Can you put any soap in a Ryobi pressure washer?

When it comes to keeping your outdoor surfaces clean, a pressure washer is an invaluable tool. Pressure washers use high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from surfaces like concrete, brick, and siding. Ryobi makes a range of electric and gas-powered pressure washers for both residential and commercial use.

While pressure washers are very effective cleaners, they do require some maintenance – including occasionally cleaning the nozzle and using the right soap in the detergent tank. So can you put any soap in a Ryobi pressure washer? Or do you need to use specific soap products?

The Short Answer

No, you should not put just any soap in a Ryobi pressure washer. Ryobi specifically recommends using only pressure washer detergents that are designed for high pressure washers. Using the wrong type of soap can lead to excessive foaming, clogs, pump damage or failure.

Choosing the Right Pressure Washer Detergent

Here are some tips on choosing the right detergent for your Ryobi pressure washer:

• Use a detergent specifically formulated for pressure washers – Look for terms like “pressure washer soap” or “power washer detergent” on the label.
• Avoid dish soap or laundry detergents – They are not designed for pressure washers and will create excessive suds.
• Choose a detergent suited to your needs – Look for formulas for vehicles, houses, concrete, etc.
• Make sure it dilutes easily and rinses cleanly – Detergents that don’t dilute well can leave unwanted residue.
• Consider environmentally friendly options – Many effective pressure washer soaps are now biodegradable and non-toxic.

Why Regular Household Soaps Damage Pressure Washers

Using standard hand or dish soaps in a pressure washer can lead to some significant problems:

• Excessive foaming – Normal soaps produce thick, copious suds when agitated at high pressure. This foam can clog up the pressure washer pump, hoses and nozzle.
• Pump cavitation – Thick foam prevents proper pump lubrication. Running a pump dry for too long can cause internal damage.
• Mineral buildup – Most household soaps contain additives that can leave mineral deposits inside the pump mechanism when they dry.
• Reduced cleaning ability – Pressure washer detergents contain degreasers and emulsifiers tailored to high-pressure blasts. Household soaps lack these cleaning boosters.

Recommended Detergents for Ryobi Pressure Washers

Ryobi offers their own line of pressure washer detergents that are specifically designed to work safely and effectively in their washers. Here are some top options:

Detergent	Description
Ryobi Universal Pressure Washer Detergent	All-purpose cleaner safe for all pressure washer brands
Ryobi Vehicle & Driveway Cleaner	Degreaser formula for cars, trucks, pavement, etc.
Ryobi Concrete Cleaner Detergent	Specialty concrete and masonry formula
Ryobi House & Deck Wash	Ideal for wood, composite, vinyl and other outdoor surfaces
Ryobi Mold & Mildew Detergent	Chemical cleaner for eliminating mildew stains

These Ryobi pressure washer soaps are specifically formulated to provide cleaning power without excess foam. They are designed to be environmentally responsible and easy to rinse away, leaving no chemical residue behind.

Adding Detergent to a Ryobi Pressure Washer

Adding detergent to your Ryobi pressure washer is a quick and simple process:

1. Make sure the washer is turned off and unplugged.
2. Locate the detergent tank, usually on top of the machine or toward the back.
3. Unscrew the cap on the detergent tank and set it aside.
4. Pour your detergent into the tank, being careful not to overfill. Don’t exceed the max fill line.
5. Replace the cap tightly when finished.
6. Turn the detergent dial or knob to adjust how much soap will be mixed with the pressure stream.
7. Turn on the pressure washer – detergent will automatically mix as you spray.
8. Adjust detergent setting as needed while washing.

Always make sure to run clear water through the detergent system after you’re done washing to rinse any remaining soap residue out of the pump and hose. Avoid leaving detergent sitting for long periods between uses.

Cleaning With and Without Detergent

You can use a pressure washer both with and without detergent:

• With detergent – Provides extra cleaning power to break down oil, grease, grime and deposits. Detergent is good for heavy, caked-on dirt.
• Without detergent – The high-pressure water alone can clean many dirty surfaces. Rinsing without detergent avoids residue and is better for lighter dirt and grime.

As a general rule, you’ll want to use detergent for your initial heavy duty cleaning and remove deposits. For later rinsing or lighter jobs, you may be able to skip the detergent altogether.

Pressure Washer Soap Alternatives

In a pinch, there are a few household products that can work temporarily in place of commercial pressure washer detergents:

• Dish soap – Use only a tiny amount diluted in lots of water to avoid overflowing suds.
• Laundry detergent – Again, use sparingly and rinse thoroughly after.
• All-purpose cleaner – Look for low-sudsing, water-soluble cleaners.
• White vinegar – Helps dissolve alkaline deposits like lime and calcium.
• Baking soda – Made into a paste, can scrub some surfaces.

However, for the best results, specially formulated pressure washer detergents are highly recommended and are well worth the investment.

Signs You Need to Change Your Pressure Washer Detergent

Here are some signs it may be time to switch to a new pressure washer detergent brand or formulation:

• Excess foaming during use
• Musty or dirty detergent smell
• Soap container has debris or growth inside
• Detergent is clumping, separating or looks off
• Pump cavitation or other mechanical issues arise
• Washer doesn’t seem to be cleaning as well
• You need to tackle different cleaning jobs
• Your detergent is old and possibly expired

As a good rule of thumb, you should replace pressure washer detergent every year or season to keep the formulation fresh. Always inspect bottles for any signs of contamination before use.

Storing Pressure Washer Detergent

To get the longest life from your pressure washer detergents, be sure to store them properly when not in use:

• Keep detergent tightly sealed and in original container.
• Don’t dilute remaining detergent; leave concentrated.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sun.
• Avoid storing detergent in the pressure washer itself between uses.
• Check detergent before each use; don’t use if expired or contaminated.
• Properly dispose of any old, unused detergent.

With proper storage, most pressure washer detergents can remain effective for 1-2 years past their purchase date.

Disposing of Used Pressure Washer Detergent

When it’s time to get rid of old pressure washer detergent, you’ll want to do so safely:

• Read product label for any disposal warnings or instructions.
• Allow any remaining product to dry out completely before disposal.
• Place empty plastic containers in normal refuse for landfill disposal.
• Soak up and contain any liquid detergent with cat litter or sand, then dispose.
• Contact your local waste management authorities for additional guidance.
• Never dump detergent in yard, sewers, storm drains or natural waterways!

Disposing of pressure washer detergent properly helps avoid accidental environmental contamination or harm to people or animals.

Safety Tips When Using Pressure Washer Detergent

While extremely useful, pressure washer detergents still require some safety precautions:

• Read and follow all detergent label safety advice.
• Use eye protection, gloves, and other recommended gear.
• Don’t use acidic cleaners on alkali-reactive metals like aluminum.
• Rinse surfaces and vegetation well after applying detergents.
• Dispose of unused detergent properly per label/law.
• If detergent contacts skin or eyes, rinse well with fresh water.
• Keep detergents away from pets and children.
• Avoid inhaling detergent mists; ensure good ventilation.

Using the right pressure washer detergent for the job along with proper safety practices will result in fast, effective cleaning without harm to you or the environment.

The Bottom Line

While it may be tempting to put any old soap in your Ryobi pressure washer to save money, it’s really best to use only detergents specifically made for pressure washing. Attempting to use dish soap, laundry detergent, or other household cleaners can lead to equipment damage and poor cleaning results. Investing in quality pressure washer detergents from reputable brands like Ryobi will make your life easier in the long run and get your outdoor surfaces gleaming.

Following detergent directions, storing soap properly, and disposing of it responsibly will also go a long way towards pressure washing success. Remember – the right soap matters when tackling tough dirt with your Ryobi power washer!