Pressure washers. To be used or no

[vdubpower]

Was thinking About picking up a pressure washer From Home Depot to use to wash my car. I don't know if this happens too much pressure for a car. I don't want to blow out my windows. It's rated at 1400 psi. What are your thoughts.?
Thanks

[Bunky]

Re: Pressure washers. To be used or no

For washing, you will use the fan spray mode and with 1400 psi you do not really have anything to worry about unless you get the tip within a few inches of the paint. If it has a jet mode then you could have more risk at close distances. I have a 1400 psi Kranzle and fairly tame compared to my gas 2800 psi / 3GPM+ that can strip paint, etc.

[vdubpower]

Re: Pressure washers. To be used or no

I was thinking of getting this one. Pretty basic I guess

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cleanforce-1400-psi-1-4-GPM-Aluminum-Axial-Cam-Electric-Pressure-Washer-CF1400/203027472#.UfxDJ3y9KSM

Can these be used as foam cannons as they call them

[Detailing by M]

Re: Pressure washers. To be used or no

It's fine you wont' damage anything unless it's already damaged, ie: flaked, cracked paint and the like.
I've never done any damage with a power wash and I've washed thousands of cars.

[Psynx]

I was thinking of getting this one. Pretty basic I guess

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cleanforce-1400-psi-1-4-GPM-Aluminum-Axial-Cam-Electric-Pressure-Washer-CF1400/203027472#.UfxDJ3y9KSM

Can these be used as foam cannons as they call them

I had the 1800 clean force from home depot ended up returning it for a gas powered one.
The motor on those electric pw are weak. And the hose is really short. Also you can't buy a longer one and swap it out. The hose is built in.
And it did okay with a foam cannon but there's specific mtm foam lances now for either electric or gas powered pw

[vdubpower]

Re: Pressure washers. To be used or no

i just need somethign for basic home cleaning and car cleaning, nothing professional, hope this will do the trick....

i dunno if the gun can take other end peices tho

[Bunky]

Re: Pressure washers. To be used or no

Pressure washers are usually rated by cleaning units (psi times gallons per minute). The pressure dislodges the dirt and the gpm increases ability to wash it away. Most electrics top out around 2800 cleaning units due to power limitations (a pump that runs on 15A since most outlets are only rated for 15A). A 2800 cleaning unit rated machine should be plenty for cleaning cars and light around the house chores (driveways, sidings, decks). One factor on pressure is knowing the working pressure since some "1800" units may have a lower actual working pressure (the old hp measurement gimmick).

You often get what you pay since most cheap electrics are mostly plastic (threads etc). Some have a short life especially if abused like leaving water in pump and then let it freeze. There are web sites like pressure washer direct that have reviews and comparisons. I would suggest looking for a good warranty and return policy and lean toward the higher end models.

[vdubpower]

Re: Pressure washers. To be used or no

yeah if it doesnt do anything special for me more than a regular hose does it will go back.
ive got 90 days.......dammit where did i put my reciept