As you know, pressure washing uses a high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mud, dust or any type of dirt from a surface or an object, like buildings or vehicles. Its volume is in gallons, often in the pump. The pressure, on the other hand, is known to be measured in pounds per square inch. However, given what we know about its measurements, there are still some questions as to what we can use in one.
Can you use ammonia in a pressure washer? Yes, you can. But more importantly, know your ratios and the general effect of what you are putting in the pressure washer. It really depends on what it is and the type of effects it can give in the pressure washer to wash off the stations. You will be surprised as to what you can and cannot put.
In this article, I will make it easier for you to understand if it is safe to put certain liquids in the pressure washer and the type of ratios it requires for safe and efficient use.
Using Ammonia in a Pressure Washer
An ammonia mixture is one of the easiest ones to make when you are putting it in a pressure washer. However, we have to be careful with the ratios that we are using for it. Mix about ½ cup of ammonia in 1 gallon of water. Then, add a pint of rubbing alcohol.
Given that mixture, this should be a fast-drying formula that would work very well with windows. windows without a squeegee. Further, the ammonia formula works best if the windows you are trying to clean are not that dirty and beyond hand reach.
Ammonia is a common glass cleaner and stainless-steel cleaner, so it works best on those surfaces.
Using Chlorine in a Pressure Washer
Unlike ammonia, chlorine is used primarily for swimming pools. Like bleach, it has the Sodium Hypochlorite characteristic. Chlorine in groceries are ready for use and comes at a concentration of about 10%. However, the highest concentration of them can be found from chemical suppliers at 12.5%.
Liquid chlorine can be put into a pressure washer, and because it is already in solution, it produces acid the moment it touches water to clean it out. This is mostly used in large commercial pools rather than in small ones.
Using Carpet Cleaner in a Pressure Washer
For a lot of us, rugs are very special in our personal decor. They warm up the room and provide great space for kids or pets to run on or rest on. However, due to this same reason, it often gets dirty.
As a preventative measure prior to using carpet cleaner in a pressure washer, you have to give them a regular and constant cleaning. For this, you would need dishwashing fluid at about ⅓ of a teaspoon, a brush, drying equipment, the pressure washer, and laundry detergent.
First, place the rug in a concrete sidewalk since you will be needing a lot of space for it. It might be troublesome to activate the washer indoors. Lay the rug upside down to first attack the bottom of the rug. Before washing, sweep it on both sides and prepare for a thorough cleaning. Remove initial debris, hair, or any food that the pressure washer will treat as a barrier to its efficiency.
The next step is to use detergent. First, see the instructions on the back of it for guidance. Most people just go into it blindly and mess up their rugs. By reading the directions, you can avoid this issue altogether. Attend to the machine and check if it is well oiled and has the necessary attachments. Regardless if it’s electric or oil, make sure that it is well powered and that the nozzles are sturdy enough to handle the job.
The final steps are to basically rinse thoroughly through it, removing all the soap after washing it gently with some detergent. Dry the rug against the sunlight and wait till it is good to use.
The most key tips are to use the right cleaning solution, pressure and maintain the right distance. Do not point the nozzle too close and do not use hot water.
Using Fabuloso in a Pressure Washer
Is it safe to use Fabuloso in a pressure washer? The idea of combining the cleaning power of Fabuloso with the efficiency of a pressure washer is tempting, but there are factors to consider.
While Fabuloso is a popular multi-purpose cleaner, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s guidelines of your pressure washer before using it. Combining Fabuloso with a pressure washer might not be recommended due to potential damage to the machine or reduced cleaning efficiency. Always prioritize safety and equipment care.
Using Wet & Forget in a Pressure Washer
Wet and Forget is recommended to be used in a pump-up garden sprayer, backpack sprayer, as well as a low-pressure agricultural sprayer. However, if the surface is of high elevation, or large in general, use the Wet and Forget Hose End product with a pressure washer.
When using a pressure washer, only use those that can pull from a separate container with a 5:1 premixed ratio solution. If the ratio is anything other than a 5:1, do not use a pressure washer. The reason being is that it will not get you the proper dilution results that you want to achieve.
Using Jomax in a Pressure Washer
Jomax can most definitely be used in a pressure washer. It removes mold and mildew that is stubborn on exterior stains. It is a bleach-free formula that is intended to be used by a pressure washer or by manual usage. Further, it is suitable for siding, concrete driveways, sidewalks, brick, and stucco.
Before using it, test the pressure washer on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it works on that specific surface. Do not mix it with any other chemicals and make sure to not use stained or painted surfaces. Instead, water pressure can be used to remove paint or any discoloration.
Before use, rinse any type of surrounding vegetation with water. Severe stains, of course, would take more than one rinse. To be sure and safe, use the instructions of the manufacturer.
After the rinse, insert the pressure washer siphon into a concrete option. If using a reservoir machine, pour the concentrate into the pressure washer. In small sections, apply the concentrate to the surface with low-pressure sprays. If the surface is vertical, apply it from the top-down. When you start doing this, do so for around 5 minutes to allow the concentrate to really work through.
Then, remove the siphon tube from the container. Finally, rinse the surface with the high-pressure spray and rinse the parts prior to storing it away.
If you are using it manually, there will be a different process, but it has the same idea. Dilute 12 ounces of concentrate with 1-gallon of water. Dab it on the small sections and apply the pressure washer. After all that is done, rinse the parts.
Also, if you do use Jomax, know that it is good for only three years and it is a flashpoint that can reach up to over 200 degrees.
Using Krud Kutter in a Pressure Washer
Krud Kutter is a house and siding pressure washer concentrate. Its most distinctive part is that it contains Sporex, which is a unique chemical that removes a lot of tough stains. These tough stains include mildew, mold, fungus, and leaves it completely clean. Further, it has special surfactants that go through the surface to safely dissolve the toughest stains from droppings and tree sap, as well as acid rain. It even removes gray weathering on wood and oxidation.
This product is mainly suggested for exterior siding, like wood and vinyl, as well as roofing of all types, like fiberglass shingles, cedar and tile, and finally stucco, brick, masonry and walls.
When purchased, it comes in two sizes, the 1 gallon or 5 gallon one. When using a pressure washer, be very wary that the pressure coming from the water alone can remove paint or highlight any discoloration that is not aesthetically pleasing.
Like the Jomax, it is important to rinse any of the nearby plants with clean water and test the area first. Any type of overspray can be neutralized with large volumes of water. On an extremely soiled surface, it is definitely worth it to use a scrub with a bristle brush and a second application could be needed. In some cases, mildew may never be removed from porous surfaces.
If there is a case of severe oil or grease stains, oil may bleed into the surface or leave a stain. Repeated rinses could lighten the stains, and slightly increase its aesthetic value, but it cannot be removed completely. Most importantly, do not mix it with any other chemicals.
The product application should also be mixed 1:10(12 oz of concentrate with 1 gallon of water), one bottle of concentrate will make 11 gallons worth of premix, and clean around 3000 sq ft. This can be done with a pressure washer, pump up sprayer, or brush.
With a pressure washer, rinse the surrounding plants before and after you use it. Wet the surface that you plan to clean and place the detergent in the sophon tube. Open the enter value for max flow. Spray at low pressure. Finally, at vertical surfaces, use a top-down motion and allow the product to stay for 5 minutes.
Using Purple Power in a Pressure Washer
The most common Purple Power out there in the market is the premium cleaner and degreaser pressure wash concentrate.
It is a very heavy liquid that is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease the moment it comes into contact. This is mainly used in cars or trucks, and can dissolve grease and oil. Further, it can dissolve grime on engines and tools.
It is also very high in alkaline and versatile. The purple power is formulated so that it can do this quickly on a lot of surfaces. It is important to note that it can be used in a pressure washer or brush. You can either dilute it with water or use it at full capacity.
Finally, it comes in two main sizes–20 gallons with 5,000 sq ft and a 5 gallon size makes 100 gallons to cover 25k square feet.
Pine-Sol
Pine sol, out of all the liquids we have touched based on, seems to be the most versatile of the group. It is a powerful cleaner that also leaves its trademark scent on the surface you are trying to clean. What makes it very versatile, however, is that it can work on so many surfaces. Specifically, it works very well with bathroom soils.
The pine sol also comes in a variety of sizes, its largest being 175 oz and its smallest being a 24 oz bottle. You can most definitely use the pine sol in a pressure washer.
Further, the pine sol has a 4 step process–it takes out dirt, grime, grease—and finally deodorizes the surface you are trying to clean. It also works in glass, ceramic tile, cement, granite, and carpet.
Usually, with this product, for general cleaning, use ¼ cup per gallon of water. Unlike some of the other products listed above, it doesn’t really require initial washing or rinsing. If it is a tough job, use full strength and rinse as fast as possible.
If you are disinfecting, apply the product with a clean cloth. Wet it for 10 minutes and rinse. If it is very spiked, remove the excess dirt first. Finally, if you are doing this with a toilet bowl, use ½ cup in the bowl to rinse and brush thoroughly.
Using Mean Green in a Pressure Washer
Mean Green is a multi-purpose washer that cleans and decreases a lot of surfaces. This may include a roof job or exterior siding. This may also include gutters, cement, brick, and stone, as well as stucco and pool areas. Finally, you can use the product on RVs, patio furniture, boats and more.
This, unlike a lot of the products we talked about, is only primarily for pressure washer cleaners. It is very easy to use and biodegradable. In fact, it can cover up to over 7000 square feet with 30 gallons. This makes it clean more surface area than any other brands we have seen. With this, use a 29:1 ratio with water. Finally, it comes in only one size–128 oz.
Using Simple Green in a Pressure Washer
Simple Green is a heavy duty cleaner that is made for powerful pressure washing designed to remove tough grease and grime. It can also remove oils, exhaust, sap, and pollen, as well as road tar. The concentrated formula goes up to 21 gallons.
The solution is safe for wood, metal, and vinyl to patios to play equipment. Tough soils on constructions and on toxic and biodegradable. It is also landscape safe and highly concentrated. And can clean up to 3800 square feet.
Using Meguiars in a Pressure Washer
The Meguiar brand is a well-known company founded by Frank Meguiar Jr in 1901. It has become one of the world’s most leading surfaces. It also is a highly specialized product for almost all types. It is most well known for its gold class car wash that provides both a shampoo and a conditioner.
Most importantly, it is known for its long lasting suds. It makes your car very shiny and clean. Although it is not on the cheap end for any of the products, it is well worth your buck. It has a very pleasant smell and lubricates fantastically for its usage.
It works very well with an electric pressure washer and snow foam cannon attachment. You should mix it well with 1/5ths soap and warm water that comes out to a white snowish blend that stays on the vehicle so you can clean it with a microfiber mitt. Unlike the chemical signature a lot of liquids could leave, this uses natural substances.
Further, you can also use this on aluminum wheels. To not ruin the paint, use a soft towel and sponge to finish off the job.
This seems to be the best brand of them all. Great lubricity and the car color will not fade out. Further, it has nice bubbles and scrubs well. Finally, the drying process is very efficient.
Using Mold Armor in a Pressure Washer
Mold Armor E-Z Siding Pressure Washer is made to penetrate deep into the surface to obtain a deeper clean. In fact, it is the only EPA registered formula to kill mold and mildew on exterior surfaces. This allows an anticorrosive agent to protect the parts of the washer. No scrubbing or many additional steps is necessary. Simply put it on the surface for 5 minutes and rinse off.
What is special about the mold armor is that it is specifically designed to be used in a pressure washer application. Most importantly, it has anti-corrosives which protect the pressure washer you are using. It is also safe for landscaping when used as instructed on the manual. Finally, in terms of the surfaces it can be used on, it is very ideal for vinyl, aluminum and wood siding.
Using Muriatic Acid in a Pressure Washer
Muriatic Accid liquid is a special case use. It is one of the toughest liquids out there and can even corrode your material, so you have to be careful of how and where you apply the product.
This is basically hydrochloric acid, which is a hydrogen gas in water. Since it is the strongest acid-based cleaner, it must be handled with proper care. In fact, it can ruin your skin and most materials like metal. Further, do not store it in anywhere else as there is a specific plastic that can contain. Do not use it indoors at all due to its strong and lasting fumes.
Before usage, it must be first diluted with water at 1 cup of acid with 1 gallon of water. If you need an even stronger solution, mix 1 part acid to 10 parts water. Always add the acid to water, and never the other way around. Or, you can cause a heat reaction which can make the solution burp out of the container. Finally, add cool water to your container and wear full protective gear, and slowly pour the acid.
Use a sprayer to soak the spots that need cleaning. The more stubborn spots might also need to be scrubbed with a stiff and wire bristle brush. Do not ever mix any other chemicals, however.
Once the stains are gone, rinse the area with cool water and allow it to dry. Finally, do not pour it down the sink or a drain. Use the community hazard disposal system, or neutralize the acid before disposing it. You can do this by using 4 cups of garden lime and 1 gallon of water. Be sure to lean away from the solution and use a respirator and gloves. Add the lime and water solution to the acid until it is all gone.
Using Rain X in a Pressure Washer
Rain X Car Wash is a foaming car wash that can reduce spots and streaks for the very nice gloss finish. The high-foam formula is concentrated for greater cleaning action and safely lifts dirt, grime and residues. It is also biodegradable and safe for all parts of the car. For best results, use the same principles we mentioned above and do not wash the car in direct sunlight. Rinse off with clear water as well.
Super Clean
This is one of the products that has a very versatile use, from kitchens at driveways. Whether it be a stain or a gigantic mess, this product can be used with a pressure washer as well. Further, it does not corrode the material that it is using and keeps it of high quality.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on May 3, 2020.
Soap
You can most definitely use soap in a pressure washer. You should know, though, that it is considered a type of detergent that uses natural products, like those from animals. The raw products are combined with salts after being processed down to fatty acids. Soap is therefore biodegradable and can be washed down the storm drains.
Also note that this should be environmentally friendly to your pets and gardens. It will not be the case if you ask for a professional to do so.
Using Turtle Wax in a Pressure Washer
The new Turtle Wax is compact and has a high-pressure system that will make it a light work for any type of cleaning tasks. Regardless if that means cleaning the car or bike, the compact washer will handle a wide range of possible applications. Further, its size and low center of gravity make it so that it can be placed anywhere without tipping over.
It can also snow foam the vehicles, clearing guttering, and clean floor surfaces with its rotating jet floor lenare. Finally, it’s removable detergent bottle instantly reverts to clear water without the need to run it through the machine, which makes it super easy for the users.
Using TSP in a Pressure Washer
For TSP, it is best to use a ¼ cup of it to one gallon of applied house solution only if the downstreamer is at a 10:1. You would also need about 2 cups dissolved into a gallon of water. After that, dissolve it straight down a bottle of bleach and put that mixture into hot water. The TSP is also very easy to use and very suitable on cement and wood, as well as brick and stone.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 3, 2020.
Using Windex in a Pressure Washer
Using windex to spray the windows you have could be a tedious task. Therefore, if you use a pressure washer with it, you should decrease the time that it takes you to do that. However, use a low pressure on a wide spray pattern. You do not want to overly deteriorate the quality of your windows, so go for the lighter and wider clean.
Using Hot Water in a Pressure Washer
For this to run through a pressure washer you cannot use a cold water machine. It can damage the pump and cause serious defects. This is primarily why you would need, specifically, hot pressure washers for the hot water you will be using. A light duty hot pressure washer would be best, and is 15 times more powerful than a hose using 70% less water.
Well Water
You can definitely use a pressure washer for well water as well. However, when extracting from the well and into the pump be sure to not use it for an over extended period of time. A good bar to follow, in terms of limits, is 3 hours.
Salt Water
Although it is not advisable, you can still use salt water in the pressure washer. It has the possibility to corrode the item, so be careful. Please flush it with fresh water afterwards to avoid any type of pump damage.
Lake Water
The only hard thing about this is extraction. The best thing to do when extracting that water from the lake is to use a submersible pump in a bucket. Others have used a ballast bag pump, to supply the lake water to the pressure washer and it works equally fine.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 3, 2020.
Clorox, Fairy Liquid, Mr. Clean, and Insecticide
Although you can use these products separately, it is not advisable to use them in a pressure washer setting. It will either it won’t be efficient or will not do the job right for you. Other effects include a net negative harm to the environment, unlike a lot of the other products here. Make sure to not use any of these in a pressure washer.