Is a pressure washer a necessary wash tool? (read before voting)

[Spilchy]

Originally Posted by Lowejackson

Steven (still reckless with 2 buckets)

Spilchy too

AND ...gasp... I use a pressure washer on EVERY wash I do regardless of how dirty the car is


But, I use a foam gun too

[G35stilez]

Originally Posted by Reflections

Sean you're mobile right? How're you bypassing the drainage laws with soap runoff etc?

Most customers, I will only use QEW or Optimum NRS, so no worry about draining.


I usually only bust out the pressure washer at my own home.

[MorBid]

I don't buy the idea that pressure washing can lead to ruin of the paint mostly because all pressure washers and for that matter people aren't the same.

I've seen pressure washers that they use to clean the sides of buildings and construction dump trucks/buses and tanks with and yes I would say those are severe in the case of washing a car.

But a cheesy protable electric pressure washer being used with someone with sense enough to

a) use the widest fan possible and not a something like a 5 degree tip

b) keep the tip of the gun a safe distance from the panel surface

Is in my mind safe to use. Besides the added benefit of using less water.

[DaGonz]

I have a pressure washer that I use to clean heavy accumulations of brake dust off wheels. I spray the approprite wheel cleaner, let it dwell on the surface for a minute or so, then use the pressure washer to remove the grime.

[Hemi57]

Originally Posted by MorBid

I don't buy the idea that pressure washing can lead to ruin of the paint mostly because all pressure washers and for that matter people aren't the same.

I've seen pressure washers that they use to clean the sides of buildings and construction dump trucks/buses and tanks with and yes I would say those are severe in the case of washing a car.

But a cheesy protable electric pressure washer being used with someone with sense enough to

a) use the widest fan possible and not a something like a 5 degree tip

b) keep the tip of the gun a safe distance from the panel surface

Is in my mind safe to use. Besides the added benefit of using less water.

I agree with this approach. The electric pressure washers do not have the same "impact" (PSI) as other members have said the Gas (petrol here in OZ ) units do.

I used a pressure washer on 2 dark coloured cars for a few years due to water restrictions here in Melbourne which only allowed the use of a hose only when connected to a pressure washer. I didn't see any evidence of damage.

Use common sense like MorBid said, ie. wide fan and reasonable distance.

[JohnZ3MC]

I'm going to support Dave Fermani's views about power washing. When I'm out of town with my bus, I often have to power wash it quickly and have used huge electric units, the mother of all power washers.
I've never blown off trim or body parts but have never been stupid enough to get incredibly close with the nozzle nor go at the washing at a 90 degree angle and in northern BC with the thaw comes, my bus can change from normal white to dirt/grit beige in just a few miles.
Maybe in the original poster's circumstance, the power wash option would be viable.
Ok, truth be known, one time I did blow off 2 lug nuts and a luggage bay door. Just kidding.

SVR - 4 buckets, 6 mitts. Absolutely hilarious.
-John C.

[SVR]

Yes it does seem hilarous but I want absolute minimal marring on my galaxy blue paint job and that's what I achieve since I'm going to try and keep this car for life and never want to repaint it and for an eight year old car, the paint puts most new cars to shame

[Krautfed 03]

I pressure wash my cars about 75% of the time, mainly for heavy bug juice and extreme dirt (after several dys of rain or snow). I'v had almost all colors that one could imagine, except black, and I have never had any marring from a pressure washer. This includes my lazy day coin op washes. I like the coin op for spot free rinse, or de-ionized and softened water.

It can be done, but with ANY type of wash, you just have to use your head.

Cheers!