What Is the Best Cleaning Detergent to Use When Pressure Washing a Car?

If you’re looking to get the most out of your car clean, invest in a pressure washer. These high-power machines can easily shift tough dirt, grime and grease off the surface of your car, without the need for excess labour and scrubbing. They also minimise the direct contact of sponges and cleaning utensils with the paint, reducing the chance of scratches. To get the best results, we also recommend using the right cleaning detergent.

What is the best cleaning detergent?

Foam-based car cleaning detergents are some of the most effective on the market. They offer high-quality cleaning potential, adhering on to the dirt particles found on the surface of the car. These can then be lifted and washed away easily, leaving the surface prepped for more intensive waxing and polishing. Foam cleaning detergents work well with larger particles and penetrate into soils to make sure the dirt loosens without causing damage to the paintwork.

Options such as the Karcher Ultra Foam Car Cleaner include Active Dirt Dissolver, Extra Foam Booster and a formulation that provides a deeper clean. When paired with the pressure from your Karcher machine, this allows you to lift dirt and achieve a gleaming finish in a much shorter time frame.

How to get the best car cleaning result

Always follow the manufacturer's guidance on dilution with car cleaning products. Potent chemicals can damage paintwork and weak blends won’t be able to shift the dirt you’re working on. To get the best results:

  1. Rinse off the top layer of dirt.
  2. Apply a pre-foam layer and allow it to work for 10 minutes before rinsing this off.
  3. Apply a detergent to clean any residual dirt from the paint surface.
  4. Use the attachable heads to shift stubborn dirt, such as that around the wheels and arches.
  5. Rinse the car off with a high-pressure jet setting.
  6. Chamois the car dry to minimise streaks and watermarks.

Cleaning your car doesn’t just ensure it sparkles as you drive down the road. It extends the lifespan of the paintwork, allows you to spot any damage early on and allows you to appreciate the vehicle you’ve invested so much money in. Here at Sealant & Tools Direct, we have a wide range of car cleaning products to suit your needs and budget. Browse through them on our website or get in contact for more specific information.