Karcher pressure washers work best when paired with the right detergent. Karcher produces a wide range of specialised cleaners designed for cars, patios, wood, stone, bikes and general outdoor cleaning. This guide explains what each detergent does and when you should use it.
The Main Types Of Karcher Detergents
While Karcher makes many formulas, most people only need a few essential types. Here’s an easy breakdown.
1. Karcher Car Shampoo
- Safe for paintwork, plastics and trims
- Removes traffic film and road grime
- Low pressure recommended for application
Kärcher 5L Car Shampoo Pressure Washer Detergent
Get your car sparkling clean with this powerful and easy-to-use shampoo designed specifically for pressure washers
Product information
$19.39
Product Review Score
4.35 out of 5 stars
145 reviewsProduct links
2. Karcher Ultra Foam Cleaner
- Thick foam when used with a foam lance
- Ideal for pre-wash on cars and vans
- Helps lift dirt before rinsing
Kärcher Ultra Foam Cleaner for Pressure Washers
Transform your cleaning routine with this powerful foam cleaner designed to tackle dirt and grime effortlessly
Product information
$26.88
Product Review Score
4.94 out of 5 stars
15 reviewsProduct links
3. Karcher Patio & Deck Cleaner
- Designed for slabs, decking and tiles
- Dissolves algae, dirt and weather staining
- Works best with a T-Racer patio tool
Karcher Patio & Deck Cleaner Concentrate Pouch
Get your outdoor spaces sparkling clean with this powerful, easy-to-use cleaner
Product information
$21.20 $15.75
Product Review Score
4.2 out of 5 stars
37 reviewsProduct links
4. Karcher Stone & Facade Cleaner
- Stronger cleaning for bricks, concrete and stone
- Removes pollution stains and heavy grime
- Not recommended for wood
Karcher 3-in-1 Stone & Facade Cleaner Detergent
Effortlessly tackle tough stains and restore your exterior surfaces to their best with this powerful cleaner
Product information
$35.75
Product Review Score
4.7 out of 5 stars
65 reviewsProduct links
5. Karcher Wood Cleaner
- Gentle formula for fencing, decking and outdoor furniture
- Helps restore colour and remove surface dirt
- Safe for treated and softwood surfaces
Kärcher 5L Wood Cleaner for Pressure Washers
Keep your outdoor wood surfaces looking brand new with this powerful cleaner designed for pressure washers
Product information
$30.62 $27.43
Product Review Score
4.54 out of 5 stars
163 reviewsProduct links
6. Karcher Universal Cleaner
- Everyday multi-purpose cleaning
- Suitable for most outdoor surfaces
- Best for light to moderate dirt
Kärcher 5L Universal Cleaner for Pressure Washers
Get your outdoor surfaces sparkling clean with this powerful, easy-to-use cleaner designed specifically for pressure washers
Product information
$32.73 $28.01
Product Review Score
4.47 out of 5 stars
75 reviewsProduct links
Do Karcher Detergents Improve Results?
Yes. Karcher detergents reduce cleaning time, break down stubborn dirt faster and protect certain surfaces. Using the correct formula prevents damage caused by using overly strong or incorrect chemicals.
Tip: Always check that the detergent is compatible with your pressure washer model.
How To Apply Karcher Detergent
- Fill the detergent tank or attach a detergent bottle (depending on model)
- Apply at low pressure using a wide-angle spray
- Allow 2–5 minutes dwell time
- Rinse at medium pressure
