Can You Use Dish Soap In Your Pressure Washer?
Pressure washers are fantastic cleaning machines that can easily get rid of spills, blotches, and stains, to name a few. However, there are still tough jobs, such as greasy exteriors, that the force of high-pressure water can’t remove. That’s why from time to time your device will need the help of a good cleaner. Are you one of those who do not know what soap to use for pressure washer? Don’t worry because you will get the answer to your question.
This is where soap or detergent, particularly made for pressure washers, comes in. Combining soapy water with your equipment can ensure outdoor cleaning is quicker, easier, and more effective. Likewise, it can take care of even the most stubborn of stains across all surfaces.
That raises the question of whether utilizing dish soaps in a pressure washer is safe or not. So keep on reading to find out if it’s fine to use regular liquid dish soap when pressure washing or if you’re risking your machine with it.
When Do I Need To Use Detergent When Pressure Washing?
Often hot water and the powerful force of water is enough to eliminate leaves and large debris on surfaces. But this combo is no match on layers of debris and grime that have been sitting for months or even years. You need extra cleaning power to cut through the filth and grease, as well as loosen them enough so that the water can sweep them away.
In cases like these, you need a detergent made specifically for pressure washers. Using only water to clean dirty areas is like washing your dishes with water only. Eventually, you will be able to scrape away every debris but it’s going to be time-consuming and more difficult. The same is true if you don’t use the best pressure washer soap with your machine. Applying it will ensure your cleaning sessions are quicker, faster, and much more thorough.
Will Using Dish Soap Harm Or Damage The Internal Parts Of My Pressure Washer?
Applying dish soap in your pressure washer to scrub surfaces is possible. The key here is to dilute it properly to avoid running into any problems. But in comparison to detergents specially made for your machine, the mixture of soap and water will not be as efficient at washing layers of dirt away.
Moreover, the majority of dish soaps tend to clog the system of your pressure washer. So this is something you need to remember if you do push through with using it. Also, adding it to the pump will depend on whether your unit comes with a detergent tank or not. If your unit has one, simply fill it up with your dish soap, and your unit will mix it in with the water.
Again, this can cause your machine to jam since massive amounts of dish soap run through the pump. Hence, you have to make sure that the soap is dissolved enough in the water before it goes into the pump. Additionally, you can prevent soap debris from sticking inside the pump by running hot water through the system of your equipment once you’re done cleaning.
Dish soap is not the only cleaning agent that can damage your equipment. Other harsh chemicals like bleach can cause significant damage to the internal parts of your pressure washer. So if you want to keep your unit in tip-top condition, try to avoid them as much as possible. On top of that, you have to think about the environmental impact of using these chemicals and consider opting for the best alternatives out there.
Reasons Why You May Want To Avoid Using Dish Soaps In Your Pressure Washer
In most situations, dish soaps can take care of the chore. But if you’re after the best possible cleaning result, it is highly advisable to employ the proper pressure washer detergent to the type of surface you’ll wash. Although it is handy to use a regular dish detergent in your pressure washer, it does come with some downsides:
- It will not be as efficient as cleaners specific to pressure washers
- Dish soaps tend to get too sudsy and foamy
- It’s not the most cost-effective option
- Applying it may leave behind film or residues on some types of surfaces
- When utilized inappropriately, it can damage or harm the internal parts of your machine, including its tubing
- Not great for washing cars
Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing The Best Pressure Washer Soap And Detergent
Ease of use
It is crucial to pick a product that will not provide you with any trouble, especially if you have a busy schedule. So make sure to get one that does exactly what you want it to do and avoid those that need other supplies to work well.
Price
Price is another factor when buying the best soap for your pressure washer. Keep in mind that just because a product is expensive that does not mean that it is the best. Sometimes, cheaper ones can get the job done better. For this reason, it is best to check the rating of the soap and detergent, as well as read reviews and feedback first from actual users before making a final decision. Here is an adequate rating guide to help you out.
Brand
It is always wise to buy products from a reliable and trusted brand. There’s a reason why these manufacturers have established a name for themselves. And that is by offering high-quality products that can perform.
Biodegradable
Choosing a biodegradable pressure washer detergent is one little way to help keep our environment safe for everyone.
The Importance Of Using The Right Soap And Detergent For Your Pressure Washer
Using the appropriate soap or detergent in your outdoor cleaning equipment can significantly improve its cleaning ability and power. Unfortunately, you cannot use every soap on the market for this purpose. Finding the right type of detergent is vital to avoid running into various problems.
The good news is, there is a wide array of high-quality soap and detergent available. But make sure to opt for a product recommended for your unit. Using a detergent meant for the model of your pressure washer and heavy-duty cleaning chores is a wise choice and can make a world of difference.
Avoid using whatever’s available nearby. Or else, you may face the following issues:
- Using too thick soap can bunch together, forming a ball that can easily clog your machine, which is extremely hard to remove at times.
- Weak soap will not do much. A pressure washer drives water out at a high speed. This process will simply disintegrate the dish soap, making it practically ineffective and useless.
- The effect of using dense detergent or soap is the total opposite as it can thicken to a grub. As a result, it will decrease the pressure and speed of your equipment.
As you can see, you want to make sure that you are using the right cleaner for your pressure washer. Aside from being ineffective, these simple mistakes can ruin your equipment and make things worse in the long run.
