A pressure washer is powerful on its own, but for the toughest dirt, oil, and mildew, plain water often isn’t enough. That’s where a pressure washer solution (detergent or cleaner) comes in. The right soap not only makes cleaning easier but also protects surfaces and leaves them looking like new. In this guide, we’ll cover the best solutions for pressure washers — from cars and siding to decks, driveways, and more.
Quick Picks – Best Pressure Washer Solutions
- Best Overall: Simple Green Oxy Solve House & Siding Cleaner – Safe, biodegradable, works on siding and stucco.
- Best for Cars: Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Car Wash Soap – Gentle on paint, perfect for foam cannons.
- Best for Driveways: Zep Driveway and Concrete Cleaner – Cuts through oil, grease, and heavy dirt.
- Best for Decks: Krud Kutter Deck & Fence Cleaner – Removes mildew and prepares wood for staining.
- Best Eco-Friendly: Sun Joe House + Deck Pressure Washer Concentrate – Biodegradable and budget-friendly.
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right Solution
Not all soaps and detergents are the same. Before buying, think about:
- Surface Type: Cars need gentle pH-balanced soap; concrete needs degreasers.
- Biodegradability: Eco-friendly solutions prevent harm to plants and pets.
- Compatibility: Make sure the solution is safe for pressure washers (some regular soaps cause clogs).
- Application: Some solutions work best with a detergent tank, others with a foam cannon or pre-soak.
Best Pressure Washer Solutions – Reviews
1. Simple Green Oxy Solve House & Siding Cleaner
Best for: Vinyl siding, stucco, wood, and brick exteriors.
- Biodegradable, non-toxic formula
- Removes mold, mildew, and algae
- Safe for landscaping
Verdict: The go-to house wash solution for most homeowners. Check Price
2. Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Car Wash Soap
Best for: Cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
- pH-balanced formula safe for paint and wax
- Works perfectly with foam cannons
- Produces thick suds for swirl-free washing
Verdict: The best soap for pressure washer car washing. Check Price
3. Zep Driveway and Concrete Cleaner
Best for: Concrete, driveways, and garage floors.
- Concentrated formula for oil and grease stains
- Heavy-duty degreaser action
- Great for pre-treating tough spots
Verdict: Ideal for restoring stained concrete surfaces. Check Price
4. Krud Kutter Deck & Fence Cleaner
Best for: Wood decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
- Removes gray weathering, mildew, and dirt
- Prepares wood for staining or sealing
- Eco-friendly, water-based formula
Verdict: A must-have for wood deck maintenance. Check Price
5. Sun Joe House + Deck Pressure Washer Concentrate
Best for: General all-purpose use.
- Biodegradable and affordable
- Works with most pressure washer detergent tanks
- Good for siding, decks, and furniture
Verdict: A budget-friendly eco solution for everyday cleaning. Check Price
Comparison Table – Best Pressure Washer Solutions
| Product | Best For | Eco-Friendly | Application | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Green Oxy Solve | House siding & brick | Yes | Detergent tank / sprayer | Check Price |
| Chemical Guys Mr. Pink | Cars & motorcycles | Yes | Foam cannon / bucket | Check Price |
| Zep Concrete Cleaner | Driveways & garage | No | Pre-soak / detergent tank | Check Price |
| Krud Kutter Deck Cleaner | Wood decks & fences | Yes | Detergent tank / brush | Check Price |
| Sun Joe House + Deck | General cleaning | Yes | Detergent tank | Check Price |
Tips for Using Pressure Washer Solutions
- Always check the label for dilution instructions.
- Apply detergent with low pressure, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with high pressure.
- Work in sections to avoid streaking.
- Never use bleach — it can damage pumps and seals.
FAQ – Pressure Washer Solutions
1. Can I use regular dish soap in my pressure washer?
No. Dish soap foams too much and can damage pumps. Always use solutions designed for pressure washers.
2. Do I always need detergent?
No. For light dirt, water alone may be enough. But for mold, grease, or cars, detergent makes cleaning much more effective.
3. Are pressure washer soaps safe for plants?
Most eco-friendly solutions are safe. Always check the label and rinse plants with clean water after washing.
4. Can I make homemade solutions?
Some DIY mixes (like vinegar and baking soda) work for light cleaning, but for tough jobs, commercial solutions perform better.
5. What’s the best all-purpose cleaner?
Simple Green Oxy Solve is the most versatile option, safe for siding, decks, and outdoor furniture.
Conclusion
The right pressure washer solution makes all the difference. From car soap that protects paint to concrete degreasers that cut through oil, each surface has a cleaner designed for it. For the best results, stick to trusted brands like Simple Green, Chemical Guys, Zep, and Krud Kutter.
Our recommendation: Use Simple Green Oxy Solve for house exteriors, Mr. Pink for cars, and Zep Driveway Cleaner for concrete. With the right solution, your pressure washer will clean faster, easier, and better.