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How To Choose A Pressure Washer For Home Use

Car experts have often highlighted the importance of washing a car frequently and correctly. Neglecting the proper hygiene of your vehicle can result in severe damages, some even permanent. To keep their car clean, many get it washed at a professional car wash, which cleans the car thoroughly. On the other hand, some people prefer to wash their car at home using buckets or a hose. But a garden hose doesn’t do the trick correctly, now, does it?

Therefore, many car owners choose a pressure washer, which is more efficient than a garden hose or a standard pipe. In this article, you will get to know how to choose a pressure washer for home use and how to wash your car correctly with it. Find out more below.

How to Choose a Pressure Washer For Home

While it seems tough, a vehicle’s surface is delicate and can lose paint and durability if too much pressure is applied. Therefore, it is imperative to select a light-duty pressure washer that is safe for home use. But what should you look for in a washer? Here are some characteristics to keep an eye out for in an electric pressure washer.:

  • Pressure: Each washer has a pressure value associated with it, which is the pressure of water it can create. It is usually measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). The ideal range for a home pressure washer is 1200-1900 PSI.
  • Volume: It is also crucial to see how much water a pressure washer uses, measured in GPM (gallons per minute). The ideal range for home use is 1.4-1.6 GPM.
  • Cleaning Units: CU is a combination of PSI and GPM to find the ideal mix of both. A mismatch is not suitable for a washer.

When you buy your pressure washer online or go to a store, make sure you check out all these details and make an educated purchase.

How To Wash Your Vehicle With A Pressure Washer

While washing your vehicle with a pressure washer, be cautious as high pressure can damage your car and you. Therefore, follow these steps carefully while washing your car with a pressure washer.

Step 1: Choose The Ideal Pressure Washer And Nozzle

As discussed above, selecting a pressure washer with the ideal power and water flow is necessary. High force and high water flow can sometimes be damaging to your car. Therefore, while selecting a power washer, choose one within the appropriate range (generally 1200-1900 PSI and 1.4-1.6 GMP, but refer to washer documents or more information). Moreover, choose a nozzle that fits the washer correctly for the best possible wash.

Step 2: Start With A Rinse

Firstly, start rinsing the car with plain water to remove loose dirt and other contaminants clinging to the vehicle. Here’s how to go forward:

  • Test the spray on the ground to ensure it isn’t too strong;
  • Hold the nozzle at least a foot away from the car, and spray the entire surface. While washing the wheels, move a bit closer as they will have more dirt and grime;
  • While washing delicate objects such as mirrors and lights, step back a little.

Step 3: Soap Up The Car

Once the car is rinsed, it is time to soap up the car. Get a car and pressure washer compatible detergent to use the washer in this step. If you do not have a compatible soap, you can apply it with your hands using a mitt. Here’s how to go forward:

  • Fill the detergent in the washer as per the manual;
  • Attach the soap nozzle to the washer and start spraying from three feet away from the car, gradually moving closer;
  • Start applying detergent from the bottom up to avoid streaks;
  • When washing wheels, get closer to about six inches to remove strong-piled dirt;
  • Even if you use a washer, you can use a mitt to rub on stubborn contaminants;
  • Once the soap is applied, let it sit for five minutes (or as directed on the detergent) while frequently spraying the car to stop it from drying completely.

Step 4: Rinse And Dry

Finally, it is time to rinse the car again and then dry it. Here’s how to go forward:

  • Change the nozzle to water nozzle and remove any soap from the system by flushing on the side for five seconds;
  • Spray the car from the top down while keeping the wand about four feet from the car’s surface;
  • Once it has been rinsed, you can use a chamois or a cloth to dry the vehicle by laying it flat on the car and slowly pull towards yourself without breaking contact;
  • Wring the cloth once it is wet, and repeat the process across the car until every section is dry.

Final Thoughts

While using a pressure washer may be satisfying, selecting one is a task. Be sure to know the accurate details while choosing a pressure washer for home use. Moreover, be sure to follow the steps mentioned above to stay safe while washing your car using a pressure washer. 

If you aren’t one of the people keen on buying a pressure washer, get your car down to 3Pedals Detailing, and we’ll clean it up for you.

We, at 3Pedals Detailing, provide the best-in-class services, with the best assistance with optimal-quality equipment, guidance from expert professionals and affordable pricing, all under one roof!

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