How to Use Soap with a Westinghouse Pressure Washer

When you’re tackling tough outdoor cleaning jobs, using soap or detergent with your Westinghouse pressure washer can make a huge difference. Whether you’re cleaning a driveway, deck, or vehicle, using the right detergent and applying it correctly ensures you get the best results. But how do you actually use soap with your Westinghouse pressure washer? Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Steps for Using Soap with a Westinghouse Pressure Washer

1. Select the Right Detergent

Before you start, it’s crucial to pick a detergent that’s designed for pressure washers. Using regular household soap can harm both your machine and the surfaces you’re cleaning.

Westinghouse pressure washers are compatible with various cleaning solutions, but the soap or detergent must be pressure-washer approved. Here are some options based on the type of job:

• All-purpose cleaner for general cleaning tasks.
• Concrete and driveway cleaner for tough grease or oil stains.
• Deck and fence detergent for wooden surfaces.
• Vehicle soap for cars, RVs, and boats.

Important: Make sure the detergent is biodegradable and safe for the environment, especially when cleaning near plants or drains.

2. Prepare the Pressure Washer

Your Westinghouse pressure washer likely comes with a detergent tank or a siphon tube to apply soap. Here’s how to set it up:

• For models with a detergent tank: Fill the built-in detergent tank with your chosen detergent. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle for the correct mixing ratio, as some detergents need to be diluted with water.
• For models with a siphon tube: Insert the siphon tube into the detergent bottle. The siphon tube will draw the soap directly into the water stream when needed.

3. Attach the Soap Nozzle

Once the detergent is ready, you’ll need to switch to the low-pressure soap nozzle. This nozzle, typically color-coded black, is designed to draw the detergent from the tank or siphon tube and apply it with a lower pressure. High-pressure nozzles won’t work for soap application because they are designed for water-only use.

• Remove the high-pressure nozzle currently on your wand.
• Attach the soap nozzle by snapping it into place.

4. Apply the Soap

Now it’s time to apply the detergent to the surface you’re cleaning. Here’s how to do it properly:

• Start from the bottom and work your way up: This method helps avoid streaking and ensures the soap has enough time to break down the dirt and grime.
• Cover the surface evenly: Make sure you apply a generous layer of soap, but avoid letting it dry before rinsing.

Let the detergent sit for 5-10 minutes. This “dwell time” gives the soap enough time to loosen the dirt, grease, or mildew. However, don’t let it dry out completely, as that can make rinsing more difficult.

5. Switch to a High-Pressure Nozzle for Rinsing

After the soap has had time to work its magic, it’s time to rinse it off with high-pressure water. Remove the soap nozzle and attach a high-pressure nozzle, typically the green or white one.

• Rinse from top to bottom: Start rinsing from the top of the surface and work your way down, ensuring all the soap and residue are thoroughly washed away.

6. Adjust for Stubborn Stains

If the soap didn’t fully remove the grime in certain areas, you can:

• Reapply the detergent and let it sit a bit longer.
• Use a scrub brush for areas that need extra attention.
• Rinse again using a closer or more direct spray from the high-pressure nozzle.

Pro Tips for Using Soap with Your Pressure Washer

• Dilute Properly: Always follow the detergent’s mixing instructions. Using it too concentrated can lead to residue, while too much dilution can weaken its cleaning power.
• Use Cold or Warm Water: Many Westinghouse models are designed to work with both cold and warm water, but check your model to be sure. Warm water can make detergent more effective, especially for oil or grease stains.
• Keep Safety in Mind: Wear gloves and eye protection when using strong detergents. Ensure pets and children are out of the area while you’re applying and rinsing chemicals.

Conclusion

Using soap with your Westinghouse pressure washer is simple and effective if you follow the right steps. By choosing the right detergent, using the correct soap nozzle, and allowing proper dwell time, you’ll achieve spotless results, whether you’re cleaning a vehicle, driveway, or siding. Just remember to rinse thoroughly and adjust the pressure to match the surface to avoid damage.