Pressure washer detergent / concentrated outdoor cleaner — outdoor safety profile

What is this product?

Concentrated alkaline cleaning solution for pressure washers used to clean driveways, siding, decks, and outdoor surfaces. Contains sodium hydroxide (lye, typically 1-10%) and/or sodium hypochlorite (bleach, 2-12%) as primary cleaning/disinfecting agents, plus surfactants for improved wetting and rinsing. Highly corrosive. Environmental runoff from pressure washing introduces large volumes of alkaline, chlorinated water into storm drains and waterways. Sodium hydroxide causes severe chemical burns. Mist exposure during pressure washing delivers caustic aerosol to face and respiratory tract.

What's in it

Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.

How to use it more safely

• Wear chemical splash goggles, rubber gloves, and face shield
• Dilute concentrate according to label directions
• Block storm drains before pressure washing (contain runoff)
• Neutralize runoff before it enters waterways

Red flags — when to walk away

• Pressure washing without eye protection — Caustic splash-back causes severe eye burns

Green flags — what to look for

• Biodegradable, phosphate-free formula — Reduced environmental impact from runoff

Safer alternatives

• Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) concentrate — Non-chlorine; breaks down to oxygen and soda ash; much lower aquatic toxicity; effective for most outdoor cleaning
• Hot water pressure washing (no chemicals) — Hot water alone is effective for many cleaning tasks; eliminates all chemical exposure and runoff concerns

Frequently asked questions