Can You Put Dishsoap In A Pressure Washer? (Find Out Now!)
Pressure washers are handy tools to have around your home and garden. Many people use a pressure washer to clean their vehicle, wash the siding on their home, or clear leaves and debris from their deck. Whatever their uses, pressure washers can do a great job. However, there are times when you need a little more cleaning power. You might wonder if it is safe to put dish soap in your pressure washer.
In general, it is safe to use dish soap in your pressure washer. Dish soap should never be used at full strength. A diluted solution is the best option. For the good of your pressure washer, always flush any soap solution from the pump, hose, and nozzle when you are finished. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.
If you face a pressure washing job with heavily built-up grime or especially stubborn dirt, you should consider detergent. Dishwashing soap is a relatively inexpensive and effective option for those tough cleaning jobs. There are some tips and tricks you should know about using dish soap in your pressure washer.
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When Just Water Won’t Do The Trick
Pressure washers are amazing. Attach a garden hose, turn or start the pressure washer, and dirt and grime seem to melt away from most surfaces. However, there are times when just water and pressure won’t quite do the trick. These are the times that most homeowners consider using some sort of detergent with their pressure washer.
If the dirt and grime you are trying to remove are mixed with oil or grease, water alone may not be enough. Some stains caused by mold, mildew and bacteria growth can also be more than water alone can handle. In these instances, putting a little detergent through your pressure washer may just do the trick.
Is It Safe to Put Liquid Dishwasher Soap Through my Pressure Washer?
Most pressure washers include an injection system that allows you to put several different cleaners through your pressure washers. There are many commercial pressure washing detergents and cleaners that are available at your local home improvement store. However, many home pressure washer users report that dishwashing detergent works just as well as many commercial cleaners.
We don’t recommend putting full-strength dishwashing detergent through your power washer injection system. Because the injection system used by different manufacturers may add cleaning products at different rates, it is difficult to provide a dilution rate.
The owner’s manual for your power washer should recommend dilution rates for many different power washing detergents, including dish soaps. We always suggest that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your power washer above all else.
Are There Downsides to Using Dishwashing Soap in a Power Washer?
There are almost always downsides to anything. Nothing is perfect. Using dishwashing soap in your power washer is no exception. Some things to consider before you use dishwashing soap in your power washer include:
- Using dishwashing soap may not be as economical as you think. If you are doing big jobs or you are a commercial power washer operator, the cost of using a household dishwashing soap may be cost-prohibitive. Many times commercial products are sold in a highly concentrated form that is a better value.
- If you don’t do the proper aftercare and rinse your power washer, household dishwashing soap may damage the pump. Thorough rinsing is required to remove the dishwashing soap from your power washer to prevent problems.
- Dishwashing soap may not solve all your problems. If you are trying to remove mold or mildew, special cleaners will probably do better than dishwashing soaps.
You should remember that dishwashing soap is designed to wash dishes. It was never intended to be used in power washers. While it may work under some circumstances, soaps and detergents formulated for use with power washers almost always do a better job.
Is Dishwashing Soap Eco-Friendly?
Despite some of the claims you see on TV, most dishwashing soaps are not very eco-friendly. For example, one of the best-known dishwashing soaps gets a very low grade from the Environmental Working Group. This well-known dishwashing soap actually contains several ingredients that are considered toxic to wildlife and a skin irritant.
In particular, a compound known as Methylisothiasolinone is part of many dishwashing soaps on the market. This compound is known to be highly corrosive and toxic to wildlife when it is ingested or inhaled. Makes you wonder about what you are using in your home, doesn’t it.
What Should I Look for in an Eco-Friendly Power Washer Soap?
If you want to show in an environmentally sound way, you should use products in your power washer that won’t harm the environment. There are some things to look for and to avoid.
- Almost all power washing soaps and cleaners use a surfactant to help with the surface tension of the water. You should search for power washer cleaners that use a plant-based surfactant. The best option is just to use plain soap with no other ingredients.
- Avoid any cleaning product that contains 1,4 Dioxane.
- Avoid any kind of fragrances, especially synthetic fragrances such as Phlathate.
- Try to find cleaning products without any dyes or petrochemical additives.
- Glycol is often added to cleaning products and should be avoided
- Any product containing phosphates or other caustic ingredients is not good for the environment or your pressure washer.
There are many power washing additives and soaps that meet these requirements. As more and more companies become aware of the market forces, they strive to be as eco-friendly as possible. Unfortunately, many of these eco-friendly products are more expensive.
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Dishwashing Soap is Fine for Small Jobs
Overall, if your pressure washing job is small, using a bit of dishwashing soap is perfectly acceptable. However, if you follow the proper guidelines, mix the dishwashing soap properly, and clean your power washer well, there should not be a problem.
If your pressure washing job is larger, there are different considerations. You will probably be better served by buying an eco-friendly product formulated for use with pressure washers. A power washing product designed especially for these issues is recommended where you have special problems such as mold or mildew.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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