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Best Pressure Washer Detergents In 2021

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This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Published April 22, 2020
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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The best pressure washers need the best pressure washer detergent to make all cleaning jobs simple, straightforward, and effortlessly effective.

If you need to tackle dirt, grime, mold, mildew, stains, oil, and just about anything else you can think of, these detergents will solve all your problems.

They can handle dirt across a wide range of surfaces, including sidings, patios, decking, cars, and more, and this guarantees you can leave your property looking squeaky clean.

The Best Pressure Washer Detergent

1
Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Pressure Washer Detergent

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If you need the best pressure washer detergent that covers a range of demands, the Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Shampoo & Superior Surface Cleanser stands out as a versatile choice for a variety of cleaning needs.

It’s ideal for weekly maintenance, and the gentle wash prevents scratches while still leaving zero residue. You can use it with a pressure washer or manually, although you may find there’s not as much foam as you expected. Despite this, it still provides a sufficient clean that leaves a pleasing shine as well as a pleasing odor. There is no toxic aroma left-over, which you can find with some products, meaning you get a satisfying clean for brick walls, concrete, and your car since it is an excellent wheel and tire cleaner.

Key Features:

Multiple capacities

Ideal for weekly maintenance

Gentle wash with pH neutral formula

Scratch-free washing

Rinses clean with no residue

Suitable for buckets or foam gun

Specification:
  • BrandChemical Guys
  • ModelCWS_402_64
  • Weight4.36 pounds
Pros

Pleasing odor

Non-streaking

Nice shine

Cons

Lack of foam 

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

2
Simple Green Oxy Solve House And Siding Pressure Washer Detergent

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The Simple Green Oxy Solve House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner is an excellent choice for anyone with a pressure washer with detergent tanks to minimize hassle and ensure the job gets done quickly and efficiently.

It is suitable for a range of materials, including vinyl, aluminum, and brick. The one-gallon container is good for cleaning up to 6,400 square feet of surface, providing superb value and confidence. It is both non-toxic and biodegradable, ideal for places with kids, pets, and gardens, and it uses peroxide to easily remove grime that’s accumulated over the years. You might find that it can only handle light grime in some places, so if you use this detergent, make sure and clean regularly. Make sure to have the best possible pressure washer hose, too!

Key Features:

Suitable for a range of surfaces

Removes stains and discoloration

Peroxide formula lifts grime

Non-toxic formula

Cleans up to 6400 square feet

Manual or hose application

Specification:
  • BrandSimple Green
  • Model8541813567
  • Weight9.27 pounds
Pros

Uses peroxide to clean grime

Manual and pressure washer application

Safe for pets and humans

Cons

Might only be suitable for light-duty cleaning

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

3
Sun Joe House And Deck All-Purpose Pressure Washer Detergent

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The Sun Joe House and Deck All-Purpose Pressure Washer Rated Concentrated Cleaner boasts a bleach-free and non-toxic formula to ensure the safety of your plants and grass when using it to clean around the garden.

You can use it with a range of equipment aside from an electric or gas pressure washer, including a spin mop and brush. The one-gallon container is long-lasting and easy to use. It will provide heavy-duty cleaning power that eliminates most of the dirt in a single pass.

Key Features:

Biodegradable, non-toxic, and bleach-free

Versatile application options

Universal pressure washer compatibility

one-gallon capacity

Cleans a range of surfaces

Suitable for light and heavy dirt

Specification:
  • BrandSun Joe
  • ModelSPX-HDC1G
  • Weight8 pounds
Pros

Ideal for cleaning algae

Heavy-duty cleaning power

Cleans well in one pass

Cons

Not ideal for stronger pressure washers

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

4
Karcher Multi-Purpose Cleaning Pressure Washer Detergent

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The Karcher Multi-Purpose Cleaning Pressure Power Washer Detergent Soap comes with two size options, so it’s a decent choice for both domestic and professional use. It will make up to 20 gallons of solution, and this solution is perfect for decking, garden furniture, and even with your pool cleaner to bring back the sleek shine you need.

It provides quick and thorough cleaning to take the hassle out of everyday cleaning jobs, and as it’s specifically formulated for pressure washers, you can expect the best results each time. There is, however, a slightly unpleasant odor, which is not for everybody. As it provides such superb results, though, you may be able to overlook this, especially once you see the professional-grade clean that leaves your surfaces as shiny as the day you moved in. And for the best cleaning results, be sure to invest in some of the best pressure washer guns from our list.

Key Features:

Multi-purpose pressure washer cleaner

Multiple capacity options

Cleans more quickly and thoroughly

Makes up to 20 gallons of detergent

Ideal for outdoor surfaces

Biodegradable design

Specification:
  • BrandKarcher
  • Model9.558-144.0
  • Weight8.98 pounds
Pros

Provides a professional clean

Leaves surface shiny

Easy to apply and clean

Cons

Unpleasant odor

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

5
Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete And Driveway Pressure Washer Detergent

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The Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Pressure Washer Cleaner is a fantastic pressure washer detergent for concrete as well as a wide range of other surfaces and materials that make it a superb multi-purpose option.

Where it really stands out, though, is its ability to remove tough oil stains. If you work on your car regularly or spend a lot of time in your garage, this a lifesaver. It will also remove heavy grime around problem areas, and cleans up to 6,400 square feet. There are some heavy-duty demands it can’t handle, but for pure driveway cleaning with assured results, there are few better options. If you want your home to be spotless, too, make sure to use one of these top steam cleaners.

Key Features:

Suitable for driveways, walkways, patios, masonry

Eliminates tough stains

Peroxide power to remove grime

Orally non-toxic formula

6400 square foot cleaning capacity

Pressure washer or manual application possible

Specification:
  • BrandSimple Green
  • Model2310000418233
  • Weight9.27 pounds
Pros

Landscape and water safe

Manual and pressure washer appropriate

Easy to use

Cons

Not suitable for more heavy-duty cleaning

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

6
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner

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For multipurpose cleaning across a range of surfaces, the Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner is a spectacular go-to option. It will lift stains, dirt, and grime easily, without using harsh chemicals that could damage the environment. It will brighten and renew surfaces, while the fast-acting foam helps you see results right before your eyes, which is always a satisfying thing to happen.

The high-pressure effectiveness will also give you peace of mind, but even with this, there’s no obvious difference with other products, so it’s worth checking out what everything else can do before deciding. For more amazing cleaning devices, check out our list of the best canister vacuums on the market right now.

Key Features:

Cleans a wide range of surfaces

Lifts dirt, stains, and grime

No harsh chemicals used

Cleans up to 6,400 square foot

Brightens and renews surfaces

Fast-acting foam

Specification:
  • BrandSimple Green
  • Model8541813566
  • Weight9.27 pounds
Pros

High-pressure effectiveness

Long-lasting

Safe for animals and plants

Cons

No clear difference with other products

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

7
Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck And Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner

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The ability to eliminate tough and heavy stains is something you’d expect from a pressure washer detergent, but Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner does it with such determination and dependability that it’s an option worth considering. It creates 21 gallons of solution for long-lasting reliability, while the non-toxic formula is biodegradable, making it safe for the landscape and surrounding water.

There’s a sweet scent, too, but it may take several passes to get the results you want, especially if the dirt and grime have been there for longer than you can remember. As it’s so easy to use, though, this may not be too much of a problem, and the capacity is high enough to make you feel you’re not wasting it. If you like the idea of effortless cleaning, here are some amazing robotic vacuum cleaners you will love.

Key Features:

Eliminates tough and heavy stains

Makes up to 21 gallons

Non-toxic

Biodegradable

Landscape and water safe

Cleans up to 6,400 square feet

Specification:
  • BrandSimple Green
  • ModelB07DVJSNJF
  • Weight9.27 pounds
Pros

Sweet scent

Fast-acting

Easy to use

Cons

May require two applications for best results

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

8
Sun Joe Premium Snow Foam Car Wash Soap & Cleaner

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Whether you need pressure washer detergent for cars, concrete, decking, or a mix of everything, the Sun Joe Premium Snow Foam Orange-Vanilla Scent Car Wash Soap & Cleaner provides deep cleaning performance you can rely on time and again.

The one-gallon container means it will last for a long time, even if you use it regularly, and the fast-foaming properties will create the effective suds you need to break down even the most stubborn stains. It’s safe on metal surfaces, which makes it ideal to use along with your car cleaning kit, and it leaves a clean and brilliant finish that you could check your hair in before heading out. You may have some trouble washing the residue away, but really, that’s all part of the fun.

Key Features:

Multiple scent options

one-gallon container

Deep cleaning performance

Biodegradable

Safe on metal surfaces

Fast-foaming

Specification:
  • BrandSun Joe
  • ModelSPX-FCS1G-CRM
  • Weight9.58 pounds
Pros

Specially formulated to rinse away dirt

Suitable for cars and other vehicles

Clean and brilliant finish

Cons

A little tricky to rinse the residue away

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

9
Krud Kutter HS01 Green Pressure Washer Concentrate

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The Krud Kutter HS01 Green Pressure Washer Concentrate House and Siding Cleaner will clean, degrease, and restore across a range of surfaces, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking for an all-purpose choice.

It is also biodegradable, as well as being safe for pets and plants that will give any eco-conscious readers confidence. It’s also fast-acting and has guaranteed effectiveness even on the lowest pressure setting. It won’t, however, cover as much square footage as other options, and the solution won’t last as long. But if you need a simple solution for occasional cleaning, there is a lot to love about this. For keeping the inside of your car spotless, make sure to use a quality car vacuum cleaner regularly.

Key Features:

Cleans, degreases, restores

Suitable for a range of surfaces

Biodegradable

Safe for pets and plants

Cleans up to 2,000 square feet

Fast-acting

Specification:
  • BrandKrud Kutter
  • ModelB07SH3J3M3
  • Weight8.8 pounds
Pros

Easy spray on and rinse off

Durable and convenient

Effective even on the lowest pressure setting

Cons

Doesn’t create as much solution as other options

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

10
Briggs & Stratton 6826 Pressure Washers Cleaner and Concentrate

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We couldn’t write a list about the best pressure washer detergent without mentioning the Briggs & Stratton 6826 Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Concentrate for Pressure Washers. This one-gallon container is ideal for washing and restoring, providing versatile cleaning results.

It will create 16 gallons of solution, enough for both professional and domestic demands. With it, you can deal with dirt, grime, and mold stains. It won’t suds-up as well as other options, but this isn’t an issue for simpler tasks, and it means it’s easy to clean up when you’re finished. For those really stubborn stains, make sure to have a reliable power scrubber at hand, as well.

Key Features:

one-gallon container

Washes and restores

Versatile cleaning results

No mixing required

Easy-to-use formula

Creates 16 gallons of solution

Specification:
  • BrandBriggs & Stratton
  • Model6826
  • Weight8.7 pounds
Pros

Suitable for dirt, grime, mold stains

Heavy-duty formula

Blends easily in water

Cons

Doesn’t suds-up as well as other options

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

Pressure Washer Detergent Buying Guide & FAQ

Types Of Pressure Washer Detergents

Cleaners - Cleaners are the multi-purpose option when looking for the right type of pressure washer detergents. The formula is designed to cover all bases and clean a variety of grime, dirt, mold, and mildew. Cleaner detergents are suitable for all surfaces and are safe to use around gardens and pets.

If you want to clear away dirt, then cleaner detergents are the best choice, and it’s something that everyone who uses a pressure washer should consider regardless of sanitation needs.

Sanitizers - Sanitizer detergents will sanitize an area quickly. They kill 99.99% of bacteria quickly, usually within 30 seconds of application.

You would typically use a sanitizer on a barbecue that has had raw meat sitting for too long, or any other surface that might grow bacteria. However, they won't remove dirt and grime as a cleaner detergent would.

Disinfectants - Disinfectants work a lot like sanitizers, but they are not as fast-acting. Again, you could use a disinfectant on a barbecue, but you would need to wait longer. Usually, it will take ten minutes for this formula to disinfect an area.

All types of detergent can come in handy, and while a cleaner is the most versatile, you should consider at least one of the other two types to get the best from your pressure washer to make an area as sterile as it is dirt free.

pressure washer detergent

Pressure Washer Detergent FAQ

Q: What is a pressure washer detergent?

A: Pressure washer detergent is a product that you can use in tandem with your pressure washer to provide a more efficient clean. The contents of a pressure washer detergent bottle clean better than plain water, and when the cleaning agents combine with the power of the washer, you can loosen and remove dirt with ease.

This makes detergents ideal for cleaning a wide range of surfaces that have succumbed to dirt, grime, and discoloration. Even if you haven’t cleaned your patio, driveway, or even your car for longer than you can remember, a good-quality detergent will eliminate the dirt while still maintaining the quality of the surface.

Pressure washer detergents are designed to prevent scratching while still providing the squeaky-clean shine and clean appearance that you want and expect when cleaning surfaces. You can also use them manually, such as with a bucket and a mop, if you don’t have a working pressure washer on hand.

Q: Why can’t you use regular soaps in pressure washers?

A: In theory, you can use regular soaps, such as dish soaps in pressure washers. However, it’s not something that we would recommend. This is because regular soap is not diluted enough to move freely through the nozzles and mechanisms of a pressure washer.

As pressure washer detergents are designed to handle a wide range of outdoor issues, such as grime and dirt, a regular soap may not have the strength to deal with them. This means you use more soap and more water, which just seems like a total waste as far as we’re concerned.

using pressure washer detergent

Q: What chemicals are used in pressure washer detergents?

A: There is a range of different chemicals that you might find when using pressure washer detergents, and these will vary between brands, as well as the purpose of the detergent.

For example, detergents that are suitable for cleaning carports and wood decking will have a citrus extract that breaks down the dirt, whereas you may find sodium hydroxide in detergents designed to eliminate grease and oil.

Some detergents are multi-purpose, and these include a mixture of the appropriate chemicals so it can clean a variety of surfaces. If you are concerned about harmful chemicals used in your pressure washer detergent, identify one that is non-toxic and safe for pets and children.

Q: Is pressure washing with detergents harmful to your pet or garden?

A: Speaking of, if you have pets or use your pressure washer in your garden, then you must select a detergent that is not harmful to either. Some pressure washer detergents can be harmful to your garden and pets. However, not all of them are.

Detergents that are not harmful to pets and the garden are easy enough to find. It will usually say so on the label. However, if this is not satisfactory for you (which is fair enough), then there is no harm in doing further research and asking people with more knowledge than you to get to find out which type of detergent is the safest.

Even if you don’t have pets or a garden, you may still want to invest in a detergent that is safe for them, as it will give you peace of mind should any animals get onto your property overnight. These detergents are usually better for the environment.

Sources:

  1. Can You Use Dish Soap in a Pressure Washer? - Ready to DIY
  2. Can Power Wash Chemicals Kill Plants? - SFGate Home Guides
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