How to properly wash a car with a Karcher - instructions and tricks

Not every driver wants to pay huge amounts of money every month for car wash services. Of course, if you live in a huge high-rise building and have a parking space of several square meters, there is no special choice. But if you have a garage or cottage, you can easily get rid of car washing fees. It is enough to purchase a mini-wash, for example, Kärcher, and learn how to use it correctly.

In order to properly wash your car with Karcher, you need not only to obtain information on the operating features of your particular device, but also to purchase the necessary automotive chemicals. It is highly desirable that these products are recommended by the washer manufacturer.

Karcher high pressure car wash

Karcher is a German company that has been producing household and professional car washes for many years. It is necessary to start the topic about this equipment with the fact that there are several classes of car washes. Each type differs from the other not only in price, but also in configuration. In addition, the difference lies in the power of the equipment: the higher the power, the stronger and larger the water jet.

Next, the main characteristics of these machines will be considered. What's so special about this car wash? It is noticeable because it greatly facilitates the entire process of washing a car. No rags or buckets of water needed. All you need is a water connection and detergent. Otherwise, this process is called contactless. And why? Car washing occurs due to high water pressure. It is due to this that various types of contaminants are removed. In addition, water for washing a car does not need to be heated. The heater is already inside the car wash. You can choose the water temperature yourself. The water pressure is also adjustable. Thanks to the attachments that come with the kit, it is possible to remove dirt from the car even from the most difficult to reach places.

What will you need?

To thoroughly wash your car, prepare detergents and tools.

You will need to prepare the following materials:

• shampoo to remove dirt;
• for wheel rims you need to buy a special cleaner;
• detergent for washing plastic parts;
• several faux suede cloths for drying;
• wax dryer.

Of course, the Karcher mini-wash itself is also necessary. This device refers to any high-pressure apparatus, regardless of brand and country, but the Karcher brand itself is considered the best.

The choice of mini-washers is very large. The high-pressure apparatus must be equipped with all necessary structures. Make sure of this when purchasing.

You can choose any detergent, but the following are considered the best:

1. Pressure Washer Car Shampoo (5 l). The shampoo is ideal for removing dust, dirt, oil and grease. It cleans even the most sensitive surfaces. Pressure Washer Car Shampoo has a mild alkaline formula and is suitable for all types of cars and motorcycles.
2. Pressure Washer Wash & Wax Plug “n” Clean Detergent is a 3 in 1 detergent. This product is used as a shampoo, polishing wax and is used for mini washes. The detergent provides an ultra-gloss formula that allows your car to shine. No streaks are left, eliminating the need for manual polishing. It cleans the more sensitive spots on any car or motorcycle, ensuring you get the best shine. It uses the Karcher Plug 'n' Clean system, ideal for select Karcher washing machine models.
3. Universal Pressure Washer Plug 'n' Clean Detergent - ideal for removing dirt, grease and grease. The product does not need to be diluted; it can be used immediately to wash cars. Powerful universal cleaner suitable for all Kärcher car wash models X and K3–K6.

Each remedy has its own advantages. For example, if you buy Pressure Washer Wash & Wax Plug “n” Clean Detergent, you no longer need to buy wax. In addition, this product can be washed by hand or using a mini-wash.

Therefore, before purchasing, read the instructions for using shampoos, what is the consumption and whether you need to buy anything else. By choosing the right detergent, you can save a lot on other cleaning products.

Technical characteristics of Karcher car washes

What should you first pay attention to when choosing a device? Of course, on its characteristics. As mentioned above, there are several classes at the Karcher car wash. The instructions that come with this equipment describe this technique in detail.

So, what information do you need to find out in the instructions or ask the seller at the time of purchase?

1. Pressure. Karcher car washes are capable of delivering from one hundred to one hundred and sixty bar. This pressure, as experts say, is enough to wash away even the most difficult stains.
2. Supply voltage. Household systems do not consume too much electricity. For example, the Karcher K5 car wash consumes only two kilowatts.
3. Performance. What should be understood by this term? The productivity of car washes is the water consumption per hour. It is different for each model. The minimum water consumption is seven liters per minute, and the maximum is twelve. This item will be useful for those who do not want to waste too much water and subsequently pay a fairly large amount of money for it.

How does it work?

The key condition for the functioning of the foam concentrate is compressed air under reduced pressure (about 6 atmospheres). Its continuous influx is necessary. A drop in pressure occurs when soapy water leaks from the gun. A drop in pressure is the cause of poor performance of the foam concentrate. Therefore, the foaming agent is adjusted using needle-shaped taps located on the gearbox. Using a pressure regulator, you can adjust the air intake.

How to set it up correctly:

1. fill the neck of the foaming agent with the prepared detergent composition in accordance with the concentration recommended by the manufacturer (from 1/50 to 1/200);
2. close the air and mixture supply valves;
3. connect the foam concentrate to the air supply system of the gearbox (normalize the pressure);
4. pull the trigger;
5. unscrew the air supply valve a quarter turn, and the solution supply valve - half a turn;
6. Without pressing the trigger, use the gearbox to set the pressure on the pressure gauge to 4 to 6 atmospheres.

If the speed of covering the body with foam is unsatisfactory, increase the pressure by 1-2 atmospheres.

If the foam is supplied in jerks (excess air), turn down the air valve by a tenth, wait 5 seconds; if the desired effect is not achieved, turn it down again by a tenth.

Car wash equipment

Equipment for the Karcher car wash comes with the equipment. The equipment, again, depends on the model that the buyer chooses. To make it more clear, it is necessary to consider the equipment using the example of a Karcher K5 high-pressure washer. It was mentioned a little higher. So, what does the buyer get, besides the device itself? The equipment of the Karcher apparatus is as follows:

1. The handle is fixed.
2. Water filter cleaning.
3. Foam nozzle.
4. Rotating washing brush.
5. High pressure hose eight meters long.
6. A system that serves to supply cleaning agents.
7. Gun for contactless washing.
8. The so-called peak attachment.

As you can see, this model of contactless car wash has quite a rich set of equipment. But it is worth noting that the price for such pleasure is far from small - twenty thousand rubles. Next, we will consider the cost of other popular car wash models.

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:

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.

User manual

In this part of the article you can briefly familiarize yourself with the operating instructions for this device. The book itself is written in a language that is understandable and accessible to any user. Particular attention should be paid to how to properly operate a car wash.

To begin with, it is worth remembering that you cannot turn on the device without water for more than two minutes. You can use absolutely any detergent. Almost all detergents are identical in composition. When the bottle with it is connected to the appropriate hose, you can proceed to the next step. The manufacturer recommends using the detergent wisely and spraying it on a dry surface, without having to wait for it to dry. Next, you need to rinse it off with a stream of water. If you need to take a break while working, you need to release the gun lever and lock it. If there is a break of more than five minutes, the device must be turned off. After the work is completed, you need to disconnect the bottle of detergent from the hose and turn off the device by pressing the corresponding button.

Above we briefly discussed how to properly work with the Karcher car wash. Also at the end of the instructions, possible malfunctions and how to fix them are described in detail.

Algorithm of actions

To end up with a sparkling clean car, you need to wash it properly. To do this, follow the instructions for processing the machine with the Karcher device.

How to properly wash a car with a Karcher yourself:

1. First, apply tire remover and wheel cleaner. RM 44 GEL and RM 800 ASF have proven themselves well.
2. Then you need to process the plastic parts. RM 570 can be used.
3. After this, a cleaner to remove insect stains should be applied to the front and rear parts of the body, and the windows are also treated. The best in this area is Insektenentferner.
4. Apply detergent. Set the pressure washer nozzle (foam kit) to the widest, least powerful setting—or remove it completely—to coat the entire car with a layer of Pressure Washer Car Shampoo foam. The detergent should be applied in a ladder, slightly overlapping the already applied layer. This is necessary so that the foam does not drain prematurely and is distributed evenly.
5. While the shampoo is in effect, wash the floor to avoid injury (unsuccessful fall due to slippery foam). Also, keep an eye on the washing hose so that it does not fall under your feet.
6. Cleaning agents are washed off from top to bottom. They start from the very top and end with the wheels of the car.
7. First we wash the body. We wash off the foam not in the same way as it was applied, that is, from bottom to top with a ladder overlapping the strip that has already been washed off, but vice versa from top to bottom. This shampoo removal tactic is better and takes less time. It will flow down, it is quickly driven off with a stream of water from the Karcher. Then repeat the procedure again. Be sure to wash the mirrors and windshield pillars.
8. We move on to removing the foam from the front part of the body. Advice - the technology is the same - a ladder, only across, starting with the windshield, ending with the radiator grille.
9. At the end, they wash the sills and all components of the wheels. This is the correct technology for contactless washing. Some Karcher manufacturers recommend rinsing the shampoo from the bottom up, that is, using the same technology as you applied it. This can also remove shampoo residue, but it is more expensive in terms of water and electricity use, and also takes longer.
10. After the foam has been washed off, a protective coating (wax, Teflon, etc.) is applied to the body. Be sure to pay attention to the concentration, it is indicated on the container with the product. After finishing its application, immediately wash off the protective coating using the ladder technique. It is not absorbed into the paintwork. In order for a protective film to form, the Karcher must be brought close to the body, at a distance of no more than 10 cm.

After the car has been washed, start drying. Drying is carried out using material made from artificial or natural suede. Thanks to this fabric, the likelihood of streaking is reduced.

Price for touchless car washes "Kärcher"

As mentioned above, the cost depends on the configuration and technical characteristics of the Karcher. Having looked at the price tags for car wash models from this manufacturer, we can say the following. The cheapest model is Karcher K2. The cost of such equipment is 3800 rubles. While the most expensive car wash will cost the buyer 56 thousand rubles. For that amount you can buy a Karcher K4. Yes, buying such equipment is not the cheapest pleasure.

But at the same time, it pays for itself perfectly, especially when the street is dirty, and you want the car to always be clean.

Foaming agent structure

The key structural components included in the foam concentrate are:

• a reservoir (cylinder) with compressed air, made of simple steel or stainless steel;
• gun;
• mixer components made of stainless steel, resistant to chemical corrosion.

The capacity of the cylinder is the main technical characteristic of the foam concentrate, which determines its practicality. Units with a capacity of 100, 50 or 25 liters are especially common. However, foreign manufacturers produce foam concentrates with transitional tank volumes (24-liter) to concentrate compressed air.

A pressure gauge (a device for measuring pressure) located on the tank body makes it possible to continuously monitor the pressure value.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of accessories used in conjunction with the foaming unit and providing for various operational issues: nozzles of different configurations, hoses, straight (curved) guns, and so on. The combination of a foam generator and its accessories is called a foam kit.

Car wash classes

Karcher car washes have several classes. Each of them is noticeably different from each other. This part of the article will briefly outline their main differences, as well as their pros and cons:

1. Primary class equipment. Their difference from their counterparts is their low cost. Another plus is its low weight and small size. There are also disadvantages to devices of this level. The first is low pressure power. Moreover, it is sometimes so weak that it is not worth even dreaming about cleaning strong contaminants. In addition, the resource of a contactless car wash is short, so it is better not to use it often.
2. Middle class equipment. This type is the most popular among car enthusiasts. The service life of the filters and pumps installed on them is quite long. Here the pressure is better and the equipment is wider. As for the dimensions of the Karcher car wash, they are slightly larger than those of entry-class cars. But this fact does not in any way reduce the ease of use of this type of technology.
3. High class equipment. This type of car wash is perfect for those who have three cars. In addition, the pressure of the Karcher car wash is over 160 bar, which allows you to remove even the largest contaminants from absolutely any surface.

So, the technical aspects are fully studied. Now you can get acquainted with the opinions of motorists themselves about the products.

Entry-level mini-washers (classes k2, k3)

Class K2, K3 sinks are intended mainly for cleaning garden paths, bicycles, and garden tools.

They can be used for washing compact cars, but you should understand the limitations imposed by the design and materials of the equipment:

1. The upper threshold of working pressure is no more than 110 - 120 atm;
2. Be sure to connect to a pressurized water supply.

Theoretically, it is possible to use a stationary container, but in this case the operating pressure at the outlet is not achieved and the already limited resource of the mini-wash is sharply reduced.

Main characteristics of equipment of this class:

• consumption capacity (maximum) – up to 380 l/hour;
• productivity in terms of processing surface area (maximum) – up to 25 m2/hour;
• power consumption – 1.6 kW;
• weight (without accessories) – no more than 5.12 kg.

The advantages of entry-level washers include low price, the presence of attachments in the kit that allow you to increase the efficiency of the process (primarily a mud cutter), and compactness.

Reviews from mini car wash owners

Essentially, car enthusiasts are divided into two camps. Some people consider using car washes to be a fairly effective way to save money. In addition, the purchase allows you to significantly save time. Car enthusiasts also rate the quality of car washes at the highest level. If you change the filters on time and use the device strictly for its intended purpose, the machine will work for a sufficient amount of time. Servicing the equipment will not be difficult.

Filters are easy to change, and the whole process is described step by step in the operating instructions. Only in a few cases did the Karcher have to be repaired, but there were no problems here either. If the equipment is under warranty, the manufacturer bears all costs entirely.

How to use the mini-wash

To ensure your washer works properly, follow these recommendations.

• Be sure to check the operation of the washer before you start using it, this will save your time and health.
• Clean and change the filter installed in the car wash after each use.
• If the washer uses electricity to operate and the source is unstable, provide it with a battery.
• Do not let children use the sink.
• If repairs are necessary, do not hesitate to carry them out. Replace damaged sink components.
• Update the device gaskets.
• Protect your sink from temperature changes.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Which cookware is suitable for glass-ceramic and induction hobs?

Negative reviews

Other motorists believe that purchasing a Karcher car wash is extremely unprofitable. High consumption of electricity and water leads to considerable utility costs. They believe that the cheapest option is to go to a specialized car wash. In a word, the main reason for the dissatisfaction of opponents of such devices is the price of Karcher and the cost of utilities. On the one hand, they can be understood. It is worth remembering that at least seven liters are consumed per minute, and this volume is not small. To a greater extent, those who have their own well benefit here.

How to make a Karcher powered by a cigarette lighter

This sink design does not require any costs. Below are instructions for creating a more complex model: We will need:

• windshield washer motor;
• irrigation hose with gun;
• cigarette lighter (motor power supply), cigarette lighter plug;
• two hoses 3 meters long, one hose must fit freely into the other;
• corrugated hose with a diameter of 25-30 millimeters;
• switch;
• M8 bolt, washer and nut;
• two plastic canisters (volume 10 liters);
• 6 self-tapping screws;
• two-core electrical wire 5-7 meters long;
• plastic sleeve;
• power cable;
• brush for washing a car.

Additional materials:

Bottom line

The final result can be summed up as follows. "Kärcher" is a reliable and high-quality equipment. Thanks to the prices for this equipment, absolutely anyone can purchase it. With proper maintenance, the equipment works just fine. A large package of components and excellent characteristics make using this car wash easy and enjoyable. By purchasing such a device, a person not only gets a clean car, but also saves money and time.

Yes, the price of some models is quite high, but gradually Karcher will pay for itself, which has been confirmed by more than one generation of users. German production, as well as price-quality ratio, make a car wash an excellent purchase for any car enthusiast. Nevertheless, it is up to the buyer to decide whether to purchase this device or not.

Mid-level mini-washers (classes k4, k5)

The middle class of mini-washers K4, K5 provide the consumer with more functionality:

1. Water intake not only from the water supply, but also from stationary open sources (bucket, barrel, pool).
2. The maximum pressure rises to 145 atm.
3. An additional set of accessories included in the package compared to the initial class.

Also in this class, a water engine cooling system is installed, which increases the continuous operation time and durability of the equipment.

Main characteristics of middle-class mini-washers:

• consumption capacity (maximum) – up to 500 l/hour;
• productivity in terms of processing surface area (maximum) – up to 40 m2/hour;
• power consumption – 2.1 kW;
• weight (without accessories) – no more than 13.8 kg.

The advantages of the middle class are achieved due to a higher price, increased size and weight of the equipment.

Don't forget about filtering

Often, a hydraulic cleaning device is connected to a source of industrial water.

This means that the liquid may contain various impurities.

The use of such water can lead to malfunction and failure of the washing unit.

To prevent negative consequences, it is recommended to add another element to the hydraulic cleaning device - a filter.

It should be installed in front of the hose connected to the inlet pipe.

And in special cases, experts recommend installing a coarse filter, followed by a second one for fine cleaning.

Shiny rims

As a preliminary cleaning, spray the surface with a high-pressure jet.

Dirt from wheels and wheel arches can also be removed with high pressure using special Vario Power 360° nozzles, this will allow you to reach the most difficult to reach places.

Afterwards, you can clean the rims using a sponge and cleaning agent.

Narrow gaps in the rim can be thoroughly cleaned using a special rim brush. Apply a special hand-held wheel cleaner to remove the most stubborn dirt from the rims.