When it comes to industrial cleaning, consider using Hotsy detergents – specially formulated to use with hot water pressure washers. Hotsy soap is industrial strength, biodegradable and is designed specifically for use with hot water pressure washers and cold water pressure washers.

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Pressure Washing Parking Lots: How to Get Concrete or Asphalt Looking New Again

pressure washing parking lots

Whether you’re running a pressure washing business yourself or you simply have a disgusting, dirty parking lot that is in dire need of cleaning – you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to discuss pressure washing parking lots. You’ll learn everything you need to know to feel confident in your next steps. By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to getting your parking lot or drive-thru looking brand new!

While pressure washers are a remarkable cleaning solution on their own, they typically won’t be enough for a parking lot. To remove oil stains and road grime, you’ll need to add some extra oomph to your process: and that’s where choosing the right pressure washer soap comes in.

While pressure washing parking lots sounds fairly straightforward, there’s a lot that goes into getting the job done efficiently and effectively. Pay close attention as we guide you through this process from start to finish – starting with the importance of parking lot pressure washing.

Why Parking Lot Pressure Washing is Necessary

If you manage or own a commercial property, chances are you’ve had to deal with unsightly stains in your parking lot or drive-thru. These stains can be anything from oil and grease leaks to tire marks and more. Maybe you had customers spill food and drink out there and the sun created a disgusting, hard crust in that spot. All of these messes have one thing in common: they lower the perceived value of your building or property! And thus, they lower the perceived value of your business.

Not only do they look bad, but they can also be dangerous – posing a slip hazard for employees, customers, and visitors alike. That’s where parking lot pressure washing comes in.

Doing parking lot pressure washing on a regular basis is the best way to keep them clean and safe. Beyond just preventing slipping hazards, a clean parking lot or drive-thru creates a higher sense of professionalism – and allows you to take pride in attaching your name to the location.

How Often Should Parking Lot Pressure Washing be Done?

How often you pressure wash your parking lot or drive-thru will depend on a few different factors.

For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters, the salt and sand used to melt snow and ice can quickly lead to a stained and dirty parking lot come springtime. In this case, you may need to pressure wash as soon as the weather breaks.

On the other hand, if your business is located in an area with little precipitation and light vehicle traffic, you may be able to get away with pressure washing every few months or so.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to parking lot pressure washing – better too often than not enough! You don’t want customers or employees to have to deal with a slippery, dangerous parking lot. And, it’s better to clean too frequently and maintain a sense of professionalism and quality rather than neglecting your parking lot and being known as the restaurant, shopping center, or property manager with a nasty facility.

As a general rule of thumb, every 3 months is a good starting point. After a while, you’ll be able to determine if you need to scale your parking lot pressure washing efforts up or down.

With all that said, let’s get into the main reason you came here today: to learn how to pressure wash a parking lot!

How to Pressure Wash a Parking Lot: Step by Step Guide

Pressure washing parking lots is a pretty straightforward process – but there are still some things you need to keep in mind to get the best results. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to pressure wash a parking lot like a pro.

Step One: Assess the Area & Choose Your Equipment & Detergent Accordingly

Before you start pressure washing, it’s important that you take a walk around the entire space and make note of any problem areas. This could be anything from oil stains to faded paint lines. By identifying these areas beforehand, you can make sure that you don’t miss anything during the pressure washing process.

Moreover, assessing the area allows you to optimize your cleaning solution by choosing the best pressure washer soap and best industrial pressure washer for the job.

If you see a myriad of oil stains and road grime, you can set yourself up for success by going with one of the following targeted Hotsy pressure washer detergents that specializes in the removal of these substances:

  1. Breakthrough: This ultra-concentrated pressure washer detergent is typically used for tackling crude oil and wheel grease on vehicles, but it can remove these substances from asphalt or pavement as well.
  2. Hotsy Brown: As one of our strongest formulations, this solution can quickly and thoroughly clean carbon-based deposits like road film, exhaust stains, dirt, and grease.
  3. Carbon-Ate: You can use this for both parking lots and drive-thrus. It works wonders for tough cleaning jobs – particularly for degreasing surfaces and removing road film, food & grease buildup, and more.

Of course, for tough cleaning jobs like this one, one of our heated pressure washers for sale. While our cold water pressure washer lineup has a time and place, this is not it. Learn why by reading our blog post discussing the hot water vs cold water pressure washer differences.

If you own a pressure washing business or want to take your cleaning process up a notch, buying one is a great investment. If you only plan on using the unit 2-3 times a year, though, commercial pressure washer rental may make more sense. 

Step Two: Set up Your Pressure Washer

Now it’s time to set up your pressure washer. We encourage you to read our guide on how to start a power washer if this is going to be your first time using one. You’ll learn how to get your equipment set up safely. And, you should also take the time to read our guide on how to use a pressure washer with soap. Adding detergent to your unit will be a key part of getting that efficient, effective clean we keep talking about.

When it comes to pressure washer safety, be sure you have all the proper PPE in place prior to starting work. You should also cover up glass surfaces or anything you don’t want to risk getting damaged by powerful water jets. Pressure washer accidents are very unlikely if you just follow basic safety measures.

Step Three: Begin Pressure Washing the Parking Lot

Now comes the fun part – pressure washing parking lots!

Again – if you’ve never used a pressure washer before, you may feel uncertain or overwhelmed. But it’s not all that complicated. Start with the owner’s manual. Then, read our complete guide on how to pressure wash. You’ll gain invaluable insights on not just the basics of using a pressure washing machine. But, you’ll also be provided with more advanced techniques that add an edge to your cleaning efficacy and efficiency.

However, there are a few things you should know in regard to pressure washing parking lots.  First, always start pressure washing from one edge of the parking lot and work your way in. This will prevent you from wasting time going back over your work. The actual direction in which you pressure wash doesn’t matter, just be sure you’re following a strategy that maximizes your time spent cleaning.

Second, use a wide-fan pressure washing tip to avoid any unnecessary complications (like damaging the surface you’re cleaning). Our guide on choosing the right soap tip for your pressure washer will help you identify the proper nozzle. This makes all the difference in the effectiveness and efficiency of your work.

Finally, maintaining a consistent distance from the pressure washer nozzle to the pavement – around 12 inches – is ideal. If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to pressure washing like a pro in no time! There’s just one more step…

Step Four: Rinse & Repeat as Needed

Once you’ve gone over the entire parking lot with your pressure washer and detergent solution, it’s time to rinse away all that dirt and grime. It doesn’t hurt to let the solution sit for a bit – but you don’t want to wait too long, as it can dry in the sun. At that point, you’ll have to start over – removing the same soap scum you just applied. It can help to block off sections and work on one section at a time. Otherwise, you may need to get a pressure washer with multiple hoses/operators so one person can apply detergent while another follows behind to rinse.

The rinsing step is easy. You can do this by simply running clean water through your pressure washer. Start at the beginning – where the sudsy solution has been sitting the longest. Work your way down, making sure all the soap has been removed.

It’s important that you’re aware of any environmental regulations surrounding the runoff of your pressure washing solution. Some states, cities, and counties have their own regulations as to how you should manage this runoff – preventing it from making its way into the public water system. Do some research before starting the job so you don’t run into legal trouble.

And that’s it! You’ve pressure washed your parking lot and made it look new again. Just remember to regularly pressure wash the parking lot to keep it looking good as new. The more often you do it, the less work it’ll take to restore it to a like-new condition. A pressure washer is a great investment – but only if you use it regularly!

Final Thoughts on Pressure Washing Parking Lots

That concludes our complete guide to pressure washing parking lots or drive-thrus. By now, you should feel confident in how to pressure wash a parking lot. With our advice above, the job can be done quickly and easily. And, the end result will be a stunning parking lot that looks like it was just repaved!

Remember – for the best cleaning job possible, stick with Hotsy. Our pressure washing store in San Antonio has everything you need for the toughest cleaning jobs. From industrial units to soaps, we’ve got it all. Visit us in South Texas – or reach out to us via phone or email today!

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Why Your Pressure Washer Soap Dispenser Doesn’t Work: 5 Causes & Fixes

Why Your Pressure Washer Soap Dispenser Doesn't Work

You invested in a pressure washer and an accompanying detergent because you were told it would make your life easier. And it’s true – using a pressure washer with soap is a great way to supercharge your cleaning process and get through jobs faster. And, the end result is far more impressive. There are other benefits to combining the power of hot water pressure washers and a quality detergent, like less risk of damaging surfaces and lower water usage.

But – if your pressure washer soap dispenser doesn’t work, it can leave you frustrated and unsure of your next steps. Sure, you can try and get by using just the water pressure itself. However, to help you get the most out of your investment, we’re going to answer the question you came here with today…why won’t my pressure washer dispense soap?

In the coming paragraphs, we’ll identify the most common causes for why your pressure washer soap dispenser doesn’t work and the related fixes. If what we discuss today doesn’t seem to remedy the problem, you can bring your unit to a Hotsy retailer in South Texas near you. Our expert repair and maintenance staff are on standby ready to get the unit back working as intended.

Before we get into all that, though, allow us to quickly explain how to dispense soap from a pressure washer. After all, there’s a slight chance you could just be missing a key step in the process. Let’s take a look:

How to Dispense Soap From a Pressure Washer: Quick Guide

Assuming you have a pressure washer with an operational soap dispenser, there are only a few steps standing between you and sudsy success. Here’s a quick guide on how to dispense soap from a pressure washer:

  1. Fill the pressure washer detergent tank with your desired cleaning solution – just make sure it’s compatible with your model
  2. Select the appropriate nozzle for applying soap. You can find this listed in your user manual
  3. Attach the hose from the pressure washer detergent tank to the unit. Again, consult your user manual if you’re unsure how to do this
  4. Turn on your pressure washer and select a low setting. This is important because using too much pressure can actually cause liquid to be forced back into the tank
  5. Pull the trigger on the pressure washer wand to allow the solution to flow. You should see suds immediately
  6. Apply the soap to your surface using an up and down or side to side motion
  7. Once you’re done, turn off your pressure washer and release any remaining pressure in the hose. This will help prevent detergent from leaking out later
  8. Finally, disconnect the hose from both the pressure washer and detergent tank. It’s always a good idea to give everything a quick rinse with water before storing it away.

There are additional steps in this process – many of which come before actually setting up your unit. We encourage you to read our article on the best soaps for pressure washing – along with our discussion on how much soap to put in your pressure washer. Our in-depth guide on how to use a pressure washer with detergent provides a far more detailed overview of how to dispense soap from a pressure washer if you’d like further clarification.

My Pressure washer Soap Dispenser Doesn’t Work…Now What?

Assuming you’ve followed all the advice above and your pressure washer soap dispenser doesn’t work still, now what? Even the best industrial pressure washer can experience issues here and there. And while you can certainly continue using the unit without soap in the meantime, you want to get the most out of your pressure washer. Eventually, you’ll need to address the issue and come up with a fix.

If you’re wondering why won’t my pressure washer dispense soap, keep reading. We’ll provide a few potential causes – and their accompanying fixes.

Why Won’t My Pressure Washer Dispense Soap? 5 Common Causes & Solutions

Sometimes, the cause for your pressure washer soap dispenser not working is as simple as a clog in the nozzle – or, perhaps you chose the wrong nozzle altogether. Or, it could be something more complex and convoluted – like a broken soap injection system. We’ll cover all this and more below.

You Have a Clogged Nozzle or Hose

Over time, it’s not uncommon for a nozzle or hose to become clogged with dirt and debris. This can be easily remedied by taking a quick look at the screen – if it’s caked with crud, simply remove it and give it (and the area around it) a good cleaning. 

You may also want to check the pressure washer pump inlet screens and filters while you’re at it. Eventually, you may need to replace the nozzle and hoses altogether. We always recommend running pure water through your lines and out the nozzle prior to breaking the unit down to prevent this issue from arising in the first place.

The Detergent Tank Has a Clog

If you don’t have a clog in your nozzle or your hoses, the next step should be to check your detergent tank. If you made the mistake of leaving soap in your detergent tank and failed to rinse it thoroughly after the previous use, it’s likely that soap scum has dried and clogged the exit point in the tank. 

The fix is simple – scrub it clean and remove the clog. And next time, clean your tank prior to unit breakdown!

You Chose the Wrong Nozzle for Soap

Another common reason your pressure washer soap dispenser doesn’t work is that you’re using the incorrect nozzle. Remember, different nozzles serve different purposes – some are designed for applying soap while others aren’t.

We have an in-depth resource on choosing the right soap nozzle for a pressure washer. There, you’ll learn that we typically recommend going with the black nozzle for soap – it has a larger orifice that decreases the water velocity. And thus, it increases the pressure in the hose, creating a better spray with soap.

If you still feel uncertain about which nozzle you should choose, check your user manual or contact Hotsy customer service for assistance.

The Detergent You Chose is Not Compatible

It’s also possible that the pressure washer soap you’re using simply isn’t compatible with your unit. This is why we always recommend checking with Hotsy (or another trusted source) before adding any new solution to your pressure washer. Using an incompatible product could cause serious damage to your machine. 

If the detergent is too thick, it won’t be able to adequately make its way from the tank, through the soap injection system, and out the spray nozzle. This can be the result of either improper dilution or improper soap selection altogether.

Fortunately, we’ve written a complete guide on what kind of soap to use for pressure washing. Not only will this help you understand the importance of using only certified Hotsy soaps – but it will also help you pick the right formulation for any sort of job. Whatever you do, avoid going with a homemade pressure washer detergent! Shop at Hotsy for the premier selection of pressure washer degreaser soap.

Broken Soap Injection System in Your Unit

The soap injection system is responsible for mixing your detergent and adding it into the high-pressure washer that shoots out your nozzle. There are a few components in this system, and if any of them fail, it could prevent the unit from dispensing soap altogether.

If your pressure washer has a broken soap injection system, it likely needs professional repair. We don’t recommend attempting to fix this on your own as you could end up causing more harm than good. Contact Hotsy customer service or bring your unit into a local servicing location for assistance.

Need Further Assistance? Visit a Hotsy Location in South Texas for Repair & Maintenance

Many times when your pressure washer soap dispenser doesn’t work, it’s a case of user error. Maybe you dropped the ball on routine pressure washer servicing and your emitter, nozzle, or hose has become clogged. Or perhaps you just need to brush up on some of our top pressure washing techniques – as you’re not adding enough soap or setting the pressure washer up correctly.

However, there is also a chance – albeit unlikely – that your Hotsy unit needs to be inspected and repaired by professionals. If you need further assistance, we encourage you to visit one of our Hotsy locations in South Texas. There, our team of pressure washing experts will be more than happy to help you troubleshoot the issue with your pressure washer soap dispenser – or perform any necessary pressure washer repair or maintenance. We service San Antonio, Houston, New Braunfels, Laredo, and everywhere else in South Texas.

One of the best parts about Hotsy pressure washer rental is that if you experience issues while on the job, we’ll bring you a new unit and fix the old one! You never have to worry about downtime when you put your trust in us.

Final Thoughts on Why Your Pressure Washer Soap Dispenser Doesn’t Work

Why won’t my pressure washer dispense soap? You now know a few of the most likely reasons your pressure washer soap dispenser doesn’t work. We’ve provided not just the potential causes, but accompanying solutions so you can get back to work quickly – with as little downtime and wasted time/resources as possible.

If you find that the remedies we’ve provided don’t work, don’t stress. Just visit a Hotsy retailer in South Texas near you. Or, give us a call. We’re so much more than a San Antonio pressure washer store – we’re your one-stop-shop for all things commercial cleaning.

Remember – many of the problems people experience with pressure washers is caused by user error. Be sure to read the user manual carefully during setup and prior to actually using the unit. When in doubt, reach out – Hotsy pressure washers are as good as it gets. But only if you use them correctly!

 

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How Much Soap Do You Put In A Pressure Washer?

How Much Soap Do You Put In A Pressure Washer?

Putting soap in your pressure washer can really increase the cleaning capabilities it offers. A quality pressure washer detergent will cut through grease, grime, and other messes that a standalone power washer stands no chance against. But this raises the question of how much soap to put in pressure washers for the best results.

Today, we’re going to explain what the advantages of pressure washing with soap are, when you should add soap, and how much soap to put in a pressure washer. You’ll also learn where you can shop for the finest pressure washing soap online towards the end. Let’s not waste any more time!

Spoiler alert: if you’re just wondering how much soap to put in a pressure washer, here is what you need to know: Start with as little soap as possible and add more as needed. This will help you get the most bang for your buck by preventing waste while still achieving an effective, efficient clean.

Why Add Soap To A Pressure Washer?

We know what you’re thinking – can’t I just use my pressure washer as it is? Sure – especially if you’re using a hot water pressure washer. These produce a powerful enough stream to clean most messes with ease. Even a quality cold water unit can handle most cleaning jobs. However, you will eventually encounter situations where your unit alone is not enough. That’s where a powerful pressure washer soap comes in.

Pressure washing with soap has numerous benefits. For starters, it can help loosen stubborn dirt and grime that’s been caked on for weeks or even months. If you’re dealing with grease stains in your driveway or heavy mildew buildup on your deck, pressure washing with soap is a great way to remove it.

Soap can also help increase the cleaning power of your pressure washer. This is especially true if you’re using a cold water unit. Adding soap to your pressure washer will create more friction, which in turn produces more heat. This can make a big difference when you’re trying to clean tough stains.

Finally, pressure washing with soap can help protect your surfaces. This is because most pressure washer soaps are designed to be gentle on surfaces. They won’t strip away paint or damage delicate materials. In fact, some pressure washing soap can even help restore faded surfaces!

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of pressure washing with soap, let’s talk about when you should add soap to your unit.

When To Add Soap To A Pressure Washer?

If you’re trying to remove tough stains that a standalone pressure washer can’t handle, adding soap is a good idea. This includes stains like grease, oil, and heavy mildew. Just be sure to use a pressure washer detergent that’s designed for the job at hand. As you’ll learn in our complete guide on how to use soap with a pressure washer, there are different soaps for different types of cleaning jobs.

You could also add soap to your pressure washer if you’re trying to clean delicate surfaces. This includes surfaces like painted walls, glass, and aluminum siding. Use a gentle pressure washing soap to protect these surfaces from damage that a powerful jet of water could cause.

Finally, you may want to add soap to your pressure washer if you’re working in cold weather conditions or using a cold water pressure washer. Cold water can make it difficult to remove tough stains. Adding soap will help increase the temperature of the water, making it easier to remove stubborn dirt and grime.

Now that we’ve gone over when to add soap to a pressure washer, let’s talk about how much soap to put in a pressure washer.

How Much Soap To Put In A Pressure Washer?

The amount of soap you put in your pressure washer will depend on the type of cleaning job you’re doing. If you’re just trying to remove light dirt and grime, a few ounces of soap should do the trick. But if you’re dealing with tough stains, you may need to add more soap.

As a general rule of thumb, start by adding two or three ounces of soap per gallon of water. If this doesn’t seem to be enough, slowly increase the amount of soap until you find the perfect ratio for your needs. Just be sure not to add too much soap, as this can leave behind a soapy residue.

Now that you know how much soap to put in a pressure washer, let’s talk about how to add soap to your unit.

Adding Soap To A Pressure Washer (Quick Guide)

Adding soap to a pressure washer is easy – just pour it into the detergent tank and you’re good to go! However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when adding soap to your pressure washer.

First, be sure to use a quality pressure washer detergent. Cheap soaps may not work as well or could even damage your surfaces. Second, make sure the soap you’re using is designed for the job at hand. Different soaps are better for different types of cleaning jobs – as we mentioned above. Third, start with a small amount of soap and slowly increase the amount until you find the perfect ratio.

As long as you keep these things in mind, adding soap to your pressure washer will be a breeze! For more tips on pressure washer techniques, check out our complete guide.

How Much Soap Do You Put In A Pressure Washer? Closing Thoughts

Now that you know how much soap to put in pressure washer machines san antonio, and you know a bit more about how to actually add the soap, there is just one thing left to do. Head over to our online pressure washer store and get the quality detergents you need for any cleaning job imaginable!

You might be wondering – what makes Hotsy detergents so special? Well, the manner in which our soaps are drawn through the heating coils helps protect your equipment investment. You won’t experience the same degradation over time that other manufacturers’ equipment suffers from. This prevention of lime or scale buildup contributes to greater cleaning efficiency and effectiveness, greater energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and longer equipment life. Furthermore, our soaps feature corrosive inhibitors to protect not just your equipment – but the surfaces being cleaned, too! They’re also biodegradable and kosher-approved.

Along with soaps, we have the best commercial pressure washers on the market, too. Whether you’re looking for a hot water pressure washer for sale or a pressure washer trailer, or something in between – we’ve got what you need. Head over to our site and see what we’ve got in store for you!

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Which Pressure Washer Nozzle For Soap?

Which Pressure Washer Nozzle For Soap?

Are you wondering which pressure washer nozzle to use with soap? You’re in luck – today, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about pressure washing nozzles with soap.

But, we’ve got a few things to cover first to provide some context. Before we can talk about the best pressure washer nozzle for soap, you need to understand how all pressure washing nozzles work in general.

A power washer nozzle is just as important as the pressure washer itself. When choosing a power washer, we tend to focus more on the PSI ratings or the GPM. But did you know that the nozzle also plays a huge role in how strong the force of your power washer will be?

Most pressure washers come with their own set of nozzles. And if you’re new to pressure washing, your first instinct might be to grab any nozzle you see. That is one of the biggest mistakes a new pressure washer owner can make, though.

Choose the wrong nozzle, and you might just end up blasting a dent into your car, cracking a window, or stripping off paint. Or, you’ll end up wasting your time with an ineffective water stream. To avoid this from happening, and to clean surfaces effectively, you need to know the right pressure washer nozzle for the job—and that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today.

Why Is It Important To Know The Difference Between Pressure Washer Nozzles?

Before we move on to the different nozzles available, we’ll explain how pressure washer nozzles work and why it’s necessary to know the difference between each nozzle.

The purpose of a nozzle is to restrict the water flow coming out from the pressure washer. The more restricted the water flow is the higher the velocity, which results in more force or pressure coming out of the spray.

Each nozzle has its own purpose-built spray pattern. It isn’t just colored or shaped differently for style. A certain color or shape corresponds to a specific spray angle and intensity of the water flow. Knowing the difference between each type can save you from creating more issues than the ones you already have.

What Are The Different Pressure Washer Nozzles?

There are tons of pressure washer nozzles available on the market, including specialty nozzles used in specific locations such as sewers and ducts. When you buy a pressure washer, they often come with their own set of nozzles—these are known as the Q-style nozzle sets.

Q-style nozzle sets come in different colors: mainly red, yellow, green, white, and black. These are the nozzles we’ll talk about today. We’ll also touch on some other specialty nozzles that are also commonly used in pressure washing.

Red

The red nozzle, or the 0-degree nozzle, creates the most forceful water stream. It shoots out a direct jet of water concentrated into a single point and can take out all kinds of gunk on concrete and hard metal surfaces. This nozzle is not recommended for use on wood, brick, fabric, weakened metal, or vinyl as it is capable of stripping paint and can even dent, puncture, or crack soft surfaces.

Yellow

The yellow nozzle sprays water that fans out at a 15-degree angle. It is less intense than the red nozzle but is still strong enough to get rid of tough stains. This nozzle is commonly used to prep surfaces before painting, staining, or re-sealing. It can still strip paint off surfaces, especially if you stand too close to the cleaning surface, so make sure to stand a few feet away to avoid damaging your property.

Green

The green nozzle creates a 25-degree angle fan spray that is safe to use on most surfaces. You can give your wood deck, patio furniture, and other soft surfaces a good clean with this nozzle without having to worry about damaging them. It’s mainly used for general cleaning and for getting rid of surface-level dirt. It might not be great for stains that are really embedded into the surface.

White

The white nozzle creates a wide 40-degree angle spray and is also known as the low-pressure nozzle. It is great for cleaning windows, blinds, flower pots, cars, and other delicate or fragile surfaces. They’re also used for rinsing off soaps and detergents.

Black

The black nozzle has the widest angle spray at 65-degrees. It has a larger orifice and spray area, making it the weakest nozzle, and is commonly used for applying soaps and detergents onto different surfaces. That is also the reason why it is known as the black soap nozzle.

Turbo

The turbo nozzle or rotating nozzle combines the pressure of a 0-degree nozzle but sprays at a 15-degree circular rotating pattern. Because it has a larger spray area than the red nozzle, it gets rid of tougher stains much faster. Use the turbo nozzle with caution as it can still damage softer materials.

So, Which Pressure Washer Nozzle Is Right For Soap?

Alright, now that you know all the different pressure washer nozzles, which of those is considered a soap nozzle?

Although you can technically use any power washer nozzle for soap, the black nozzle is the best and most commonly used. Because it has a larger orifice, it decreases the velocity of the water, increasing the pressure in the hose.

This makes it easier for the hose to pull in detergent from the tank. It also has a wider spray area, so you can get detergent onto surfaces much faster and easier as compared to the other nozzles. Get more tips and advice on how to use soap in a pressure washer in our complete guide.

Find All Your Pressure Washing Equipment At Hotsy!

If it’s pressure washing equipment you’re after, Hotsy Equipment is the best online pressure washer store you’ll find. We sell all the pressure washing essentials you need, from hot water pressure washers to pressure washer parts and accessories—you name it—we’ve got it all!

Our equipment is great for both residential and commercial use. You can find Hotsy pressure washers being used in thousands of American households and businesses.

No matter how tough a cleaning project you’re facing, there’s nothing like a Hotsy Pressure Washer to help you get the job done in no time. We even have Hotsy detergents perfectly formulated to match Hotsy pressure washers.

Each Hotsy detergent has its own special formula built for specific types of materials and stain levels so you can efficiently and effectively tackle any messy scenario.

For recommendations on the best Hosty pressure washer equipment for your personal cleaning project—contact us through email, chat, or call and we’ll gladly give you some advice.

Grab your very own Hotsy pressure washer today and get a 7-year warranty on pumps and a 5-year warranty on the coils. Don’t forget to include your pressure washer nozzles and detergent as well!

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What kind of soap to use for pressure washer?

What kind of soap to use for pressure washer?

A pressure washer works wonders when it comes to getting rid of heavy dirt. Usually, it just takes a good rinse with a pressure washer to loosen up the debris. But every now and then, you will encounter a stubborn stain that just doesn’t want to budge—even when you are using the highest pressure level possible.

When dealing with stubborn stains, using pure water might not be enough. You will need some extra help from soaps and detergents to really cut through extreme gunk and grime. But finding the right kind of soap for a pressure washer is another complicated task. Using the wrong kind of soap might end up damaging your pressure washer.

If you aren’t sure what type of soap to use for your pressure washer, keep reading! We will provide you with everything you need to know about pressure washer soaps, including the best pressure washer soaps to use for your personal cleaning job.

Why Does It Matter What Kind Of Soap To Use For A Pressure Washer?

Before you even think about using soap in your pressure washer, you first need to identify whether your pressure washer has a detergent tank. Not all pressure washers come equipped with a detergent tank. Make sure to read your pressure washer’s manual before using soap in your pressure washer.

To answer the question, though, using a soap that isn’t specifically built for a pressure washer can hinder its performance. If you were wondering if you can use dish soap, laundry detergent, or bleach in your pressure washer, you might want to think again. Here’s why:

What Happens When You Use Dish Soap In Your Pressure Washers?

There have been many instances when people have tried to use Dawn dish soap or laundry detergent to create their own pressure washer soap. Although it is possible to use the two in your pressure washer, you risk clogging it if you don’t dilute them. And even if you do dilute the Dawn dish soap or detergent, their cleaning power still isn’t as strong as actual pressure washer soap.

You’ll notice that dish soap and laundry detergent are less effective and efficient at getting rid of gunk. It might not even make a big difference compared to when you’re using plain water. That’s why it’s important to use specialized pressure washer soaps. They’re made to enhance the cleaning capacity of the pressure washer—not hinder it.

What Happens When You Use Bleach In Your Pressure Washers?

Another thing people try to use in their pressure washers is bleach. This is incredibly risky since bleach contains harsh chemicals that can damage your pressure washer’s O-ring, wand, hoses, and pumps. The worst part is, if your pressure washer gets damaged by the bleach it often voids the warranty of your pressure washer.

So, Why Does It Matter What Kind Of Soap You Use In Your Pressure Washer?

If you want to keep your pressure washer operating at optimal performance and get your cleaning job done as efficiently and effectively as possible—you should use soaps and detergent specially formulated for pressure washer use. It’s that simple.

Why risk damaging your pressure washer with homemade pressure washer soaps when there are plenty of pressure washer cleaners on the market? Not to mention, they’re also specifically made to effectively clean surfaces without damaging your pressure washing machines.

The Right Kind Of Soap To Use In Your Pressure Washer Depends On The Situation

Pressure washer soap is not one size fits all— every cleaning job requires a different type of pressure washer soap depending on the scenario. Much like when you’re choosing the pressure washer itself, choosing the right pressure washer soap all boils down to the type of material you’re cleaning and how heavy the dirt or stains are on that surface.

The type of pressure washer soap used on a vinyl siding would be different from the one you would use on a concrete driveway. Different types of materials and stains require different pressure washing chemicals. What works for one material or situation might not work efficiently for another and it might even damage it.

To avoid wasting money and time on the wrong pressure washer soap, we’ve created this guide to help you choose the right pressure washer detergent for your needs. For the best pressure washer soaps on the market, continue reading below.

What Are The Different Types Of Pressure Washer Soap?

There are tons of specialized pressure washer detergents available on the market, but the best pressure washer detergents can be found right here at Hotsy Equipment!

We have a wide range of pressure washer soaps fit for every type of material and stain. No matter how dirty or delicate the surface you’re cleaning is, you’ll definitely find a Hotsy detergent best fit for your personal cleaning project.

Here’s a rundown of the differences between each one, so you can choose the right Hotsy detergent for you:

Breakthrough

This pressure washer concentrate is typically used for breaking through crude oil and caked-on wheel grease. If you’re using this on painted surfaces, this pressure washer detergent can restore oxidized paints and make them look good as new. It’s great for cleaning vinyl sidings, soffits, gutters, garage floors, and driveways.

Ripper I

Looking for a powerful detergent that can cut through grease without damaging or corroding the surface of your property? The Ripper I is a non-caustic detergent specially formulated for cleaning heavy equipment, machinery, and trucks. It works its magic to clean off-road and grease-clogged equipment while handling hard-to-remove road film on tractor-trailers with ease.

Power-Shine

Over time our vehicles start looking dull and aged. To bring them back to their original bright and glossy state, use our Power-Shine pressure washer detergent. This concentrated vehicle cleaner produces rich suds that increases the dwell time of the cleaning agents and maximize its cleaning capabilities. Say goodbye to road film and oxidized paint.

Carbon-Ate

For tough cleaning jobs, such as food and grease build-up, engine degreasing, parts cleaning, road film, and hard-to-clean vehicles – Hotsy’s Carbon-Ate pressure washer detergent is a perfect choice. This detergent works well even with a hot water pressure washer so you can thoroughly clean and get rid of tough stains on different surfaces.

Transport

As you probably already assumed, our Transport pressure washer detergent is the perfect soap for all types of vehicles—cars, trucks, busses, RV’s, trailers, tractors—you name it! There’s no vehicle this Hotsy detergent can’t clean. It’s formulated specifically to help restore stainless steel, aluminum, glass, and painted surfaces to their original condition.

Hotsy Brown

The Hotsy Brown is our most powerful pressure washer degreaser and offers fast thorough cleaning for carbon-based deposits such as road film, exhaust stains, dirt, and grease. It’s the best pressure washer detergent for getting rid of really stubborn stains and deeply embedded dirt.

How To Use Pressure Washer Detergent Properly

Now that you know the different types of pressure washer detergents available, it is time you learn how to use them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a pressure washer with detergent:

  1. Locate your pressure washer’s detergent tank. Most modern pressure washers should have their own built-in detergent tank and it’s typically a rectangular container with a bottle cap on top.
  2. Once you’ve successfully located the thank, pour in your chosen detergent in the pressure washer detergent tank.
  3. If you aren’t already using the black soap nozzle, switch out your current nozzle. The black nozzle is the most efficient pressure washer nozzle to use for applying soap onto surfaces because of its large orifice and low-pressure water spray.
  4. Spray the detergent using an upward motion to prevent streaking.
  5. When you’ve completely covered the surface with power washer detergent let it sit on the surface for at least 10 minutes before using rinsing it away with a higher pressure nozzle.

It’s that easy! For more tips to keep your pressure washers in tip-top condition, here’s a guide we wrote to help you understand how to use soap with a pressure washer safely and effectively.

Find All Your Pressure Washing Essentials At Hotsy!

Whether it’s pressure washers or detergents you’re looking for, there is only one place to get all the best pressure washing essentials—and that’s at Hotsy Equipment.

Hotsy is the number one online pressure washer store to date. With over 40 years of experience in the industry and thousands of customers served, we trust that our pressure washing equipment will not disappoint.

Aside from providing a wide range of pressure washer detergents, we also offer over a hundred different Hotsy Pressure Washers in San Antonio. We have one of the largest collections of pressure washers online and they’re great for all kinds of use such as commercial and residential.

You can find both gas-powered and electrical hot water pressure washers with PSI ratings ranging from 1000 to 4000+. With this many options, you’re sure to find the perfect pressure washer to complete your cleaning job!

Not sure which Hotsy pressure washer is best for you? Feel free to contact us through email, send us a chat, or call our number directly, and we’ll gladly give you a recommendation. Get your very own Hotsy Equipment or avail of our rental service today and say goodbye to any dirt or debris that’s been getting in your way!

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