by Derek
29 Jul/2022
The Dos and Don’ts of Car Pressure Washing
Car pressure washing is the process of using a high-pressure stream of water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from the surface of a car. This type of cleaning is typically performed using a pressure washer, which is a machine that generates a high-pressure stream of water from a hose connected to a pump. A pressure washer is an effective way to clean cars quickly and efficiently, and it can be used on both the exterior and interior surfaces of a car. Car pressure washing is often used in conjunction with other types of car care, such as waxing and polishing, to achieve a complete clean.
If you’re looking to give your car a good cleaning, pressure washing is a great option. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind to do it safely and effectively. Here are the dos and don’ts of car pressure washing.
DO:
- Choose the right pressure washer. Make sure you select a pressure washer that’s designed for use on cars. Otherwise, you could damage the paint or finish.
- Use the right detergent. Car shampoo is specifically formulated to be gentle on car finishes. Regular dish soap or laundry detergent can be too harsh and strip away waxes and protective coatings.
- Start with the wheels. The wheels are typically the dirtiest part of the car, so start there. Use a lower pressure setting and move the wand in a circular motion.
- Work your way up. Once you’ve cleaned the wheels, move on to the rest of the car. Start at the bottom and work your way up.
- Be careful around sensitive areas. Use a lower pressure setting when cleaning around mirrors, windshields, and other areas that could be damaged by high pressure.
- Don’t use too much pressure. Even with a car-specific pressure washer, you can still damage the paint if you use too much pressure. Start with a low setting and increase as needed.
- Don’t get too close. Hold the wand at least 12 inches from the surface of the car. Getting too close can cause water to penetrate cracks and crevices, leading to rust and corrosion.
- Don’t forget to rinse. After washing your car, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This will remove any soap residue and prevent it from drying on the surface.
- Don’t wash in direct sunlight. The heat from the sun can cause soap to dry on the car’s surface, making it difficult to remove. Find a shady spot to pressure wash your car instead.
- Don’t forget to dry. After pressure washing your car, be sure to dry it off with a clean towel. Allowing it to air dry can leave water spots.





