power washer

[grahamc]

well just got one, arrived today, and I dont know how I managed without it, now I can wash the car everyday

 

My question is what mixture/soap do you use in the soap bottle thingie (not sure on the name, you stick a bottle on the end of the lance with soap and it foams the car)? I ended up going through a lot of foam and only half the car got done

[peter richards]

i use snow foam graham , but only as a pre soak , just to loosen up the gunge, what is it that you have been using .

and as for the bottles yes you have to be quick around the car

[grahamc]

auto glym stuff... Where do I get snow foam?

[peter richards]

i get mine in bulk , i might do a GB on it if theres enough interest , but youll have to have a foam gun

[Daston]

dont power washers bugger up the paint?

[Pete]

dont power washers bugger up the paint?

 

Depends what pressure they're at. Some of the expensive ones are very high pressured and some heat as well I believe? Best avoided.

Your usual Asda special will be fine...in fact as Peter says, only really good for a quick loosening of dirt and swill off afterwards.

[Daston]

hmm may pick one up then good for keeping the bottom clean.....of the car

[peter richards]

power washers are ok , just dont get to close to the paint work .

i only use mine if the vehicle is really dirty , i have an attatchment that allows me to foam the cars just using the hose pipe, foam leave for only a few mins then sinse off

[Guigsy]

i use the one at tesco!

[peter richards]

lol id hate to see the state on the paintwork

[Guigsy]

i tend to avoid useing the brush. but as far as i can see its ok. i dont go arround 2 cm away with the nozzle. about afoot and a half away most of the time does a good job. and it envolves less arm work. and its fun

[peter richards]

and then when its dry you see the bits you missed

[grahamc]

whats a foam gun? Is that the attachment that goes onto the lance and mixes with the water?

[Stuliet]

I just bought an Autobrite foam lance and it is superb! It is a bit pricey but seems to do a good job - makes the car look like a christmas tree covered in snow;

 

http://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1207

 

 

Karcher also do a foam lance that you can get from Halfords for £15

 

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&productId=217894&categoryId=31457

 

I put a little (approx 50ml) of 'Super Snow Foam' into the bottle and fill up the rest with water.

[michael]

I have a Gilmour Foamaster, doesn't get the thick snow effect of the Autobrite but does a better job than the other alternatives I've used.

 

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-drying/gilmour-foamaster-ii/prod_329.html

 

Mine is the original version with brass fittings, I'm thinking of selling it soon if anyone fancies a go

[Gerry]

I'm a main Karcher Dealer so have access to a huge range of kit, but I always clean the Supe with a bucket & sponge.

 

Pressure washers are OK for underneath the wheel arches, but I personally wouldn't use them for anywhere else.

 

Even with a good quality chemical or foam, it doesn't get the paintwork 100% clean and there's always a small risk of it pushing water behind seals and taking very small bits of paint off on the very edges of the paintwork.

 

Just my opinion, I know lots of people use them & like them (I use them on my other cars & vans).

 

G