Makita Introduces the 18V LXT System’s First Dedicated Power Cleaner
Power cleaners are still an emerging product, popping up as a middle-ground cleaning solution between manual scrubbing and pressure washers. However, these tools fill an important gap for light to medium-duty cleaning applications, where a pressure washer may have damaging levels of cleaning power or be too bulky to deal with. The latest power cleaner to enter the market is the Makita 18V LXT 320 PSI Power Cleaner.
Is it the right model for your outdoor cleaning needs? I’ll walk you through the details to help you decide.
Note: Check out all of the best power cleaner reviews for more of our favorite models!
Makita 18V LXT 320 PSI Power Cleaner Performance
- Model: Makita XWH02
- Max pressure rating: 320 PSI
- Max water flow: 0.7 GPM
- Max runtime: 80 minutes (with 18V 5.0Ah battery)
- Water source: siphon hose or standard water hose
- Two power modes
- Brushed motor
If you’re looking for something to tackle smaller outdoor cleaning jobs, a power cleaner might fit the bill. For Makita’s first power cleaner, the brand went with a cordless design on the 18V LXT platform. The XWH02 has a top pressure rating of 320 PSI and a water output topping out at 0.7 GPM.
These figures are on the low end of power for this type of tool, but the Makita XWH02 should still be good for light to medium-duty outdoor cleaning.
It features two power modes, which let you choose your pressure level and water output. On the lowest setting, this tool can run for up to 80 minutes on a full charge with a 5.0Ah battery (sold separately).
Like most power cleaners, you can hook it up directly to a water hose via the coupling sleeve. It also comes with a self-priming siphon hose that draws water from freshwater sources or tanks.
Makita designed it to be compatible with a Bottle Adapter (not included) that allows you to draw water from a 2-liter bottle. We saw the same feature in Ryobi’s EZClean 18V power cleaner a few years back, so it’s nice to see this detail included for cleaning in a pinch.
Makita 18V LXT 320 PSI Power Cleaner Design
- Weight: 4.5 lbs (bare)
- 5-in-1 spray nozzle
- Quick-connect accessory system
- Protective battery cover
The XWH02 power cleaner weighs 4.5 pounds as a bare tool, which is about what we expect for its size. It includes a spray nozzle and a 14-inch extension wand, which you can attach via the quick-connect accessory system.
On the business end, you’ll find a 5-in-1 nozzle that lets you adjust your spray angle between 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and shower for a variety of cleaning jobs.
As we’d expect, the battery is housed in a protective case to keep it safe from water sprays. While Makita doesn’t supply a specific ingress rating, the plastic should keep your battery secure from splashes while you work.
How Does it Compare?
Along with Makita, several other tool brands offer power cleaners in their battery-powered lineups. I’m looking at how the XWH02 compares to models from Ryobi and Dewalt.
| Makita XWH02 (This model) | Ryobi RY121850 | DeWalt DCPW550 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Pressure Rating: | 320 PSI | 600 PSI | 550 PSI |
| Max Water Output: | 0.7 GPM | 0.7 GPM | 2.2 GPM |
| Battery Platform: | 18V LXT | 18V One+ | 20V Max |
| Weight: | 5.9 lbs (w/ battery) | 6.9 lbs (w/ battery) | 7.4 lbs (w/ battery) |
| Price: | $149 bare | $99 bare | $219 kit |
Makita 18V LXT 320 PSI Power Cleaner Price
This power cleaner retails for $149 as a bare tool. There are currently no kit configurations available, so be sure to pick up an extra Makita 18V LXT battery and charger if you’re not already on this system. Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
For many outdoor surfaces, power cleaners can help you remove light to medium levels of dirt. They’re not as strong as traditional pressure washers, so they’re also ideal for more delicate cleaning jobs, like washing your car without damaging the paint. In the XWH02’s case, you also have the benefit of a cordless design that uses the same 18V LXT batteries as the rest of your Makita tools.
However, power cleaners are not replacements for pressure washers. If you have years of outdoor grime building up on your walkways, siding, or other outdoor surfaces, it might be better to stick with a trusty pressure washer to get them properly clean. If you want to stick with Makita, the brand has the cordless 40V GWH01 if you don’t mind stepping up to the 40V XGT platform.
