Washing a car using a garden hose and the 2 bucket method or washing a car using a pressure washer. Which is safer and which is more eco friendly??

[Flash Gordon]

Answer:

When deciding whether to use a garden hose with a wash bucket or a pressure washer to clean a car, several factors come into play:
Garden Hose and Wash Bucket:

• Pros:
  • Gentler on the car's surface: Using a bucket and a soft sponge or mitt reduces the risk of paint damage, especially if you're careful about grit and debris.
  • Control: You have more control over the soap concentration and water flow, allowing for a thorough clean without excessive water use.
  • Cost-effective: Generally less expensive if you already have the equipment. Soap and water are inexpensive.
  • Eco-friendly: Uses less water compared to a pressure washer, especially with the two-bucket method (one for soap, one for rinsing).
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: It can take longer, particularly for cars with intricate designs or lots of dirt.
  • Physical effort: More manual labor involved, especially for rinsing.

Pressure Washer:

• Pros:
  • Efficiency: Significantly reduces cleaning time by quickly removing dirt, mud, and grime.
  • Power: Offers the ability to clean hard-to-reach areas or remove stubborn dirt.
  • Convenience: Once set up, it makes cleaning easier as you can rinse while you wash.
• Cons:
  • Risk of damage: If not used correctly, especially with high PSI settings, it can strip away wax, chip paint, or damage seals.
  • Cost: Initial purchase of a pressure washer can be pricey, plus they use more water.
  • Learning curve: Requires some understanding to use safely and effectively on a car.

Conclusion:

• For regular maintenance where you want to be gentle on your car's finish, the garden hose and bucket method might be preferable.
• For heavy dirt or quick cleaning, a pressure washer could be more effective, but caution is needed. Using a wide spray nozzle and lower pressure settings can mitigate risks.

If you're new to car washing or concerned about your car's paint, start with the bucket method. If you decide to use a pressure washer (and are a lazy person that's always looking for short cuts), ensure you use it at the lowest effective pressure setting and maintain a safe distance from the car's surface. Also, always use car-specific detergents rather than household cleaners to prevent damage to the car's finish.

 

[BLM]

Well I have a portable electric pressure washer. However getting it out, hooking it up, putting it away afterwards in a pain.
So this past summer I looked into getting a wall mounted pressure washer which there are quality units available.
What I ultimately decided on is I'm my opinion is a great compromise between a pressure washer and a garden hose.

I purchased an Eley brand hose system. I have their hose, their hose reel, and two of their watering tools as they call them. Eley is most likely the finest hose products on the planet. If one has sufficient water pressure their "shut off tool" with their "cleaning tip" is not too far from a pressure washer.and their "garden hose nozzle" with their "brass watering nozzle" produces a multitude of showering water.

I have all 1/2 inch plumbing which is not the greatest for providing water flow. So I ran a dedicated one inch Pex water line to my garage which increased water flow significantly. Cranked up my water pressure a little bit and that's all the Eley system needed. All in all I think I was cheaper than buying the wall mounted pressure washer as I did all the plumbing myself.

One needs a hose regardless if they have a pressure washer or not and I am very satisfied with the Eley system. Below is a video from Cars with Keav where he reviews the Eley tools.

 

[KirkH]

I know from experience and testing that pressure washers use less water than a garden hose so if saving water is an issue, pressure washer is the way.

 

[Flash Gordon]

In order to avoid hard water spots, I would suggest a water filtration system be installed

Fortunately for me memphis has the cleanest water in the country. Water spots are not a problem here. You can wash a car and let it dry itself with 0 issues

I've detailed cars in Los Angeles and couldn't believe what a mess it was dealing with water spotting. You have to start drying immediately after the final rinse. Even then water spots would appear

I noticed the 3D Stores sold water to mobile detailers. Not sure what was in the water, but supposedly help reduce spotting

My hat is off to those of you who deal with this

 

[Flash Gordon]

I know from experience and testing that pressure washers use less water than a garden hose so if saving water is an issue, pressure washer is the way.

I always assumed this myself, but after doing research I found pressure washers actually use more water than a traditional garden hose

I guess a lot of it has to do with the user

 

[chefwong]

I always assumed this myself, but after doing research I found pressure washers actually use more water than a traditional garden hose

I guess a lot of it has to do with the user

I HP pre-rinse, wash but rinse with a hose (as there is more water)
In the winter, I purposely use the PW to rinse due to less water (aiming to minimize the ice skating rink ). Oftentimes, I will have to do 2 extra passes on certain areas like the mirror since there is less water to get all the sudsy water out. I don't need to this with a hose.

The only metric I can say is for sure, I'm pretty sure I use the most -hose water- on the block

 

[Tasmania]

Steps for me is to get the water pump out hook up to the 10,000 litre rain water tank, bleed and prime. Roll out the garden hose flush any spider's out prime with water, Get out pressure washer prime with water machine off them turn it on, test. Mix up 2x foam cannons 1x bucket with wash mitt. Wash clean dry car, open all the doors to let the excess water out door jambs weather seals etc, While this is happening i do everything in reverse order when packing up.

Do I like doing it this way NO do I have a choice NO I man up and do it.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Steps for me is to get the water pump out hook up to the 10,000 litre rain water tank, bleed and prime. Roll out the garden hose flush any spider's out prime with water, Get out pressure washer prime with water machine off them turn it on, test. Mix up 2x foam cannons 1x bucket with wash mitt. Wash clean dry car, open all the doors to let the excess water out door jambs weather seals etc, While this is happening i do everything in reverse order when packing up.

Do I like doing it this way NO do I have a choice NO I man up and do it.

Sounds very 3rd worldish
God bless the USA

 

[Tasmania]

Sounds very 3rd worldish
God bless the USA

Sounds childish mate give up and move on with life.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Sounds childish mate give up and move on with life.

You started this bullshit, not I