Pressure washer detergent is an essential tool for deep cleaning and maintaining any outdoor surfaces, but can be quite pricey if purchased ready-made. For those who would like to save some money and extend the life of their pressure washer, making your own detergent is an effective and simple DIY project. With a few basic supplies and some basic knowledge, you can make your own pressure washer detergent which is just as powerful and effective as anything you could buy in store.
First, you will need to begin by mixing powdered detergents together. A good rule of thumb is to use one-third cup of powdered laundry soap mixed with two-thirds cup of household cleaner, such as CLR or Comet. Mix these two substances together in a bowl or bucket, stirring thoroughly. Once mixed, it should be left overnight. Wearing protective eye gear like safety glasses or goggles, as well as a face mask to protect yourself from the powder, will be essential.
The next morning, mix in one quart (four cups) of liquid bleach with a gallon of water in a separate large container, stirring the solution to combine the bleach with the water. To ensure that the ingredients evenly disperse, don’t allow the contents to settle while you add the ingredients and keep stirring with the wooden stick. Stirring the detergent too quickly can result in too many suds that will need to be left overnight to disperse before using.
Before using the detergent, take precautions to protect any vulnerable plants or surfaces in the area with a plastic tarpaulin. Despite its dilution, bleach can still harm these surfaces, so it’s important to keep them covered up. Once everything is safe, you can pour the detergent solution into the tank of the washer and spray the surfaces with the detergent, allowing it to penetrate the area. When finished, simply wash the surfaces off with plain water.
If you don’t happen to use all of the detergent you made at once, you can save the remainder in a secure storage container such as an empty fuel canister or milk jug, of course properly labeled. Before using it again, make sure that you give it a good stir to mix the contents back together again. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right supplies, you can make a powerful and effective pressure washer detergent that will help you deep clean any outdoor surface, all while saving you time and money.
