Pressure washers are known for their ability to penetrate stains, spills, and discoloration in a way that just about any other product can’t. However, some things are just too hard, even for a pressure washer. Dishwashing liquid penetrates dirt and oil, so it only makes sense to use it with a pressure washer. So, can you use dish soap in a pressure washer?
Dish soap is very similar to most pressure washers, so it can be used in pressure washers. Not only that, but it also increases the stain removal power of the pressure washer. After thorough cleaning, the surface to be sprayed will look like new.
Which soap can I use in a pressure washer?
Using detergent or soap in a pressure washer will greatly improve cleaning power. Unfortunately, not all soaps can be used for this purpose. You have to find the right soap; otherwise, you may run into all kinds of problems.
Fortunately, there are many soaps you can use. For example, as mentioned above, you can use dish soap. You can also use a cleaner or cleaner made specifically for pressure washers, like this one on Amazon. Either way, you’ll get a powerful combo when using something for heavy-duty use.
If you try soaps that are available nearby, you may have some problems. While just about anything will work, there are a few things to consider before using hand sanitizer, soap, or strong laundry detergent.
If you don’t use the correct soap in your pressure washer, the following problems can occur:
If the soap you use is too thick, it may be caked or sticky. Basically, that means it will ball up and form soap balls that can clog the machine. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to remove. You have to throw it out, or spend hours throwing away those old soaps.
Weak, thin soap won’t do anything. When the pressure washer pushes the water, it pushes the water so fast that the hand sanitizer will break down in the process. It doesn’t actually work, so if you try it, you’re wasting money. This principle also applies to soaps.
A soap that is too thick or too thick can have the opposite effect. Thick detergents and soaps don’t do nothing or get smeared too thinly, but instead curdle into a mess. It can slow down and stress the machine, making it too slow to do anything useful.
As you can see, you don’t want to try and use the wrong cleaner. Not only will it prove ineffective, but it will also eventually ruin your pressure washer. These costly mistakes only made things worse. Instead, use dish soap, detergent, or a pressure washer to get the job done.
How to Make Your Own Pressure Washer Detergent?
Making your own pressure washer detergent at home saves you the time of not having to run to the store, as well as the high fees most companies charge. The good news is that most of the recommended items for this recipe can be found at home, so you don’t have to buy too many other items before you start.
Without further ado, here are some tips for making your own pressure washer:
- Start by pouring a gallon of water into a 5-gallon bucket. You can buy these buckets at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and many other popular hardware chains.
- Add ½ cup borax and ½ cup soda water to the bucket. Mix thoroughly until both are completely mixed with the water. Don’t leave large pieces or they will clog your pressure washer.
- Add a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. The solution was stirred again until complete dissolution. Dawn dish soap will suffice.
- Pour the solution into the pressure washer, fire it up and start working on the task at hand.
- The above recipe is for cleaning concrete, but can be used in a variety of applications. This recipe is perfect if you want a cleaning solution for your pressure washer. Not many ingredients are used, none of them will damage your pressure washer, and they’re not too harsh for most surfaces.
- However, if you are concerned that it will be too abrasive or corrosive to the materials you are using, you can reduce the amount of borax and washing soda. You can reduce both to ¼ cup, or omit them entirely. Remember, dish soap is a great option when you’re in a pinch.
What is the best cleaner for a pressure washer?
Buying the right pressure washer from the store can be frustrating. There are countless different options, so how do you know which one is best for your situation? Fortunately, you can narrow down your options based on the surface you want to clean.
The best pressure washer for concrete
If you’re only cleaning concrete, it’s best to use the DIY recipe mentioned above. It’s powerful enough to cut through just about anything and save you a ton of money. Having said that, if you really want to buy pre-made, here are my favorite cleaners on Amazon. It is designed for the toughness of concrete and many other materials.
Best car pressure washer
Washing a car with a pressure washer can be a little disconcerting. Some people don’t even want to think about it because pressure washers are known to be very powerful and potentially dangerous to car paint. Fortunately, most pressure washers have turned to lower strength. You can combine it with Karcher Car Wash for a perfect 1-2 swipes.
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Best Pressure Washers for Fences and Patios
If you’re cleaning a fence or patio, you can’t use any cleaning method. The porous nature of wood means it can blister and crack if you use the wrong thing. The good news is that your pressure washer is best paired with a good all-purpose cleaner.
Don’t think you need someone who claims to be special about the fence or deck, it’s just a publicity tactic. Just use general purpose materials, fill the tank with the recommended amount and start cleaning.
Note: No matter what type of pressure washer fluid you use, don’t forget to run clean water through the tank when you’re done; otherwise, the next time you start, you’ll end up with a mess. Older solutions can also cause blockages that take hours to clear with water and can damage your pressure washer.
In conclusion
There are different types of pressure washers that can get the job done. You can choose based on the surface you want to clean or make your own solution at home. Some people prefer the DIY route to save time and money, while others enjoy the convenience of a pre-built pressure washer.
Pressure washers, soaps and cleaners are all great solutions for removing anything from a variety of surfaces. Before you use hand sanitizer or soap, be sure to read the DIY recipes in this article. Remember, diluted dish soap is more than enough, but weak soap won’t help you.