☀️ Sun Joe® Product Guide
Pressure Washer Detergent
Selection Guide
.
6 Formulas CoveredConcentratedBiodegradableBleach-FreeSPX Series Compatible
✓ Concentrated✓ Biodegradable✓ Non-Toxic✓ Bleach-Free✓ Safe Near Vegetation✓ Pressure-Washer Rated
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Product | SKU | Best Use | Strength | Compatible Surfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House + Deck Cleaner | SPX-HDC1G | Siding, decks, fences | Medium | Vinyl, wood, brick, concrete |
| Heavy-Duty Cleaner / Degreaser | SPX-APC1G | Grease, oil, rust, mildew | Heavy-Duty | Wood, brick, metal, concrete |
| Boat Wash | SPX-APBW1G | Boats, marine surfaces | Medium | Fiberglass, wood, metal |
| 3-Pack Concentrate Trio | SPX-ASST3Q | Home + auto + general | Varied | Multi-surface, painted |
| Snow Foam — Pineapple | SPX-FCS1G | Vehicle exterior wash | Gentle | Paint, clear coat, glass, chrome |
| Snow Foam — Coconut | SPX-FCS1G-COC | Vehicle exterior wash | Gentle | Paint, clear coat, glass, chrome |
| Snow Foam — Orange-Vanilla | SPX-FCS1G-CRM | Vehicle exterior wash | Gentle | Paint, clear coat, glass, chrome |
Product Details — Outdoor & Surface Cleaners
🏠 House + Deck All-Purpose Concentrated Cleaner
SPX-HDC1G
| 1 Gallon
Best For
- Removing mildew, oxidation, and surface dirt from siding
- Cleaning and brightening weathered wood decks and fences
- Prepping surfaces for painting, staining, or sealing
- Brick and concrete driveways and walkways
- Outdoor furniture and patio surfaces
Compatible Surfaces
- Vinyl & aluminum siding
- Wood decks & fences
- Brick & concrete
- Painted surfaces
Pro Tip
For wood decks, apply in sections with the 25° nozzle and work in
the direction of the grain. Rinse before the detergent dries to prevent
streaking.
⚡ Heavy-Duty Cleaner + Degreaser
SPX-APC1G
| 1 Gallon
Best For
- Oil and grease stains on driveways and garage floors
- Rust and mildew on wood, brick, and metal surfaces
- Heavy caked-on mud on equipment and vehicles
- Industrial-grade outdoor surface degreasing
★ Bob Vila's Best Overall Pressure Washer Soap 2023
Compatible Surfaces
- Wood & brick
- Metal & concrete
- Driveways & garage floors
Pro Tip
Apply with the black soap nozzle and let the formula dwell for 2–3
minutes on oil or grease stains. Follow up with the 15° nozzle for
a deeper rinse.
⚓ All-Purpose Boat Wash
SPX-APBW1G
| 1 Gallon
Best For
- Fiberglass hull cleaning and oxidation removal
- Wooden boat trim and marine wood surfaces
- Metal cleats, rails, and fittings
- Boat trailers and marine equipment
- End-of-season hull cleaning
Compatible Surfaces
- Fiberglass & aluminum
- Marine wood
- Metal fittings
Pro Tip
For oxidation on fiberglass, apply generously and let sit 3–5 minutes.
Use the SPX-RB1 Rotary Wash Brush attachment to scrub and lift buildup
before rinsing.
🎁 3-Pack Pressure Washer Concentrate Trio
SPX-ASST3Q
| 3 × 1 Quart
What's Included
- House + Deck Wash (1 qt)
- Snow Foam Auto Wash (1 qt)
- All-Purpose Heavy-Duty Cleaner (1 qt)
Best For
- Homeowners who need versatile multi-task detergents
- Sampling all three formulas before buying gallons
- Gifting — covers home, vehicle, and heavy-duty cleaning
Compatible Surfaces
- Vinyl, wood, concrete
- Painted surfaces
- Vehicle exteriors
Pro Tip
Use the Auto Foam bottle with your foam cannon for car washes — it
creates thick cling foam that lifts dirt without scratching paint.
Great for a full driveway detail session using all three in sequence.
Premium Snow Foam Car Wash Soap
All three Snow Foam variants share the same high-viscosity, fast-foaming formula — gentle on paintwork, tough on road grime. The only difference is the scent. Each is pressure-washer rated, biodegradable, bleach-free, and available in a 1-gallon bottle. For maximum foaming and cling, use with the SPX-FC34 Foam Cannon.
What All Snow Foam Variants Do
- Fast-foaming, high-viscosity formula clings to vertical surfaces
- Captures and gently lifts dirt without scratching paint or clear coat
- Leaves a brilliant, streak-free shine after rinsing
- Compatible with all Sun Joe® SPX Series pressure washers
- Can also be applied with a soft wash mitt or microfiber cloth
- Compatible surfaces: paint, glass, chrome, plastic cladding, wheels & rims
Scent Variants — Same Formula, Different Fragrance
Pineapple
The Original
The original Snow Foam scent — bright, tropical, and refreshing. A customer
favorite for weekend car-wash sessions.
SPX-FCS1G
Pro Tip
Apply bottom-up with the foam cannon. Let the thick foam dwell 2–3
minutes before rinsing top-down with the 40° nozzle.
Coconut
Clean & Smooth
A smooth, clean coconut scent for a relaxing wash experience. Identical
formula — safe on all exterior surfaces.
SPX-FCS1G-COC
Pro Tip
Great for RVs and larger vehicles. Work in sections and keep foam
wet — rinse each section before moving to the next.
Orange-Vanilla
NEW — Sweet & Fresh
The refreshing orange + vanilla ice cream scent. Same proven snow foam
formula in a crowd-pleasing new fragrance.
SPX-FCS1G-CRM
Pro Tip
For a showroom finish, follow the foam rinse with a microfiber towel
dry immediately after rinsing to prevent water spots.
Agent Tip: Recommend Snow Foam based on customer scent preference only — cleaning performance is identical across all three variants. All are biodegradable, non-toxic, and bleach-free.
🌊 Snow Foam 3-Pack Trio
SPX-AW3Q
| 3 × 1 Quart
One quart each of Pineapple, Coconut, and Orange-Vanilla Snow Foam. Ideal
for customers who want to try all three scents before committing to a
full gallon, or those who like to rotate scents. Same formula, three
fragrances — all in one purchase.
Which Detergent Is Right for You?
| If you need to… | Recommend This |
|---|---|
| Clean siding, decks, fences, or prep for painting | House + Deck CleanerSPX-HDC1G |
| Remove oil stains, grease, rust, or heavy mildew | Heavy-Duty Cleaner + DegreaserSPX-APC1G |
| Clean a boat, fiberglass hull, or marine equipment | Boat WashSPX-APBW1G |
| Handle home + car + general cleaning in one purchase | 3-Pack TrioSPX-ASST3Q |
| Wash a car without scratching paint — Pineapple scent | Snow Foam PineappleSPX-FCS1G |
| Wash a car without scratching paint — Coconut scent | Snow Foam CoconutSPX-FCS1G-COC |
| Wash a car without scratching paint — Orange-Vanilla | Snow Foam Orange-VanillaSPX-FCS1G-CRM |
| Try all three Snow Foam scents in smaller quantities | Snow Foam TrioSPX-AW3Q |
Universal Dilution Guide
Standard Cleaning
1:10
1 part detergent to 10 parts water.
Use for routine cleaning tasks.
Use for routine cleaning tasks.
Heavy / Deep Cleaning
1:5
1 part detergent to 5 parts water.
Use for stubborn stains and heavy degreasing.
Use for stubborn stains and heavy degreasing.
Always dilute before use. Never add undiluted concentrate directly to your pressure washer's detergent tank or foam cannon. Undiluted detergent can damage pump seals and cause clogging in the detergent system.
Do not store diluted solution in the detergent tank between uses. Always flush the tank with clean water after each session to prevent residue buildup and pump damage.
How to Use Detergent — Step by Step
-
Step 1 — Choose the right nozzle
Always apply detergent using the black soap nozzle (low-pressure) or your foam cannon attachment (SPX-FC34). Never apply detergent through a high-pressure nozzle (0° or 15°) — this causes uneven application and may damage surfaces.
-
Step 2 — Dilute your concentrate
Mix at the standard 1:10 ratio (1 part detergent, 10 parts water). For stubborn stains or heavy degreasing, use a 1:5 ratio. Never add undiluted concentrate directly to your detergent tank.
-
Step 3 — Fill the detergent tank or foam cannon
Pour your diluted solution into the onboard detergent tank on your SPX model, or fill the SPX-FC34 Foam Cannon directly. The foam cannon is ideal for cars, boats, and any surface that benefits from thick foam cling and extended dwell time.
-
Step 4 — Apply with the soap nozzle or foam cannon
Work from the bottom up on vertical surfaces to prevent streaking. Keep the nozzle 12–18 inches from the surface. Allow the detergent to dwell for 1–3 minutes before rinsing. Do not let it dry on the surface.
-
Step 5 — Rinse thoroughly from the top down
Switch to the 25° or 40° nozzle and rinse from top to bottom. Overlap passes by a few inches to avoid missed spots. For vehicles, dry immediately with a clean microfiber towel to prevent water spots.
Pro Tips for Best Results
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Avoid direct sunlight | Heat causes detergent to dry on surfaces before it can work. Clean in the shade or during cooler parts of the day for streak-free results. |
| Protect nearby plants | Even biodegradable formulas can stress plants in high concentrations. Lightly water surrounding vegetation before and after cleaning. |
| Use the foam cannon for vehicles | The SPX-FC34 creates thick snow foam that clings longer, giving detergent more time to lift dirt without scrubbing. Essential for a scratch-free car wash. |
| Flush the detergent tank after use | Run clean water through the tank and soap line after each session to prevent residue buildup and clogging in the detergent system. |
| Work in sections | Apply and rinse one section at a time, especially on large surfaces. This prevents detergent from drying before you can rinse it. |
| Store concentrates properly | Keep bottles sealed and away from freezing temperatures. Do not store diluted solution in the detergent tank between uses. |
Troubleshooting Guide
🟡 Streaking on Surface
Possible Cause
- Detergent dried too fast before rinsing
Solution
- Clean in the shade or during cooler hours
- Work in smaller sections and rinse sooner
- Apply bottom-up, rinse top-down
🟡 Low or No Foam
Possible Cause
- Incorrect dilution ratio
- Foam cannon not set correctly
Solution
- Adjust ratio — try 1:5 for more foam
- Check foam cannon adjustment dial
- Ensure soap nozzle or foam cannon is attached (not a pressure nozzle)
🟡 Poor Cleaning Results
Possible Cause
- Wrong detergent for the task
- Dilution too weak
Solution
- Use the decision guide above to select the correct formula
- Increase concentration to 1:5 for heavy stains
- Extend dwell time to 2–3 minutes before rinsing
🟡 Residue Buildup in Tank
Possible Cause
- Detergent tank not flushed after use
Solution
- Fill tank with clean water and run through the soap line to flush
- Always flush after every detergent session
- Never leave diluted solution in the tank between uses
🔴 Surface Damage / Etching
Possible Cause
- High-pressure nozzle used for detergent application
- Wrong formula on incompatible surface
Solution
- Always use the black soap nozzle or foam cannon for applying detergent
- Verify the detergent is compatible with the surface — consult the guide above
- Do not use Heavy-Duty Degreaser on painted or clear-coated vehicle surfaces
🟡 Detergent Won't Dispense
Possible Cause
- Clogged detergent line from residue buildup
- Using a pressure nozzle instead of soap nozzle
Solution
- Switch to the black soap nozzle — detergent only draws at low pressure
- Flush the detergent line with clean water to clear blockage
- Check for kinks or blockages in the detergent feed tube
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any nozzle to apply detergent?
No. Always apply detergent using the black soap nozzle (low-pressure)
or your foam cannon attachment. Never apply through a 0° or 15° high-pressure
nozzle — this delivers too much pressure for proper detergent application
and can damage surfaces. Detergent also only draws from the tank or foam
cannon when using a low-pressure nozzle.
Can I use detergent undiluted?
No. All Sun Joe® concentrates must be diluted before use. Use a 1:10 ratio
(1 part detergent to 10 parts water) for standard cleaning, or 1:5 for heavy-duty
degreasing. Adding undiluted concentrate directly to the detergent tank can
damage pump seals, clog the detergent line, and may not clean as effectively
as properly diluted solution.
What's the difference between the three Snow Foam scent variants?
Only the fragrance. Pineapple (SPX-FCS1G), Coconut (SPX-FCS1G-COC), and Orange-Vanilla
(SPX-FCS1G-CRM) all use the exact same high-viscosity snow foam formula.
Cleaning performance, foam quality, surface compatibility, and safety profile
are identical. Choose based entirely on personal scent preference.
How long should I let detergent dwell before rinsing?
Allow detergent to dwell for 1–3 minutes on standard surfaces.
For heavy grease, oil stains, or rust (using the Heavy-Duty Degreaser), extend
dwell time to 2–3 minutes. For marine applications with the Boat Wash, 3–5
minutes is recommended on oxidized fiberglass. Never allow detergent to dry
on the surface — work in sections if needed.
Is it safe to use near plants and grass?
Yes — all Sun Joe® detergents are biodegradable and non-toxic. However, even
eco-friendly detergents can stress vegetation when applied at high concentrations.
As a precaution, lightly water surrounding plants and grass before cleaning
and rinse them again after you're done. Avoid allowing large volumes of runoff
to pool around plant roots.
Can I use the Heavy-Duty Degreaser on my car?
No. The Heavy-Duty Cleaner + Degreaser (SPX-APC1G) is formulated for tough
exterior surfaces like concrete, brick, metal, and wood — not for vehicle
paint or clear coat. For car washing, always use the Snow Foam Auto Wash
(any scent variant) with a foam cannon for a safe, scratch-free clean that
won't damage paint, clear coat, or trim.
Do I need a foam cannon to use Snow Foam?
No — Snow Foam can be applied through the onboard detergent tank with the
black soap nozzle, or even applied by hand with a soft wash mitt. However,
for best results — thick foam cling, extended dwell time, and full-vehicle
coverage in seconds — the SPX-FC34 Foam Cannon is strongly
recommended. The foam cannon aerates the detergent and projects it up to
15 ft, delivering a rich foam blanket that lifts dirt without contact.
How do I flush the detergent tank after use?
After each cleaning session with detergent, fill the onboard detergent tank
with clean water and run it through the soap line until the water runs clear.
This removes any remaining detergent residue that could build up and clog
the detergent system over time. Never leave diluted solution sitting in the
tank between sessions.
Which detergent is best for heavy rust and mildew?
The Heavy-Duty Cleaner + Degreaser (SPX-APC1G) is the right
choice. Apply with the black soap nozzle, allow 2–3 minutes of dwell time,
then rinse with the 15° nozzle for a deeper, more penetrating rinse. For
light surface mildew on siding or fencing, the House + Deck Cleaner (SPX-HDC1G)
is also effective.
What is the recommended accessory for Snow Foam?
The Sun Joe® SPX-FC34 Foam Cannon is the ideal pairing for
all Snow Foam variants. It aerates the detergent solution to create thick,
high-viscosity foam that clings to vertical surfaces for 2–3 minutes of effective
dwell time — lifting dirt without mechanical scrubbing. It attaches via standard
1/4-inch quick-connect and is compatible with all Sun Joe® SPX Series pressure
washers.
Where can I get support?
Visit shopjoe.com for product support,
chat assistance, and to order any Sun Joe® detergent. You can also reach
the Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service team by phone at
(866) 225-9723. Always consult your specific pressure washer
model's manual for instructions on detergent tank capacity and soap nozzle
compatibility.