Definitive Guide On How To Clean Your SUV Safely With A Pressure Washer
Pressure washing the exterior of your SUV is a lot easier and hassle-free in comparison to hand washing. It will not only save you time, but it's also very efficient and practical. Pair it with some nice detailing products, and the amazing result will leave your neighbors green with envy.
No doubt, investing in a pressure washer is a good move on your part. It is ideal for anyone who is looking to get the job done as quickly as possible and for car enthusiasts who wash their vehicles every week. Nonetheless, there are do's and don'ts you need to remember when working a pressure washer.
If you're not careful, you'll end up soaking its interior, ruin your tires, and chip the paintwork of your pride and glory. So in today's post, we have put together essential tips and a quick guide to help you pressure wash your car safely.
Steps On How To Pressure Wash Your SUV
Step 1: Choose the suitable pressure washer for the job
It is vital to utilize a pressure washer with the proper water flow (GPM or gallons per minute) and power (PSI or pounds per square inch) when cleaning your SUV. Keep in mind that a unit with a higher PSI will produce more water force. Meanwhile, it will deliver more water the greater its GPM is.
Another pressure washer rating you should be aware of is cleaning units (CU). To know the CU of your machine, simply multiply its PSI with its GPM. See the example below:
1200PSI x 2GPM = 2400 cleaning units
It is advisable to employ a pressure washer with about 1900-2800 CU when cleaning vehicles. It is much more effective at washing and applies less water than your good old garden hose. You can use both gas and electric-powered washers.
Generally, the washing capacity of a gas pressure washer is more powerful. Hence, it is too strong for lighter chores. So to avoid inflicting any accidental harm to your car, it is recommended to use an electric pressure washer with the proper PSI instead.
Check out the best electric pressure washers reviews and ratings at https://cleanup.expert/electric-power-washer-ratings/ to help you find the appropriate one for your needs.
Step 2: Make sure you have the right nozzles
Pressure washer nozzles are available in various types. To effectively wash your car as well as to avoid damaging its paint job, it is crucial to use the correct nozzle size.
The green or 25-degree nozzle rinses debris off of hard surfaces. It is good to use for pre-wash rinsing. You can also use it for cleaning tires, truck beds, and flush the mud off the surface of your car. The 40-degree white nozzle washes large areas quickly. It is ideal to use for car surfaces and for rinsing off the detergent.
Meanwhile, nozzles with a narrow tip, such as the 0-degree (red) and 15-degree (yellow) types deliver more pressure. They are more suitable for getting rid of stains from cement and stripping off paint.
Step 3: Park your vehicle in an open area
It is vital to park your SUV in a spot suitable for pressure washing, such as a wide driveway. Also, keep it away from any objects or other vehicles that you don't want to get destroyed or wet by water. When utilizing an electric washer, check and ensure there is an electrical outlet nearby or use the appropriate extension if necessary.
Step 4: Rinse off the top layer of filth and grit
Flush your car first of grime and filth clinging to its surface before you apply any detergent. The spray should be strong enough to clean your car but not too powerful to avoid damaging its paint. Also, start at 4 to 5 feet away from your SUV to test out your washer, then move closer afterward.
Do not forget to roll up all the windows of your vehicle and close its trunk and doors. The last thing you want is for water to get into the interior. Use a less powerful and slightly wider setting for fragile areas like lights and windows.
Here's a checklist of the materials you'll need to prepare:
- Pressure washer
- Green or 25-degree tip
- Electrical outlet
- Water outlet
Once you have everything, follow these steps when rinsing your car:
- Plug your unit into your electric source.
- Connect your machine to a water outlet.
- Attach the green (25-degree) tip to the nozzle of your pressure washer.
- Switch on your unit and spray water over the car's whole surface, including its tires.
Step 5: Apply a pressure washer-specific detergent
To apply detergent, dissolve the concentrated detergent with water in a bucket. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the water-to-detergent ratio. Then, pour the diluted detergent into your washer's detergent reservoir.
Check and ensure that your machine is in the right setting, or you'll spray water on your car instead of detergent. Likewise, it should be set to the least powerful and widest setting. If your pressure washer does not come with a detergent tank, manually apply it using a rag.
Start spraying the detergent on your SUV by beginning from the top and working your way down. Leave the detergent for at least five minutes but do not let it dry, or it will leave your car with blemishes, which you need to buff out later.
Step 6: Rinse off the detergent
Use the white or 40-degree tip to rinse off the detergent on your SUV. Hold your pressure washer gun and position it at a 45-degree angle, then flush away the detergent downward from the top of your car.
After rinsing, you may dry your vehicle using a soft cloth or towel.
Pressure Washer Features To Consider For Cleaning Cars
- Long hose. The hose should be around five meters long so that you don't have to maneuver around your car.
- Nozzle attachments. Look for those that let you shift the spray's direction. You'll be able to easily clean the insides of the wheel arches with an angled nozzle.
- Wheels. Some pressure washers are heavier than others, so this feature is quite handy. It allows you to move your machine with ease instead of carrying it around.
- Variable or adjustable nozzles: This will make washing various parts of your SUV much safer. It comes with five nozzles, which you can adjust in real-time.