Cleaning a car with a pressure washer is a good way to keep a car clean. Use the right pressure, nozzle, and car cleaning compounds to get dirt off.
Part 1 of 5: Choose the appropriate pressure washer and nozzle
When washing your car, it’s important to use a pressure washer with the appropriate power (PSI: pounds per square inch) and water flow (GPM: gallons per minute). The higher the PSI, the more force the water will have as it leaves the tip of the washer. The higher the GPM, the more water the washer will release.
Cleaning Units represent the combination of force and amount of water a pressure washer can produce. This is demonstrated in the equation below:
PSI x GPM = Cleaning Units
1500PSI x 2GPM = 3000 cleaning units:
- Tip: Washing a car with a pressure washer requires around 1,900 – 2,800 cleaning units.
- Note: Pressure washers are far more efficient than garden hoses and use less water. See the table below to compare cleaning units between a hose and a pressure washer.
Part 2 of 5: Park car in good spot for washing
It’s important to park your car in an open space, away from other cars or objects that you don’t want to get wet or damaged by water. A large driveway or street is recommended. If using an electric pressure washer, be sure you have access to an outlet so that you can power your washer.
Part 3 of 5: Rinse your car
Before applying any cleaner to your car, be sure to rinse the car and spray off any mud or other debris that is stuck to the surface. It’s a good idea to begin at 4-5 feet away from your car and move closer after testing out the pressure washer.
Part 4 of 5: Apply detergent to your car
Most pressure washers have special compartments for cleaning detergents. Make sure to use a cleaning detergent that is designed to be used with pressure washers.
- Note: Detergents are sold as concentrates and need to be diluted with water before they’re applied to a car.
Part 5 of 5: Rinse detergent off of the car
Using a 40 degree tip, rinse the detergent off of the car. It’s a good idea to hold the washer at a 45 degree angle and rinse downward from the top of the car.