How to wash a car with a pressure washer?

In this article, we will take a closer look at how to wash a car with a pressure washer. Pressure washing makes car washing easier, faster and more efficient. It will easily remove dirt inside the arches, on the lower part of the sills and the bottom, which is difficult to do manually. You will spend less water washing your car. The pressure washer is connected to a water source through a regular hose. A powerful motor operates a pump that pumps water and sprays it through a special nozzle with high pressure. Reduces water consumption by up to 80% compared to washing with a hose.

Safety precautions

Using a high pressure washer requires compliance with safety precautions. Don't forget that this is not just a garden hose with a nozzle. Water comes out of the washer nozzle with 30 to 80 times more pressure than from a hose. It must be remembered that high pressure washing is quite dangerous if used incorrectly. You need to be especially careful when using nozzles that produce a narrow or pinpoint stream of water. Start working 60 cm from the surface, move no closer than 15–30 cm.
Spraying with a wide spray is safe for both humans and the car’s paintwork. This will take longer to remove individual stubborn stains than a spot spray or narrow spray, but will reduce the risk of damage.
If there is a power line nearby, you must maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from it.
Do not use the washer if you are standing on a hill. Pulling the trigger may cause kickback and fall.
Do not point the pressurized water nozzle at people or animals. Strong water flow can cause serious damage to the skin.

The nuances of washing a car in winter

Washing a car in winter is a separate issue that requires a few words. There are also a lot of opinions and disagreements here. However, most are inclined to the following general advice:

It is necessary to wash your car in winter as often as in summer;
Do not use hot water for washing;
Before washing, you should take care of the locks and seals. If water gets there, and it does, you may not be able to get into your car in the morning;
After washing, be sure to wipe the body dry. Some car washes use compressed air to dry the car, and such services should be given priority.

In winter, washing your car is simply necessary, since the road is full of substances that have a detrimental effect on the paintwork. And these substances are much more aggressive than the cheapest car wash shampoo.

And it is in winter that it is important to visit professional car washes, since washing a car at home in the cold is a rather difficult task that not everyone can do.

How to prepare a high pressure washer for use

When using an extension cord, always unwind it. The extension cord must have a cable thick enough to withstand the load imposed by the pressure washer.
Do not use hot water with a pressure washer. Hot water can damage the rubber seals and the washer pump. The water can be warm, but should not exceed 60 degrees.
When using a high pressure washer, there may be a lack of water, which will lead to pump failure. This is especially true with more powerful sinks that require a larger amount of continuous water flow. If the water source provides only the minimum required amount of water, then so-called cavitation (the formation of a mixture of air and water bubbles) inside the pump may occur, which may not be immediately noticed or noticed too late. Thus, the pump may fail. To make sure that the water source provides the required volume, you need to fill a bucket with a scale divided into liters per minute. This way you can calculate how much water will flow to the sink.
Connect the hose from the water source to the sink.
Make sure all connections are secure.
Run water through the connected hose. The water pressure should not exceed 5 bar. Make sure the water reaches the sink. Without water, a working sink can quickly fail.
Before turning on the washer, pull the spray gun trigger for a few seconds to bleed air from the system and relieve any remaining pressure. It is very important to run water through the sink so that it flows through the gun when the trigger is pulled. This must be done before turning on the sink, within one minute. This way, any air is released from the system before using the washer.
Continue pressing the trigger and turn on the washer.

Operating modes

Many drivers are interested in learning how self-service car washes work in winter and summer. Even if there is no person near the boxes ready to help you and explain the principle of operation of the system, all equipment is equipped with special information signs. Before you start properly washing your car at a self-service car wash, take the time to study the instructions. Most domestic entrepreneurs who decide to open boxes for automated cleaning of cars use mostly the same equipment. It has 5 operating modes. If you understand them, then without much difficulty you will be able to understand how a self-service car wash works and effectively service your car in it.

Pre-cleaning mode. This is the starting mode from which the vehicle washing procedure begins. Here the main task is to moisturize and soften contaminants present on the surfaces of the machine. The machine delivers a soft stream of water, the pressure of which can in no way damage the paint layer of the car. When working with tall machines, you need to be careful so that the hose does not accidentally fall out of your hands. The mistake of many at this stage is to try to get rid of all the dirt with a weak stream. This is a preliminary mode, so you just need to soften the dirt. The required effect is achieved due to water and detergents that are added to it. Since this is an initial stage, you should not spend more than 1 minute on it.
Main wash mode. This is the main stage of processing your car. Here, when the hose is directed, a more powerful flow of warm or hot water mixed with foam comes out of it. The jet must be directed evenly and consistently so that previously softened contaminants are removed efficiently, without leaving behind dirty marks. It is usually recommended to spend 2-3 minutes on basic processing. It’s better to start with the roof and sides, and then wash the front and rear of the car.
Rinse mode. It is necessary to rinse the car after the main wash to get rid of any remaining foam and dirt. It is also recommended to allocate 1-2 minutes to this stage, but no more. Rinsing occurs by directing the flow of water. Good car washes use filtered warm water.
Waxing mode. To consolidate the result and protect the body from new contaminants and various negative influences, a layer of wax is applied to it. Waxing takes literally 1 minute.
Finishing mode. Finishing involves adding shine and drying. This is the final stage, after which you can safely go about your business. A hose containing demineralized liquid is directed onto the machine. It contains special substances that allow surfaces to dry quickly. Additionally, this mode promotes the formation of a protective layer on the body and creates a pleasant shine. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Additionally, you can add a few more minutes to spray the underbody with a powerful jet, knock dirt off the rims, or clean the inside of the car. Not all car washes offer vacuum modes, but they also prove to be quite useful. The salon is gradually becoming dirty and needs cleaning. The average duration of a car service at such a car wash is 10 minutes. Beginners spend more time, but experienced motorists are able to bring the body to perfect condition, spending a total of no more than 8 minutes.

But not all users speak positively about self-service car washes. Sometimes there are complaints that the water flow is very weak, or too little detergent is added to it. This is a common problem among those who try to save money on running their own business by violating the technology for refilling equipment or using low-quality detergents. There is another factor, which is due to the inattention or inexperience of the car owner himself, who decided to wash the car at a self-service car wash. They skip modes, spend a lot of time on the starting stage, and only spend 1 minute on the main wash or finishing. This is why it is very important to learn how to use a sink correctly. If you follow the instructions, then you will be able to get your car in order, spending a minimum of time and money.

How to wash with a high pressure washer?

Before washing your car, make sure all windows are tightly closed.
Washing with water under pressure is carried out in the same order as when using a hose and washing sponges and mittens, from top to bottom (when applying foam from bottom to top).
The initial trigger pull of the spray gun may produce a stream of water with excessive pressure exceeding the operating pressure. For this reason, when you first pull the trigger, you should point the spray nozzle away from the vehicle. A sharp flow with high pressure can damage the paintwork or plastic of the headlight.
It is recommended to apply the foam to a dry surface. A wet surface will dilute the foam and reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, if the car is not very dirty, then the foam can be applied immediately. However, if there is a thick layer of dirt, it is better to first rinse the machine using a wide or medium torch and high water pressure to wash away dirt, salt and sand.
You need to start at a distance of at least 50 cm from the surface and move no closer than 15–30 cm, at an angle of 25–45 degrees, so that dirt does not affect the paintwork.
After the car is free of major dirt, apply detergent. To apply foam, a special foam nozzle is used. We will look at the effect of foam and the subtleties of its application in more detail below. Use only a product that is approved for use with a pressure washer. On vertical surfaces, apply foam from bottom to top. This way it will hold on better and not slide off ahead of time.
Wait a few minutes for the product to take effect. Next, after 3-5 minutes, wash off the foam with water with a wide jet and high pressure. Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm from the surface. The product will weaken the most difficult to remove stains and oil stains.
You should always hold the nozzle at an angle to the surface, ideally at an angle pointing downwards. This way, dirt and foam will not be splashed onto the newly washed surface. Spraying at an angle to the surface (25–45 degrees), as already mentioned, avoids scratches from washed-off solid contaminants.
Depending on the degree of contamination of the car, applying and rinsing off foam may be sufficient, or further hand washing with a special microfiber mitt or sponge with or without car shampoo may be required.
To wash the car, a special brush can be used, which is attached to the spray gun. If you use the same brush for the wheels and for the body, then wash the wheels last so that abrasive from the pads or a small stone does not get on the body.
A lot of dirt and salt stick to the bottom, so don't forget to wash it. Use a special lance for this purpose, spraying at an angle. When using the underbody cleaning attachment (optional), always rest it firmly on the floor to avoid kickback and rotation.
The final rinse can be done by removing the high pressure nozzle completely.

general information

Mini-complexes used for car washing are high-pressure apparatuses. They give every owner of an “iron” horse the opportunity to clean the car body from dirt and dust in a non-contact way. In addition, such equipment can be used:

for cleaning fences;
to tidy up park paths and other elements.

This equipment appeared on the Russian market only a few decades ago. Motorists who managed to try it in action were able to appreciate the high quality of the wash, as well as the minimal time spent on bringing the car into proper condition.

The best car washing complexes are produced by the company, which is based in Germany.
Therefore, it is not surprising that many motorists who decide to wash their car themselves using special equipment choose the complexes of this company. Although there are still those who do not know how to properly wash a car with a Karcher. The name of this company quickly caught on among car enthusiasts, so when a “mini-wash” is mentioned in a conversation, it is often called the word “Kärcher,” even if the equipment was produced not by a German manufacturer, but by a completely different company.

If we talk about the design of a mini-wash, then it contains several important elements:

water pump;
hose;
nozzles

It is not enough to know how to wash a car with Karcher and shampoo.
After all, the quality of operation of the washing complex largely depends on these three elements. Also in the mini-wash complex there is also a cable for connecting the device to the network. Some manufacturers offer motorists models that have a wide range of additional functions. Some have drums for more convenient winding of a long cable. Others offer tanks that you can fill with detergent. There are also many models available for car owners with compartments in which you can store accessories needed when washing your car.

Details about applying foam to a car

There are sink models that have a built-in container for detergent, or a separate outlet with a hose that can suck detergent from an external container. Using these containers it is impossible to obtain thick foam. To coat your car with thick foam, you need to use a foam nozzle that connects to the end of the spray gun barrel.

The detergent container and the foam nozzle do different jobs. Different detergents are used. The detergent bottle mixes detergent and water together to help clean the surface better without producing a lot of suds. The foam created by the foam nozzle remains on the surface for some time, weakens and dissolves adhering dirt. After washing off the foam, most of the dirt that could scratch the paint during hand washing is washed away. It does not leave streaks or traces behind, as can be the case with car shampoo sprayed from the container built into the sink.

Foam nozzle
The foam nozzle is designed quite simply. It works by forcing water through a narrowing channel. This increases the speed of the water and creates a zone of low pressure at the inlet of the suction tube, through which the product enters the nozzle itself (this is called the Venturi principle). Thanks to the pressed mesh insert, the mixture of water and foaming agent is whipped and foam is formed. Most foam lances have a mixing valve that allows you to control the ratio of product to water, creating a thicker or thinner foam. Also, most foam nozzles can change the spray angle from horizontal to vertical.

Applying thick foam is a preliminary step before regular hand washing using special gloves or sponges. You can read the article “how to properly wash a car,” which describes the process of manual washing, which reduces the likelihood of scratches. In the instructions for using foam lances and the foaming agent itself, this process is called prewash. If the car body is regularly waxed, then only applying and rinsing off the foam may be sufficient. Sometimes, after washing off the foam, it is enough to wash the surface of the car without car shampoo, with clean water and a special microfiber mitt.

It doesn’t matter how thick the foam layer is. A layer that is too thick only looks impressive, but the effect is the foam that touches the surface of the car. The advantage of thick foam is that it can remain on the entire surface of the car for several minutes without slipping. This gives it the opportunity to act on contaminants and lift them from the surface.

Let us consider in detail the process of preparing the foam nozzle and applying the foam.

Different foam lances may produce foam differently. A good, expensive foam nozzle will create a rich, thick foam. The density of the foam is also affected by the proportion of water and foaming agent.
Typically, the ratio of the mixture of water to the product is 10 to 1. The bottle of the foam nozzle has a volume of 1 liter and is filled to a certain mark (900 ml). Next, add foaming agent (100 ml). The product can be added last so that it does not foam ahead of time, while pouring water, then, after screwing the bottle to the nozzle, it will need to be shaken. You can pour in the opposite way, first the product, and then slowly add water with a small pressure. Thus, the product will be mixed already in the process of pouring water.
Next, screw the bottle to the nozzle itself, and the nozzle to the spray gun. The top regulator adjusts the amount of foam, and the width of the spray pattern can be adjusted on the nozzle.

Foam nozzles of different quality can apply the same product in different ways. In the photo on the left, the foam was applied with a cheap foam nozzle, and on the right, a more expensive one.

Before applying foam, you need to make sure that the body is not hot. If you wash your car outside, the weather should not be windy or hot. It is better to wash your car early in the morning or late in the evening. This will reduce the evaporation (drying) time of the foam.
It is recommended that the washer pressure regulator be set to low pressure.
When applying foam, the nozzle should be located about 1 meter from the surface.
On vertical surfaces, apply horizontally from side to side, starting from the bottom of the car.
When applying foam to a car, try to do it methodically, panel by panel, as if you were painting a wall. There is no need to apply foam to the same area several times. Apply the foam slowly, from left to right and from right to left, in long passes.
It is important that the foam remains on the surface for 3-5 minutes and does not completely drain ahead of time. This will give the active substances time to act on the contaminants.
After exposure to the product, rinse it off with clean water under pressure. On vertical surfaces, rinse from bottom to top and then from top to bottom. Hold the nozzle 15–30 cm from the surface, at an angle of 45 degrees.
After using the foam nozzle, it is important to thoroughly rinse the spray head and bottle with suction tube. To clean, fill the bottle with clean water and spray. This way the attachment will be ready for the next use.

Advantages of the contactless method

One of the reasons why many people choose Karcher car washes is the benefits that car owners receive when cleaning their car. Although many, after purchase, try to figure out how to properly wash a car with a high-pressure washer. If we talk about the main positive aspects when using this equipment, we can highlight the following:

to make the car clean, the owner can refuse to use sponges, brushes and rags;
By using a Karcher mini-car wash, the owner has the opportunity to remove contaminants not only from the surface of the body, but also from under the hood, the bottom of the car, fender liners and other places that are difficult to access;
Compared to manual washing, the motorist saves a lot of time;
Removing dirt from the body using such equipment completely eliminates scratches on the paintwork, which quite often appear when washing a car using brushes and sponges.

Naturally, a motorist who decides to try washing his car with a Karcher for the first time will have certain problems. Not everyone is satisfied with the quality of washing after the first time. However, by practicing this option of cleaning his car, the motorist gains the necessary experience and very soon is satisfied with the result.

Can high pressure washing damage your car's paint?

The main danger when using pressure washers is the distance, angle at which the water is sprayed and how it is focused.
Older cars with peeling paint may be at risk if the nozzle is held very close to the surface.
The most dangerous washing pressure for car paint is around 170 bar and above. A pressure washer with 90 to 150 bar will not damage the paint. That is, most inexpensive and mid-range pressure washers have a pressure that is safe for car paint. You can read more about choosing a high-pressure washer in the article “how to choose a high-pressure washer for a car.”
Paint may be damaged if the narrow spray nozzle is aimed too close. Regardless of the pressure created by the sink, you need to start spraying water at a distance of at least 50 cm from the surface, after which the nozzle can be brought closer and moved at a distance of at least 15–30 cm from the surface.
If your vehicle has signs of corrosion, the paint may peel off in these areas during high-pressure washing.
The paint surface may be damaged if the body is repainted and the surface was not prepared correctly before painting. Painted plastic may also have poor adhesion to paint. The paint may peel off at the chip site.
You need to spray water at an angle (25–45 degrees). This way the impact on the paint will be minimal.
Never use a tornado attachment when washing your car as it can be too aggressive and may damage the paint.

How to choose the right car wash?

To achieve the maximum effect from visiting a car wash, you need to choose it correctly. This is quite easy to do. The first thing you should do is ask your friends and acquaintances. Listen to their opinions on this or that issue about each car wash they visited. Preference should be given to those services that your friends have visited repeatedly. Repeated visits to the same car wash says a lot.

The same can be done directly at the car wash. If there is a long queue and you need to sign up in advance, then this indicates regular customers who trust the service. You can also watch the car wash from the side. Pay attention to what cars drive there. Expensive foreign cars? Cheap and rusty scrap metal piles? Draw conclusions.

And finally, you will have the opportunity to verify the quality of the wash yourself. No one will forbid you to stop washing if you see that your car is being treated like a tin can. At professional car washes, the workers treat someone else's car as if it were their own. You can verify this by at least watching several videos on this topic.

Wash completion and storage

After completing the job, turn off the water supply and press and hold the trigger until water stops coming out of the nozzle. After this, immediately turn off the washer. This will release any remaining pressure in the system.
If possible, keep the washer warm during the cold season to avoid damage to the pump, hoses and lance.
If the sink will be stored in an unheated garage, then you need to use a special antifreeze for the pump (Pump Guard).

Useful recommendations for users of self-service car washes

First of all, you shouldn’t swap options during washing and skip them. Be sure to read the rules of use the first time you visit a self-service car wash.

There are also a number of important recommendations to consider.

Relatively speaking, the whole process is divided into the application of car shampoo, supplied through a gun, and the process of removing this shampoo along with the dirt. Always follow this sequence.
Apply the liquid evenly to the surface of the car. If the body is heavily soiled locally, pay more attention to the contaminated area. It is recommended to always start from the sides.
Maintain a distance between the fluid supply hose and the vehicle body. The liquid is always supplied under strong pressure. Thus, if you point the gun at a right angle and close the distance, the liquid can knock out the glass. The recommended distance is from 25 to 35 centimeters.
Treat areas where dust and dried dirt accumulate with foam (read about how to make a foam generator with your own hands). Most often these are seams, rear view mirrors, glass and fender liners.
Do not insert large bills into the machine. Funds can be added at any time. To get started, deposit from 50 to 100 rubles. Next, wait a while while the car is rinsed with liquid and foam. This will allow it to penetrate deeper into the layer of dirt. If you deposit more money, it may be lost due to haste. If the car is still soaking in foam, you can spend time washing the mats.
In summer, in sunny weather, you should not bring a hot car straight to the wash. It's better to let it cool a little. This applies to any type of car washing.
Keep track of the remaining time in order to correctly distribute it between functions and not waste money on prolonging the procedure. If there is not enough time, you can add funds and the time will increase.
When making your first deposit, do not deposit more than one hundred rubles.
Switch between modes yourself as needed. A standard washing program may take longer than usual. You can avoid spending extra money by switching between modes wisely.
Deposit additional funds only after time has passed.

By following these instructions, you will be able to realize the main useful properties of a self-service car wash - cheapness and speed.

The end is the crown of the matter!

If you follow all these simple rules, the final result should be no worse than professional car washes “for money” - the main thing is to do everything carefully and in the right sequence and not save too much on auto chemicals - if you use cheap chemicals, no one can vouch for the safety of the paint and rubber seals.

PS Didn't you understand something? Do you still have questions about how to properly wash a Karcher car? Want to share tricks or tips? Write in the comments!

Car washing procedure

Those who are interested in effectively cleaning their cars from dirt using self-service car washes should simply follow a certain algorithm of actions. There is nothing complicated here. But if you break the sequence or do not follow some recommendations, the result will really be disappointing. Before you start using a self-service car wash, decide on the box where you will wash your car. It is better to visit good and proven places that have managed to establish themselves on the positive side. If at the entrance to the bay there are instructions on how to properly wash your car at a self-service car wash, do not ignore it, even if you have previously used other points. It is possible that the equipment is different. Next, you can begin the sequential procedure for processing the machine.

When driving inside the box, place the car so that it is as central as possible. This will allow you to get equally convenient access when washing the car on the left and right.
Pay for the service. Depending on the car wash, systems can accept cash and non-cash payments. Some use tokens, others simply offer to insert bills into the machine. Therefore, a motorist should always have a supply of small change with him.
Selecting a program. To do everything efficiently and the first time, you need to go through all 5 modes that were mentioned earlier. Choose additional features at your discretion.
Rugs. To save time and money, even before the initial treatment begins, you can remove the floor mats from the car and place them on the floor near the car. This will allow you to immediately treat them as soon as the water supply from the hose starts.
When the preliminary stage is completed, deposit money and click on the mode you need. In just a few seconds, the automation processes the information and puts the equipment into operation.
First, the surface of the car is wetted and the main dirt is knocked off. Rinse the rugs and leave them to dry.
Now the main processing mode begins. A button or lever changes the mode and pays if the time is up. Water with foam will come out of the hose, which needs to cover the entire surface of the car. Next, you can take a brush with soft bristles so that there is no dense dried dirt left.
You should not spray your car with foam for too long. Otherwise, it will turn into a dense film, which will take a lot of time to remove. And this is an additional fee.
If you want to bring your body to a shine, switch to the waxing mode. It must be applied in an even, thin layer, otherwise it will be more difficult to fine-tune later. The instructions will tell you how to turn on the waxing mode at a self-service car wash. After applying the wax, you can move on to the finishing stage.
Drying. Many people are interested in whether it is necessary to wash off the wax after applying it at a self-service car wash and whether it is needed at all. If it's a good box with quality components, then it's worth waxing the car. This not only adds shine, but also forms an additional protective layer. The wax is not washed off, but rubbed into the surface. Special tools are provided for this. Or you can use your own microfiber.

The procedure itself does not involve anything complicated. For a modern driver who knows how to handle automated equipment, such a wash takes a minimum of time and does not require much effort. Representatives of the old school are reluctant to visit such self-service boxes because they simply do not know how to work with them. But if you delve into the essence and try to figure it out, everyone will understand that the procedure is easy to perform, without requiring any special knowledge or skills.

Instructions and instructions again

If this is your first time at a self-service car wash, take the time to read the instructions and program descriptions that are usually located in each box. The choice of stages and their sequence are important to obtain a quick and high-quality result.

As a rule, washing systems offer a standard set of programs:

pre-washing the car at a self-service car wash with a special solution;
wash cycle with active shampoo;
rinsing with plain water;
wax coating;
final rinse (osmosis).

Additional programs are different in different complexes.