Being Ready Is Essential
Being properly prepared is essential for successfully pressure washing your car. Before you begin, take the time to inspect your pressure washer and all equipment to ensure everything is in good working order and ready to use. Make sure to have all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools on hand prior to starting, such as detergent, brushes, buckets, and the appropriate pressure washer nozzle. Being fully prepared will save you time during the cleaning process versus having to stop and retrieve items you find you are missing.
Selecting the Correct Tools: Technique Counts
When it comes to selecting the right cleaning tools, your technique is very important. Use a pressure washer nozzle that is suitable for the area you are working on, such as a wider-angle nozzle for larger surfaces and a narrower nozzle to target stuck-on grime. Proper techniques like starting at the top of the car and working your way down, using a side-to-side motion, and adjusting the distance and pressure from the surface will help ensure a more thorough cleanliness while avoiding any potential damage.
Put Safety First
Safety should always be the top priority when pressure washing. Be sure to wear all necessary protective gear like goggles, steel-toe boots, and gloves to prevent any high-pressure water injuries. It is also a good idea to tape or cover any lights or emblems to prevent water from getting inside areas it should not be.
The Appropriate Cleaning Supplies
When it comes to cleaning supplies, using a detergent specifically made for automotive cleaning will help cut through built-up dirt, grime, and grease more effectively compared to other household cleaners. Make sure to also have additional tools like brushes on hand to aid in scrubbing away stubborn debris. Give the wheels extra attention as they collect a lot of brake dust and dirt over time, so using a degreasing wheel cleaner suited for wheels will provide the best cleaning results in that area.
Cleanse Completely
Upon completion, thoroughly inspect all areas of the vehicle to ensure complete cleanliness and re-wash any spots missed initially. A fully clean car is important for protecting the paint from damage. Finally, drying is an essential step before applying any wax or protectants as it avoids water spots and allows products to properly bond to the clean, dry surface.
Drying is Essential for Installing a Flue Liner (Bonus Tip)
After pressure washing your car, it is important to fully dry the vehicle before applying any protectants or wax to the paint. Leaving moisture on the surface can cause issues.
One product people often apply after washing is a fluoride liner or coating. For that you might need flue liner installation services. A fluoride liner is a protective layer that is bonded to the clear coat of the painted surface. It helps strengthen the clear coat and provides further protection against damaging UV rays, acid rain, and other environmental elements that can degrade the paint over time.
For a fluoride liner to properly bond to the car’s clear coat, the surface needs to be completely dry. Even small amounts of remaining water trapped under the liner could cause it to peel or bubble up over days as that water tries to evaporate.
