Spraying soap effectively with a pressure washer involves understanding your machine's specific detergent system and following a few key steps to ensure proper application and, importantly, flushing afterward.
Generally, to spray soap, you need to fill the detergent tank (if your model has one) or connect the siphon tube to your detergent container, use the correct low-pressure nozzle required for detergent application, and activate the detergent system before spraying the surface.
Understanding Your Pressure Washer's Soap System
Pressure washers typically use one of two main methods to apply detergent:
- Onboard Detergent Tank: Many residential models have a built-in tank you fill with pressure washer-specific detergent.
- Detergent Siphon Tube: Higher-end or commercial units often have a tube that siphons detergent from an external container.
Both systems require the water pressure to drop significantly to draw the detergent into the water stream. This is why a low-pressure nozzle is essential for soap application.
Step-by-Step: Spraying Soap Effectively
Here’s a typical process for applying detergent with your pressure washer:
- Prepare the Detergent: Fill your onboard tank with the recommended pressure washer detergent or place the siphon tube into your container of diluted detergent. Always use detergents specifically designed for pressure washers to avoid damaging the pump.
- Use the Right Nozzle: Select and attach the low-pressure nozzle (often black or blue, sometimes called a "soap" or "detergent" nozzle). The low pressure created by this nozzle is necessary for the machine to draw up the detergent.
- Engage the Detergent System: For models with a valve, ensure the detergent valve is open or switched to the "On" position. Machines with siphon tubes typically engage the detergent system automatically when a low-pressure nozzle is used.
- Apply the Soap: Hold the spray wand and squeeze the trigger to begin spraying the detergent onto the surface you are cleaning. Apply the soap evenly, working from the bottom up on vertical surfaces like walls or vehicles to prevent streaking.
Allow the detergent to dwell on the surface for the time recommended by the detergent manufacturer to loosen dirt and stains. Do not let the soap dry on the surface.
Finishing Up: Rinsing and Flushing Your System
Once the soap has had time to work, it's crucial to rinse the surface thoroughly and flush the detergent out of your pressure washer's lines. This step is vital for preventing clogs and damage to your pump.
Based on the provided reference:
- Switch your detergent tank valve to "Off". If using a siphon tube, remove it from the detergent container and place it in a bucket of clean water to flush the lines.
- Squeeze your sprayer nozzle trigger to flush the remaining detergent out of the line. Continue spraying until clear water comes out, ensuring all soap residue is removed from the system.
- After flushing, change your nozzle to a higher-pressure nozzle (like a 25-degree green or 40-degree white nozzle, or even a zero-degree red nozzle depending on the surface) that's appropriate for what you're cleaning to begin rinsing off the detergent and dirt.
Why Flushing is Important
Flushing the system after applying soap helps:
- Prevent detergent residue from drying and clogging internal components.
- Protect your pressure washer's pump seals, which can be degraded by prolonged exposure to detergent.
- Ensure clean water is used for the final rinse, leaving surfaces spotless.
By following these steps and properly flushing your system, you can effectively use detergent with your pressure washer and maintain your equipment.
