General
Kärcher pressure washers are designed to provide efficient and thorough cleaning for both domestic and professional use. The company's commitment to engineering excellence and technological advancements has made Kärcher a trusted name in the cleaning industry.
History
The inventor Alfred Kärcher (1901–1959), hailing from Baden-Württemberg, established his company in 1935 in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. Initially, Kärcher focused on designing industrial submersible heating elements, specifically for salt smelters that utilized immersion heaters. Through extensive experimentation, the company successfully developed a hardening furnace for alloys known as the "Kärcher Salt-Bath Furnace," which saw the sale of approximately 1,200 units by 1945. During World War II, Kärcher also undertook projects for the Luftwaffe.
In 1950, Kärcher introduced the DS 350, the first modern pressure washer, marking a significant turning point for the company. Consequently, Kärcher shifted its primary focus to manufacturing cleaning equipment for both professional and private users. Since then, Kärcher has become a leading name in the design and development of pressure washers. The company's product range expanded to encompass a comprehensive selection of cleaning solutions, including sweepers, detergents, scrubber-driers, wet and dry vacuums, vacuum cleaners, battery-powered brooms, steam cleaners, dry ice blasting equipment, parts cleaners, water treatment systems, vehicle washes, and wastewater recycling systems. Additionally, Kärcher offers pumps and watering systems.
In 1974, the corporate color was changed from blue to yellow. Under the guidance of Alfred Kärcher's widow, Irene Kärcher, the company introduced the HD 555 in the same year, which was the first pressure washer designed for private users.
Today, Kärcher, a family-owned business headquartered in Winnenden near Stuttgart, operates in 160 countries and maintains 100 subsidiaries worldwide. It supplies commercial cleaning equipment as well as cleaning solutions for individual consumers.
Kärcher has also acquired several prominent brands, including Landa, Hotsy, and Shark pressure washers in the United States, Cuda parts washers, Watermaze water treatment systems, and Windsor Kärcher Group floor cleaning systems. They have also acquired the Italian manufacturing company Hawk Pumps, known as Woma Pumps in Germany. Notably, Kärcher serves as the primary supplier of cleaning systems to both NATO and the US Military.