Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules

Recommend me a power washer??

  • 24-04-2010 03:17PM
    #1
    thirdmantackle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 718 ✭✭✭


    With cars needing to be clean to look good in the fine weather and the cost of car washes in garages I'm going to invest in a power washer for the parents (who have two cars) and myself (the odd time i'm home to use it)

    Can anyone recommend a power washer? I'm really unfamiliar with the brands, reliability and the pressure required for cars but also could be used for patios/walls etc
    Product guarantees?
    Where to buy?
    Cheers for any info or feedback


«1

Comments

  • #2
    The Express
    Closed Accounts Posts: 373 ✭✭The Express


    I'm fed up with garage lads doing rushjob carwashes. The lads at my local carwash spend ages properly cleaning taxi drivers' cars 'cause they pay them cash in hand as oppossed to paying at the counter and giving the cleaner the receipt:mad:

    Everybody else gets a rush job and the muppets NEVER do the wing mirrors.

    Anyway, rant over - I'm going to check out Aldi's 2KW pressure washer for 69.99 - on sale next thurs I think. Don't know if they've sold them before (anyone???) but will check B&Q tomorrow to see if there's any specials before deciding to buy.


  • #3
    dave1982
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,604 ✭✭✭dave1982


    Got this last week great little thing.Currently half price at 50 euro.I use it power washing the back yard after the dogs.

    http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_372861_categoryId_212517_langId_-1?cm_vc=IOV4PDPZ1
    ■Compact and Lightweight pressure washer for easy storage
    ■Ideal for smaller cleaning jobs, including outdoor furniture, BBQ's & bikes
    ■Includes 5 metre high pressure hose giving the user plenty of room to use the pressure washer effectively
    ■5 metre mains supply cable
    ■Autostop motor meaning motor only runs when trigger is pulled, prolonging life and conserving electricity
    ■1400 watt motor
    ■340 litres per hour flow rate
    ■70 bar rated pressure


  • #4
    shawnee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,830 ✭✭✭shawnee


    Make sure you check the flexibility and quality of the hoses on these powerwashers. I bought one from Lidl a few years back , washer works great but hose is impossible to wind as it is stiff and has frayed a few times ;)


  • #5
    vectra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,690 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    shawnee wrote: »
    Make sure you check the flexibility and quality of the hoses on these powerwashers. I bought one from Lidl a few years back , washer works great but hose is impossible to wind as it is stiff and has frayed a few times ;)

    +1
    Found the same thing


  • #6
    stimpson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,864 ✭✭✭stimpson


    I picked up a Lidl one last week - 99 quid and 150 bar with lots of accessories. The new Aldi on doesn't look as powerful, but for washing a car you really don't need lots of power.

    Before I decided on the Lidl one I was looking at a Nilfisk one - detailingworld.co.uk swear by them over Karcher. 150 bar ones (model E150) go for 250 - 300 notes.

    As for the hose - plastic hoses are very stiff, but they usually are standard BSP threads so you can replace with a steel reinforced rubber hose. I'm planning to pick up a 10 meter rubber one when finances allow.

    As for general car washing, use the 2 bucket method. Get 2 buckets, put car shampoo in one (diluted as per instructions). Fill the other with clean water. Get a microfibre or lambswool wash mitt (NOT a sponge) dunk in shampoo and start to wash car. Start at the top of the car and use long straight strokes down the side of the car - never circular motions. Don't scrub - let the shampoo do the work. Once the mitt starts to dry out rinse in the clean bucket. Ring out the mitt and back into the shampoo. All the crap stuck in the mitt gets rinsed off in the clean bucket and your shampoo stays clean. When your finished you can powerhose the shampoo off and dry. Don't forget to polish and wax!


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    JHMEG
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,686 ✭✭✭JHMEG


    If you want to save money on car washes you won't beat a bucket and sponge.

    Home power washers are useless for washing the car as they are spraying freezing cold water onto the car. Bit like washing your clothes at 4 degrees - the dirt will still be there, it'll just look different.

    Speaking from experience as I've had a top of the range Karcher (it burst and oil came out of it :confused:) and one from Lidl which is slightly better.


  • #8
    thirdmantackle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 718 ✭✭✭thirdmantackle


    JHMEG wrote: »
    If you want to save money on car washes you won't beat a bucket and sponge.

    Home power washers are useless for washing the car as they are spraying freezing cold water onto the car. Bit like washing your clothes at 4 degrees - the dirt will still be there, it'll just look different.

    Speaking from experience as I've had a top of the range Karcher (it burst and oil came out of it :confused:) and one from Lidl which is slightly better.

    if you drove on country roads/lanes you would understand the need for a power washer to remove dirt (****e) and grit before the car can be washed. and to do the wheel arches and alloys.


  • #9
    michael999999
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 7,771 ✭✭✭michael999999


    if the aldi power washers are like the electric sanders i got there a few weeks back they should be a great job


  • #10
    MidlandsM
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 5,737 ✭✭✭MidlandsM


    Cheap ressure washers are a false economy - they all go tits up.


  • #11
    challengemaster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,930 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    thirdmantackle wrote: »
    if you drove on country roads/lanes you would understand the need for a power washer to remove dirt (****e) and grit before the car can be washed. and to do the wheel arches and alloys.

    If you need to get rid of tar, holts tar remover or tardis are good, petrol/wd40 if it's all that's at hand will do the job.

    IMO If you want to wash the car properly, the last thing you want to use is a power washer. Use that on grit and you're going to blast it INTO the paintwork. Hold it too close, and you'll only damage the paintwork/remove loose paint...Use a hose, just a gentle spray of water, you don't need to blast it with a power washer like. Then get two buckets, one for shampoo, the other for rinsing. Use a microfibre wash mitten and get to work on it.

    Polish/wax after and it'll be a million times better than a powerwash job.

    Use the money on decent cleaning products instead.


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    TskTsk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭TskTsk


    thirdmantackle wrote: »
    Product guarantees?
    Where to buy?
    Cheers for any info or feedback

    I bought a SIP model from McQuillans. They were well-built machines with brass pumps, which apparently a lot of cheaper brands don't have. It's been great so far, no complaints at all. There's a standard one year warranty from McQuillans and it's easy enough to get replacement parts.

    I'd agree with one of the previous posters though... pressure washers aren't always the answer for washing cars. They do tend to push dirt around the surface rather than off the car, but they're good for cleaning wheels and arches all right.

    One thing I'd recommend is that you get a wider guage hose to connect it to your tap. I find that a standard garden hose is too narrow and doesn't feed enough water through to the pump.


  • #13
    WestWicklow1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,231 ✭✭✭WestWicklow1


    Halfords change their models frequently and cannot supply parts for older models. I wanted a replacement trigger gun for a 12 month old Halfrauds washer and they couldn't supply!!


  • #14
    Nephilim Wolf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭Nephilim Wolf


    stimpson wrote: »
    As for general car washing, use the 2 bucket method. Get 2 buckets, put car shampoo in one (diluted as per instructions). Fill the other with clean water. Get a microfibre or lambswool wash mitt (NOT a sponge) dunk in shampoo and start to wash car. Start at the top of the car and use long straight strokes down the side of the car - never circular motions. Don't scrub - let the shampoo do the work. Once the mitt starts to dry out rinse in the clean bucket. Ring out the mitt and back into the shampoo. All the crap stuck in the mitt gets rinsed off in the clean bucket and your shampoo stays clean. When your finished you can powerhose the shampoo off and dry. Don't forget to polish and wax!

    I agree, you can't beat doing it the old fashioned way, because it is more satisfactory in the end. Also with these crap water charges coming in soon, it would seem best to it the tried and trusted way instead.


  • #15
    dave1982
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,604 ✭✭✭dave1982


    WestWicklow1 wrote: »
    Halfords change their models frequently and cannot supply parts for older models. I wanted a replacement trigger gun for a 12 month old Halfrauds washer and they couldn't supply!!
    Thats why they are half price new models on the way:rolleyes:


  • #16
    Pique
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,053 ✭✭✭Pique


    The pressure washers in Aldi/Lidl (forget the name) are kick-ass. They're the Eurpoean standard (like Karcher, but Karcher are the only ones you hear about over here!).

    Can anyone think of the name ? 'Cos I can't (damn wine !!) :-)

    Edit: Just remembered...Lavor ! :-)

    In your face, vino ! :-)


  • #17
    Mandzhalas
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭Mandzhalas


    nilfisk powerwashers are the best


  • #18
    thirdmantackle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 718 ✭✭✭thirdmantackle


    Nephilim Wolf wrote: »
    I agree, you can't beat doing it the old fashioned way, because it is more satisfactory in the end. Also with these crap water charges coming in soon, it would seem best to it the tried and trusted way instead.

    thats why lots of country houses run the downpipes from the roof into a few big plastic barrels - can be used for watering garden and washing cars

    have you ever tried to get cow ****e off a car???


  • #19
    vectra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,690 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    thirdmantackle wrote: »

    have you ever tried to get cow ****e off a car???

    Yes
    Wet it .. give it a good wetting and leave it soak..repeat a few times and it will come off.


  • #20
    DUBLINHITMAN
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 790 ✭✭✭DUBLINHITMAN


    Mandzhalas wrote: »
    nilfisk powerwashers are the best

    yeah rumour has it they are

    all the models have brass motors unlike some of the karcher series
    some are plastic /alu/ and the higher end series are brass

    im using a karcher 5series and its not going to last much longer
    so a nilfisk is on the shoppin list


  • #21
    stimpson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,864 ✭✭✭stimpson


    JHMEG wrote: »
    If you want to save money on car washes you won't beat a bucket and sponge.

    Noooooo....not a sponge. Unless you likes swirls all over your paintwork. A sponge traps grit between it an the paint - when you move it over the body work it will scratch. Get yourself a mitt!! And a second bucket :D


  • Advertisement
  • #22
    DUBLINHITMAN
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 790 ✭✭✭DUBLINHITMAN


    stimpson wrote: »
    Noooooo....not a sponge. Unless you likes swirls all over your paintwork. A sponge traps grit between it an the paint - when you move it over the body work it will scratch. Get yourself a mitt!! And a second bucket :D


    pointless to many trolls will just tell you its fine to use a brillo pad
    you cant argue with idiots you'll always loose


  • #23
    stimpson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,864 ✭✭✭stimpson


    I don't think JHMEG is a troll - he usually talks sense ;)


  • #24
    Andrew33
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,857 ✭✭✭Andrew33


    Karcher,Karcher,Karcher. expensive but damn good quality and last forever. I've owned the same one for 10yrs and apart from a slight leak around handle it's still as powerful as ever.


  • #25
    vectra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,690 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    DUBLINHITMAN wrote: »
    pointless to many trolls will just tell you its fine to use a brillo pad
    you cant argue with idiots you'll always loose
    stimpson wrote: »
    Noooooo....not a sponge. Unless you likes swirls all over your paintwork. A sponge traps grit between it an the paint - when you move it over the body work it will scratch. Get yourself a mitt!! And a second bucket :D

    Here we go again
    Along comes the "DONT USE A SPONGE" Brigade :rolleyes:

    Absolute nonsence.
    jhmeg is 100% correct


  • #26
    keithclancy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,208 ✭✭✭keithclancy


    Andrew33 wrote: »
    Karcher,Karcher,Karcher. expensive but damn good quality and last forever. I've owned the same one for 10yrs and apart from a slight leak around handle it's still as powerful as ever.

    I bought a Karcher in Den Haag for 180 euros .. really good ... wouldn't use it to wash my car with though, I'd be afraid it would take off the paint :D

    Fantastic for doing the patio though !

    I'm a bucket + sponge person myself.


  • #27
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 42,318 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    anybody have any opinions on this washer?

    http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/special_buys3_12763.htm


  • #28
    stimpson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,864 ✭✭✭stimpson


    vectra wrote: »
    Here we go again
    Along comes the "DONT USE A SPONGE" Brigade :rolleyes:

    Absolute nonsence.
    jhmeg is 100% correct

    Yeah, it's probably a conspiracy by the washmitt industy.Guess if you drive a Vectra you have bigger issues than crappy paint :D


  • #29
    vectra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,690 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    stimpson wrote: »
    .Guess if you drive a Vectra you have bigger issues than crappy paint :D

    Oh how wrong you are

    I havent driven an Opel in over 10 years, Never mind a Vectra,

    As for your conspiricy

    I have had this discussion here previously regarding the obsessive behaviour of how some people wash their cars.
    Would you care to post a few pics of your "Properly" washed and cared for car?

    Here are some of my car which is over 2 years old and has been washed from day one with the faithful B&Q bucket and car sponge
    Remember
    Any fool can grab a sponge and bucket of water and not be careful how you go.
    But if you keep a watchful eye on your sponge then...!!

    Well
    Have a look yourself and tell me I am destroying my paintwork ;)
    These pics were taken 3 weeks ago for the other thread on a similar discussion

    B64E5DD147C54A0589D4F7A61441CF4D-800.jpg


    00143D4B96B347CBA21ECEB2C6DA3D1E-800.jpg

    ]
    CD9ECFDFDB954D25A0379875F45C7F06-800.jpg

    >> Other Thread.<<



    C'mon.
    Let see your pics :)


  • #30
    stimpson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,864 ✭✭✭stimpson


    I don't intend to get into a mickey measuring contest, but if you like I'll get some snaps later, not that itr will prove anything, because:

    a) that car has obvioulsy been polished within an inch of it's life. Show me a snap with the polish taken off

    b) I had a 20 year old honda with seriously crappy paint. Autoglym paint renovator and Super Resin Polish would work miracles on it. The swirls and scratches would still be there but you couldn't see them

    c) you'd never see swirls on a photo with resolution that small


  • Advertisement
  • #31
    vectra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,690 ✭✭✭✭vectra


    stimpson wrote: »
    I don't intend to get into a mickey measuring contest, but if you like I'll get some snaps later, not that itr will prove anything, because:

    a) that car has obvioulsy been polished within an inch of it's life. Show me a snap with the polish taken off

    b) I had a 20 year old honda with seriously crappy paint. Autoglym paint renovator and Super Resin Polish would work miracles on it. The swirls and scratches would still be there but you couldn't see them

    c) you'd never see swirls on a photo with resolution that small


    Larger pic sir?
    http://pix.ie/vectra/1606800/size/1200

    Car is NOT polished within an inch of its life
    Just carefully washed and waxed occasionaly


Advertisement