What is the Best Cleaner to Use in a Pressure Washer?

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best cleaner to use pressure washer

If you’re getting ready to clean around your home, you’re probably wondering what is the best cleaner to use in a pressure washer. 

The truth is, you don’t always need a cleaner. Many times your pressure washer has enough power to clean through even the toughest of grime.

Still, if you’re looking for an added boost or are working with a filthy surface, using the right cleaner can be a big help.

Here are the best pressure washer soaps, based on the area you’re cleaning.

Which Pressure Washer Cleaner Should I Use?

If you’re looking for the best pressure washer cleaner, you can use a general formula safe for all surfaces or a specialty cleaner. Some of the best choices include Simple Green Concrete & Driveway Cleaner, Mold Armor House Wash, Mr. Pink Suds, and Krud Kutter General Purpose Cleaner.

Top Cleaners to Use in a Pressure Washer

Pressure washer cleaners are extremely helpful in combating stains and cutting down on cleaning time. However, they aren’t all created equally. Here are some of the best cleaners currently on the market.

Best Cleaner for Driveways, Patios, and Concrete

If you’re getting ready to clean a concrete surface like a driveway or garage floor, you’ll want a cleaner that is formulated to remove oil, grease, and grime. Simple Green Concrete & Driveway Cleaner is one of the best picks you’ll find for removing tough stains on concrete.

Best Pressure Washer Cleaner for House and Siding

When it comes to the exterior of your house, you want a cleaner that kills and removes mold and mildew. Mold Armor House and Siding Wash is great for aluminum and vinyl siding, roofs, stucco, PVC, and pipes.

You can safely use this cleaner to wash your house from top to bottom. To do so, you’ll need to spray the cleaner on using the “low” setting on your power washer. After that, you’ll let the solution sit for ten minutes and then spray with the “high” setting to wash it off. 

Best Cleaner for Washing Cars

If you’re pressure washing your car, you want a cleaner that is gentle but effective – Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Suds is one of the most popular options for this reason.

You can use this cleaner in conjunction with your pressure washer. It gently removes dirt while protecting your car’s finish from future scratches. 

Best All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner

If you don’t like the idea of having a separate cleaner for everything, I don’t blame you. Fortunately, there are plenty of good cleaners that are safe for a variety of surfaces.

One of the top multi-purpose options is Krud Kutter Power Washer Cleaner. This formula is bleach-free but still effective at removing mold and mildew. It’s safe on most siding, outdoor furniture, roofing, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

faq best cleaner to use in a pressure washer

Can I use Dawn dish soap in my pressure washer?

Yes, you can use dawn dish soap in your pressure washer. Be sure to heavily dilute the dawn so that you’re not left with a bubbly mess. Just keep in mind that Dawn may not be as powerful as commercially made pressure washer cleaners.

Do I have to put soap or detergent in my pressure washer?

No, you don’t have to put soap in your pressure washer, but cleaning will be faster and more effective if you do. Water alone may not be able to tackle tough stains caused by sources like mildew or grease. 

Can I put bleach in my pressure washer?

You should never put undiluted bleach in your pressure washer. Bleach is very corrosive and will eat away at the seals, ruining your pressure washer.

Conclusion

Pressure washers are extremely handy cleaning tools. When you add the right cleaner for the job, they become even better. The next time you’re tackling a tough job, try one of these cleaners to boost your cleaning power.

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AUTHOR

Katie Barton lives with her husband and three daughters in an 1800’s style log cabin in southern Ohio. She thinks cleaning is relaxing and is considered the organizing go-to person by her family and friends. She runs the blog Cabin Lane where she shares about cleaning, decluttering, and minimalism. See full biography here.

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