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f you’re using a pressure washer, especially for detailing cars, boats, or windows, you’ve probably dealt with spots and streaks left behind by mineral-rich water. This is where deionized (DI) water filters come in. They remove the minerals that cause those unsightly water spots, leaving your surfaces perfectly clean without the need to towel dry afterward. But not all deionized water filters are created equal, so finding the right one for your pressure washer setup is crucial. Here’s a rundown of the best deionized water filters for pressure washers and why they stand out.
What to Look for in a Deionized Water Filter for Pressure Washers
- Water Purity: The filter should remove minerals like calcium, magnesium, and other ions that cause water spots.
- Filter Capacity: Deionized water filters have a limited capacity (measured in gallons or liters) before they need to be recharged or replaced, so check how many gallons of deionized water the filter can produce.
- Ease of Use: Some filters are cartridge-based, while others use refillable resin tanks. Look for systems that are easy to replace or recharge.
- Portability: If you need to move your setup around (especially for car detailing), a portable or compact system will make life easier.
- Pressure Washer Compatibility: Ensure the filter can handle the flow rate and pressure of your washer.
Best Deionized Water Filters for Pressure Washers
1. CR Spotless DIC-20 Deionized Water System
Best For: High-capacity, premium deionized water for spotless rinses
- Water Capacity: 300 gallons of deionized water per resin fill.
- Flow Rate: Up to 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).
- Filter Type: Dual replaceable cartridges with premium-grade DI resin.
- Portability: Features wheels and a handle for easy movement.
- Bonus: Pressure gauge included for easy monitoring.
The CR Spotless DIC-20 is the gold standard for deionized water systems, especially if you’re serious about achieving a spot-free rinse. With its 300-gallon capacity before the resin needs replacing, it’s ideal for heavy use, such as washing cars, boats, or windows. The system’s dual cartridge design ensures you get the purest water, and it’s portable, making it easy to move around your workspace.
- Pros: High capacity, easy to move, perfect for professional use, produces 100% spot-free water.
- Cons: Higher initial cost, resin refills can be pricey.
2. AquaMax CR Spotless DIC-10
Best For: Mid-range, portable solution for occasional users
- Water Capacity: 100-200 gallons of deionized water per resin fill.
- Flow Rate: 2 GPM.
- Filter Type: Single cartridge with premium DI resin.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight.
The AquaMax CR Spotless DIC-10 is a smaller, more compact version of the DIC-20, making it a great choice for those who need a portable system but don’t have the same volume demands as professional detailers. It’s perfect for personal car washes or smaller projects like window cleaning. You’ll get the same high-quality, spot-free results, just with a smaller capacity.
- Pros: Compact, more affordable than the DIC-20, great for occasional use.
- Cons: Lower capacity means more frequent resin replacements.
3. On The Go Spotless Portable Dual Bed Deionizer
Best For: RV and boat owners needing mobility and ease of use
- Water Capacity: 300-400 gallons of deionized water.
- Flow Rate: Up to 3 GPM.
- Filter Type: Dual-bed resin tank, refillable.
- Portability: Compact design with carry handle.
The On The Go Spotless Portable Deionizer is designed for those who need mobility without sacrificing performance. It’s commonly used by RV and boat owners because it’s easy to move around and connects quickly to standard hoses. The dual-bed resin system provides a longer life, producing up to 400 gallons of deionized water before needing a resin recharge.
- Pros: Large water capacity for its size, portable, easy to refill.
- Cons: Resin refills require some manual effort compared to cartridge-based systems.
4. DI-120 CR Spotless Water Deionization System
Best For: Budget-friendly, small-scale spot-free rinsing
- Water Capacity: 75-100 gallons of deionized water per resin fill.
- Flow Rate: Up to 2 GPM.
- Filter Type: Single replaceable resin cartridge.
- Portability: Compact, easy to carry and store.
The DI-120 is an excellent entry-level deionized water filter if you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution. While it doesn’t produce as much water as the larger systems, it’s perfect for occasional car washes or spot-free rinsing for windows and other surfaces. Its compact size makes it easy to use and store, especially if you don’t have a lot of space.
- Pros: Affordable, compact, great for small jobs.
- Cons: Lower capacity, requires more frequent resin changes.
5. Unger Rinse ‘n’ Go Spotless Car Wash System
Best For: Affordable, easy-to-use solution for home car washes
- Water Capacity: 75 gallons per resin fill.
- Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM.
- Filter Type: Replaceable resin cartridge.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight.
The Unger Rinse ‘n’ Go system is one of the most affordable ways to get spot-free results without breaking the bank. It’s designed specifically for car washes and connects easily to a standard garden hose. It’s perfect for people who wash their cars at home and want clean, spot-free water without the need for constant towel drying.
- Pros: Very affordable, easy to set up and use.
- Cons: Lower capacity, slower flow rate.
Comparison Table: Best Deionized Water Filters for Pressure Washers
| Brand | Capacity | Flow Rate | Portability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR Spotless DIC-20 | 300 gallons | 2.5 GPM | Wheels and handle | $$$$ |
| AquaMax CR Spotless DIC-10 | 100-200 gallons | 2 GPM | Compact, lightweight | $$$ |
| On The Go Dual Bed DI | 300-400 gallons | 3 GPM | Carry handle | $$$ |
| DI-120 CR Spotless | 75-100 gallons | 2 GPM | Very portable, small | $$ |
| Unger Rinse ‘n’ Go | 75 gallons | 1.2 GPM | Compact, very light | $ |
Key Factors to Consider
1. Water Capacity
If you’re using a pressure washer frequently, especially for large surfaces like cars, boats, or windows, a higher capacity system like the CR Spotless DIC-20 or the On The Go Dual Bed DI will save you from needing to replace or recharge resin as often.
2. Portability
For mobile detailers or RV/boat owners, portability is crucial. Systems like the On The Go Dual Bed or AquaMax DIC-10 are easy to move around while still offering good capacity and performance.
3. Ease of Maintenance
Look for a system that’s easy to maintain. Cartridge-based systems like the DI-120 CR Spotless are straightforward, but if you don’t mind refilling resin manually, a refillable system like the On The Go Dual Bed offers better capacity and long-term savings.
4. Flow Rate
Make sure the filter system can handle the flow rate of your pressure washer. For most pressure washers, a flow rate of 2-3 GPM is ideal to avoid a drop in performance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best deionized water filter for pressure washers, the CR Spotless DIC-20 is the top choice for high-volume, professional-grade spot-free rinsing. For more budget-conscious buyers or occasional use, the DI-120 CR Spotless or Unger Rinse ‘n’ Go are solid entry-level options. If mobility and long-lasting capacity are essential, the On The Go Dual Bed Deionizer offers a great balance between portability and performance.
With any of these systems, you’ll enjoy spot-free cleaning without having to worry about drying or unsightly mineral deposits.