Owning a car represents independence and individuality and is more than just a convenience. Any automobile lover will take great pride in maintaining their vehicle, whether they drive a sleek sports car or a dependable family car. A time-honored technique that goes beyond routine car washes is car detailing. Your car will look brand new after a comprehensive cleaning and restoration process. And there isn’t a better tool for the job than a top-notch pressure washer. We’ll discuss the best pressure washer for car detailing and go into the world of the best pressure washers to boost your detailing game.
While employing a pressure washer elevates car detailing to a whole new level, conventional car washing techniques can still be useful. A competent pressure washer has the strength and dexterity required to get rid of dirt, debris, and persistent stains from every nook and corner of your car. Even the most difficult-to-reach regions are properly cleaned with no damage to the surface of the car because of the high-pressure water stream. With the correct pressure washer on your side, you can save time and effort while getting results that are on par with those of a professional right in your driveway.
Table of Contents
What is car detailing?
Car detailing is an intensive cleaning process to protect the surfaces of your car and restore its beauty through a thorough cleaning and reconditioning process. Detailing, as opposed to a typical vehicle wash, involves a thorough procedure that tackles the automobile’s inside and exterior. The aim is to obtain a showroom-worthy appearance, which includes cleaning out dirt and grime as well as polishing and waxing. The procedure seeks to bring back your car’s original sheen, increase durability, and raise its resale value.
How long does it take to detail a car?
Several variables, such as the size of the vehicle, its state, and the quality of detailing you want to accomplish, might affect how long it takes to detail an automobile. A typical car detailing appointment can last anywhere between two and six hours. This time estimate could go up if you select extra services like engine bay cleaning or paint correction if your car is larger and has significant soiling or both. High-end luxury cars or severely neglected vehicles may even require a professional detailer to spend a whole day or more thoroughly restoring them.
The process of detailing a car takes time, accuracy, and attention to detail. Spending the effort necessary to properly detail your automobile will be gratifying and pleasant if you’re a car lover.
5 – Best Pressure washer for Car Detailing
With extensive research, customer feedback, expert opinions, and a lot of background knowledge about pressure washers, we have listed down and reviewed 5 of the best pressure washer for detailing cars. The reviews will help you take a better decision, however, before we move on, we will remind you that the PSI of pressure washers required for car detailing is only a top notches higher than that of a garden hose because cleaning your vehicles is a delicate job while for many other outdoor jobs, you will need a higher PSI. Read our article on the PSI required for pressure washers.
1. Sun Joe SPX3000 – Best Electric Pressure washer for Car Detailing
Having the appropriate pressure washer may make a world of difference when detailing cars. With its excellent features and corded electric design, the SunJoe SPX3000 is a leading contender in the pressure washer market. This pressure washer has a powerful 14.5 amp motor that can produce up to 2030 psi and 1.76 GPM of flow. Let’s examine the SunJoe SPX3000 in more detail and assess its advantages and disadvantages.
PROS
- Powerful cleaning performance with 2030 PSI and 1.76 GPM
- Dual Detergent tanks
- Total Shut system that ensures safety when the trigger is not engaged.
CONS
- The corded design limits the unit’s mobility.
- Plastic construction possibility of potential damage
- Noisy operation.
For those who enjoy car detailing, the SunJoe SPX3000 proves to be a powerful ally. This pressure washer simplifies car cleaning thanks to its strong 2030 psi motor, twin detergent tanks, and useful Total Stop System. The SunJoe SPX3000 is dependable and effective equipment for preserving the immaculate appearance of your automobile, despite the corded design and plastic construction, which are minor limitations. This pressure washer needs to be on your shortlist of probable options if you place a high value on power and adaptability in your routine for detailing cars.
2. Craftsman CMEPW1700 – The efficient car detailing solution
The Craftsman CMEPW1700 is a promising pressure washer alternative for enthusiasts who enjoy car detailing and are looking for a dependable and effective model. This pressure washer has a 13 amp motor and can produce 1700 psi at its maximum flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute (GPM). Let’s examine the Craftsman CMEPW1700’s characteristics in more detail now. It has smart design elements and a CETA certification to support its performance.
PROS
- Compact and organized
- Kink resistant hose
- Extended power cord
CONS
- Moderate cleaning power as compared to other high-powered pressure washers
- Limited flow rate
- The foam cannon is smaller for handling larger detailing jobs.
The Craftsman CMEPW1700 is a competent pressure washer that manages to combine ease and effectiveness. Its onboard storage and kink-resistant hose are two examples of intelligent design features that improve the user experience in general. Although not the best in its class in terms of cleaning power and flow rate, they are more than enough for the majority of car detailing duties. Its reputation is further enhanced by the CETA certification, which reassures users of its performance and quality. The Craftsman CMEPW1700 is a deserving contender for your auto detailing toolkit if you place a high priority on mobility, orderly storage, and a moderate cleaning force.
3. Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer – Best power washer for mobile detailing
For automobile detailing lovers, Stanley’s SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer is a powerful and adaptable cleaning equipment. With a maximum pressure of astounding 2150 PSI and a flow rate of 1.4 GPM, this pressure washer is made to handle even the most difficult detailing jobs. Let’s take a closer look at the Stanley SHP2150, which is loaded with a variety of accessories and professional features.
PROS
- Outstanding performance with 2150 PSI & 1.4 GPM
- Comprehensive accessories
- Convenient and durable design
CONS
- Consumes high power
- Insufficient capacity of Foam cannon for detailed jobs
- Heavy built
The Stanley SHP2150 Portable Electric Pressure Washer is a workhorse that meets the demands of auto detailing fans looking for performance of the highest caliber. Its high-pressure output and extensive accessory collection guarantee effective and exact cleaning results for your cherished vehicle. For dedicated auto detailers, quick-connect nozzles and the durability of metal components make it a worthwhile investment even though it may use more power and may need foam cannon refills. The Stanley SHP2150 is a top competitor in the world of auto detailing equipment if you’re looking for a pressure washer that offers great cleaning ability and versatility.
4. Kärcher – K1700 Cube – Best cheap car pressure washer
Developed to meet a variety of automotive detailing demands, the Kärcher K1700 Cube TruPressure Electric Pressure Washer is a dynamic and adaptable cleaning equipment. With a brushless induction motor and 1700 PSI of TruPressure, this power washer delivers powerful performance with prolonged operating life and decreased noise levels. Let’s examine the Kärcher K1700 Cube’s capabilities and its many useful features.
PROS
- Powerful and quiet operation
- Versatility with nozzles
- Convenient features
CONS
- Limited flow rate
- Cold water pressure washer
- No built-in wheels
The Kärcher K1700 Cube TruPressure Electric Pressure Washer is the perfect option for auto detailing fans because to its explosive combination of performance and adaptability. A variety of quick-connect nozzles and its powerful yet quiet operation guarantee effective cleaning on a variety of surfaces. The Kärcher K1700 Cube excels with its useful features, like the removable storage container and the 0.3-gallon detergent tank, while the flow rate and absence of built-in wheels may be minor problems. The Kärcher K1700 Cube is a great option if you’re looking for a dependable, multipurpose pressure washer to tackle all of your car detailing needs because it offers cleaner and quicker results.
5. Karcher K5 Premium – Best pressure washer for car detailing
A high-performance cleaning powerhouse, the Kärcher K5 Premium Electric Power Induction Pressure Washer is made to handle even the most difficult automotive detailing tasks with ease. The K5 Premium outperforms universal motors in cleaning performance thanks to its strong water-cooled induction motor and non-corrosive N-COR pump. This pressure washer delivers adaptability and precise cleaning performance on a variety of surfaces since it comes equipped with the revolutionary Vario Power and Dirt Blaster spray wands. Let’s examine the Kärcher K5 Premium’s features and talents.
PROS
- Exceptional cleaning performance’
- Versatile spray wands
- Convenient features
CONS
- Noisy operation
- Higher priced
- Heavyweight
For those who are passionate about car detailing and need a pressure washer with unmatched cleaning power and efficiency, the Kärcher K5 Premium Electric Power Induction Pressure Washer is a superb option. It provides great performance and precise cleaning results because to its water-cooled induction motor, non-corrosive N-COR pump, and various spray wands. The advantages of greater cleaning performance, onboard detergent tank, and pressured hose reel make it a top contender in the world of high-end pressure washers, even if it costs more and is somewhat heavier. The Kärcher K5 Premium is an attractive alternative if you favor effective and strong car detailing and it lives up to the Kärcher promise of cleaner and quicker results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of pressure washer is safe for cars?
It is normally safe to clean vehicles with a pressure washer that has a PSI rating between 1200 and 2000 and is fitted with a nozzle made for automotive detailing, like a 15-degree or 25-degree nozzle.
2. Is the pressure washer safe for ceramic coating?
In general, it’s acceptable to use a pressure washer on a car that has a ceramic coating as long as you use a wide-angle nozzle (such as a 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle) and keep your distance to avoid damaging the coating. However, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions and suggestions provided by the manufacturer for your particular ceramic coating product.
3. What pressure washers do detailers use?
During car detailing, pressure washers with adjustable nozzles (15-degree or 25-degree) and PSI ratings between 1500 and 2500 are frequently used by detailers to safely and effectively clean a variety of surfaces.
4. What is max PSI to wash a car with a power washer?
The suggested PSI for using a power washer to wash an automobile is normally between 2000 and 2500 PSI. This range offers adequate cleaning strength without running the danger of harming the car’s surface or paint.
5. What is the best PSI pressure washer for car detailing?
The finest pressure washer for detailing cars normally has a PSI rating between 1500 and 2000. For safely and properly detailing your automobile without doing any harm, this selection provides a nice combination of cleaning power and safety.
