Are your bubbles working hard for you?
Not all detergents work the same way. If you’re using the wrong scrubbing bubbles you – and your equipment – will be sorry.
Using the wrong detergent in your commercial or industrial pressure washer can set you up for everything from poor cleaning results to damaging your equipment and costing you big bucks. Do you know the 5 warning signs you’re using the wrong detergent?
5 Signs You’re Using The Wrong Detergent With Your Pressure Washer
Choosing the right detergent is crucial when it comes to maintaining your commercial or industrial pressure washer. But did you know that detergents are not interchangeable because each one is formulated to deliver specific results?
Using an incompatible or ineffective detergent can lead to a variety of problems, from way too many sudsy bubbles clogging the works to poor cleaning outcomes to damage to your equipment. Check out these are five signs that signal you might be using the wrong detergent with your pressure washer, plus professional tips on how to protect your equipment and improve cleaning results.
Equipment Damage and Wear
Using the wrong detergent can lead to long-term damage to your pressure washer. If you start to see signs of wear, corrosion, or other types of damage, it’s essential to check your detergent’s compatibility. Some detergents contain harsh chemicals that can harm your pressure washer’s components, resulting in costly repairs.
Protect your equipment – and save money on repairs – by choosing a detergent that is specifically formulated for your machine and cleaning needs.
Poor Cleaning Performance
The correct pressure washer detergent is formulated to work with your machine’s pressure and temperature settings. If you see that dirt, grime, or stains are not being effectively removed, you may need to change your detergent. If your detergent isn’t cutting through the buildup and you are experiencing pressure washer cleaning issues, it’s likely not designed for your specific cleaning needs.
Double check your detergent’s label. All detergents will list proper usage instructions and you want to use the right one for your job’s needs.
Leftover Residue or Streaks
If you see residue or streaks left on the surface after washing, it’s a sign that the detergent may not be rinsing off properly. This can occur when the detergent is incompatible with the nozzle or with your pressure washer’s settings.
Using the right detergent specifically designed for your machine can help ensure that surfaces are left clean and free from streaks and residue, and enhance your overall cleaning results.
Excessive Foam, Suds & Bubbles
While you can expect some foam when using a detergent, excessive foam or suds can be a red flag. If your pressure washer is producing an overwhelming amount of foam, it may signal that your detergent is too thick or not suitable for your equipment. This can result in system clogs and impact the pressure washer’s performance.
Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate detergent consistency to prevent these issues from occurring.
Increased Maintenance Needs
If you frequently need to service or repair your pressure washer, your detergent may be the culprit. Incompatible detergents can lead to clogs, increased wear on components, plus other maintenance problems. It’s a triple threat: it impacts your machine’s operation, increases downtime and increases operational costs.
By selecting the right detergent, you can reduce maintenance frequency and keep your pressure washer running smoothly.
3 Steps to Choosing Your Detergents Wisely
When selecting the proper detergent for your cleaning needs, the following 3 steps should be used when looking at detergent options.
- Type of cleaning task: Identify the surfaces and types of grime you need to clean.
- Pressure washer specifications: Refer to your pressure washer’s manual for compatible detergent types.
- Environmental considerations: Choose eco-friendly options for your cleaning environment.
The best industrial cleaning detergents and degreasers are designed to break the bond between the debris and the surface, and can speed up the overall process, save you time and money, reduce the amount of water used, provide a much cleaner surface, and reduce the wear and tear on your pressure washer, extending its operational life.
Pacific Bay Equipment offers a wide selection of proven commercial and industrial cleaning solutions, from Detergents and Degreasers to Disinfectants and Parts Washer Detergents, that are the ideal solutions for your needs, will meet your cleaning requirements and will keep your machines running right.
The right detergent can make all the difference!
Protect your equipment and improve your cleaning efficiency by choosing a detergent specifically designed for your pressure washer. Contact an expert at Pacific Bay Equipment for all your pressure washing needs today!
