A Beginner's Guide to Purchasing the Perfect Pressure Washer Detergent

Although pressure washing can effectively remove accumulated dirt off of just about anything, there is always room for improvement. There are various ways to bring in extra help to improve your pressure washing efforts, but nothing else has proven to be more effective than pressure washer detergent. Pressure washer detergent can make finished products brighter by providing an even deeper clean through a mix of high water pressure and various chemical cleaning compounds.

Choosing the best pressure washer detergent for your needs can help tremendously with achieving a successful, deep clean. In addition to helping in breaking down tough dirt, pressure washer detergents also add a protective layer in between washing sessions. 

If you’re trying to work with an alternative to pressure washer detergent, however, here are two common options that show exactly why it’s best to go with the real thing:

When thinking about pressure washer detergent, people often consider using the bottle of dish soap on the kitchen sink. While this may seem like a cost-effective option, it can break your washer before it gets to break dirt. 

Aside from posing a potential breakage hazard, dish soap can also create too many suds due to the mix of air and water in high-pressure washing. This can prove to be ineffective as well. 

Most companies promise to provide a thorough clean with their bleach products. However, using bleach with a pressure washer as a detergent alternative is an absolute no-no. 

Bleach contains certain chemical compounds that can corrode the inner workings of a pressure washer unit and can cause damage beyond repair no matter how much you dilute it with water. 

Should you find yourself needing to clean out a certain spot with bleach, apply the cleaner on the surface to be treated where it belongs instead. 

Before you grab a multipurpose detergent to service your pressure washing needs, it is vital to understand that there are different situations that require a specific option for effectivity. Here’s a quick guide on choosing detergent to use: 

Depending on the type of dirt or grime that you’re looking at, you’ll have to choose between a “light-and-easy” option and a heavy-duty detergent for thorough cleaning. Different types of dirt and grime compounds require certain compounds and formulations to be broken down, so it’s best to do the necessary research on what you’re working with. 

Another factor that you have to take into mind when choosing a pressure washer detergent is the type of surface the dirt is on. For example, a detergent with aluminum brighter is best for thoroughly cleaning aluminum surfaces and stainless steel.

On the other hand, a heavy-duty cleaner is best for concrete surfaces that have small pockets and store years of built-up grime. A heavy-duty detergent is best if you’re cleaning a driveway or sidewalk. 

Certain companies have their own name-brand pressure washer detergents formulated to match the specifications of every model they have. While this may not be a step that you have to stick to, choosing a model-specific type of pressure washer detergent can help preserve the condition of your pressure washer. 

Supplementing your pressure washing routine with an appropriate detergent can work wonders during the cleaning process that calls for a thorough treatment. Keeping this guide in mind so you can choose the right pressure washer detergent and avoid harmful “alternatives.”

If you’re looking for a pressure washing service Kalamazoo, Mi, Preferred Power Wash is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.