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Pressure washers provide a powerful, efficient and fast way to clean — but are pressure washers safe for cars?
As one of your biggest investments, you definitely don’t want to risk damaging your vehicle just to get it clean.
Pressure washers are indeed safe for cars, provided you take a few simple safety precautions and ensure you’re using the appropriate nozzle and pressure setting.
In fact, a pressure washer is a great way to clean your car because it quickly and thoroughly gets rid of dirt while using much less water than a traditional hose.
Read on to learn more about how to get your car looking nice and shiny with a pressure washer.
Are pressure washers safe for cars?
While you can certainly clean your car the old-fashioned way with a sponge and a bucket of soapy water, it’s not a quick job.
You have to spend a lot of time on the fine details and crevices of the car for thorough cleaning. Instead, grab a pressure washer and make your life easier.
Pressure washers are safe to use on cars as long as you follow instructions, use an appropriate amount (PSI) of pressure, and pay attention to what you’re doing.
Why should you clean your car with a pressure washer?
There are several benefits to using a pressure washer to clean your car’s exterior versus cleaning it by hand with a hose or bucket.
Cleaning your car by hand can be time-consuming, but pressure washing it should only take about 10 minutes start to finish. With a pressure washer, you can cover more surface area at a quicker pace.
When used correctly, you can get into every crevice to get out those stray dead leaves and other debris. You’re also less likely to miss spots on the car.
With the right pressure, you will be able to get off all the dirt, smudges and bird poop — no elbow grease and scrubbing required.
Washing your car with a pressure washer instead of a hose will also save you money on your water bill. A pressure washer uses about 80% less water than a regular hose.
Disadvantages of using a pressure washer to wash your car
When it comes to pressure washing, there are some reasonable concerns. One of which is personal safety. In the wrong hands, using a pressure washer can lead to injury.
Damage to your vehicle is also a concern: Too much pressure could damage your car’s paint job. (After all, a pressure washer can even damage concrete if used incorrectly.)
Practice makes perfect
Once you’ve recognized the positives and potential negatives of pressure washing your car , you’re ready to try it out.
First things first: Get familiar with your washer and adjust its pressure to a level that’s suitable for a car (check the instruction manual).
Make sure you’re using an appropriate nozzle, meaning not a zero-degree one that would direct an extremely strong and narrow jet of water at your car.
Find a small spot on your vehicle to test the pressure washer so you can get used to the feel of the jet and make sure that the pressure is not too intense.
Ensure that the washer is kept 18 to 24 inches away from the vehicle. If the pressure is too high, it may remove the wax on your car.
Continue to get familiar with your pressure washer and practice the best technique for washing your car until you find the most effective route to get the job done.
Remember to use a soap formulated explicitly for pressure washers and your vehicle. Using dishwashing soap or laundry detergent can wreak havoc on your car’s finish.
Pressure washer safety
Never point the pressure washer at another person, as the intense jets cause serious injury.
When using the washer, you want to make sure that you are on level ground — never standing on a ladder — so you don’t fall back from the washer’s pressure.
Closed-toe shoes are a must and you may also want to wear protective eyewear just to be safe.
Ready to clean your car with a pressure washer?
Now that you know the answer to the question “Are pressure washers safe for cars?”, you can see that using a pressure washer is a great way to wash and detail your automobile.
It drastically speeds up the process and help you to get into tight crevices and fenders with ease. But pressure washing can be hazardous, and if not done right, you may damage your car’s exterior.
Make sure you read the instruction manual and follow directions; otherwise, washing your car by hand is a safer bet.
If you’re ready to shop for a pressure washer to clean your car, check out our Best Pressure Washer Reviews of 2022 and get familiar with these 5 must-have pressure washer accessories.
