How to Apply Detergent Using Your Gas Pressure Washer

While STIHL pressure washers are great at cleaning a wide range of surfaces, the right STIHL detergent can elevate your tool's cleaning performance. This guide can help you properly apply detergent to get the most out of your pressure washer.

Close Up of Black Pressure Washer Nozzle Spraying House Siding

To apply detergent using your pressure washer, first prepare the unit for standard operation by referring to the article: How to Start a STIHL Gas Pressure Washer. When you are using detergents, ensure the black low-pressure nozzle is attached to the gun and wand assembly.

Locate the clear detergent pick-up hose that is already attached to the pressure washer pump. Simply submerge the end of this hose into the bottle of detergent, and make sure it stays submerged during the washing process.
After attaching the hose to the gun assembly, you're ready to start cleaning with detergent. When using detergent on a house or other building, start at the bottom and work your way up to avoid streaking.
When you are ready to rinse, remove the injector hose from the bottle of detergent. Replace the black detergent nozzle with a high-pressure nozzle. Then, beginning at the top of the building, rinse until all of the detergent is removed.

TIP: Thoroughly rinse all surfaces. Do not allow detergent to dry on the surfaces you are cleaning.

NOTE: Some siding manufacturers do not recommend using a pressure washer to clean their siding products. Contact your siding manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions.