The Pressure Matters
Car professionals and enthusiasts know that a pressure-washer car wash beats out any other standard car cleaning. Drive-through car washes accumulate a heavy amount of dirt, grime, and other contaminants on their bristles which then transfer onto your car. These washes do not properly clean your car and pose risks of damaging the body, coat, and tires. When you wash your car with a pressure washer, you greatly reduce your chances of spending time, energy, and money on potential car repairs.
If you’re wondering how to use a pressure washer for car detailing, rest assured because CleanTools has all the information you need and the products to help make it happen.
Pressure Washing VS Power Washing
Before continuing on power washer best practices, it is a common misconception that power washing and pressure washing are the same thing. These are two different car washing methods. A power washer or jet-spray car wash uses heated water, and a pressure washer uses cold water.
Snow Foaming Your Car
One of the most essential first steps in the car washing process is snow-foaming your car. Snow foam is a pre-wash agent that is typically used with a specialized sprayer called a foam cannon that works by connecting to a pressure washer. Basically, you spray a foamed detergent on the car to remove the first layer of dirt and grime before washing and scrubbing. This is a huge step in car washing because it significantly reduces the risk of swirl marks or scratches on the clear coat of a vehicle.
Follow these basic steps on how to use a pressure washer foam cannon:
- Rinse the car.
- Spray the snow foam onto the car using a foam cannon attached to a pressure washer.
- Let the foam sit on the car for a couple of minutes or however long is recommended to break down the dirt and grime.
- Rinse down the car with water.
- Now you can wash and scrub the car using a car shampoo and a Premium Wash Mitt.
Tip: The best pressure washer for a foam cannon is one that produces at least 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute) and 1100 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Car-Safe Scrubbing Methods
The best way to safely scrub the exterior of your car is with a sponge or wash mitt and a power washer soap solution. CleanTools offers a unique, non-abrasive wool blend wash mitt that gently removes dirt and soil. When you’re scrubbing your car in the washing process, make sure you avoid scrubbing in a circular motion to prevent swirls. It's best practice to rinse the wash mitt in a bucket of clean water after each use to clean off any dirt and grime left on it.
Rinse Your Car With Care
Rinsing your car in the car washing setup is one of the most important and frequent steps. To properly do this, you will need a spot-free rinse for your pressure washer. Rinsing will save you time when washing and help prevent any swirls or scratches when scrubbing. If you’re working in hot weather, make sure you rinse the car even more frequently to avoid water spots. Once you’re done rinsing, dry the car with a super absorbent, scratch-free towel.
Pressure Wash Your Car With CleanTools
Washing your car with a pressure washer is one of the most effective ways to clean your car to avoid paint and coat damage. It’s easy to use and can reach under the car to clean all the nooks and crannies that regular car washes can’t. You don’t have to be a car lover to want your car to look its best and avoid future costly repairs. Give your car an outstanding cleaning using a pressure washer with top-of-the-line products by CleanTools.