6 Best Chemical Sprayers 2023 Guide

Top 6 Chemical Sprayers

Best Backpack Sprayer: Chapin International 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer Best Entry-Level: Chapin International 1-Gallon Home Garden Sprayer Best Sprayer Grip: D.B. Smith 1-Gallon Bleach and Chemical Sprayer Best One-Hand Model: SOLO 2 One-Hand Pressure Sprayer Most Versatile: D.B. Smith 2-Gallon Chemical Sprayer Best for Garden Hoses: Chapin International All-Purpose Hose End Sprayer

Best Backpack Sprayer: Chapin International 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer

Pros and Cons

✔ The backpack sprayer includes padded straps for added lumbar support✔ The 4-gallon tank allows you to cover more ground✔ Is made in the USA using global materials ✘ Heavy to strap on when it’s full✘ Requires some coordination, as you have to pump and spray simultaneously

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who were satisfied with this backpack chemical sprayer cited its easy assembly, consistent spraying ability, and overall parts quality. On the other hand, several customers complained about the comfort of the backpack chemical sprayer’s straps, stating that they were too thin and didn’t fully support the weight of the full tank.

Best Entry-Level: Chapin International 1-Gallon Home Garden Sprayer

Pros and Cons

✔ The one-gallon tank makes this a long-lasting sprayer for big jobs✔ The twist-and-lock function is smooth and easy to open and close✔ Is compatible with most herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaners ✘ Some customers reported leakage and clogging with the sprayer ✘ Has a smaller capacity than other chemical sprayers on the market

What Customers Are Saying

This chemical sprayer received primarily four- and five-star customer ratings, with users highlighting the sturdiness of the sprayer’s pump and overall ease of use in their positive reviews. Satisfied users also liked that the adjustable nozzle of the chemical sprayer twisted smoothly and easily. Conversely, some customers experienced both leaking and clogs after a few uses.

Best Sprayer Grip: D.B. Smith 1-Gallon Bleach and Chemical Sprayer

Pros and Cons

✔ Its spray tip is easy to adjust ✔ Provides ample pressure with little pumping required✔ The shut-off features a comfortable grip that locks on for continuous spraying ✘ Some customers found the product instructions to be confusing and unclear✘ The sprayer doesn’t have a pressure release valve

What Customers Are Saying

Positively, users said that this chemical sprayer functioned perfectly as a large-scale sanitizer and as a garden fertilizer. They added that the sprayer was reasonably priced, stood up nicely to wear and tear, and didn’t corrode. Negatively, some customers mentioned that the sprayer clogged fairly easily, requiring them to lubricate its plastic threads and twist tightly to maintain a proper seal.

Best One-Hand Model: SOLO One-Hand Pressure Sprayer

Pros and Cons

✔ Features a drip guard for target treatment✔ Comes with a locking trigger and pressure relief valve✔ Is lightweight at only one pound ✘ Has a small capacity of only one liter, requiring frequent refills for large spraying jobs✘ Some customers reported weak pressure and potential leakage

What Customers Are Saying

The pros that customers highlighted in their positive reviews included the thickness and durability of the container, the nozzle’s easy adjustability, the sprayer’s comfortable ergonomics, and the sprayer’s ability to maintain pressure. Cons that were mentioned in certain reviews included the sprayer’s short wand and lack of stability when the container was placed on a flat surface.

Most Versatile: D.B. Smith 2-Gallon Chemical Sprayer

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers commercial-grade durability and spraying performance✔ Features a long, 21-inch wand✔ The in-line filter prevents clogs, making the sprayer easy to clean

✘ Expensive✘ Some customers had to pump the sprayer more often than they wished

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who were happy with the performance of this chemical sprayer said that it was a high-quality model, outperforming other sprayers on the market. In their positive reviews, they included that the pump action was smooth, the tank was thick and solid, and the included nozzle attachments made it versatile. There were some complaints about the sprayer leaking out of its nozzle instead of immediately shutting off, and some customers said that the wand wasn’t stiff enough during use.

Best for Garden Hoses: Chapin International All-Purpose Hose End Sprayer

Pros and Cons

✔ The hose-end sprayer automatically mixes water and liquid concentrates✔ Its adjustable-rate precision dial offers up to 16 different mixing ratios✔ Has an anti-siphon feature to prevent backflow during use ✘ Some users found the mixing ratios to be confusing✘ Requires access to a garden hose and spigot

What Customers Are Saying

Positively, customers appreciated the convenience of diluting their chemicals by adjusting a dial and connecting their garden hose. Happy customers added that the sprayer attachment worked well with thicker mixtures. However, other customers wished that the hose-end sprayer had a stainless steel connecting head instead of a brass fitting, as the brass corroded fairly quickly.

Chemical Sprayer Buying Guide

Chemical or garden sprayers are a cost-effective alternative to hiring a landscaping company to spray your yard for invasive plants and pests. By taking on this task yourself, you have control over the herbicides and pesticides that you use in your yard and around your house. In fact, you don’t even have to use harsh chemicals in a chemical sprayer—just fill it with water and give your houseplants a good soak. You can also fill these sprayers with soap and water to clean siding or fill them with paint to stain a deck. You don’t have to have a green thumb to use a sprayer. Most are versatile and easy to use. To learn more about selecting a chemical sprayer, continue reading our guide below.

Types of Chemical Sprayers

Gas-Powered

These motorized sprayers have an engine that pumps the solution from the tank through the sprayer, eliminating the need to manually pump the machine.

Pros: These are arguably the easiest to use since you just point and spray—no manual pumping is required. They usually include more attachments and accessories than other sprayers. Cons: These heavy-duty sprayers are the most expensive. Not only do they emit fumes, but they’re also big and bulky. Fortunately, most gas-powered sprayers come on wheels.

Battery-Powered

Similar to gas-powered sprayers, battery-operated sprayers do the pumping for you, so you can focus your efforts on spraying.

Pros: They’re still easier to use than a manual pump sprayer and they’re available in a variety of types: handheld, backpack, and wheeled sprayers. Cons: You’ll be limited to battery life and you’ll pay a higher price than a pump sprayer.

Pump

Pump sprayers require you to regularly pump the solution during use. Pressure builds with each pump, so you can control how powerful your sprayer is.

Pros: You’ll have the most control with a manual pump garden sprayer. Without the weight of gas or a battery, these are the most portable sprayers. They’re also the most affordable. Cons: Manual labor requires some coordination and can lead to fatigue.

Buying a Chemical Sprayer: Three Factors To Consider

Portability

Chemical sprayers are designed to be portable. There are several designs that make it easier to tote your sprayer around the yard, some of the most common being handheld, backpack, and wheeled. Our top pick, Chapin Tree/Turf Four-Gallon Sprayer, is a great example of a backpack sprayer. It’s comfortable but a bit difficult to put on when it’s full. The remaining four featured products above are handheld sprayers. These range from small, one-handed sprayers like the Solo Two-Liter Sprayer to two-gallon pumps like the D.B.Smith Contractor Two-Gallon Sprayer. Gas-powered yard sprayers aren’t as portable. They’re big, bulky, and heavy. Fortunately, many models are on wheels, so you can tow them behind you.

Maintenance

Leaving chemicals in your sprayer for too long can lead to residue that damages your sprayer and your plants. Here’s how to keep your chemical sprayer in top condition.

Safety

You should take safety seriously when using harsh chemicals in your sprayer. Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:

Do your research before mixing chemicals. Protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and pants. Safety goggles and masks are highly recommended. Depressurize your sprayer before opening it. Don’t use a chemical sprayer around children or pets. Remove any toys from the yard before spraying. Avoid spraying on a windy day. Chemicals may reach untargeted plants or your neighbor’s yard. Wash your hands and clothing immediately after using a chemical sprayer. If you’ve sprayed your edible garden, wash your harvested fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

Clever Ways To Use Chemical Sprayers

You don’t have to use chemicals in a chemical sprayer. You can fill it with different types of cleaning solutions from diluted vinegar to degreaser.

Garden sprayers aren’t as powerful as pressure washers, but they are handy for rinsing off your car, siding, or driveway. Cut through grease on just about anything with an engine. Stain a fence or deck by attaching a paint filter to your spray wand. Some homeowners have reportedly used garden sprayers inside their homes to shampoo their carpets.

Are chemical sprayers safe?

If you fill your chemical sprayer with chemicals (i.e. herbicides and pesticides), you should take safety precautions. Wear protective clothing and eyewear, spray away from children and pets, and wash your sprayer, hands, and clothes thoroughly after each use. Using natural cleaning solutions in your sprayer will decrease the health and environmental risks of using a garden sprayer at home.

How long should you stay off the grass after spraying pesticide?

Refer to the label for specifics, but most pesticide manufacturers recommend staying off treated grass for at least six hours. We recommend staying off your grass for 24–48 hours.

What precautions should be taken while using pesticides?

Pesticides may contaminate drinking water, food, and soil, and they’re most dangerous when inhaled, ingested, or exposed to the skin of both humans and animals. Always wear protective clothing when using your sprayer and clean the equipment after each use. You will find proper transportation, storage, and disposal instructions on pesticide packaging and labels, which should meet the World Health Organization’s requirements.

How long does it take for weeds to die after spraying?

You may be able to see a visible difference after spraying weeds with herbicides after only six hours, but it will likely take one to two weeks for them to die completely.

How do you dispose of pesticides?

Refer to your product’s label for disposal instructions. Never dump pesticides in your yard, trash, or drain. Call the product manufacturer or your local health or environmental agency if you’re unsure of how to properly dispose of pesticides.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.