What Soap Goes in a Pressure Washer: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to choosing the right soap for a pressure washer, there are several factors to consider, from the type of surface you’re cleaning to the specific requirements of your pressure washer model. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the technical details and expert recommendations to help you make an informed decision on the best soap for your pressure washing needs.

Recommended Soaps for Pressure Washers

1. Krud Kutter Pressure Washer Concentrate

• Effectiveness: This multi-purpose soap is highly effective in removing tough stains such as tree sap, mildew, mold, grease, and bird droppings.
• Versatility: It’s suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces, including wood siding, tile roofing, masonry, walls, and walkways.
• Concentration: The concentrated formula allows you to dilute it with water to create up to 20 gallons of cleaning solution per 1 gallon of concentrate.
• pH Level: The Krud Kutter Pressure Washer Concentrate has a pH level of 7.5, making it safe for most surfaces.

2. Sun Joe All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner

• Cleaning Power: This detergent is effective in removing grime from various surfaces, including vinyl, brick, wood, and metal.
• Biodegradability: The formula is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
• Concentration: The concentrated formula can be diluted to create multiple gallons of cleaning solution.
• Dilution Ratio: The recommended dilution ratio for the Sun Joe All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner is 1:20 (soap to water).

3. Karcher Pressure Washer Multi-Purpose Cleaning Soap

• Versatility: This soap can be used on a variety of surfaces, such as fences, boats, cars, and pavements.
• Concentration: One gallon of the Karcher Pressure Washer Multi-Purpose Cleaning Soap can be diluted to create up to 20 gallons of cleaning solution.
• Biodegradability: The formula is biodegradable, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to some other pressure washer soaps, the Karcher offering is relatively affordable.

Tips for Using Pressure Washer Soap and Detergent

1. Read the Label Carefully: Ensure you understand the instructions and recommended dilution ratios for the soap you choose. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines can lead to ineffective cleaning or damage to your pressure washer.

2. Pre-treat Tough Stains: Apply the soap directly to stubborn stains, such as oil, grease, or dried-on dirt, before pressure washing. This can help break down the contaminants and make the cleaning process more effective.

3. Test the Detergent on a Small Area: Before using the soap on a large surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.

4. Rinse the Surface After Pressure Washing: Thoroughly rinse the surface after pressure washing to remove any residual soap or chemicals, which can lead to streaking or damage if left on the surface.

5. Dilute the Detergent Properly: Follow the recommended dilution ratio to avoid over-concentration or under-concentration of the soap, which can affect its cleaning performance and potentially damage your pressure washer.

6. Never Mix Different Cleaners Together: Combining different types of soaps or detergents can cause harmful chemical reactions or damage to your pressure washer’s components.

Dilution Ratios and Compatibility

Dilution Ratios

• Typically, a dilution ratio of 1:1 to 1:20 (soap to water) is recommended for pressure washer soaps, depending on the specific product and the surface being cleaned.
• For heavily soiled surfaces, a 1:1 ratio may be necessary, while for lighter cleaning tasks, a 1:20 ratio may be more appropriate.

Compatibility

• Ensure the soap you choose is compatible with your pressure washer model and the surface you’re cleaning.
• Some soaps may be too harsh for delicate surfaces, while others may not be effective enough for heavily soiled areas.
• Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or perform a spot test to determine the compatibility of the soap with your pressure washer and the surface you’re cleaning.

Using Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent

Dawn Dish Soap

• While some users have successfully used Dawn dish soap in pressure washers, it’s not chlorine stable and may degrade the mix if not used quickly.
• The high concentration of surfactants in Dawn can also potentially damage the seals and other components of your pressure washer.

Laundry Detergent

• Cheap laundry detergents can be a cost-effective alternative to specialized pressure washer soaps.
• However, they may not be as effective in removing tough stains and grime, and they may not be as gentle on delicate surfaces as dedicated pressure washer soaps.

Technical Specifications

Concentration

• Look for pressure washer soaps that are highly concentrated, as this allows you to dilute the soap and create multiple gallons of cleaning solution from a single container.
• Concentrated formulas are generally more cost-effective in the long run, as you’ll use less product per cleaning session.

Biodegradability

• Choose pressure washer soaps that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, especially if you’ll be using the soap in areas near bodies of water or sensitive ecosystems.
• Biodegradable soaps break down more easily and have a lower impact on the environment.

Anti-Corrosive Properties

• Ensure the pressure washer soap you select has anti-corrosive properties to protect the metal components of your pressure washer from damage.
• Corrosive soaps can lead to premature wear and tear on your pressure washer, reducing its lifespan and performance.

Additional Resources

1. Pressure Washers Direct: Offers a comprehensive guide on how to dispense soap and detergent using a pressure washer, including information on proper dilution ratios and techniques.
2. Reddit: Users in the r/pressurewashing subreddit share their experiences and recommendations for using different soaps and detergents in pressure washers.
3. Amazon: Provides a wide selection of pressure washer soaps and detergents, with customer reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
4. YouTube: Videos like “Dawn Soap Vs Professional Soap For Pressure Washing” can provide visual demonstrations and comparisons of different soap options.
5. Advantage Pro Services: Their blog post “Soap and Detergent to Use for Pressure Washing” offers additional insights and tips on choosing the right soap for your pressure washing needs.

References

• Pressure Washers Direct. (n.d.). How to Dispense Soap and Detergent Using a Pressure Washer. Retrieved from https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/184-How-to-Dispense-Soap-with-a-Pressure-Washer.html
• Reddit. (2021). What detergents can you use in power washer? Other than official ones. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/pressurewashing/comments/r1o93q/what_detergents_can_you_use_in_power_washer_other/
• Amazon. (n.d.). Pressure Washer Soap. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Washer-Soap/s?k=Pressure+Washer+Soap
• YouTube. (2023). Dawn Soap Vs Professional Soap For Pressure Washing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUAa4-zvliQ
• Advantage Pro Services. (2022). Soap and Detergent to Use for Pressure Washing. Retrieved from https://advantageproservices.com/blog/soap-and-detergent-to-use-for-pressure-washing/