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Before using a laundry detergent in a pressure washer, a question might strike in your mind: Can you use laundry detergent in a pressure washer, or is there some other cleaning agent for that? It is indeed a common thing that you’d think about using a laundry detergent in a pressure washer as you’ve seen someone doing it, or there must be some other reason for that.
So, to answer the fundamental question, I would say that yes, you can use such detergents in a pressure washer that gets entirely dissolved in it. Also, you need to follow proper maintenance procedures after using it in a pressure washer. If you want to know more about it, keep reading this article further.
Below, in this article, you’ll get to know about the benefits of using laundry detergent, and how to use it in a pressure washer, reasons to avoid it, and more.
How Can You Benefit From Using Laundry Detergent In A Pressure Washer
As a homeowner, your mind will be filled with various unanswered questions like Do I need to use detergent with a pressure washer? Or is it suitable for outdoor cleaning? You should know that laundry detergent works wonders if appropriately used in a pressure washer for various purposes, including cleaning the concrete part outside your home, asphalt, or the sidings.
Let’s go through the reasons for choosing a laundry detergent other than a pressure washer detergent:
- Cheap: Laundry detergent is probably more inexpensive than any other detergents, and you’ll need it for daily purposes, which isn’t a bad deal. So for daily use it will be the best choice.
- Good Cleanser: It cleans very well, no doubt, as most detergent is robust to properly work on various dirt, nasty stains, sweats, or more from the clothes. So, you don’t have to worry about its working procedure in a pressure washer as it will work nearly fine and clean your clothes properly.
- It has to stick property: Although detergent can be used in a pressure washer is one of the most vital questions, a laundry detergent is not a bad option as it has sticking power that you’ll not found in any other DIY detergent.
- Available at home: Laundry detergent is available in every household. You do not have to go to supermarkets to purchase it and no need to store extra bottles.
- Easy to rise: You need to properly dilute the detergent to get better cleaning or easier cleaning.
How To Use A Pressure Washer With Detergent

There are two types of pressure washer detergent in the market ready-to-use, and the other is concentrated, which you have to choose based on your requirements. If you are wondering what detergent I should use in a pressure washer, you have to know about both types of detergent properly.
The ready-to-use detergents can be added directly to the detergent tank. You do not need to dilute the solution; conversely, the concentrated detergents are probably thicker, so there’s a need to add an appropriate amount of water to dilute the solution.
Both pressure washer soap and detergent acts as a helping agent for the pressure washer to lose tough stuff that the washer couldn’t do alone. Also, you’ll need various types of detergents for cleaning different surfaces. Now, let’s discuss how you can use detergent in your pressure washer.
- For electric-powered pressure washer: The first step for this type of pressure washer is to get the unit prepared for the operation. It is crucial to attach the low-pressure nozzle while using detergents to the gun. Also, you need to ensure that the end is submerged in the hose during the cleaning process.
- For a gas-powered pressure washer: You need to insert a pressure washer detergent injector first before connecting any high-pressure hose towards the mount in the pump. Later, it would be best to make sure that the hose is submerged in the gun during the cleaning process. Also, it would be best if you started at the bottom whenever you are cleaning using a detergent on the house.
Common Problems With Pressure Washer Detergent
As you know, there is nothing perfect in this world, and every product has pros and cons. Similarly, detergents are not perfectly preferable as you’ll face few problems with them. So, you must go through it and take earlier precautions not to affect your pressure washer.
- No matter the type of pressure washer you are using or a homemade pressure washer detergent, or a well-known one, you need to use it for your pressure washer safely. Also, cross-check your pressure washer; if it is not meant to use cleaning fluid, the fluid might damage the pressure washer.
- Always dilute the detergent if it is a thick paste as if not appropriately cut, then the thick paste might harm the pressure washer detergent tank.
Three Best Pressure Washer Detergent
There are various products available in the market, but you need to get hold of the best one for your precious pressure washer. Below you’ll get to know three different power washer soap and power washer detergent, which are one of the best-selling products in the market.
You’ll get a powerful cleaning from Ryobi Pressure washer soap which is available on Amazon. It safely cleans the surfaces from various tough stains, algae, fungus, and more.
You’ll be amazed that Sun joe pressure washer soap is biodegradable, and you can use metal surfaces safely. You need to follow the direction of usage properly for your specific pressure washer model.
This product is specifically formulated to quickly penetrate the tough dirt and mud without leaving any spot. It is an easy-to-use product, and you’ll be at ease for your next wash.
Get A Pressure Washer Detergent To Be On Safe Side
I hope you’ve got all the answers to your questions regarding using laundry detergent in a pressure washer. Now, I would like to conclude that staying on the safe side is necessary for which you can use a phosphate-free laundry detergent that will cause no harm to your pressure washer resulting in good cleaning.
Also, you need to follow the pressure as mentioned earlier washer cleaning solution as it will lessen the risk of damaging the pressure washer.
Must Read:- Best High-Pressure Car Cleaning Tools
