A good home pressure washer

[john.r2k]

I currently have a karcher K2 pressure washer, I connect it directly to a outdoor tap that is connect to the main kitchen tap so mains pressure is very good. I get a good pressure coming out. I use AutoGlym polar wash snow foam to help release dirt. I get a good thick layer of foam on the car and let it sit for 8-10mins but when I rinse it off I feel like the pressure washer hasn't got enough power or pattern to clean the dirt off. Because when I take it to a two bucket car wash place and they spray snow foam on and after a minute they rinse it and their pressure washer literally cleans everything off.

I'm wondering if the karcher K2 is too weak for the job. Can anyone recommend a good alternative?

[arguti]

I am looking for one too, previous Karcher fell to pieces and stopped working after infrequent low intensity work. nilfisk seem to have 2 year warranty on their washers.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by arguti on Wednesday 8th January 10:15

[LeeJV]

K2 is fine matey, I have one but the standard lance doesn't give the best spray.. I upgraded my lance with an adapter so it shortens the lance considerably, Its a quick release system, with 4 Quick release jets, and a snow foam lance adapter... best mod by a long way.
https://www.in2detailing.co.uk/karcher-k-series-sw...


https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/113962610307?chn=ps&n...la-523159728857&abcId=1139126&merchantid=6995734&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9vwBRAEEiwAzvjq-5_7_DGH4nC7qyMao9bnFty_52VUMXD3FzmisxypYUbp8PUcMFOsxhoCTZ4QAvD_BwE

[LeeJV]

Also Try BH Auto Foam, its far better than the Autoglym matey, Its not as foamy, but foam isn't as important TBH... you want good cleaning power rather than loads of foam

[D'oh]

+ 1 for Bilt Hamber , recently tried it and it was very good!

[john.r2k]

LeeJV said:

K2 is fine matey, I have one but the standard lance doesn't give the best spray.. I upgraded my lance with an adapter so it shortens the lance considerably, Its a quick release system, with 4 Quick release jets, and a snow foam lance adapter... best mod by a long way.
https://www.in2detailing.co.uk/karcher-k-series-sw...


https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/113962610307?chn=ps&n...la-523159728857&abcId=1139126&merchantid=6995734&gclid=CjwKCAiAu9vwBRAEEiwAzvjq-5_7_DGH4nC7qyMao9bnFty_52VUMXD3FzmisxypYUbp8PUcMFOsxhoCTZ4QAvD_BwE

What degree attachment do you use with this?

[MOBB]

If you want a Karcher, have a look at their outlet online store, can be some real bargains on there

[fourstardan]

I think pressure washers really only get a level of debris/dirt off.

I find you need to still wash down.

Easiest route is to ensure you have a decent protection on the clear coat first to resist dirt in the first place, it will make washing easier. (use PH neutral snowfoam though after).

My neighbour insists on trying to sandblast off dirt with his PS, waste of time I think.

[Meeten-5dulx]

I moved from a k2 to a k5 and it is so much better.
Mine was used to clear the patio and the paving.

Haven’t bothered on the car but I am sure it will be better. Must check that the variable Lance is not set on max!

[TimmyMallett]

Seems to be subjective as I have both AG and BH and I prefer AG as it seems to cling for longer. I've experimented with various strengths and at the moment, AG wins for me.

Anyway, it's just snow foam, you can't go wrong with either. Do you know what your mains flow rate is as that will be an important factor. Your local place will have a commercial pressure washer and I wouldn't be surprised if a much higher flow rate/mains pressure most likely than a domestic property

Edited by TimmyMallett on Tuesday 5th May 11:45

Edited by TimmyMallett on Tuesday 5th May 11:47

[bobski1]

I think everybody has the same idea as the Nilfisk outlet store is empty, was thinking of buying this 120 with accessory kit, has anybody got it?

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/1577941
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7850459

[danashby]

I have recently bought K4 Full Control which has 130 bar as Screwfix had them on sale. Only had a chance to use it once, but I'm very impressed with the kit, so would recommend you to do an upgrade.
Now B&Q have them for £175 - https://www.diy.com/departments/karcher-k4-full-co...

[andburg]

foam and pressure will only do so much.

Profession places use massive industrial pressure washers that may be running upwards of 300 bar and will flow 1000L per hour of water, you cannot expect that level of performance

a K2 is 110bar and 360L/hour
a K7 is 180bar and 550L/hour

even Karcher's top home unit is nothing compared to their pro kit (270bar and 1000L/hour)

Thing is at that kind of pressure you need to be extremely careful!

Water hides dirt, foam, wash it off and even with these pro units if you just let it dry it wont be clean, it'll still need a contact wash