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10Sep 2024

how to use soap on a pressure washer

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When aiming for an impeccable clean, leveraging both soap and a pressure washer proves to be unmatched. On their own, pressure washers deploy high-velocity water streams to strip away dirt, grime and various residues from different surfaces. Yet, when paired with the appropriate soap or detergent, their cleaning performance greatly enhances, accelerating and simplifying challenging cleaning tasks.

This article aims to reveal the hidden keys to utilizing soap efficiently alongside a pressure washer. Regardless you're a beginner seeking to grasp fundamental knowledge, or an experienced professional wanting to sharpen your skills, this guide has something for everyone.

By the end of the guide, you'll be equipped with knowledge on optimal soap choices, their correct usage and safety aspects. Delve into understanding the synergy relationship between soap and pressure washers, revolutionizing your cleaning tasks to become simple and satisfying.

Understanding your pressure washer

Understanding your pressure washer type, be it electric or petrol driven, is crucial prior to incorporating soap use. Electric pressure washers tend to be lighter, quieter and more convenient for minor home based cleaning tasks. Conversely, petrol pressure washers perform exceptionally well for extensive, challenging cleaning assignments with their superior power and versatility. Always verify the soap compatibility with your specific model by referring to user manual or manufacturer's website.

Advantages of using soap in pressure washer

Using soap with your pressure washer brings multiple benefits. To begin with, soap dissolves tough dirt, grease, and grime more effectively than just water, making cleaning more efficient and comprehensive with less hard work.

Moreover, soap creates a protective layer to guard against damage or scratches from the high pressure water. 

Finally, soap enhances utility of pressure washer, enabling it to tackle a variety of tasks from washing cars to cleaning outdoor furniture and removing mold. This effectively makes your pressure washer a multi purpose cleaning device.

What types of soaps to use in a pressure washer?

The soap suitable for your pressure washer depends on the cleaning surface. Various soap varieties are formulated to address distinct requirements:

For residential use, soaps designed for washing home exteriors, cars and patios clean effectively while being gentle on surfaces. Industrial soaps are formulated to tackle the tougher dirt found in heavy machinery and commercial buildings.

Specialty soaps, for those focused on environmental health, soaps that are both eco-friendly and biodegradable make the perfect choice.

When choosing a soap, to consider factors like cleaning surface type, special cleaning needs and environmental consequences, ensuring the best and most effective product for job.

Guidelines for effectively utilizing soap with a pressure washer.

Mix and add soap

Follow manufacturer's recommended dilution ratio:

Read the instructions: Carefully read manufacturer's instructions to see recommended soap-to-water ratio.

Mix the solution: Using a clean bucket, mix soap and water in the recommended ratio. Stir the solution well to ensure a consistent concentration throughout the mixture.

Adding soap to different pressure washers:

Electric pressure washers:

  1. Find soap hose: Locate transparent soap suction hose attached to pressure washer pump.

  2. Submerge the hose: Place the end of hose into soap tank, making sure it remains submerged to maintain suction throughout cleaning process.

  3. Check clarity: Make sure hose is not clogged and soap can flow freely.

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Petrol pressure washers:

  1. Insert the sprayer: Plug the soap sprayer into the quick-connect connector on the pump before connecting high pressure hose.

  2. Connect the hose: Connect high pressure hose to the water inlet of pump.

  3. Use soap tank (if available): Most modern pressure washers are equipped with a built-in soap tank designed specifically for this purpose to ensure optimal performance and cleaning efficiency, such as BISON pressure washers. Before you start adding, make sure soap tank is clean. Pour the soap into soap tank as directed by the manufacturer. If your washing machine does not have one, you must insert the transparent soap hose into the washing tank. Make sure hose is always submerged in water during the cleaning process.

Foam bottle fixed to spray gun:

  1. Connect the bottle: Fix the foam bottle (soap bottle) to the end of spray gun.

  2. Trigger the flow: When you pull the trigger, soap mixes with water and sprays out through the nozzle.

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Configure pressure washer for soap application

Connect high pressure hose: Connect high pressure hose securely to spray gun assembly to avoid leaks.

Choose right nozzle: Select a nozzle designed for soap application, often a low-pressure type. This may be labeled "soap," "detergent," or have a designated color, such as black.

Adjust the pressure setting: Set your pressure washer to a low pressure that is appropriate for applying soap, as too much pressure can damage surface or reduce the effectiveness of soap.

Test for even distribution: Perform a brief test on a small area to ensure that soap is evenly spraying from nozzle.

Applying soap with a pressure washer

Keep your distance: Maintain an optimal distance from the surface you are cleaning, generally between 8 and 12 inches. This helps to evenly apply soap and prevent potential damage.

Use overlapping motions: Apply the soap using overlapping motions in a side to side motion to ensure thorough coverage of the surface.

Let the soap sit (dwell time): Allow soap to remain on the surface for a while (typically between 5 to 10 minutes) so it can dissolve dirt and grime, making sure it doesn't dry. Modify oaking duration depending on surface material and the amount of soiling.

Rinse soap off

Switch nozzles: Switch to a high pressure nozzle to rinse soap off. This is usually a 15 degree (yellow) or 25 degree (green) nozzle.

Rinsing tips: Initiate the rinsing process from surface's top and progress downwards to prevent any streaking. This ensures dirty water flows down and doesn't re-stain the cleaned area.

Ensure thorough removal: Rinse all soap residue from surface thoroughly. Leftover soap may lead to streaking or possible harm in the long run. Inspect all nooks and crannies to ensure they are clear of any soap residue.

Post cleaning maintenance

Clean equipment: Wash any soap residue off pressure washer, including hose and nozzle.

Dispose properly: Dispose of any remaining soap solution responsibly, following local environmental regulations. Avoid dumping it into drains or on the ground.

Check your equipment: Examine your pressure washer for signs of wear or visible damage. Inspect hose, nozzle, and pump.

Safety precautions

Wear protection: Always use safety gloves and goggles during the operate process.

Regular upkeep: Follow manufacturer's maintenance schedule, including lubrication, checking oil levels in petrol models  and replacing worn parts.

Proper storage: Keep pressure washer in a dry, clean area. Ensure all components are dry to prevent mold and corrosion.

These precautions ensure pressure washer performs well and lasts longer.

Those are the key points for utilizing soap with a pressure washer. Incorporating soap can revolutionize your cleaning process when using a pressure washer. For those in search of a dependable, high quality pressure washer that includes a soap tank, a BISON pressure washer comes highly recommended!

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