Alfred and Irene Kärcher

The young Alfred Kärcher invented new electric heating systems for melting furnaces. In 1935 he started his own business to bring his ideas to market. After he died in 1959, his wife Irene continued the business until her own death in 1989.

In 1950 Alfred patented and produced the world's first high-pressure hot water washer. In 1974, the business switched focus entirely towards cleaning technologies.

In 1989 Kärcher entered the U.S. market with the the acquisition of American Cleaner. You can find an overview of Karcher commercial cleaners at KarcherCommercial.com