Using soap with your Greenworks pressure washer is a great way to boost cleaning power for tough stains, grime, or dirty surfaces like cars, decks, and driveways. I remember the first time I tried to clean my driveway with water alone—it was an uphill battle. Adding soap made a world of difference, but figuring out how to use the soap feature correctly took a bit of trial and error. Here’s a detailed guide to using soap with your Greenworks pressure washer that will save you time and effort.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Soap with Your Greenworks Pressure Washer
1. Check the Detergent Type
Before anything else, make sure you’re using a pressure-washer-safe detergent. Regular household soaps can damage the machine and may not be as effective. Greenworks, like most pressure washer manufacturers, recommends using specialized pressure washer detergents for optimal performance and to avoid clogging.
- NEVER use bleach, solvents, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage both your pressure washer and the surfaces you’re cleaning.
2. Prepare Your Pressure Washer
- Set up your pressure washer as you normally would by connecting the water hose to the machine, and make sure all connections are tight.
- Attach the high-pressure hose and wand.
- Ensure the unit is properly connected to the power supply if it’s an electric model (which most Greenworks washers are), or if it’s gas-powered, make sure the engine is ready to start.
3. Select the Soap Nozzle (Low Pressure)
- Greenworks pressure washers come with several different nozzles, but you’ll need to use the soap or detergent nozzle, which is typically a black or low-pressure nozzle. This nozzle allows the detergent to be dispensed.
- High-pressure nozzles won’t work for soap application, as the high pressure prevents the detergent from flowing properly.
4. Fill the Soap Tank
- Greenworks pressure washers usually feature a built-in soap tank. Locate the detergent tank on the machine.
- Pour the detergent into the soap tank. Be careful not to overfill it, and make sure you’re using a diluted detergent if required by the product’s instructions.
If your model doesn’t have an onboard detergent tank, it may have a detergent siphon tube that you can place directly into a bottle of detergent.
5. Switch to Detergent Mode
Some Greenworks models have a detergent mode setting. Activate the detergent setting by turning the dial or selecting the soap setting if your model has this option. This ensures the pressure washer pulls detergent from the tank rather than spraying plain water.
6. Apply Soap at Low Pressure
- Turn on the pressure washer and start using the soap nozzle to apply the detergent to the surface you’re cleaning.
- Apply the soap from the bottom up if you’re washing vertical surfaces like a car or house siding. This prevents streaks and allows the detergent to cling to the surface longer.
Make sure to cover the entire area evenly, but don’t let the soap dry on the surface as it can leave streaks or film.
7. Let the Soap Sit
After applying the soap, give it a few minutes to break down dirt and grime. Typically, letting the detergent sit for 3 to 5 minutes will allow it to penetrate and loosen stubborn dirt, but don’t let it dry.
8. Rinse with High Pressure
- Switch back to a high-pressure nozzle (usually a 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle) after the soap has had time to work.
- Rinse off the detergent thoroughly, starting from the top and working your way down if you’re cleaning vertical surfaces.
Be sure to get rid of all the soap, as any residue left behind can leave streaks or make the surface sticky.
Key Tips to Remember
- Always start with a low-pressure nozzle when applying detergent. High-pressure nozzles won’t work for soap and can waste detergent.
- Check for compatibility: Ensure that the detergent you’re using is specifically made for pressure washers to avoid damaging the machine.
- Test on a small area first: When using a new detergent or cleaning a new surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
- Don’t let soap dry: Dry soap is much harder to rinse off and can leave streaks or film on the surface.
Troubleshooting Soap Dispenser Issues
If the soap isn’t coming out, here are some common problems to check:
- Wrong Nozzle: Double-check that you are using the soap nozzle. Other nozzles won’t work for dispensing detergent.
- Clogged Tube: Ensure that the detergent siphon tube (if your model uses one) is free from clogs and is fully submerged in the detergent.
- Low Detergent: Make sure there is enough detergent in the tank and that it is properly diluted.
By following these steps, you can ensure your Greenworks pressure washer will clean effectively with soap, making those tough jobs much easier.