has a few notable flaws. The bearings or washers inside the cleaner seem to wear out quickly, causing the rotating jets to bind and stop spinning. Lubricating the components provided only a temporary fix, and the cleaner would inevitably fail again after a short period of use. Additionally, the quick-connect fittings showed signs of wear after just a few uses, further impacting the tool's performance.

Despite these issues, there were a few positives worth mentioning. The cleaner's initial performance, when functioning correctly, was impressive. It effectively removed dirt and grime, leaving a clean surface behind. The design also allowed for easy maneuverability, making it less tiring to use compared to a traditional pressure washer wand. However, these benefits were overshadowed by the tool's lack of durability and reliability.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend the DeWalt Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner, model DXPA34SC. While it offers an efficient and powerful cleaning solution when it works, the consistent issues with the rotating jets, lack of replacement parts, and short warranty period make it a poor investment. For those looking for a reliable surface cleaner, I would advise exploring other brands and models that offer better durability and customer support. The initial performance may be impressive, but the frustration and additional costs associated with frequent breakdowns and lack of replacement parts outweigh any benefits.