utkinpol

Just wonder about this idea as I am tired to wash off pads build up from rims. Is there any reasonably cheap powerwash machine I could use to clean off mold from the deck and also wash wheels with no fear to damage aluminum or paint?

Marine Blue

For the wheels any good electric power wash will do, Kranzle seems to get very good reviews.

The deck and the many other uses for a pressure washer really depends. If you have a big deck and or decide to wash the siding or driveway you may want something more powerful.

Spokane5150

You'll need a high volume high pressure industrial power washer for the deck. The typical gas powered washer will not get the job done. Something like 6 gal/min and at least 4000 PSI will do the trick. You'll pay a $3k for one of these industrial power washers. I have a Craftsmen gas power washer with 3000 psi and 3.3 GPM and it will not blow the fuzz off a deck or wood fence. However, it does an awesome job of washing the cars, windows, and a little bit of house exterior cleaning. You should be able to rent one of these industrial washers for less than $100/day.

Marine Blue

I agree, I have a slightly larger Craftsman that I use for the deck and siding and it gets the job done but it takes a loooooong time! The deck (trex) doesn't come completely clean. For reference you shouldn't power wash wood, it causes splintering. Scrubbing and cleaning agents with regular hose is the best method for wood.

Spokane5150

True that....I agree with marine Blue. There is a really good chemical deck cleaner I got from Home Depot that will do the job without the power washer. I would still pick up a Gas Power Washer. They are so handy it'll pay for itself cleaning the cars.

Mumbles

Try Costco, small gas Honda power washers.

San Rensho

WTF are you guys serious? You want t sandblast your car's finish? Just use a soft brush on the end of a 4 foot stick with a good wash/wax solution. With this setup, I don't even have to squat down to clean the wheels. Less is more.

USMC_DS1

I like to use the p-washer to clean the rotors and for the wheels. Seems to works well. Has anyone seen adversed affects? should I stop doing this? Maybe set it on gentle for the wheels?

MICHAELWWW

Water gets on the engine when doing the rears and can roger things until it dries out. Low pressure on the rears. IHBD

DreamCarrera

+1 (well, I don't know about the brush on a 4FT. stick part but I agree not to use a PW)

No need for a PW to clean the Pcar. Just say NO!!!

Spokane5150

A delicate nozzle (not impingement) is far from sand blasting and the best way to wash your automobile. You're scraping the heck out of your car if you use a soft brush or sponge. In my opinion touchless is the only way to go.

San Rensho

Touchless doesn't remove the grit and grime that accumulates on the finish of you car and with time deterioratesthe finish. A brush or wash mitt is no where near as aggressive as a clay bar, which I think you will admit is not damaging to the finish. After I wash with a brush, the paint is absolutely smooth, the same as it is after a wax or clay bar.

rjkjlk4576

I just drive to auto car wash and pull into one of the bays to power wash my wheels every time they get real dirty. Don't wash the car there. Drive home and dry out the parts of the engine that may be wet and wash the car. $2.00 covers the cost. It takes a lot of tips to the car wash including car before you reach the cost of a power washer. Have to admit I'm thinking of buying an electric power washer for convience.

okbarnett

#1 solution is to keep your wheels washed all the time.
#2 solution is to go to a car wash and soak them with the Tire Wash solution cycle, which is a foamy chemical that does a good job cleaning the brake dust on the wheels and brakes. then pressure it off.
#3 is take the wheels off and wash them with Meguaires or Eagle One or most any other mag wheel cleaner, which is a pretty strong chemical that eats the brake dust and grime pretty agressively , gloves required.

San Rensho

No. Car wash wheel cleaners are agressive, acid washes that will fog the clear coat on your wheels. Wash by hand with the same car wash/wax that you use for the paint work. Come on guys, this isn't rocket surgery. Just hand wash your wheels. Jeez.