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So, what kind of soap to use in a pressure washer? It’s actually a bit of science. Just like you select a specific cleaner for your dishes or laundry, there’s a soap that’s just right for every job your pressure washer might tackle. Let’s take a look at the types of soaps and the 3 best pressure washer soaps available today
Types of Soap for Pressure Washers
Let’s make it simple. The soap you pick should match what you’re cleaning. Here are the main types you’ll see on the shelf:
- Biodegradable Soaps: Great for our planet. These soaps break down easily without hurting nature.
- Vehicle Wash Soaps: Made for cars and trucks. They protect your paint and make it shine.
- Household Cleaning Soaps: For your home’s outside, like siding or decks. They’re gentle but effective.
- Heavy-Duty Degreasers: Super strong. Perfect for removing oil and tough dirt from places like driveways.
- Specialty Soaps: These have a special job, like getting rid of graffiti or prepping wood for staining.
Can you use dish soap in power washer?
It’s not recommended to use dish soap like ‘Dawn’ in a power washer as it can damage the machine’s internal parts and produce too much foam for practical use. Stick to detergents specifically designed for pressure washers to ensure safety and efficiency.
Best Pressure Washer Soaps
Best for Overall Use – Simple Green Oxy Solve All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner
The Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner offers powerful, eco-friendly outdoor cleaning.
Key Features:
- Versatile: Can clean a vast range of surfaces.
- Effective: Lifts dirt, grime, and stains caused by mold, mildew, moss, and algae.
- Safe: Uses the power of peroxide, it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable, adhering to the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program criteria.
Best Pressure Washing Soap for Cars – Chemical Guys CWS 110 Honeydew
The Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Car Wash Soap and Cleanser is an excellent choice for vehicle owners who prioritize both effectiveness and safety in their car care regimen.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Cleaning: The soap is engineered to remove grime, dirt, and environmental contaminants with supreme efficiency, while still being gentle on the car surfaces.
- Safe formula: The pH-neutral formula means it won’t strip wax or sealants, so it’s safe for regular use. Plus, it’s detergent-free and won’t scratch or leave water spots.
- Snow Foam: Ideal for foam cannons and foam guns for a super quick car cleaning experience.
Best for Heavy-Duty Cleaning – Sun Joe SPX-APC1G Cleaner + Degreaser
The Sun Joe SPX-APC1G is an excellent cleaning solution that can handle heavy-duty tasks with ease.
Key Features:
- Versatile Cleaner: This all-purpose cleaner is versatile and highly effective, ideal for a variety of outdoor cleaning tasks—from decking and fencing to sidewalk and patio furniture, and even cars, RVs, boats, and more.
- Heavy Duty: Its strong formulation makes it a great degreaser, perfect for grills, outdoor equipment, and heavily soiled areas.
- Concentration: The 1-gallon concentrate can make up to 20 gallons of cleaning solution, providing excellent coverage for large cleaning tasks.
Soap Application Tips
- Start Dry – Apply soap before wetting the surface.
- Keep It Wet – Don’t let soap dry; work in sections.
- Adjust Pressure – Match pressure to the surface.
- Bottom Up, Top Down – Soap from bottom, rinse from top.
- Overlap Sprays – Avoid missed spots with overlapping passes.
- Go Slow – Let soap sit and do the work.
- Rinse the Machine – Flush with clean water after use.
- Stay Safe – Wear gloves and goggles.
FAQs
Can I use dish soap in a pressure washer?
Unfortunately, dish soap is not recommended as it can cause damage to the internal parts of the pressure washer and produce excessive foam.
Can I use any type of soap in my hot water pressure washer?
Not all soaps are safe to use in a hot water pressure washer. It’s best to use a soap designated as safe for use in hot water pressure washers to avoid any potential damage.
Will using the wrong type of soap damage my pressure washer?
Yes, using the wrong type of soap can damage your pressure washer internally. It’s important to use a soap formulated for pressure washers.
What are detergent tanks in pressure washers?
Some pressure washers have a detergent to seamlessly include detergent for deeper cleaning. Make sure to fill it with a soap that works for pressure washers.
Is every soap compatible with my pressure washer?
No, not every soap is compatible with your pressure washer. Always check the soap manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it is safe to use in your specific machine.
