I have an old electric one. Naturally they recommend their own brand of detergent, designed especially for power washers. Can I use ordinary dish soap, like Dawn?

__________________
Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

I apply chemicals with a hand garden sprayer and let it soak before hitting with the pressure washer therefore I can use anything I like.

Where is the pickup for the detergent?If it is on the intake side of the pump and actually goes through the pump it might damage the pump.

If it is, and most normally are, on the outtake (high pressure) side of the pump going to the hose...it should not hurt to use just about anything that you wish. All it is doing is being mixed with the water coming out the hose.

Good Luck,
Bill H

If you are washing a vehicle, you don't want to use dishwashing liquid.

Try "Simple Green" and I dilute it 1-1 when adding to the reservoir. Environmentally friendly and effective.

Max, help folks out and give them some options on what they should use...

Hud

No vehicle, I just want to clean some plastic siding.
Simple Green seems a good choice. I might clean an oil stain out on the driveway while I have it set up.
Airpark, that was the point of my question. I appreciate it.
Thanks guys.

__________________
Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

Use something low sudsing, like laundry detergent. They do make specific siding cleaners.

I use Dawn on my car once or twice a year.

Of course I follow that with a clay bar and several coats of Zaino.

For routine washing you probably should use a good car specific detergent. IIRC the home dishwashing detergent is strong enough to strip wax, if you have any on your car.

Which is why I use it before using the clay bar.

bob

I had a "local" estimate me a price of $250 to have his crew power spray/wash my house. It looks like I could get an excellent electric power sprayer for about 2X that price or less and be happy forever.

Any thoughts from you other "honey do's"

THX!

I think you should buy one and tell your neighbors you would do it half price, help them and pay off the machine at the same time

electric pressure washers are a waste of time and money,,,get a gas powered on at least 2500 PSI

It's all according to your needs. I bought my electric about 20 years ago. IIRC it was about $225.00. Still works fine and does the jobs I use it for very well.

__________________
Regards, Ron
USASA 1965/69

I dunno gunsmith . . .

We strip paint and rust scale with the 230v, 3000psi, ELECTRIC Karcher at work! <smile>

I dilute liquid TIDE 50/50 with water, in the same machine. Cleans a dirty drilling rig right up!

"electric pressure washers are a waste of time and money,,,get a gas powered on at least 2500 PSI"


+1 My experience with electrics has not been very good, but admittedly I have not used a wide variety. However, I absolutely know that gas powdered washers work well!

I have a 1987s commercial Karcher with honda 340GX motor, it has well over 2000hrs on it and besides a few tune ups, new hose(have 300ft+) new wand, its never let me down, runs like the day I bought it. Which makes me feel good as I have to Honda gensets with the same motor

if your doing concrete, get the special attachment, good ones are $100 but it makes the job come out so much better and faster its amazing.