Pressure washers are great tools for cleaning. Whether it’s your siding covered in years of dirt or your car looking grimy, a pressure washer can get the job done quickly and easily.
But, when it comes to washing your vehicle with a pressure washer, you want to do it the right way.
If you don’t, you can chip the paint and damage other aspects of the vehicle. So, while they are a fantastic and effective tool, you’ll want to allow a few tips to keep them from damaging the car and causing you issues. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right tool and pressure for each given job. Often it’s not possible to find a one-size-fits-all tool to purchase, so consider renting these tools so you can get the exact pressure and adaptors you need to do the job right, and save you from incurring damage costs.
But it’s not too hard to pressure wash your car or truck if you know what to do. To help out, here are the main tips to keep in mind that will help you use a pressure washer to get your car looking clean and shiny.
Number 1: Research Nozzles And Soap
As you prepare your pressure washer, you’ll want to do a little research and possibly purchase a few items before getting started. The first is finding the proper nozzle. You can switch out nozzles depending on which area of your car you’re cleaning.
Generally, you’ll want something that’s around a 40-degree nozzle for most areas covered with paint or glass. However, you can put more pressure on places like the tires. Overall, it’s best not to go below a 25-degree nozzle for any part of a car.
You may need to purchase specific nozzles for the brand you have, or you may be able to use off-market options.
Next, you’ll want to get a soap or car shampoo product that is safe for your vehicle. There are many options out there, but Turtlewax and Armor All are two of the most popular ones you will see in stores.
Number 2: Watch How Close You Get
While the size of the nozzle makes a difference when it comes to pressure, you also want to think about how close you’re getting to your vehicle. The closer you get, the more likely you are to mess up the paint. So, even if you see a stain you want to remove, it’s best not to get too close.
Overall, you should stay at least six inches away from painted areas and at least a foot away from trim. If you notice the water is messing up part of your car, stop using the pressure washer or try moving further away.
Number 3: Don’t Pressure Wash Already Damaged Areas
While pressure washers are ideal for removing grime, dirt, and most stains, you don’t want to apply higher pressure to areas that already have damage. This will likely lead to further damage, so it’s not worth it in the end.
Instead, you can wash these areas with microfiber or another similar tool. While pressure washing works well for cleaning thoroughly and efficiently, you’ll likely still want to hand scrub some areas.
Number 4: Keep Yourself Safe
While washing your vehicle, be careful not to get your body and skin too close to the pressure washer. This might seem like common sense, but it can be easy not to pay attention and accidentally get part of your limbs near the nozzle. It’s possible to get injured, so keep the wand pointed away, not at yourself or anyone else.
By following these four tips, you’ll quickly have your vehicle gleaming and looking better than it has in a long time, and you’ll feel good knowing that you didn’t cause any damage to your car or yourself.