Pressure Washer Market

Market Overview

The global pressure washer market size was valued at USD 3.04 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 4.38 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.15% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

A pressure washer is a mechanical apparatus used for cleansing, washing, and scrubbing surfaces afflicted with persistent stains, including floors. It includes an electric motor, a high-pressure compressor, a filter, a pressure-resistant hose, and various cleaning attachments. The water is drawn from a reservoir and expelled at extremely high pressure from the washer outlet. The volume of a mechanical pressure washer is commonly quantified in units of gallons or liters per minute (GPM or LPM) and is typically predetermined and included inside the pump mechanism.

Some devices can generate pressures ranging from 5 to 200 MPa (750 to 30,000 psi) or higher. Pressure washers are more cost-effective than conventional washers and detergents and can effectively remove stains of mud, filth, and grime from the surface of automobiles, buildings, furniture, and roads. Therefore, they find widespread use in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Market Dynamics

Global Pressure Washer Market Drivers

Growth in the Vehicle Washing Industry

Car cleaning is a significant end-use for pressure washers globally, accounting for 9.53% of sales in 2020. The growth of the vehicle washing industry would thus invariably drive the market for pressure washers during the forecast period. High-pressure washers are extensively used for cleaning cars, motorcycles, bikes, and other vehicles. The incredible growth of the vehicle washing industry is likely to drive the demand for pressure washers.

Customers utilizing vehicle washes increased by 19.20% between 1996 and 2014. The car washing sector has expanded by more than 3% yearly since 2018. It is projected that there will be a 10% growth in the number of car wash establishments by the year 2022. Moreover, the anticipated growth in the market for professional car cleaning services can be attributed to several factors, including the implementation of flexible working hours, the adoption of easy business structures, the integration of technical innovations, and the utilization of mobile applications to boost sales.

Growth in Sales of Gardening Equipment

The population in Western countries engages in gardening not only as a recreational activity or pastime but also for its relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Aesthetic appeal for residential and commercial lawns and gardens has enhanced the popularity of gardening and landscaping services globally. Pressure washers are used to clean commercial and residential gardens and landscaping equipment. Tools such as spades, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, and more can be cleaned successfully with a pressure washer.

In addition, the increasing sale of gardening equipment will impact the demand for pressure washers and drive market growth over the next few years. Brands like Kärcher encourage cleaning garden tools with a pressure washer at regular intervals to improve their working efficiency. The brand also promotes the sale of add-on accessories, such as the Soft Wash Brush and WB60 Wash Brush, alongside their pressure washers to clean garden tools. Such factors drive market growth.

Global Pressure Washer Market Restraint

Availability of Alternative Cleaning Methods

The rising adoption of alternative cleaning technology such as foam-based cleaning, heat cleaning, sandblasting, vapor blasting, dry and wet ice blasting, or traditional cleaning is a major challenge for the market growth during the forecast period. Pressure washers are not always the best option, despite their ability to remove dirt, paint, graffiti, oil, and grime from hard surfaces.

Furthermore, several cleaning companies offer cleaning homes and walkways using traditional methods involving industrial soap and regular hoses. Although cleaning by hand could be more expensive, the cleaning is performed without the stress and noise of high-pressure washers. This is expected to hinder the revenue opportunities in pressure washers during the forecast period.

Global Pressure Washer Market Opportunities

Significance of Professional Contract Cleaning Services

The expansion of professional contract cleaning services would create sizable potential prospects for the pressure washer market globally. The global pressure washer market accounts for approximately 10% of the global cleaning equipment market. It is expected to witness an annual growth of approximately 5% over the next few years. The cleaning industry in the US is also witnessing an above-average growth of over 10%.

Additionally, the estimated growth in the contract cleaning industry is expected to support the growth and adoption of commercial pressure washers during the forecast period. Many small and medium-sized companies characterize the commercial pressure washing service industry. The ease of entering the pressure washing services industry provides lucrative opportunities for local players. The absence of regulations and less capital needed to set up operations has also influenced market entrants.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global pressure washer market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant global pressure washer market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.82% during the forecast period. The expansion of the pressure washer industry in Europe is primarily driven by expanding corporate investments, rising commercial and residential development, rising government infrastructure spending, and the expansion of the hospitality industry, which is driven by the region's booming travel and tourism industries. The use of residential cleaning equipment is also being fueled by rising disposable income and the rise of dual-income households. However, political uncertainties in Europe post the Brexit negotiations are adversely affecting the economic growth in the region and may result in low demand for cleaning services and equipment during the forecast period. The potential impact of Brexit on the cleaning equipment market is a matter of concern. However, the power cleaning equipment sector is anticipated to experience favorable growth. This can be attributed to manufacturers effectively distinguishing their products and meeting the demand for superior quality, easy-to-use, and highly efficient cleaning products. As a result, it is expected that the market for such products will experience robust growth.

North America is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.64% over the forecast period. The North American market has witnessed a steady recovery after the subprime crisis in 2008, with a gradual increase in sales and improvement in consumer confidence, and residential sales have reached pre-recession levels. With the recovery in the economy, the market has rebounded over the past years. However, the impact of COVID-19 in 2020 took a dig at the optimistic approach to construction and economic growth. The economy of the US also shrank at a 32.75% annual rate between April and June, signifying one of the greatest declines of all time. The revival is expected to happen in 2021 and 2022, which can support the nation's return to normality. Therefore, the expected rise in economic growth, coupled with residential constructions, the establishment of new businesses, the expansion of commercial spaces, and increasing disposable income, is expected to spur the demand for cleaning equipment such as pressure washers.

The Asia-Pacific region is the quickest-growing market for pressure washers. In the region's quickly expanding economies, rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have led to the birth of megacities. The rising urban population and renovations have also supported the growth of the construction industry. The World Bank projected that between 2010 and 2030, the number of urban families in the area would increase by almost 68%. The urbanization of developing nations in Asia-Pacific is expected to bolster demand for self-sustaining households and buildings, generating the need for more cleaning equipment systems during the forecast period. In addition, due to significant infrastructure investment, particularly in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam, multifamily residential units are becoming more prevalent in the region. The Asia-Pacific region's most promising markets for pressure washers are these nations.

Although Latin America accounted for a small global market share, the region is predicted to witness rapid growth in demand for cleaning equipment over the next few years. The region is home to over 624 million people, and over 80% of the population lives in urban areas. Rising commodity prices, increased consumption, improved business confidence, and stronger exports primarily drive the region's overall growth. Due to the repercussions of the pandemic in 2020, it is anticipated that initial growth will be sluggish. However, it is projected to gain momentum when the regional economy recovers. Similarly, implementing new communal open spaces and enhancing public spaces are anticipated to align with this recovery, consequently stimulating growth.

In the Middle East and Africa, the increasing construction activities in GCC countries and proactive government policies increase the demand for pressure washers. The population of Africa is expected to surpass 2.50 billion by 2050, and over 1.10 billion are expected to fall under the middle-class segment. The upcoming Dubai Expo 2021 is expected to drive the construction of infrastructural facilities. The region's hotel and leisure sectors are expanding due to this significant event. The construction and expansion of hotels and other accommodation services drive professional cleaning services in the region, fueling market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global pressure washer market is segmented by power source, operation, output, and end-user.

Based on the power source, the global market is bifurcated into electric, gas, and battery power sources. 

The electric segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.55% over the forecast period. Electric pressure washers are more economical than gas pressure washers. The average selling price of an electric pressure washer used for domestic cleaning costs between USD 90 and USD 200. This is less than gas pressure washers, which cost around USD 300−800. These machines are generally disposable and have a lower lifecycle than gas-pressure washers. They are usually preferred for quiet, clean, and affordable operations, especially in the residential segment.

Furthermore, the cleaning effectiveness of electric pressure washers is based on the availability of an extension cord, whereas some equipment uses its built-in cord. The replacement of hydrocarbons with electricity is considered more environmentally responsible and aligns with current environmental trends. The electric versions are also more versatile, with numerous operating modes. It can potentially shift to different power levels based on the end-user.

Based on operation, the global market is segmented into hot-water and cold-water pressure washers. 

The hot-water pressure washers segment owns the highest pressure washer market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. Hot water pressure washer machines are generally used in industrial and commercial cleaning applications. Cold-water pressure washers are usually capable of cleaning dirt and grime off surfaces. However, hot-water pressure washers more effectively remove oil and grease from the surface. The pressure washer's ability to effectively remove bacteria, algae, and other things is made possible by the spread of heat that destroys the molecular bonds in oil and grease.

In addition, the surface cleaned with hot water has a faster drying time, and these machines can provide improved hygiene by effectively disinfecting the surface. Hot-water pressure washers are widely used in the food processing and automobile industries to remove engine grease or kill harmful bacteria, helping maintain rigorous health and safety standards. The demand for hot-water pressure washers is expected to grow as these machines reduce the use of detergents, making them more environmentally friendly.

Based on the output, the global market is divided into 0-1,500 PSI, 1,501-3000 PSI, 3,001-4,000 PSI, and above 4,000 PSI. 

The 1,501-3,000 PSI segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.93% over the forecast period. The 1,501-3,000 PSI category encompasses both electric and gas-powered pressure washers. The product encompasses robust household cleaning equipment designed to facilitate the cleaning of concrete, sidewalks, walls, and various other rigid surfaces. In addition, most electric-corded pressure washers typically possess an output pressure capacity that falls below 3000 PSI. Pressure washers with a pressure of 3000 PSI possess the capability to effectively eliminate stubborn stains and grime.

Additionally, they may be utilized to swiftly remove paints, mud, and oil residues. However, with such high pressure, these machines have a high potential of damaging the surface that needs cleaning. They also require the operator to be cautious as they may cause injuries, especially when using a gas pressure washer. A 2000 PSI pressure washer is recommended for medium to high-duty residential applications.

Based on end-user, the global market is divided into residential, commercial, and contract cleaners. 

The residential segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.25% over the forecast period. The residential sector is divided into subcategories, including gardens, vehicles, swimming pools, large patio areas, bicycles, etc. According to a study on global cleaning behavior, people worldwide spend around 3 hours and 20 minutes every week cleaning their homes. Using cleaning devices such as pressure washers and vacuum cleaners can greatly reduce the time spent on cleaning. This kind of equipment is helpful for indoor and outdoor cleaning purposes.

Pressure washers designed for residential purposes can clean 25 to 40 sq. m/hr. Home pressure washers have several uses, including but not limited to washing driveways, walls, and roofs, as well as cleaning furniture, vehicles, and swimming pools. Different types of pressure washers designed for home usage are available for a wide range of cleaning tasks. A heavy-duty pressure washer is usually used to clean pavements, garages, and sidewalks. Heavy-duty pressure washers can be electric and gas-powered and efficiently used to clean large areas.

Recent Developments

• May 2023- HARVEY'S Pressure Washing, Inc., a Los Angeles-based pressure washing company, announced the start of its "Dirt Gone!" initiative, which intends to offer free sanitation and disinfecting pressure washing services to disabled individuals, senior citizens, and underprivileged populations residing on Los Angeles's streets.
• May 2023- Giraffe Tools, the global market leader in retractable pressure washers, launched its new Grandfalls P115-G20 model. Their wall-mounted Grandfalls Pressure Washer series is the first to combine a washer with a retractable cable, making them the first and most user-friendly pressure washers in the market.