Table of Contents
Introduction
Pressure washers are wonderful cleaning tools that help you clean various items without any hassle; they make light work of cleaning grills, cars, patio floors, and much more. However, they work best when paired with the proper detergents and chemicals. The soaps used in pressure washers are made to easily loosen up dirt, which allows them to get rid of tough stains, but there are various types of pressure washer soaps, and they have their different effect on how the pressure washer tackles different types of dirt.
Becoming familiar with the differences in the labels of various chemicals used in pressure washer soaps will enable you to purchase the best product for the project; it is extremely helpful if you’re on a budget or using an electric or gas pressure washer. Below, we have explained the differences between them and also reasons why they are helpful.
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Consumer Grade Soaps
Soap is usually used in conjunction with a pressure washer; the soaps are usually made from natural fats and oils that are gentle on the surface you are cleaning. It is important to use mild soaps on materials such as untreated wood or bare metal because the harshness of the soap could cause the surface to quickly erode or rust.
These types of soaps are also biodegradable, better than synthetic chemicals. They are gentle on the nearby plants or grass, especially if you’re washing something in the open. Because they are natural, you can easily wash them into drains and sewers without worrying about causing any damage and if they get on your skin, just rinse it off.
Keep in mind that if they are mixed with hard water, which is water that has high mineral content, then you produce a layer of scum that is hard to remove. They work great for general use, but you may need to purchase a stronger soap if you are trying to get a particular type of dirt.
Detergents
Detergents are mostly completely synthetic; they are made from combinations of chemicals that allow them to quickly get rid of different stains, chemicals, and other materials while being gentle on the main material. They are usually mixed with water, so they won’t react badly when they come in contact with other water minerals in both soft and hard water. You can also use them independently without mixing it into your electric or gas pressure washer tank.
It is easier to use specialized detergents to clean most industrial-level stains or cakes on type of stains because they physically break down the dirt instead of just pulling it off the material. They can also get rid of oily, greasy layers of stains faster and better than regular soap. They can be toxic and corrosive, but they do not damage the surface they are not made to target. They might end up dripping down the material instead of sticking to it.
Detergents can feel less safe than regular soap because they are made from toxic chemicals; people feel they aren’t safe enough to be around small children and pets. There is also the problem of them coming in a liquid form, which makes them easy to spill, and the spillage takes a while to clean up. Sometimes it can be hard to remove them off your skin; it might even burn slightly if it has certain chemical compounds.
Commercial Grade Soap
These soaps are more potent than regular consumer soaps; they use a mixture of chemicals and are usually diluted with water to get the right mix of strength and safety. Because they are more concentrated than consumer soaps, they act like detergents without the majority of the disadvantages. However, if they are mixed with hard water or over diluted, it could cause issues. They also cant be used on their own like liquid detergent.
You can easily purchase commercial grade soaps in the same size of bottles as regular soaps. However, you would most likely find them being sold in bulk, which makes them well suited for professional cleaners than in-home use.
DIY Soaps
Many people make their soaps and detergents; it is possible if you have the right chemicals but do not attempt it without knowing the basic steps. Some DIY soaps and detergents can be extremely helpful in removing different types of dirt. A basic mixture of vinegar and water will get rid of mildew without damaging any nearby plants. You can quickly make a mixture and kill any mildew or mold you find around your house.
Delivery System Of A Pressure Washer
A pressure washer can use soaps and detergents in two ways, either after the pump (downstream) or before the pump (upstream). The downstream systems usually allow you to use the corrosive and abrasive chemicals without damaging any internal parts, but the upstream system usually sprays out the chemical with more force. A few models will allow you to do both, but it usually depends on the power and cleaning soap you’re using.
Also, keep in mind that not every pressure washer has an integrated detergent tank. Some models will let you mix the chemicals directly into the main tank while others won’t allow you to mix it, thereby forcing you to use it on its own. Also, specific models will not let you use certain types of soaps and detergent, but it depends on the parts they are using, so ensure that you read the user’s manual and safety guide before you start handling the pressure washer.
The Best Pressure Washer Soap And Detergent
There are different good pressure washer soaps and detergents out there but some standout, they include; Karcher (9.558 – 121.0) best used for cleaning any vehicle, Simple Green 18202 best used in cleaning concrete, Krud Kutter DF01 for decks and fences, Simple Green 13421 as the best multipurpose pressure washer soap.
Conclusion
Pressure washers are helpful tools, but they even work better with soaps and detergent. Now that you know the different types of soaps, you should be able to choose the right one for the model of pressure washer you have. Ensure that you handle the corrosive chemicals with care.