Clubjazz - Honda Jazz & HR-V Forums

Diagnostics, Tuning, Modifications and Maintenance - all Hondas => Car Care & Detailing => Topic started by: Jocko on September 16, 2020, 10:10:46 PM

Title: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on September 16, 2020, 10:10:46 PM
I bought a pressure washer, so I decided to try washing the car with it. Now, my car is old, rusty and full of bumps and dents, and I am old and struggling to handwash it.
The first time I did it, I started with snow foam, followed with a soft brush then finished off with the wide nozzle. It wasn't a great wash.
Today I started with the wide nozzle then repeated the above, and the result was much better. I think a dry off with a microfibre towel would do an even more "handwash" job.
Anyone out there with any tips for the lazy man's wash?
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: d2d4j on September 16, 2020, 10:41:44 PM
Hi jocko

Best advice is not to wash wheels at high pressure. You can damage abs sensors and be careful over car where there are sensors etc or areas of rust

Many thanks

John
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: DomnicZZ on September 17, 2020, 07:09:38 AM
Hi Jocko,

I use a hand pressurised crop sprayer.
(Spear and Jackson brand with 5L tank.)


https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RD0KTZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_40VyFb6EEJW72

You need to push the handle about 25 times to pressurise it.

It sprays a fine mist, this is just to wet the car, after which I use a sponge and then another round of fine mist to wash off.

I wipe dry with a microfiber.

If done conservatively the car can be washed with less than 10 litres of water this way.

Sure it isn't as much fun as a pressure sprayer, but it uses less water and I like that. It also let's me use my old Brita filter when filling the 5 litre tank so I don't have the limescale on the paint.

Regards,
Domnic


Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: culzean on September 17, 2020, 08:45:16 AM
Never used a pressure washer on cars or motorbikes - saved it for the patio,  but now I use a fungicidal spray from a low pressure hand pumped sprayer - which works much better at keeping patio looking its proper colour - and gets rid of the moss / lichen which is like a skating rink when wet.  Also once you have used a pressure washer on a patio the surface is damaged and moss comes back a lot quicker. 

Also use fungicide on the roof tiles and it keeps that pesky moss under control ( the stuff that washes into guttering and blocks it, ether by its sheer volume or by growing in guttering )
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on September 17, 2020, 09:34:38 AM
I use a hand pressurised crop sprayer.
(Spear and Jackson brand with 5L tank.)
I have the self-same sprayer for weedkiller and wood treatment.

I have steel wheels so I spray the tyre and rim edge, plus the centre, but don't spray through the wheel.
I gave the rust a good spray but it is solid with nothing crumbling, so it all stayed in place.

I don't have a patio.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Kremmen on September 17, 2020, 11:54:46 AM
I use my pressure washer to cover the car with foam from a dedicated bottle of shampoo, then, from a distance rinse it off. Works well.

Just don't get any closer than about 18", don't use a direct jet setting, use a spray setting and you should be OK.

I also use it to blow any any dust from between the brake disc and pad from between the alloy spokes.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on September 17, 2020, 02:00:36 PM
I use my pressure washer to cover the car with foam from a dedicated bottle of shampoo, then, from a distance rinse it off. Works well.

Just don't get any closer than about 18", don't use a direct jet setting, use a spray setting and you should be OK.

I also use it to blow any any dust from between the brake disc and pad from between the alloy spokes.
That is more or less my approach. I use a wide spray, from a distance, and at an oblique angle to the bodywork. I have a dedicated soap dispenser bottle. I found soaking the car before applying the soap worked better than applying the soap to the dry bodywork.
I cannot "blow" with the pressure washer. It always delivers water.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: peteo48 on September 17, 2020, 02:22:07 PM
I remember reading a Which article several years back about using a pressure washer to wash a car. IIRC they suggested that it would be possible to do a "touchless" wash in this manner.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Kremmen on September 17, 2020, 02:23:52 PM
Yes, when I said 'blow' I meant just a quick blast along the disc to pad gap to shift any muck :)

Dedicated soap dispenser here as well, works well.

When mine gets washed it's a 4 hour min job.

Spray with soap dispenser, wait ....
Wash with soft brush with wash'n'wax, mini bog brush for wheel spokes
Rinse with pressure wash, at a distance as we agree
Dry with 'Vileda window cloth' as it's easier to use than a chamois, can be wrung dry and it's not greasy.
Wax with Mantis waterless stuff because it can be sprayed anywhere and leaves no powder residue or swirls. Cloth just slides off bonnet.
'Invisible Glass' because it evaporates and leaves no residue so no wiper smears.

Proper job
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: FordPrefect8 on September 17, 2020, 05:12:34 PM
I use 5l weed pressure pump sprayer for the shampoo and garden hose to rinse off. Wet first, then spray shampoo, agitate with one of those funny washing mitts and then rinse off at lowest possible pressure setting. Then reapply trim restorer, treat rubbers and seals with shin-etsu, touch up door hinges and other rust susceptible spots with ACF50 and corrosion block and finally apply alloy sealant and tyre shine gel.
That's my once-a-month routine.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: guest9236 on September 17, 2020, 06:28:35 PM
I use 5l weed pressure pump sprayer for the shampoo and garden hose to rinse off. Wet first, then spray shampoo, agitate with one of those funny washing mitts and then rinse off at lowest possible pressure setting. Then reapply trim restorer, treat rubbers and seals with shin-etsu, touch up door hinges and other rust susceptible spots with ACF50 and corrosion block and finally apply alloy sealant and tyre shine gel.
That's my once-a-month routine.

When ours are washed it is there birthday.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: culzean on September 17, 2020, 06:42:45 PM
I use 5l weed pressure pump sprayer for the shampoo and garden hose to rinse off. Wet first, then spray shampoo, agitate with one of those funny washing mitts and then rinse off at lowest possible pressure setting. Then reapply trim restorer, treat rubbers and seals with shin-etsu, touch up door hinges and other rust susceptible spots with ACF50 and corrosion block and finally apply alloy sealant and tyre shine gel.
That's my once-a-month routine.

When ours are washed it is there birthday.

Most ours get is a garden hose with shampoo stick in spring to get salt off.... paying special attention to underneath car, proper pampered they are.

I do use autoglym super resin polish on headlights about once a month but that is just to stop them going foggy....
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: VicW on September 17, 2020, 07:02:43 PM
I bought a Karcher pressure washer from Argos for £60. Before that I went to the local East European car wash who did an excellent job but I have already paid for the Karcher by doing it myself, which isn't very often. I gave up polishing cars after experimenting by polishing one side of the car and not the other, you couldn't tell the difference so I've saved on polish as well. I too use a microfibre clothe instead of a leather for drying off after washing.

Vic
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: FordPrefect8 on September 17, 2020, 09:19:22 PM
I do use autoglym super resin polish on headlights about once a month but that is just to stop them going foggy....

I haven't actually thought of it, thanks for the idea!
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on September 17, 2020, 10:04:27 PM
I used to use the two bucket method, with rinseless wash and a dry with a microfibre towel but living in flats it wasn't handy, and the more infirm I got the less I enjoyed the experience. The past couple of years life has become extremely hectic and the odd times the car got washed it was "Hotel Sophia" or the autowash at the filling station.
Now my mother-in-law is in care we go over to check out the house, and while my wife gardens I wash the car or tinker in the garage. So I bought the power washer.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: culzean on September 18, 2020, 09:43:01 AM
I bought a Karcher pressure washer from Argos for £60. Before that I went to the local East European car wash who did an excellent job but I have already paid for the Karcher by doing it myself, which isn't very often. I gave up polishing cars after experimenting by polishing one side of the car and not the other, you couldn't tell the difference so I've saved on polish as well. I too use a microfibre clothe instead of a leather for drying off after washing.

Vic

Never been a fan of 'eastern European' car washes - the price charged is obviously even lower than UK minimum wage - they are normally a cover for illegal immigrants - maybe kept as white slaves by travellers...  There is one near to a local fuel station that I use,  and have seen police vans and cars there fairly regularly checking out the people working there.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Kremmen on September 18, 2020, 10:21:20 AM
What scares me about them is the way they scrape the water off the paint with a plastic squeegee, makes me cringe
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: FordPrefect8 on September 18, 2020, 01:42:30 PM
Never been a fan of 'eastern European' car washes - the price charged is obviously even lower than UK minimum wage - they are normally a cover for illegal immigrants - maybe kept as white slaves by travellers...  There is one near to a local fuel station that I use,  and have seen police vans and cars there fairly regularly checking out the people working there.

Funny you should say that, I went double wash last weekend because I was removing old wax. First gave it a usual wash and then drove it to big Tesco around the corner which has car wash run by Romanians, I guess more south-central than eastern Europe. I'm sad to report that they did absolutely lousy job, worst of all, re-used dirty rags between vehicles and I think I saw the guy drop the rag on the floor then pick it up and continue to use it!!!

On the other hand, I went once to local BP symbiotic wash and for £5 they did absolutely lovely job :)

Hit or miss in my experience, will continue to do it myself as long as my back will let me :)
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on September 18, 2020, 03:32:01 PM
What scares me about them is the way they scrape the water off the paint with a plastic squeegee, makes me cringe
It is actually a silicon rubber blade. I was thinking of getting one myself.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Derkie54 on September 18, 2020, 04:36:16 PM
I remember going to Tesco and one chap agreed to have his car washed.
When he came out they said finished and asked for the money.
He said " lovely job but that's not my car " he then got in to the car next to it and drove off  :)
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: peteo48 on September 18, 2020, 04:41:56 PM
What scares me about them is the way they scrape the water off the paint with a plastic squeegee, makes me cringe

I think they are OK but only if you re 100% certain there is no debris left after the final rinse. That said, I'd feel nervous about using one.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: madasafish on September 18, 2020, 06:57:37 PM
I use a hand pressurised crop sprayer.
(Spear and Jackson brand with 5L tank.)
I have the self-same sprayer for weedkiller and wood treatment.

I have steel wheels so I spray the tyre and rim edge, plus the centre, but don't spray through the wheel.
I gave the rust a good spray but it is solid with nothing crumbling, so it all stayed in place.

I don't have a patio.

You are indirectly putting fungicide into the water supply as the washoff from the roof (incl fungicide) goes into teh storm drains  and ends up being extracted for water..

I am a n beekeeper and the effects of chemicals on insect life are bad  (catastrophic). The worst offenders are farmers and private individuals...
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on September 19, 2020, 11:55:35 AM
By wood treatment I mean Ronseal water based paint, not fungicide. My wife is very bee orientated and won't let me use anything to harm them.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Happyarry on October 06, 2020, 05:53:50 PM
I too am old :( and still do a bit of detailing as I love the end result.
I can't use a machine polisher anymore my arms an Arthritis prevent me.

The quickest and easiest wash I found is to thoroughly spray the car all over using a  pump spray bottle filled with a mix of Optimum no rinse.
Using a bucket of water with the same solution and microfibre cloths, simply wipe the car all over with well wetted cloths, changing the sides frequently as you go then dry with a MF cloth or drying towel.
On the Jazz the whole wash takes 20 mins or 30 at leisure.

If you wish, use a spray wax or detail spray for a more glossy finish and to add some protection.

This method is particularly suited to anyone who can't get running water to the car and it keeps swirl marks to a minimum.

Harry
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on October 06, 2020, 06:13:04 PM
I used to use the two bucket method with Dodo Juice Rinseless Wash. An MF mitt then an MF towel. I too love the satisfaction of a nicely detailed car.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Happyarry on October 07, 2020, 09:36:02 AM
I know what you mean, but one bucket is more than enough these days ;D. have to admit my OCD regarding swirl marks has diminished with age though I take as much care as possible.
 Sadly cutting corners is essential now.

Harry
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: TnTkr on October 07, 2020, 09:53:00 AM
I wash my car myself very seldomly, but when I do, I feel it takes too much work to use a pressure washer. You need to carry it out and connect all those hoses and cables, and all the same in reverse order after the work. It's much more convenient to get a garden hose and brush. I guess I am substituting the pressure with volume  ;D but it's OK as we have own drilled well. So there is no cost on using the water.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: culzean on October 07, 2020, 10:16:50 AM
I am more interested in washing the underside of the car, I know the wheel arches are better protected now than they ever were from crud building up, but a good wash underneath on a mild winter day and in spring is still worth doing ( with a garden hose - I am not gonna disturb the spiders living in the karcher washer LOL ).
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on October 07, 2020, 10:19:36 AM
Last time I gave it a wash I had the hose out for the garden so I just washed it with that. Don't have a brush to fit the hose (pressure washer fittings on my brush) but I used it unconnected. Our old hose reel is a real pain, whereas the pressure washer has a short large-bore easily managed hose. Still a guddle, but there is power and the pressure washer are just inside the garage door.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: peteo48 on October 07, 2020, 10:35:38 AM
I too am old :( and still do a bit of detailing as I love the end result.
I can't use a machine polisher anymore my arms an Arthritis prevent me.

The quickest and easiest wash I found is to thoroughly spray the car all over using a  pump spray bottle filled with a mix of Optimum no rinse.
Using a bucket of water with the same solution and microfibre cloths, simply wipe the car all over with well wetted cloths, changing the sides frequently as you go then dry with a MF cloth or drying towel.
On the Jazz the whole wash takes 20 mins or 30 at leisure.

If you wish, use a spray wax or detail spray for a more glossy finish and to add some protection.

This method is particularly suited to anyone who can't get running water to the car and it keeps swirl marks to a minimum.

Harry

I have used almost exactly this method from time to time. First time I used ONR on a dusty car the initial grabby sandpaper like feel spooked me out. I then started to use the pre spray method and what a difference. I am reasonably satisfied, both from my own experience and watching endless You Tube videos, that this is a very safe way to clean the car. If it was caked in mud I would hose/jet wash the worst off first but the urban life my car leads means this is a rarity.

I've got ONR wash and wax at the moment but, on balance, I think I prefer the wash and shine.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Rory on October 07, 2020, 11:37:11 AM
I just use a cheapy microfibre mitt and a bucket of water.  The mitt is pretty heavy when wet so might not be great for someone suffering muscle etc issues.

Honda dealer told me I should get in behind the brake calipers with a jet wash to keep them from sticking.  I've asked other's opinions and some think it's OK and others that it's a terrible idea.  I think the latter so don't do it.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Jocko on October 07, 2020, 12:23:21 PM
I steer clear of the brakes. I have heard stories, right or wrong, of flexible hoses being punctured by pressure washers.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: culzean on October 07, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Honda dealer told me I should get in behind the brake calipers with a jet wash to keep them from sticking.  I've asked other's opinions and some think it's OK and others that it's a terrible idea.  I think the latter so don't do it.

Most domestic PW put out 1600 to 2000 PSI,  that can take paint off,  and force water past seals, could even damage the flexible brake hoses...... 
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Happyarry on October 07, 2020, 03:00:21 PM
I too am old :( and still do a bit of detailing as I love the end result.
I can't use a machine polisher anymore my arms an Arthritis prevent me.

The quickest and easiest wash I found is to thoroughly spray the car all over using a  pump spray bottle filled with a mix of Optimum no rinse.
Using a bucket of water with the same solution and microfibre cloths, simply wipe the car all over with well wetted cloths, changing the sides frequently as you go then dry with a MF cloth or drying towel.
On the Jazz the whole wash takes 20 mins or 30 at leisure.

If you wish, use a spray wax or detail spray for a more glossy finish and to add some protection.

This method is particularly suited to anyone who can't get running water to the car and it keeps swirl marks to a minimum.

Harry

I have used almost exactly this method from time to time. First time I used ONR on a dusty car the initial grabby sandpaper like feel spooked me out. I then started to use the pre spray method and what a difference. I am reasonably satisfied, both from my own experience and watching endless You Tube videos, that this is a very safe way to clean the car. If it was caked in mud I would hose/jet wash the worst off first but the urban life my car leads means this is a rarity.

I've got ONR wash and wax at the moment but, on balance, I think I prefer the wash and shine.

I have found if you choose a cool day and spray the whole car well with ONR then let it dwell at least a couple of minutes, you loose that scratchy (scary) sand paper effect.
I always use the blue ONR wash and shine, haven't tried the wax one. I like to use Sonax BSD afterwards and /or Infinity wax Detailing spray to get a nice slick gloss.
I never go more than 2 weeks between washes and do the inside and engine bay too, I'm a bit sad that way. 8)

Harry
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: VicW on October 07, 2020, 03:05:20 PM
The pressure washer that I have used and own recommends that the highest pressure is not used for car cleaning. My washer, a Karcher, has three lances with different pressures available. The lowest is for applying the washing liquid, the second is for car washing and the like and the third, the highest pressure, is for driveways etc.. I wash the wheels and therefore the brakes with the car lance and have had no problems. The thing I do not pressure wash is the door mirror glasses as I don't want to force water into the electrics behind the glass.

Vic.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Happyarry on October 07, 2020, 03:40:29 PM
The pressure washer that I have used and own recommend that the highest pressure is not used for car cleaning. My washer, a Karcher, has three lances with different pressures available. The lowest is for applying the washing liquid, the second is for car washing and the like and third, the highest pressure, is for driveways etc.. I wash the wheels and therefore the brakes with the car lance and have had no problems. The thing I do not pressure wash is the door mirror glasses as I don't want to force water into the electrics behind the glass.

Vic.

Hi Vic
Most all of the professional detailers use pressure washers and as you say used correctly at the right pressure they are safe and  can be used for Snow foaming, applying product or rinsing. The reason I don't use one is that I don't have a water tap close to where I park the car and find the ONR method the next best option.

Harry
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: John Ratsey on October 07, 2020, 06:29:36 PM
I bought one of these Aldi battery pressure washers https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-18v-cordless-pressure-washer/p/010743399898701 which does a fairly good job without the risk of causing damage or having to get out electric cables and hoses. That said, the vehicle was cleaned inside and out when it went to the dealers to have the telemetry switched on so I should take the opportunity to give the car a coat of polish while it's still clean.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: Kremmen on October 08, 2020, 04:49:16 AM
Pressure washers and cars do work well, but as said above, use the correct 'spray' lance and not too close.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: peteo48 on October 08, 2020, 10:25:16 AM
I bought one of these Aldi battery pressure washers https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-18v-cordless-pressure-washer/p/010743399898701 which does a fairly good job without the risk of causing damage or having to get out electric cables and hoses. That said, the vehicle was cleaned inside and out when it went to the dealers to have the telemetry switched on so I should take the opportunity to give the car a coat of polish while it's still clean.

John - do you just put the water feed from this into a bucket? Sounds like a must have - thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Washing with a Pressure Washer.
Post by: John Ratsey on October 08, 2020, 10:24:09 PM
John - do you just put the water feed from this into a bucket? Sounds like a must have - thanks for sharing.
Yes, it sucks from a bucket which provides several minutes of spraying. The box includes a folding bucket but a big plastic bucket is more convenient.