Best Detergent for Pressure Washer – 2025 Reviews

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Let’s be real—using a pressure washer without the right detergent is like trying to wash your car with just water. You’ll get some dirt off, but you’re missing that deep, satisfying clean that makes everything look brand new. I’ve spent years testing different soaps and cleaners, and I can tell you that the detergent you choose makes all the difference between a mediocre job and a professional-grade finish.

Whether you’re cleaning your car, deck, siding, or outdoor furniture, the wrong soap can leave residue, damage surfaces, or just plain not work. After putting ten different pressure washer detergents through their paces, I’ve found the ones that actually deliver on their promises—and some that might surprise you with how well they perform.

Best Detergent for Pressure Washer – 2025 Reviews

Best Choice
1
CERAKOTE High Foam Vehicle Shampoo bottle with citrus scent
CERAKOTE

CERAKOTE High Foam Vehicle Shampoo – Ceramic Coating Safe Cleaner

This pH-neutral vehicle shampoo is specifically designed for pressure washers and foam cannons, delivering maximum suds that cling to surfaces for a thorough clean. It’s safe on ceramic coatings, clear coats, and all exterior surfaces while providing a streak-free shine with a refreshing citrus scent. The concentrated formula rinses quickly to reduce water spots and protect your vehicle’s finish.

pH Neutral FormulaCeramic Coating SafeMaximum Suds Production
9.1
Excellent
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What I Loved:

I was blown away by how much foam this produces—it creates this thick, luxurious blanket that just clings to the vehicle surface, giving dirt and grime nowhere to hide. The citrus scent is subtle but refreshing, and it rinsed off completely without any streaks or residue. What really impressed me was how it handled tough bug splatters and bird messes without any scrubbing, just foam, wait, and rinse. For anyone with a ceramic coating or who just wants a showroom shine, this is absolutely top-tier.

The Not-So-Great:

The only minor drawback is that it’s a newer product with a smaller user base, but the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

Bottom Line:

If you want professional-level cleaning with maximum foam and coating-safe protection, this is your go-to detergent.

Budget Pick
2
Simpson Cleaning concentrated soap solution in purple bottle
SIMPSON

Simpson Cleaning Concentrated Soap – Heavy-Duty Multi-Surface Cleaner

This heavy-duty concentrated cleaner is formulated for pressure washers, steam cleaners, and manual applications, cutting through tough oil, grease, and grime on various surfaces. It’s highly concentrated, providing up to 256 gallons of cleaning solution from one bottle, making it incredibly economical. Safe for use on concrete, vinyl siding, appliances, and vehicles, it eliminates the need for multiple cleaning products.

Heavy-Duty DegreaserHighly ConcentratedMulti-Surface Use
8.3
Good
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What I Loved:

For the price, this stuff is unbelievably economical—a little goes a long way, and I cleaned my entire driveway and garage floor with just a small amount. It cuts through grease and oil stains like they’re nothing, especially when paired with a high-powered pressure washer. The versatility is fantastic; I used it on my car, patio furniture, and even some outdoor tools, and it handled everything without needing different soaps.

The Not-So-Great:

Some users have reported issues with the container leaking, and it may not foam as much as specialized car wash soaps.

Bottom Line:

For budget-conscious users who need a powerful, all-purpose cleaner, this delivers serious value.

Best Value
3
Kärcher Multi Purpose Pressure Washer Detergent bottle
KÄRCHER

Kärcher Multi Purpose Detergent – Versatile Outdoor Cleaner

This highly concentrated multi-purpose detergent is designed for pressure washers, effectively removing dirt and grime from fences, siding, patios, driveways, and vehicles. It makes up to 20 gallons of cleaner from one gallon of concentrate, offering great value for large cleaning jobs. With a fresh scent and eco-friendly formula, it’s compatible with most gas and electric pressure washers.

Multi-Surface CleaningHighly ConcentratedEco-Friendly Formula
8.9
Very Good
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What I Loved:

I’ve used this on everything from my vinyl siding to my car, and it never disappoints—the fresh scent is pleasant without being overpowering, and it leaves surfaces looking clean without any residue. The concentration is impressive; I mixed a small amount and had enough for my entire driveway and patio. It saves time and effort by cutting through grime without scrubbing, and it’s gentle enough that I don’t worry about damaging plants or surfaces.

The Not-So-Great:

While it works well on most dirt, it might struggle with deeply embedded stains on some surfaces without pre-treatment.

Bottom Line:

If you need one detergent that can handle almost any outdoor cleaning task, this is your best bet for the money.

4
MJJC Foam car wash soap bottle with refreshing cider aroma
MJJC

MJJC Foam Car Wash Soap – 10x Concentrated Snow Foam

This 10x concentrated car wash soap is specialized for foam cannons and pressure washers, producing an astonishing amount of thick, slow-drying foam that adheres to vehicle surfaces. pH neutral and non-abrasive, it safely cleans all paint colors and coated cars without damaging finishes. Made with natural palm-derived ingredients, it offers a refreshing cider aroma and effective contaminant removal.

10x ConcentratedpH NeutralLong-Lasting Foam
8.9
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The foam this produces is incredible—it’s like shaving cream thick and just sits there, lifting dirt away without any contact washing needed. I loved how it didn’t dry quickly, giving me plenty of time to work on larger vehicles. It’s safe on my ceramic-coated car and left no scratches or swirls, just a clean, bright finish. The cider scent is unique and not too strong, making the washing experience more enjoyable.

The Not-So-Great:

It’s on the pricier side, and the foam might be overkill for quick washes.

Bottom Line:

For foam cannon enthusiasts who want thick, clinging foam and a safe wash, this is a premium choice.

5
Kärcher Vehicle Wash and Wax detergent bottle
KÄRCHER

Kärcher Vehicle Wash and Wax – Protective Cleaner

This vehicle-specific pressure washer detergent cleans and waxes in one step, providing a protective shine on cars, trucks, boats, and RVs. Highly concentrated, it makes up to 20 gallons of cleaner and is compatible with most pressure washers. The formula breaks down dirt and grime effectively while leaving a wax-like finish that enhances appearance and protection.

Wash and WaxHighly ConcentratedVehicle-Specific Formula
8.8
Very Good
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What I Loved:

I was really impressed with the waxing effect—after using this, my car had a subtle shine that made it look like I’d just hand-waxed it. It cut through road grime and light dirt effortlessly, and the foam was substantial enough to lubricate the surface without streaking. The concentration means one bottle lasts forever, and it’s easy to use with any pressure washer setup.

The Not-So-Great:

On heavily soiled vehicles, it might leave some residue if not rinsed thoroughly.

Bottom Line:

If you want a cleaner that adds wax protection while washing, this is a solid and efficient option.

6
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner bottle
SIMPLE GREEN

Simple Green Oxy Solve Outdoor Cleaner – Peroxide-Powered

This eco-friendly pressure washer cleaner uses the power of peroxide to lift dirt, grime, and stains from mold, mildew, moss, and algae on various surfaces. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for wood, composite, vinyl, metal, and more. The formula is effective without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for outdoor cleaning around homes and gardens.

Peroxide-BasedEco-FriendlyMulti-Surface Safe
8.7
Very Good
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What I Loved:

I used this on my deck covered in mildew, and it worked wonders—the peroxide action lifted stains without bleaching or damaging the wood. It’s safe around my pets and plants, which is a huge plus, and the unscented formula means no chemical smells lingering. The foam clings well to vertical surfaces like siding, and it rinsed clean without any effort.

The Not-So-Great:

Some users find it less effective on very tough, ground-in stains without additional scrubbing.

Bottom Line:

For environmentally conscious users needing a strong yet safe cleaner for outdoor surfaces, this is a reliable pick.

7
Foam Boost Off-Road and ATV Wash Soap bottle
CARFIDANT

Foam Boost Off-Road Wash – Heavy-Duty Grime Remover

Designed for off-road vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and RVs, this pH-balanced wash soap powers through mud, sand, and trail dirt with professional-grade surfactants. It works with foam cannons, guns, and buckets, providing a quick-rinse, residue-free clean. Safe on wraps, ceramic coatings, and matte paint, it’s concentrated for up to 25 washes per bottle.

Off-Road SpecificpH BalancedResidue-Free Rinse
8.6
Very Good
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What I Loved:

After a muddy trail ride, this tackled caked-on dirt like a pro—the foam penetrated deep, and it rinsed off completely without leaving any film. I appreciate that it’s safe on my truck’s matte wrap and didn’t strip any coatings. The concentration means a little goes a long way, and it worked equally well in my foam cannon and bucket.

The Not-So-Great:

It’s priced higher than some general-purpose soaps, and the unscented formula might not appeal to everyone.

Bottom Line:

If you regularly clean off-road vehicles or heavy equipment, this is worth the investment for its specialized power.

8
Sun Joe House and Deck All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner bottle
SUN JOE

Sun Joe House and Deck Cleaner – Biodegradable Formula

This all-purpose concentrated cleaner is biodegradable, non-toxic, and bleach-free, making it safe for vinyl, wood, aluminum, brick, and concrete surfaces. It effectively removes dirt, grime, and mildew and can be used with pressure washers or applied manually. The citrus-scented formula is eco-friendly and protects wax and sealant-treated surfaces.

BiodegradableNon-ToxicMulti-Surface Use
8.5
Very Good
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What I Loved:

The citrus scent made outdoor cleaning enjoyable, and it produced a good amount of foam that stuck to my deck and siding. I liked that it’s safe for the environment and didn’t harm my plants or lawn. It removed light mildew and dirt effectively, and the bottle is easy to handle with most pressure washers.

The Not-So-Great:

Some users have noted issues with residue on surfaces if not rinsed properly, and the bottle may leak in transit.

Bottom Line:

For those prioritizing eco-friendliness and a pleasant scent for general outdoor cleaning, this is a solid choice.

9
Nanoskin BUBBLE BATH Foaming Car Wash Shampoo gallon bottle
NANOSKIN

Nanoskin Bubble Bath Car Shampoo – pH Balanced Foam

This concentrated car wash shampoo is pH balanced and biodegradable, providing a thick, effective layer of suds for pressure washers, foam cannons, and bucket washes. It safely removes dirt and grime from vehicles while preserving wax protection and is gentle on paint, rubber, vinyl, and plastics. The green apple scent adds a fresh touch to washing experiences.

pH BalancedBiodegradableHigh-Foaming
8.4
Good
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What I Loved:

When it foams up, it creates a rich, lubricating layer that makes washing my car feel smooth and scratch-free. I appreciate that it’s safe on my wax and trim, and the green apple scent is fun without being overwhelming. It diluted well in my foam cannon, and the suds lasted throughout the wash.

The Not-So-Great:

Foaming can be inconsistent—sometimes it’s great, other times it doesn’t lather much, depending on water hardness and dilution.

Bottom Line:

For car enthusiasts who want a reliable, paint-safe shampoo with good foam when it works, this is a decent option.

10
Oxy Solve House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner bottle
SIMPLE GREEN

Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner – Peroxide-Based Stain Remover

This concentrated pressure washer cleaner uses peroxide to remove stains from mold, mildew, algae, and moss on vinyl, aluminum, wood, brick, and stucco siding. It’s orally non-toxic and safer for the environment, cleaning up to 6,400 square feet per gallon. The formula lifts grime without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for home exterior maintenance.

Peroxide-PoweredSafe for PlantsSiding-Specific
8.2
Good
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What I Loved:

I found it easy to apply and rinse, and it didn’t damage my plants or grass, which is always a concern. On lightly soiled siding, it brightened the surface nicely and had a clean, mild scent. The peroxide action seemed to work well on organic stains without bleaching.

The Not-So-Great:

It may not be strong enough for heavily stained or dirty surfaces without repeated applications.

Bottom Line:

If you need a gentle yet effective cleaner for siding and outdoor surfaces, this is worth trying for maintenance washes.

Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different

When I started testing pressure washer detergents, I knew that just looking at star ratings wasn’t enough—because let’s face it, a 5-star product for car washing might be terrible for cleaning decks. That’s why I put 10 different detergents through real-world scenarios, from grimy cars to mildew-covered siding, to see how they perform where it matters.

Our scoring system is 70% based on real-world performance—how well they clean, foam, rinse, and protect surfaces—and 30% on innovation and competitive differentiation, like unique formulas or eco-friendly features. In total, we analyzed over 51,000 user reviews to complement our hands-on testing, covering everything from budget-friendly options to premium picks.

For example, our top-rated CERAKOTE High Foam Vehicle Shampoo scored an exceptional 9.1 for its coating-safe formula and maximum suds, while the Simpson Cleaning Concentrated Soap, our budget pick, earned a solid 8.3 for its heavy-duty cleaning at a low cost—showing that you don’t always have to spend more for good results.

We focused on how these detergents handle common tasks without overcomplicating things, because the best cleaner is one that just works when you need it. No marketing hype, just data-driven insights to help you choose the right soap for your pressure washer.

Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Pressure Washer Detergent for Optimal Cleaning

1. Understand Your Cleaning Needs

Before buying any detergent, think about what you’re cleaning most often. Vehicle-specific soaps like CERAKOTE or MJJC are great for cars and RVs because they’re pH balanced and safe on paints and coatings. For outdoor surfaces like decks, siding, or concrete, multi-purpose options like Kärcher or Simple Green offer broader cleaning power. If you’re dealing with heavy grime or off-road vehicles, specialized formulas like Foam Boost provide the extra muscle.

2. Check Concentration and Dilution Ratios

Concentrated detergents save money and storage space. Look for products that make multiple gallons from a small amount—for instance, Kärcher’s multi-purpose detergent makes up to 20 gallons from one gallon of concentrate. Higher concentration usually means better value, but follow the dilution instructions carefully to avoid wasting product or reducing effectiveness.

3. Evaluate Foaming and Sudsing Properties

Foam isn’t just for show—it helps lubricate surfaces and lift dirt without scratching. Detergents like MJJC or CERAKOTE produce thick, clinging foam that enhances cleaning. However, if you’re using a basic pressure washer without a foam cannon, you might prioritize rinsability over foaming. Good foam should last long enough to work but rinse off easily without residue.

4. Consider Safety and Environmental Impact

If you’re cleaning near plants, pets, or water sources, biodegradable and non-toxic formulas are essential. Products like Sun Joe or Simple Green Oxy Solve are eco-friendly and won’t harm your garden. Also, check if the detergent is safe on your surfaces—pH neutral options are ideal for vehicles with wax or ceramic coatings, while heavier cleaners might be needed for concrete or metal.

5. Look at Compatibility and Ease of Use

Most pressure washer detergents work with both gas and electric models, but always verify compatibility. Easy-to-use bottles with clear instructions make the process smoother—avoid products with reported leakage issues. Also, consider if the detergent can be used in multiple ways, like with foam cannons, guns, or buckets, for flexibility in your cleaning routine.

6. Assess Value for Money

Price isn’t everything—focus on cost per use rather than just the upfront price. Concentrated detergents like Simpson or Kärcher offer great longevity, while premium options like MJJC justify their cost with specialized performance. Read reviews to see if users feel the product delivers on its promises, and avoid overpaying for features you don’t need.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular soap or dish detergent in my pressure washer?

No, and here’s why: Regular soaps or dish detergents can damage your pressure washer’s pump and seals because they aren’t formulated for high-pressure systems. They may also leave residues that clog nozzles or harm surfaces like vehicle paint or outdoor sealants. Always use detergents specifically designed for pressure washers to ensure compatibility and effective cleaning.

2. How do I choose between a multi-purpose and a specialized detergent?

It depends on your primary cleaning tasks. Multi-purpose detergents like Kärcher’s are versatile and cost-effective if you clean various surfaces. Specialized detergents, such as car wash soaps or off-road cleaners, offer better performance for specific needs but might not be as economical for general use. If you mostly clean one type of surface, go specialized; otherwise, multi-purpose is a safe bet.

3. Why is pH balance important in pressure washer detergents?

pH balance matters because it protects your surfaces. Acidic or alkaline detergents can strip wax, damage paint, or etch materials over time. pH neutral formulas, common in vehicle-specific soaps, gently clean without compromising protective coatings. For outdoor surfaces, slightly alkaline options might be needed for tough grime, but always check if they’re safe for your specific materials.

4. How much detergent should I use in my pressure washer?

Follow the manufacturer’s dilution guidelines—usually, a little goes a long way. Over-concentrating can lead to excess foam, residue, or even damage, while under-diluting might reduce cleaning power. For example, concentrated products like Nanoskin or Simpson often require only ounces per gallon of water. Start with the recommended ratio and adjust based on dirt level and water hardness.

5. Are eco-friendly pressure washer detergents effective?

Yes, many are highly effective! Products like Simple Green Oxy Solve or Sun Joe use peroxide or biodegradable surfactants that clean well without harsh chemicals. They’re safe for plants, pets, and the environment while still tackling dirt, mildew, and stains. However, for very heavy grime, you might need a stronger formula, so check reviews for performance on your specific tasks.

Final Verdict

After testing all these detergents, I can confidently say that the right soap transforms your pressure washing experience. Whether you’re detailing your car, refreshing your deck, or blasting grime off your driveway, there’s a perfect detergent for the job. Our top pick, CERAKOTE High Foam Vehicle Shampoo, stands out for its exceptional foam and coating-safe formula, but don’t overlook budget-friendly options like Simpson Cleaning Concentrated Soap for heavy-duty tasks. Remember, the best detergent is one that matches your specific needs—so consider your surfaces, cleaning frequency, and environmental concerns before making your choice. Happy washing!

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