What ingredients are needed to make pressure washer detergent
How to mix the ingredients
What kind of results you can expect when using homemade detergent
Tips for maintaining your pressure washer and keeping it in good condition
If you’ve recently purchased a pressure washer, you’re likely looking for ways to save on the cost of cleaning supplies. One great way to do this is by making your own homemade pressure washer detergent. Not only will this help you save money in the long run, but you’ll also have more control over the ingredients used.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of homemade pressure washer detergent and provide a recipe so that you can get started right away!
Why Make DIY pressure washer detergent?
Control over the ingredients
One of the main benefits of making your pressure washer detergent is having more control over the ingredients. But unfortunately, when you purchase commercial pressure washer detergent, you’re at the manufacturer’s mercy.
You may not know what ingredients are being used and whether or not they’re safe for your pressure washer. On the other hand, when you make your pressure washer detergent, you can choose what goes into it. This way, you can ensure that the ingredients are safe for your pressure washer and won’t cause any damage.
Cost-Effective
In addition to controlling the ingredients, homemade own pressure washer detergent is also cost-effective. Commercial pressure washer detergent can be expensive, especially if you use it regularly.
It is a great way to save money in the long run. The initial investment may be higher, but you’ll quickly recoup your money by reducing energy costs.
Better for the environment
Another benefit of making your pressure washer detergent is that it’s better for the environment. Unfortunately, commercial pressure washer detergent often contains harmful chemicals that can harm the environment.
When making it, you can choose eco-friendly ingredients that won’t harm the environment. That is a great way to be more sustainable and reduce your impact on the planet.
Allergies
If you or someone in your family has allergies, making your pressure washer detergent is a great way to avoid triggering them. Unfortunately, commercial detergents often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate.
When you make your own, you can choose hypoallergenic ingredients that won’t cause any problems. It is a great way to ensure that everyone in your family can use the pressure washer without worries.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of making your pressure washer detergent let’s look at how you can make it.
DIY Pressure Washer Detergent for Concrete
Concrete flooring, as well as other hard surfaces, need more than a basic pressure washing with high-pressure water alone to clean. You’ll get better results if you use this DIY pressure washer detergent in addition to your cleaning.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Borax
- ½ cup washing soda
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
- 1 gallon of water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bucket and stir until the Borax and washing soda are dissolved.
- Finally, add the dish soap and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into your pressure washer and get ready for power cleaning.
The Cleaning Process
- Start washing your concrete surface as you normally would.
- You may notice the dirt and grime coming off easier with this DIY pressure washer detergent.
- Rinse the surface well after cleaning to remove any residue.
DIY Pressure Washer Detergent for Wood Deck and Flooring
This recipe is specifically for wood decking and flooring. It’s important to be careful when pressure washing these surfaces as you can damage the wood if you’re not careful.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Murphy’s Oil Soap
- ¼ cup Borax
- ½ gallon of water
Instructions
- Start by mixing the Murphy’s Oil Soap and Borax in a large bucket.
- Once the ingredients are combined, add the water and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into your pressure washer and begin cleaning your wood surface.
The Cleaning Process
- Be sure to use a low-pressure setting, so you don’t damage the wood.
- Start washing the surface; you’ll notice the dirt and grime coming off easily.
- When finished, rinse the surface with clean water to remove any residue.
DIY Pressure Washer Detergent for Cars
Cars are one of the most common things people use pressure washers to clean. You can use this DIY pressure washer detergent recipe to get your car looking clean and shiny in no time.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup dish soap
- ¼ cup Borax
- ½ gallon of water
Instructions
- Start by mixing the dish soap and Borax in a large bucket.
- Once the ingredients are mixed, add the water and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into your pressure washer and begin cleaning your car.
The Cleaning Process
- Start by washing the car with the pressure washer to remove loose dirt and grime.
- Then, apply the detergent to the car and let it sit for a few minutes.
- After a few minutes, rinse the detergent off the car, and you’re done!
DIY Pressure Washer Detergent for Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homes as it’s low maintenance and easy to clean. You can use this DIY pressure washer detergent recipe to clean your vinyl siding and make it look new.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- 1/3 cup laundry detergent powder
- 1 gallon of hot water
Instructions
- In a large pail, combine the TSP and washing- Detergent powder.
- Once the ingredients are mixed, add the hot water and stir well.
- Pour the solution into your pressure washer and begin cleaning your vinyl siding.
The Cleaning Process
- Start by spraying the vinyl siding with the pressure washer to remove loose dirt and grime.
- Then, apply the detergent to the siding and let it sit for a few minutes.
- After a few minutes, rinse the detergent off with the pressure washer.
- You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the best results.
Eco-Friendly Homemade Pressure Washer Detergent
This recipe is for those who want an eco-friendly option for their pressure washer detergent.
Ingredients
⅓ cup phosphate-free laundry detergent (powder)
⅔ cup household cleaner
(optional) 1 cup vinegar
1 gallon of water
Instructions
- Start by mixing the laundry detergent and household cleaner in a large bucket.
- If you’re using vinegar, add it to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into your pressure washer and begin cleaning your surface.
The Cleaning Process
- First, use the pressure washer to clean away any loose dust and grime from the surface.
- Then, wet the surface with detergent and wait a few minutes.
- Rinse the detergent off with the pressure washer after a few minutes.
Common Household Items To Use
There are a few common household items that you can use for your pressure washer detergent. These include dish soap, laundry detergent, Vinegar, Bleach, Washing soda and water. You can use them to make a DIY pressure washer detergent that will work great on any surface.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is a typical home product that may be used to produce a DIY pressure washer detergent. You can use it to clean your automobile, vinyl siding, or any other surface.
Laundry Detergent
Another popular DIY pressure washer ingredient is laundry detergent to clean your automobile, vinyl siding, and other surfaces.
Vinegar
Vinegar is non-toxic and won’t harm most plants, although it will destroy mold and mildew if used properly. It destroys mold and mildew but does not keep them away. It’s also safe on windows if you use very low pressure. However, to avoid streaking, may need to clean the windows after.
Washing Soda
No, washing soda and baking soda are not the same, and it’s not easy to come by at your local grocery shop, but it is really easy to make your own in your own house.
Water
Using just a plain washer, on the other hand, may clean many things without requiring any chemicals in many cases. The water pressure might be enough to remove dirt and grime occasionally, and this is the safest and most cost-effective technique accessible.
Safety precautions
Be sure to take the proper safety precautions when making your pressure washer detergent.
- When working with chemicals, wear gloves and safety goggles.
- Make sure the area is well ventilated.
- Mix the ingredients in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not mix bleach and vinegar.
- Be sure to rinse the area well after using any chemical cleaners.
- Be sure to take the proper safety precautions when handling chemicals and rinse the area well after cleaning.
- Homemade pressure washer detergent should be stored in a cool, dry place.
- Do not store it where children or pets can reach it.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using any pressure washer detergent.
FAQs
Is it Less Expensive to Make Your Detergent?
Yes, it is. The cost of making your pressure washer detergent is significantly lower than buying a commercial product.
What Are the Advantages of Making Your Pressure Washer Detergent?
Some advantages include customizing the ingredients and strength of the solution and knowing what ingredients are being used.
What Are the Disadvantages of Making Your Pressure Washer Detergent?
Some disadvantages include the time it takes to make the solution and the need to take proper safety precautions when working with chemicals.
How Long Does Homemade Pressure Washer Detergent Last?
Homemade pressure washer detergent should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within six months. After that, it may not be as effective.