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  1. #1
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    Question Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    Would like some input on whether or not a pressure washer is really need to detail your own vehicles. I prefer just to use a spray nozzle as its easier and less of a hassle to bring out my pressure washer. Yes i know i wont be able to snow foam or have good water pressure or blast dirt away ,but I still prefer not to use it. I use the 2 bucket method , pre rinse, etc. My question to you guys is, is a pressure washer REALLY needed to have a safe wash? I live in California by the way so I don't deal with a lot of road film.

  2. #2
    Super Member The Guz's Avatar
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    In my experience no it is not necessary.

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  4. #3
    Super Member 2black1s's Avatar
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    Quote Originally Posted by GTguy559 View Post
    ... is a pressure washer REALLY needed to have a safe wash?...
    Absolutely not!

    In fact, a pressure washer for routine maintenance adds some risks in my opinion.

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  6. #4
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    You could get a foamer, which could be used with a pressure washer but if you don't have one, I wouldn't purchase one just for a foamer as they do make foamers that work with standard hose pressure. These could be used as a pre-rinse but isn't necessary. If the vehicle is muddy, it might not be a bad idea though again, not necessary.

  7. #5
    Super Member Coatingsarecrack's Avatar
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    Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    Depends on where you live. Lot of grime in the winter and it’s a definite yes. I live in NW and use it to get off alot of the road film that washes up on my car and absolutely need one.

    If you live in dryer climate probably not necessary

    I would at least get a foam gun. If your not that worry i would put 6-10 mitts in a bucket with soap.

    Foam the car down and let dwell for a few minutes to break down crud. Rinse and then i would foam a panel and wash it.

    If you don’t want to use multiple mitt just use one with a rinse bucket and grit gaurd to wash the mitt.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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  9. #6
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Coatingsarecrack View Post
    Depends on where you live. Lot of grime in the winter and it’s a definite yes. I live in NW and use it to get off alot of the road film that washes up on my car and absolutely need one.

    If you live in dryer climate probably not necessary

    I would at least get a foam gun. If your not that worry i would put 6-10 mitts in a bucket with soap.

    Foam the car down and let dwell for a few minutes to break down crud. Rinse and then i would foam a panel and wash it.

    If you don’t want to use multiple mitt just use one with a rinse bucket and grit gaurd to wash the mitt.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Agree with this. Not needed but nice to blast the heavy shat off. Never tried a foam gun but heard they work guite nice.

    Crack sorry i didnt mean to thank your post just ment to like it lol

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  11. #7
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    If I was doing a lot off roading , then maybe… But for a daily driver on the street it is completely unnecessary, in fact with the wrong nozzle and bad technique they can be positively devastating on your paint. Stick with a rinseless or 2 Bucket wash, good towels, mitts, and products.
    Glen -

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  13. #8
    Super Member Bosko's Avatar
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    I'm confused by the question myself......I'm not sure where or why you would use "Safe" in the context of the question.

    I would have worded it.....Is a power washer needed for a "Proper" wash.....perhaps that is what you meant.

    anyway.....carry on....

  14. #9
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    I recommend to let the circumstances dictate your decision. If there’s only light dirt, I may do a rinseless wash. If my truck has been hauling a load of dirt or been in the woods, pressure wash comes out. If it’s been 3 hours since my last wash and my daughters want to see the foam cannon, who am I to say no?


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  16. #10
    Super Member Bill D's Avatar
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    Re: Is a pressure washer really needed for a safe wash ?

    If you mean washing swirl free then no, a pressure washer isn’t needed if you wash on a regular schedule that is fairly often.

    I don’t remember the last time I used a pressure washer to wash my vehicles. I just reserve it for jobs around the house.
    Treat it like it's the only one in the world.

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