What is in Pressure Washing Soap? Ingredients That Make the Difference in Hotsy Detergents

There’s no secret that Hotsy pressure washing detergents are the #1 choice for businesses looking to supercharge their cleaning capabilities. Our formulations create a more effective and efficient clean. With targeted formulas for specific use cases, getting the perfect cleaning concoction can be effortless – at least, when you shop at Hotsy!

But, what is in pressure washing soap? This is a question many of our clients ask us. And today, we’re going to address it once and for all. We’ll talk about what is in pressure washing soap in general. Then, we’ll highlight a few specific active ingredients in the pressure washer detergents we offer here at Hotsy.

By the end of this quick article, you’ll have a better understanding of what is in Hotsy detergents that make them so much more effective than the competition. And, while Hotsy detergents are biodegradable and generally regarded as low-hazard, we’ll also explain what ingredients you should watch out for in other products. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s not waste any more time!

Why it’s Important to Learn What is in Pressure Washer Detergent

First things first – why does it really matter what is in pressure washer detergent? If it works, why does it matter? Well, we’re glad you asked.

Just because a product cleans well doesn’t mean you should use it. Certain manufacturers cut corners by using harmful chemicals and environmentally-damaging ingredients. Meanwhile, other products may not be as effective as they could be because they’re missing key ingredients.

As a business owner, it’s important to know what you’re putting on your surfaces. After all, you’re responsible for the safety of your employees and customers. You also have a responsibility to protect the environment – something that is becoming increasingly important in recent years.

By learning what is in pressure washing soap, you can make an informed decision about which product is best for your business. The good news is that at Hotsy, our active ingredients are generally regarded as safe for you and our planet. OSHA MSDS (material safety data sheets) are available on all Hotsy Detergents. You can find them yourself on our site – or reach out. We’re happy to provide you with the information you need! It’s never been easier to choose what kind of soap to use for pressure washing.

So, without further ado, let’s learn about what is in pressure washing soap in the most common formulations on the market. Then, we’ll talk about what makes our formulations different – or, in other words, better!

What’s In Hotsy Pressure Washing Detergent?

Now that we know why it matters what is in pressure washing soap, let’s take a closer look at what ingredients are actually in the most common formulations.

It Starts With Surfactants

Pressure washing detergents all contain some type of surfactant. These substances reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved.

The science behind surfactants can be a bit complex – and beyond the scope of what we need to talk about today. Here’s what you need to know about these compounds: they are what make it possible for water to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. In other words, they help the cleaning agent do its job better! You’ll find surfactants in not just commercial pressure washing detergent – but all types of soaps and detergents. These exist in your laundry detergent, dish soap, and even shampoos!

There are two main types of surfactants: anionic and cationic. Anionic surfactants are more common in commercial pressure washing detergents. These molecules are attracted to dirt and oils – making them great at breaking up tough stains. And, most pressure washing detergents contain one or more of the following surfactants:

• Alcohol Ethoxylates (AE)
• Alkyl Aryl Sulfonates (AAS)
• Alkyl Ether Sulfates (AES)
• Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonates (LABBS)
• Fatty Alcohol Sulfates (FAS)

These are just a few of the most common surfactants used in pressure washing detergent. Each one has its own unique properties that make it ideal for certain cleaning applications. More on that later. First, let’s talk about the rest of the stuff in pressure washing detergent:

Everything Else You’ll Find in Pressure Washing Soap

Of course, the vast majority of pressure washing soap consists of water. Just plain H20. We know what you’re thinking…why would I pay for water? It’s expensive to ship, after all.

That’s why at Hotsy, we concentrate our formulations as much as possible. You’re not paying for water when you shop with us. Instead, our formulations can be blended in water after the fact. They can be concentrated up to 150 parts water to 1 part detergent, too! The economic operation of our soaps is part of what has many considering our products to be the best soap for pressure washers.

We’ll discuss other benefits of adding our detergent to your arsenal later. For now, let’s get back to the topic at hand…the other stuff you’ll find in pressure washing soap. In addition to surfactants and water, most pressure washing detergents also contain one or more of the following:

• Alcohols: Alcohols are added to pressure washing soap to help it dry quickly. This is important because you don’t want your soap to leave behind any streaks!
• Glycol Ethers: Glycol ethers act as solvents. They help break down oils and grease – making it easier for the surfactants to do their job.
• Amine Oxides: Amine oxides are another type of solvent. They’re used in place of glycol ethers in some formulations because they’re less harmful to the environment.
• Disinfectants: Some pressure washing detergents contain disinfectants like chlorine or quaternary ammonium compounds. These ingredients kill bacteria – making them ideal for use in food service applications.
• Enzymes: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. They’re added to pressure washing soap to help break down stubborn stains like grass or blood.

Identifying The Right Pressure Washing Soap Ingredients for the Job

As we mentioned before, each type of surfactant has unique properties that make it better suited for certain cleaning applications. When choosing a pressure washing detergent, it’s important to select one with the right surfactants for your needs. For example, if you’re looking for a detergent that will remove tough stains, you’ll want one with anionic surfactants. These molecules are attracted to dirt and oils – making them great at breaking up tough stains.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a pressure washing soap that is more gentle on the environment, you’ll want to choose one with cationic surfactants. These molecules are attracted to positively charged particles – like hair or fabric fibers. Cationic surfactants are less likely to cause environmental damage because they don’t interact with soil or water particles as much as anionic surfactants do.

In addition to choosing the right type of surfactant, you’ll also want to make sure the pressure washing soap you select is compatible with the type of water you’ll be using. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can interfere with the cleaning power of your soap – making it less effective.

If you’ll be using hard water, you’ll want to make sure the pressure washing detergent you choose is formulated for use with hard water. These detergents contain special ingredients that help them work effectively in hard water conditions.

Pressure Washer Detergent Ingredients That Can Be Harmful to Humans and the Environment

While most of the ingredients in pressure washing soap are safe, there are a few that can be harmful to humans and the environment. For example, some solvents – like glycol ethers – can be harmful if inhaled. To avoid exposure, be sure to use pressure washing detergents in well-ventilated areas.

In addition, some ingredients – like chlorine – can be harmful to the environment. If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, choose a pressure washing soap that is formulated with environmentally friendly ingredients.

What Makes Hotsy Formulations Different from Traditional Pressure Washing Soaps?

At Hotsy, our number one priority is creating effective and eco-friendly pressure washing detergents. We want to make sure that our products are safe for both the user and the environment. To do this, we only use the highest quality ingredients in our formulations.

We have an entire collection to browse where you’ll find targeted formulations for specific jobs. Need to get tough road grime off a commercial trucking fleet? We have a product for that. Just need something you can clean windows with to restore clarity and shine? We have a product for that, too. And the reality is, there’s no type of job we don’t have a specific soap for. With over 40 different varieties to enhance your cleaning process, you’ll find formulas that are safe for the environment – and safe for the operator, too.

To learn more about what makes Hotsy formulations different – and better – head over to our site to learn more. Or, contact us today to speak to a representative about which formulation is right for your business! We’re passionate about helping our commercial clients optimize their cleaning processes to get jobs done better and faster. So, don’t hesitate to reach out – we look forward to hearing from you!

Quick Tips on Staying Safe When Using Pressure Washing Soap

When used properly, Hotsy pressure washing soap is safe for both humans and the environment. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to stay safe when using these products. Our complete guide to pressure washer safety is a great resource. With that said, here are a few key takeaways:

• Always read the label before using a pressure washing detergent. This will help you identify any potential hazards.
• Wear protective clothing – like gloves and goggles – when using pressure washing soap. This will help keep you safe in case of accidental exposure.
• Use pressure washing detergents in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling harmful vapors.
• Store pressure washing detergents in their original containers with the labels intact. This will help you stay aware of any potential hazards.

Final Thoughts on What’s in Pressure Washing Soap

There you have it. We hope this article answered your question – what is in pressure washing soap? In summary, pressure washer detergent formulations may vary – but they all consist of some of the same ingredients. These include surfactants, alcohols, disinfectants, enzymes, ethers, and more.

If you want insights into the specific ingredients found in Hotsy detergent, just reach out. We’ll get you the OSHA MSDS sent over ASAP so you can verify that the active ingredients are up to your standards. Or, if you’re looking to learn more, check out our guide on how to use soap with a pressure washer. We also have related articles on picking the right soap nozzle for pressure washers, identifying the correct pressure washer oil type, and even choosing the proper pressure washer PSI.

Hotsy Equipment Company is your one-stop-shop for not just detergent – but all things pressure washing. Gain access to the most dependable and efficient heated pressure washers for sale through our South Texas storefronts. We also offer a wide array of cold water pressure washers. For those robust, remote job sites, you can rely on Hotsy pressure washer trailers to get the job done – and we have commercial pressure washer rentals available! Head over to our site to explore our full catalog today and take your cleaning process to the next level.