The inventor Alfred Kärcher from Baden-Württemberg founded the company in 1935. Initially Kärcher specialised in the design of industrial submersible heating elements, i.e. in salt smelters which were heated with immersion heaters. After numerous experiments, a hardening furnace for alloys was produced, the so-called “Kärcher Salt-Bath Furnace”. Some 1,200 units were sold up to 1945.
Today the family owned company, which is based in Winnenden near Stuttgart, is represented in 160 countries with 38 subsidiaries all over the world, selling commercial cleaning equipment as well as cleaning equipment for the private consumer. Kärcher involves their expertise in restorative cleaning projects of cultural monuments such as the Berlin Brandenburg Gate, Germany, and Mount Rushmore, United States.
The Kärcher subsidiary in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has witnessed a 40% growth in sales over the 2004-2005 period. As a response Kärcher is building a modern facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone including a Customer Service Center and a Kärcher Academy. The opening of the new Middle East Kärcher center is set for November 2006.
In some countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, France, Poland, or Mexico, Kärcher is now colloquially used as synonymous with a cleaning system using high-pressure water, used to clean cars, outdoor equipment etc.
Karcher owns the American brands of Landa, Hotsy, and Shark pressure washers, Cuda parts washers, Watermaze water treatment systems, ProChem and Windsor floor cleaning systems.