The Sun Joe® SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer is designed for residential medium-to-heavy-duty cleaning on boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, trailers, decks, barbecues, siding, patio furniture, and more.
Meet the SPX3500
Why It Stands Out
On/Off switch powers the washer during use. The detergent dial adjusts suction volume, and five Quick-Connect nozzles provide 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap spray options.
The 40.6 fl oz detergent tank holds pressure washer-rated detergent. The trigger gun controls spray flow and includes a safety lock, while the spray wand connects to the nozzles.
A 20 ft high-pressure hose connects the washer and trigger gun. The 35 ft GFCI power cord provides electrical protection, and the water inlet with adapter connects to a reinforced garden hose.
The handle supports movement and hose storage, the wheels help move the washer, and the needle clean-out tool clears clogged nozzle openings.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Electric pressure washer |
| Best Use | Residential medium-to-heavy duty cleaning for boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, trailers, decks, barbecues, siding, patio furniture, and more |
| Rated Voltage | 120V ~ 60 Hz |
| Motor | 13 amps |
| Maximum Pressure | 2300 PSI max per CSA test standards |
| Rated Pressure | 2000 PSI under typical load |
| Maximum Flow | 1.48 GPM max per CSA test standards |
| Rated Flow | 1.09 GPM under typical load |
| Maximum Water Inlet Temperature | 104°F / 40°C |
| Maximum Water Inlet Pressure | 0.7 MPa |
| Detergent Tank Capacity | 40.6 fl oz / 1.2 L |
| High-Pressure Hose Length | 20 ft / 6 m |
| Power Cord Length | 35 ft / 10.7 m with GFCI |
| Nozzles Included | 0° orange, 15° yellow, 25° green, 40° gray, and soap black Quick-Connect nozzles |
| Total Stop System | Yes |
| Weight | 36.8 lbs / 16.7 kg |
| Product Manual | SPX3500 Operator's Manual |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty |
What's in the Box
- Electric pressure washer
- Handle
- High-pressure hose holder
- Nozzle storage board
- Spray wand protector
- Trigger gun holder
- Two 4.8 x 20 screws
- Nine 4.8 x 16 screws
- Spray wand
- Trigger gun
- Five Quick-Connect nozzles: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap
- Needle clean-out tool included with the manual packet
- 20 ft high-pressure hose
- Garden hose adapter / female coupler
- Manuals with registration card
Optional Accessories
| Accessory | Model |
|---|---|
| Sun Joe® House + Deck All-Purpose Pressure Washer Rated Concentrated Cleaner | SPX-HDC1G |
| Sun Joe® Premium Snow Foam Pressure Washer Rated Car Wash Soap + Cleaner | SPX-FCS1G |
| Sun Joe® All-Purpose Heavy Duty Pressure Washer Rated Cleaner + Degreaser | SPX-APC1G |
| 25 ft medium-duty extension hose for SPX Pressure Washer Series | SPX-25H |
| Solid brass universal Quick-Connect coupler / garden hose to pressure washer adapter | SPX-UQC |
Assembly
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Install the high-pressure hose holder
Slide the high-pressure hose holder into position on the handle and secure it with four 4.8 x 16 screws.
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Install the handle assembly
Slide the handle with high-pressure hose holder into position on top of the pressure washer. Secure it with two 4.8 x 20 screws and two 4.8 x 16 screws.
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Attach the nozzle storage board
Place the nozzle storage board into position and secure it with two 4.8 x 16 screws.
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Install the trigger gun holder and spray wand protector
Slide the trigger gun holder into place. Snap the spray wand protector tab into the slot at the bottom left side of the unit, then secure it with one 4.8 x 16 screw.
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Connect the spray wand
Fit the spray wand into the trigger gun and rotate it until both parts are completely locked.
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Connect the high-pressure hose
Connect the high-pressure hose to the trigger gun. Connect the other end to the water outlet on the washer.
-
Connect the garden hose
Connect the garden hose adapter to the water inlet, then thread your garden hose into the adapter. Use a reinforced garden hose with at least a 1/2 in. internal diameter.
Getting Started / Operation
Extension Cord Guidance
| Cord Setup | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Built-in power cord | 35 ft GFCI power cord |
| Extension cord length | Do not use over 25 ft |
| Combined cord length | Must not exceed 60 ft total |
| Minimum extension cord gauge | 14 AWG or heavier |
| Connection type | Outdoor-rated, watertight plug and socket construction |
Getting Started
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Position the pressure washer
Place the washer as close as possible to the water supply. Keep it upright on a secure, stable surface.
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Confirm the unit is switched off
Make sure the On/Off switch is OFF before plugging the unit into a power outlet.
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Reset the GFCI if needed
When first plugged in, press the Reset button until the power light indicator on the GFCI illuminates.
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Turn on the water completely
Turn the water supply tap on completely before starting the pressure washer.
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Prime the system
Make sure the safety lock is down, then press the trigger for a few seconds until water flow is steady. This allows air to escape and discharges residual pressure in the hose.
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Start the pressure washer
Turn the On/Off switch to the ON position. When restarting the motor, keep the trigger pressed.
Nozzle Guide
| Nozzle | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| 0° Orange | Spot cleaning or hard-to-reach areas. This is the most concentrated spray pattern and should only be used carefully on durable surfaces. |
| 15° Yellow | Intense cleaning on hard surfaces, including tough dirt, grease, mildew stains, and rust from steel. |
| 25° Green | General-purpose cleaning for siding, brick patios, wood decks, driveways, or sidewalks. Test a small area first. |
| 40° Gray | Gentler wide spray for cars, trucks, boats, patio furniture, or lawn equipment. |
| Soap Black | Low-pressure detergent application using pressure washer-rated detergent. |
Using Detergent
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Use pressure washer detergent only
Use detergents designed for pressure washers. Do not use household detergents, acids, alkaline solutions, bleach, solvents, flammable materials, or industrial-grade solutions.
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Remove and fill the detergent tank
Remove the detergent tank cap with suction tube, gently pull the detergent tank out of storage, fill or mix detergent according to the detergent instructions, then secure the cap and suction tube back into place.
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Install the black soap nozzle
Attach the black soap Quick-Connect nozzle to the spray wand.
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Adjust detergent flow
Turn the detergent dial to adjust the suction volume of the detergent solution.
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Apply detergent properly
Apply detergent from the bottom to the top of the dry surface. Let it remain briefly, but do not allow detergent to dry on the surface.
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Drain and rinse after use
When finished, drain and rinse the detergent tank. Run the pressure washer until all soap is drained from the detergent tank.
Shutting Down
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Turn the switch OFF
Turn the switch to the OFF position and unplug the power cord from the outlet.
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Turn off the water source
Shut off the water supply.
-
Release pressure
Hold the trigger to release water pressure from the system.
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Disconnect hoses
Disconnect the garden hose from the water inlet and disconnect the high-pressure hose from the trigger gun handle.
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Engage the safety lock
Release the trigger and engage the gun safety lock.
Maintenance, Care & Storage
Care & Maintenance
Clean the adapter filter
Remove the adapter filter from the garden hose adapter and rinse it with warm water to prevent foreign matter from clogging the pump.
Clean clogged nozzles
Remove the nozzle from the spray wand, use the included needle clean-out tool to clear the nozzle hole, then rinse the nozzle.
Backflush the nozzle and wand
Run water through the nozzle and spray wand from the front opening to push debris out through the back opening.
Inspect hoses regularly
Keep hoses away from sharp objects. Replace damaged hoses and do not attempt to repair a damaged high-pressure hose.
Storage & Winterizing
Drain before storage
Always empty water from the hoses, pump, and detergent tank before storing.
Short purge for long-term storage
Disconnect all water connections, turn the machine on for a few seconds until remaining water exits the pump, then turn it off immediately.
Avoid hose kinks
Do not allow the high-pressure hose to become kinked during storage.
Use pump protection for winter storage
Use a non-corrosive/non-toxic antifreeze, pump saver, or pump protector before winter storage.
Flush before reuse
Before reusing after antifreeze or pump protector, completely flush the unit with clear water.
Troubleshooting Guide
Use these quick checks for common SPX3500 issues. Always disconnect power before checking, cleaning, or maintaining the unit.
Step-by-Step Check
- Check the GFCI light indicator. This confirms whether the pressure washer is receiving power. There should be a red or green light on the GFCI plug.
- If the GFCI light is off: Press the RESET button on the GFCI plug. Make sure the plug is fully seated, then try a known working outlet. There should be a red or green light.
- If using an extension cord: Remove the extension cord and plug the pressure washer directly into a wall outlet.
- Check the nozzle: Remove the nozzle and clean it with the needle clean-out tool. If the nozzle cannot be removed, make sure the nozzle opening is not clogged.
- Run the full restart sequence: Connect the garden hose and turn the water supply fully on. Make sure the trigger safety lock is in its normal operating position. Press and hold the trigger until water flow is steady to purge air and release trapped pressure. Reset the GFCI if needed, turn the machine ON, and try again.
Possible Causes
- Pump is sucking air
- Hoses or connections are not airtight
- Valves or seals may be dirty, worn, or stuck
Solutions
- Check that hoses and connections are airtight
- Run the washer with the trigger held until regular pressure resumes
- Clean the adapter filter and nozzle
Possible Causes
- Fuse has blown
- Incorrect mains voltage
- Thermal sensor activated
- Nozzle partially blocked
Solutions
- Switch off other machines using the same circuit
- Confirm voltage matches the model tag
- Let the washer cool for 5 minutes, then restart
- Clean the nozzle
Possible Causes
- Air in inlet hose
- Inadequate water supply
- Nozzle partially blocked
- Water filter blocked
- Hose kinked
Solutions
- Hold the trigger until regular working pressure resumes
- Check that the water supply meets the required specifications
- Use a reinforced garden hose with at least 1/2 in. internal diameter
- Clean the nozzle and water inlet filter
- Straighten the hose and remove kinks or blockages
Possible Causes
- Pump or spray gun is leaking
- Trigger mechanism is broken
- Unit is entering normal TSS standby after pressurizing
Solutions
- Inspect pump, spray gun, hose, and connections for leaks
- Confirm the trigger is operating normally
- Remember that TSS standby is normal when the trigger is released
Possible Causes
- Pump, hoses, or accessories are frozen
- No water supply
- Water inlet filter is blocked
- Nozzle is blocked
Solutions
- Allow pump, hoses, or accessories to thaw before use
- Connect inlet water and turn the water supply on completely
- Clean the water inlet filter
- Clean the nozzle
Possible Causes
- Black soap nozzle is not installed
- Detergent tank is empty
- Suction tube or detergent system is clogged
- Detergent dial is not adjusted
Solutions
- Install the black soap nozzle
- Fill the detergent tank with pressure washer-rated detergent
- Check that the suction tube is seated in the detergent tank
- Adjust the detergent dial
- Drain and rinse the detergent tank after use
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with the SPX3500?
What nozzles are included?
Which nozzle should I use for soap?
Can I use household detergent or bleach?
Can I connect the SPX3500 to hot water?
Can I use an extension cord?
What garden hose should I use?
How should I store the SPX3500?
What warranty does it have?
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