New pressure washer, need advice

Zayzel · 07-25-2018, 10:03 AM

Hey all, I just bought a Sunjoe pressure washer with an MTM foam cannon attachment for the washer + some chemical guys honeydew detergent.

This is the first time I've ever used a pressure washer. I was just wondering what the "best" way to wash the car is with this thing. Do I stand a few feet away and spray it down with water then do a pass with the foam cannon? Do I just foam the shit out of my car and then spray it down with water? Do I foam it and then go over it with a wash mitt?

I know... I'm hopeless and useless, please send help.

Aaaaaaaaa · 07-25-2018, 11:08 AM

Just remember the rule of "half the distance double the pressure". Meaning don't get too close or you risk paint damage.

cwhands · 07-25-2018, 11:24 AM

Rinse, Foam, Two Bucket Wash (with a Mitt), Rinse, Dry.

Remember to go Top to Bottom and Front to Back while you wash. That is - do things like the roof, trunk, hood, top half of doors, etc. Before you hit the lower areas of the car as they are always going to have more (potentially) damaging particles on them.

If you're doing this in the direct sun, note that it has a negative impact on your wash - products drying out, streaking, water spots, etc.

Your next investment should be high quality drying towels or a FILTERED blower to dry the car.

Oh - NO CIRCULAR MOTIONS with rags or mitts!

Speedwell-Industries · 07-25-2018, 11:42 AM

This is how I do it:

Wash wheels first
Rinse the whole car
Foam the car
Wipe with microfiber wash mitts (two buckets - no circular motions)
Rinse
Dry

Make sure that the pressure washer isn't turned on when no water is running through so that you don't burn your motor. Washing is always easiest in the shade, as the sun tends to dry the water/soap on the paint leaving marks.

Happy detailing!

Zayzel · 07-25-2018, 11:54 AM

Just one pass with the rinse/foam? For the 2 bucket with microfiber mitt part, do I use car detergent in 1 bucket and clean water in the other? Following the 2 bucket, do I rinse with the pressure washer or just a sprinkle nozzle on the end of a garden hose?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedwell-Industries

This is how I do it:

Wash wheels first
Rinse the whole car
Foam the car
Wipe with microfiber wash mitts (two buckets - no circular motions)
Rinse
Dry

Make sure that the pressure washer isn't turned on when no water is running through so that you don't burn your motor. Washing is always easiest in the shade, as the sun tends to dry the water/soap on the paint leaving marks.

Happy detailing!

mephiska · 07-25-2018, 12:19 PM

Wash wheels
Foam the car (yes, while dry)
Let foam run off the car for 5 minutes to carry all the loose (now lubricated with soap) particles with it
Rinse
Soap and wash 2 bucket as usual

cwhands · 07-25-2018, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zayzel

Just one pass with the rinse/foam? For the 2 bucket with microfiber mitt part, do I use car detergent in 1 bucket and clean water in the other? Following the 2 bucket, do I rinse with the pressure washer or just a sprinkle nozzle on the end of a garden hose?

Yes 1 bucket with soap, 1 with clean water - Grit Guards for each would be worthwhile as well.

Rinse can be done with one or the other. Depending on what products I'm using I rinse with a hose other times with the pressure washer.

Speedwell-Industries · 07-25-2018, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zayzel

Just one pass with the rinse/foam? For the 2 bucket with microfiber mitt part, do I use car detergent in 1 bucket and clean water in the other? Following the 2 bucket, do I rinse with the pressure washer or just a sprinkle nozzle on the end of a garden hose?

Yes, one bucket with detergent and one bucket with clean water.

When I rinse, I like to use the sprinkle nozzle at the end. Using just the hose for the final rinse off usually helps to get most of the water off to help with drying.

Or you can invest in a spot free water system and not have to worry about drying.

Sam

Speedwell-Industries · 07-25-2018, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwhands

Yes 1 bucket with soap, 1 with clean water - Grit Guards for each would be worthwhile as well.

Rinse can be done with one or the other. Depending on what products I'm using I rinse with a hose other times with the pressure washer.

+1 Both ways work, but it usually depends on your preference.

cwhands · 07-25-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedwell-Industries

Using just the hose for the final rinse off usually helps to get most of the water off to help with drying.

Or you can invest in a spot free water system and not have to worry about drying.

Sam

CR Spotless is a good idea for spot free water - also couldn't agree more with the part about drying with just the hose - If you have strong hydrophobic properties on your paint you can minimize the amount of drying you need to do by getting most surface nearly dry by using the flow from the hose combined with the run off created by your protective products (waxes, silica based sealants, etc.)

Speedwell-Industries · 07-25-2018, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwhands

Yes 1 bucket with soap, 1 with clean water - Grit Guards for each would be worthwhile as well.

Rinse can be done with one or the other. Depending on what products I'm using I rinse with a hose other times with the pressure washer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwhands

CR Spotless is a good idea for spot free water - also couldn't agree more with the part about drying with just the hose - If you have strong hydrophobic properties on your paint you can minimize the amount of drying you need to do by getting most surface nearly dry by using the flow from the hose combined with the run off created by your protective products (waxes, silica based sealants, etc.)

Definitely! Regular paint maintenance is the best/easiest way to have a stunning looking car!

MomoM3 · 09-27-2018, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zayzel

Hey all, I just bought a Sunjoe pressure washer with an MTM foam cannon attachment for the washer + some chemical guys honeydew detergent.

This is the first time I've ever used a pressure washer. I was just wondering what the "best" way to wash the car is with this thing. Do I stand a few feet away and spray it down with water then do a pass with the foam cannon? Do I just foam the shit out of my car and then spray it down with water? Do I foam it and then go over it with a wash mitt?

I know... I'm hopeless and useless, please send help.

Which Sunjoe did you get and what is the PSI?

damageprone · 09-28-2018, 11:30 AM

There are so many schools of thought when it comes to washing the car its crazy. I've tried most of them and I can't tell which one I like best. I just know most of them still take me an hour plus to finish. Here are a few variations I've tried:

Wash wheels first
Rinse the whole car
Foam the car (Dwell 3-5 minutes)
Rinse car
Foam car again
Two bucket wash (with grit guards)
Rinse
Dry (With CR Spotless + Leaf Blower)

Wash wheels first
DRY Foam the car (Dwell 3-5 minutes)
Rinse car
Foam car again
Two bucket wash (with Grit guards)
Rinse
Dry (With CR Spotless + Leaf Blower)

This is one a lot of detailers I've seen use:
Wash wheels first
Rinse car
Foam the car
ONE bucket wash (with Grit guard)
Rinse
Dry

When I tried this one, there was a little too much stuff in the bucket for my liking and didn't try it again.

I think I'm foaming the car too much, but I'm only doing so because I have so much left over in the canister and want to use it up. I think you can usually do with one foam step.

Zayzel · 10-01-2018, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MomoM3

Which Sunjoe did you get and what is the PSI?

I got the Sun Joe SPX3000. It looks like 2030 PSI

Zayzel · 10-01-2018, 01:55 PM

Thank you! This is actually extremely helpful. For some reason I always did my wheels last lol. I'll try doing my wheels first this weekend with the first method you provided.

Quote:

Originally Posted by damageprone

There are so many schools of thought when it comes to washing the car its crazy. I've tried most of them and I can't tell which one I like best. I just know most of them still take me an hour plus to finish. Here are a few variations I've tried:

Wash wheels first
Rinse the whole car
Foam the car (Dwell 3-5 minutes)
Rinse car
Foam car again
Two bucket wash (with grit guards)
Rinse
Dry (With CR Spotless + Leaf Blower)

Wash wheels first
DRY Foam the car (Dwell 3-5 minutes)
Rinse car
Foam car again
Two bucket wash (with Grit guards)
Rinse
Dry (With CR Spotless + Leaf Blower)

This is one a lot of detailers I've seen use:
Wash wheels first
Rinse car
Foam the car
ONE bucket wash (with Grit guard)
Rinse
Dry

When I tried this one, there was a little too much stuff in the bucket for my liking and didn't try it again.

I think I'm foaming the car too much, but I'm only doing so because I have so much left over in the canister and want to use it up. I think you can usually do with one foam step.

tebbnsx · 10-01-2018, 02:06 PM

I’m in Arkansas as well, CONWAY, with an 18 INDIVIDUAL Frozen white ZCP 6 speed.

Zayzel · 10-01-2018, 03:40 PM

Nice! We have a group on IG of just NWA M cars. If you have an IG, I can add you to our group. We try to get together to do meets and discuss other car related things. Let me know if interested!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tebbnsx

I’m in Arkansas as well, CONWAY, with an 18 INDIVIDUAL Frozen white ZCP 6 speed.

Mapo · 10-05-2018, 12:11 AM

I’m going to try this gizmo when above freezing this winter in PA as outside house water lines are shut down ; sun joe spx6001c-XR. M4 is WG deep gloss sealed with McKee’s fast wax on top ( to make it easier to clean).However, car stays in garage when snow n salt are on the roads.

07-25-2018, 10:03 AM	#1
Zayzel IG: @Zayzel 385 Rep 303 Posts Drives: '18 Atlantis Metallic M3 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (1)	New pressure washer, need advice Hey all, I just bought a Sunjoe pressure washer with an MTM foam cannon attachment for the washer + some chemical guys honeydew detergent. This is the first time I've ever used a pressure washer. I was just wondering what the "best" way to wash the car is with this thing. Do I stand a few feet away and spray it down with water then do a pass with the foam cannon? Do I just foam the shit out of my car and then spray it down with water? Do I foam it and then go over it with a wash mitt? I know... I'm hopeless and useless, please send help. __________________ 2018 F80 Atlantis Metallic DCT \| ZCP \| MS Springs \| 20" Custom Vorsteiner VFN 512 \| OEM CF Lip + Splitters \| Injen Intake \| EAS CF Seatbacks + Individual iND custom striping \| OEM V2 Steering Wheel + custom trim \| Pedal Haus \| Remus Exhaust + AA Midpipe IG: @Zayzel
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07-25-2018, 11:08 AM	#2
Aaaaaaaaa Banned 7559 Rep 5,056 Posts Drives: The other M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	New pressure washer, need advice Just remember the rule of "half the distance double the pressure". Meaning don't get too close or you risk paint damage.
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07-25-2018, 11:24 AM	#3
cwhands Captain 640 Rep 718 Posts Drives: F80 M3 SS/CSAT 6MT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	Rinse, Foam, Two Bucket Wash (with a Mitt), Rinse, Dry. Remember to go Top to Bottom and Front to Back while you wash. That is - do things like the roof, trunk, hood, top half of doors, etc. Before you hit the lower areas of the car as they are always going to have more (potentially) damaging particles on them. If you're doing this in the direct sun, note that it has a negative impact on your wash - products drying out, streaking, water spots, etc. Your next investment should be high quality drying towels or a FILTERED blower to dry the car. Oh - NO CIRCULAR MOTIONS with rags or mitts!
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07-25-2018, 11:42 AM	#4
Speedwell-Industries 434 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2017 YMB M3 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	This is how I do it: Wash wheels first Rinse the whole car Foam the car Wipe with microfiber wash mitts (two buckets - no circular motions) Rinse Dry Make sure that the pressure washer isn't turned on when no water is running through so that you don't burn your motor. Washing is always easiest in the shade, as the sun tends to dry the water/soap on the paint leaving marks. Happy detailing!
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07-25-2018, 12:19 PM	#6
mephiska Major 515 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: East Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2015.5 Volvo V60 T5 ... [0.00]	Wash wheels Foam the car (yes, while dry) Let foam run off the car for 5 minutes to carry all the loose (now lubricated with soap) particles with it Rinse Soap and wash 2 bucket as usual __________________
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09-28-2018, 11:30 AM	#13
damageprone Major 581 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: Tesla Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Casino iTrader: (1)	There are so many schools of thought when it comes to washing the car its crazy. I've tried most of them and I can't tell which one I like best. I just know most of them still take me an hour plus to finish. Here are a few variations I've tried: Wash wheels first Rinse the whole car Foam the car (Dwell 3-5 minutes) Rinse car Foam car again Two bucket wash (with grit guards) Rinse Dry (With CR Spotless + Leaf Blower) Wash wheels first DRY Foam the car (Dwell 3-5 minutes) Rinse car Foam car again Two bucket wash (with Grit guards) Rinse Dry (With CR Spotless + Leaf Blower) This is one a lot of detailers I've seen use: Wash wheels first Rinse car Foam the car ONE bucket wash (with Grit guard) Rinse Dry When I tried this one, there was a little too much stuff in the bucket for my liking and didn't try it again. I think I'm foaming the car too much, but I'm only doing so because I have so much left over in the canister and want to use it up. I think you can usually do with one foam step. Last edited by damageprone; 09-28-2018 at 12:22 PM..
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10-01-2018, 02:06 PM	#16
tebbnsx Captain 719 Rep 785 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Arkansas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00]	I’m in Arkansas as well, CONWAY, with an 18 INDIVIDUAL Frozen white ZCP 6 speed. Attached Images
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10-05-2018, 12:11 AM	#18
Mapo New Member 9 Rep 26 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Audubon,pa iTrader: (0)	I’m going to try this gizmo when above freezing this winter in PA as outside house water lines are shut down ; sun joe spx6001c-XR. M4 is WG deep gloss sealed with McKee’s fast wax on top ( to make it easier to clean).However, car stays in garage when snow n salt are on the roads.
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