The Impact of Frequent High-Pressure Washing on Car Paint

The Impact of Frequent High-Pressure Washing on Car Paint

High-pressure washing is a popular method for cleaning vehicles, offering quick and effective results. However, its frequent use can have detrimental effects on car paint. Understanding the risks and best practices can help car owners maintain their vehicle’s appearance and longevity.

Understanding High-Pressure Washing

High-pressure washing uses a stream of water expelled at high velocity to remove dirt, grime, and other substances from surfaces. While effective, this method can be harsh on a car’s paint if not done correctly.

Risks to Car Paint

  1. Surface Damage: Repeated high-pressure washing can cause small abrasions or wear down the paint’s protective coating, leading to dullness and potential rusting.
  2. Water Pressure and Distance: The closer the water jet is to the car’s surface, the higher the risk of paint damage. High pressure can chip or peel the paint, especially if it’s already weakened or damaged.
  3. Impact on Sealant and Wax: Regular high-pressure washing can strip away protective layers of wax and sealant, reducing the paint’s defense against the elements.

Best Practices for High-Pressure Washing

  1. Maintain Safe Distance: Keep the nozzle at least 30 centimeters away from the car’s surface.
  2. Use Lower Pressure Settings: Opt for a lower pressure setting to minimize the risk of paint damage.
  3. Angle the Spray: Direct the water stream at an angle to reduce direct impact on the paint.
  4. Avoid Damaged Areas: Be cautious around areas where the paint is already chipped or peeling.
  5. Professional Assistance: Consider professional cleaning services for the best results, especially for high-end vehicles.

Alternatives to High-Pressure Washing

  1. Hand Washing: Using a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap can be a safer option.
  2. Low-Pressure Foam Wash: Some car wash facilities offer foam washes that are gentle and effective.

FAQs

  1. How often can I safely use a high-pressure washer on my car?
    • It’s recommended to limit high-pressure washing to once a month, using gentler methods in between.
  2. Can I use high-pressure washing on an older car?
    • Caution is advised for older cars, especially if the paint is already showing signs of wear or damage.
  3. What should I do if high-pressure washing has damaged my car’s paint?
    • If damage occurs, it’s best to consult a professional for repair and advice on paint protection.
  4. Is high-pressure washing safe for all types of car paint?
    • While most modern paints can withstand occasional high-pressure washing, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  5. Can regular waxing protect my car’s paint from high-pressure damage?
    • Regular waxing can provide a protective layer, but it’s not foolproof against the force of high-pressure water.
driver of the Kaasa Transport company, Vegard Kose

Norway court acquits truck driver fined for washing truck on weekend

The District Court of Follo and Nordre Östfold acquitted a Norwegian trucker who was fined by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration last fall for briefly driving a truck through the territory of a transport company without a card inserted in the tachograph.

Having received a fine of 20,000 NOK (almost 2,000 euros), the driver of the Kaasa Transport company, Vegard Kose, decided to challenge it in court, considering it illegal. The first hearing in this case was held on November 15, 2022. Before hearing the case, Odd’s lawyer Robert Aksnes and his ward expressed the hope that reason would prevail in this process.

Prior to the district court’s first hearing, the prosecutor stated that both parties agreed that the truck was being driven, but disagreed as to whether that driving fell under the rules governing driving and rest times.

In addition, a representative of the on-site inspection of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration was summoned to the court as a witness. According to her explanation, the instructions of her service indicate that they must report cases like the one under consideration.

“When ‘other work’ is not documented, the rules are broken. The driver card must be used for all types of driving” – representative of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

She also explained that “the inspectors have different knowledge, and the inspections have a different focus.” It’s entirely possible that the Kaasa Transport trucks weren’t caught sooner by sheer luck.

During the meeting, Odd’s lawyer Robert Aksnes explained the situation and the position of the management of the transport company. According to him, there are several drivers in Kaasa Transport who consider washing their car on a day off as a hobby and an opportunity to communicate with colleagues in an informal setting. No one forces them to do this, and wages are not paid for this. The fact that the machine is being moved to access water on private property has nothing to do with the job.

“I think it can be seen as part of the work environment for employees to be allowed to meet and chat and wash the car. And this is done not in the interests of the employer, but in the interests of the employee. In this case, there is no doubt that“ – Odd Robert Aksnes.

And so, on November 22, the district court of Follo and Nordre Østfold in this case passed a verdict by which Vegard Kosa was acquitted.

“The District Court found that the use of a driver card is not required to drive in a closed area” – Odd Robert Aksnes.

He also added that “it was clear to the court that the washing and polishing performed by the worker in this case should be considered rest time and not work time.”

“The court notes that Kosa drove exclusively on private land owned by his employer Kaasa Transport AS. The area is marked as private and covered with barrier tape and/or cones. The Court will also note that this driving can in no way be considered “carriage of passengers or goods”. Based on Kosa’s explanation, the driving consisted solely of moving a truck from one end of the terminal building to the other in order to access the water outlet as well as the parking lot. Therefore, this driving was not carried out in connection with “passenger or freight traffic” and is not subject to the rules for the use of the tachograph. Therefore, there can be no requirement that Kosa use a driver card, and therefore he cannot be punished for this“ – Decision of the district court Follo and Nordre Østfold.

As a result, we can say that the court came to the conclusion that there was no violation of the accepted standards of work and rest for the driver. For this reason, Vegard Kosa must be fully “acquitted of indictment”.

The publication sent a letter to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration asking them to comment on the decision of the District Court Follo and Nordre Ostfold in the case of Vegard Kos. In particular, the question was asked, will there now be any changes in how inspectors interpret instructions, or will the instructions themselves change?

“External Control is in the process of reviewing the District Court’s decision and will then evaluate what this may say about our control practices, including the wording of control instructions. This is what we do with all decisions and decisions made by administrative appeal bodies.” – Roy H. Holm, Head of External Inspection at the Norwegian Public Roads Authority

Recall that last fall, a 27-year-old truck driver from the Norwegian city of Notodden was punished for washing his truck during a 45-hour rest.

wash a car

Most people make these mistakes: how (not) to wash a car

Improper use of high-pressure cleaners is fraught with electrical failure and damage to the paintwork.

With the spread of self-service car washes, some motorists “moved” there. Only now the wrong car wash can end badly for the car.

First of all, you need to know how to use a spray gun, the pressure in which is maintained at 170 bar.

It is necessary to start washing from a distance of about one meter, gradually changing the angle from 45 to 25 degrees and bringing the sprayer closer to the surface by 50 cm.

If you neglect these rules, then, for example, pieces of paint can chip off from the paintwork of a car. Rubber bands for door and glass seals can break, and chrome plating on plastic parts will come off.

But the worst thing is when water gets into the engine compartment. If the jet hits the engine control unit, then subsequent short circuits can damage the microcircuits.

Waterless dry car wash

Waterless dry car wash: what does it consist of and what are the advantages?

This process saves water in each wash

One of the alternatives to wash the body or exterior of the car is through a dry process, that is, without using water and only using certain products that are for sale in stores or online.

Although the practice of dry cleaning the car saves water, it is important to do it perfectly, since not doing it can damage the paint.

What is a dry car wash?

It is important that specific products are used to dry-clean cars and not only clean the exterior with a dry cloth, as this is extremely harmful to the bodywork, scratching it with dust particles.

All waterless car wash products use a formula that consists of polymers that act on dirt and dust, encapsulating them and then dissolving them, allowing them to clean and achieve a scratch-free finish.

How do you dry wash a car?

In the waterless car wash, in addition to the special product, a microfiber cloth is necessary to spread the formula on the surface to be cleaned. After applying the product, it will leave the most solid dirt in suspension, which can be quickly and easily removed with a cloth.

To achieve a perfect result, the ideal is to make a second pass, always with a clean microfiber cloth. Do not forget to clean the cloth to remove dirt residues and pass it over the bodywork in the same direction.

Advantages and disadvantages of dry cleaning

Due to the fact that it is necessary to pass the cloth by zones and for a better finish in two times, the dry cleaning of the cars takes more time than a traditional wash, however, it is possible to do the cleaning in places where restrictions of Water.

To the above, we must add that it allows you to thoroughly clean the car at any time, in any place and without spending liters of water. The latter is extremely transcendental from an ecological point of view, since normally 20 to 140 liters of water are needed to wash a car.

One of the disadvantages of dry cleaning is that the products have a somewhat high price, especially when compared to a traditional shampoo that does require water.

It should be emphasized that dry cleaning cannot scratch the paint, of course as long as the product is used. In addition to not damaging the bodywork, it helps to leave a shiny appearance as if it had been waxed.

portable car washes

Which pressure washer should I choose for my car?

What should you know about portable car washes and which one is better to choose in order to wash the car yourself in the country, near the house or garage?

Unlike the mid-eighties of the last century, when the first portable mini-washers appeared, working on the principle invented by Alfred Karcher back in 1950, in our time this technique is very common and available to many car owners. With the onset of autumn slush and on the eve of winter mud on the roads, buying this device is more relevant than ever. But before heading to the hardware store, you should find out which pressure washer to choose for the car.

What are pressure washers?

Pressure washers or mini-washers are divided into two types: domestic and professional. In the design of both there is a motor, a pump, a hose with a nozzle and a power cord. There is also protection against voltage surges. And in professional ones, which, unlike an electric motor, are usually equipped with a small gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine, there can also be air or water cooling to protect the engine from overheating.

Household sinks include small devices of low power and productivity. They create a pressure of 20-120 atm or 120-150 atm. The former consume 300-400 l / h, work without stopping for an average of 30-40 minutes, and their power is enough to clean something not very dirty: bike paths, carpet. The latter spend water at 500-600 l / h and are able to work for more than an hour without a break. And this is the best choice for the role of a country or home mini-sink.

Apparatuses with a water flow rate of more than 600 l/h and a pressure of more than 150 bar belong to the professional category. They are larger, heavier, and can be equipped with a water heater or chemical tank. Such high pressure washers are most often found in professional car washes, and buying them for “home” use is not practical given the higher price.

portable car washes

How to choose a pressure washer?

Not only its durability, but also endurance depends on the material of the mini-wash pump. That is, how long can the device work continuously. Washers with plastic pumps last an average of half an hour, after which you need to take a break. Buying a mini-sink with such a pump is justified only because of its compactness. Devices with a metal or ceramic pump last longer and can work up to a couple of hours.

When choosing a pressure washer for your machine, consider the length of the hose. The larger it is, the easier and more convenient it will be to work with the device. Mini sinks with a hose shorter than 5 m are not the best choice for this purpose. Well, if the design of the device provides a filter. It will extend the life of the sink by protecting its mechanisms from debris and small particles from outside. And when choosing a portable car wash, you should pay attention to models with the possibility of using additional nozzles that can be purchased later.

The best choice for washing a car, as well as the facade of a summer house or paths on a personal plot, together with garden tools, will be a household high-pressure washer at 120-140 atm. And remember that its effectiveness depends not so much on the pressure created, but on its correct combination with the flow of water. Simply put, an increase in the latter will have a greater effect on the quality of surface cleaning than an increase in pressure.

High pressure wash rating

Every year, the list of the best high pressure washers is updated with the release of new, more powerful, modern and convenient models from different manufacturers, with which this niche is rich. The most famous brands in the mini-sink market include: Karcher, Bosch, Huter, Elitech, Portotecnica, Makita, Nilfisk, Stihl and Patriot.

In the top lines of the ratings of the best pressure washers for a car in 2021, in terms of price to quality ratio, the following models of devices most often appear:

  • Karcher K 5 Compact (1.630-750.0)
  • Huter W195-PRO
  • BOSCH EasyAquatak 120
  • Bort BHR-1900-PRO
  • Daewoo Power Products DAW-500
Which pressure washer to choose to clean your exterior

Which pressure washer to choose to clean your exterior?

Ideal for maintaining the facade of your house, the walls, the terrace, the car, the walls of the swimming pool… The high pressure cleaner allows you to clean your entire exterior. Here are our tips for choosing the right one.

Not all pressure washer models on the market can clean all outdoor spaces. It all depends on its features, its equipment or its price. Follow the leader!

Pressure washer pressure

Pressure measures the force at which water is forced out of the cleaner and therefore its ability to loosen grime from a surface. The most affordable and simple models are satisfied with a few tens of bars, while the advanced pressure washers are capable of reaching more than 300 bars. Entry-level models will therefore be able to take off the mud of an ATV with their pressure of 110 bars. On the other hand, to restore its youth to a terrace, it will be better to opt for models that display a pressure greater than 120 bars.

Pressure washer flow rate

Pressure is not the only criterion to take into account when buying. It is the combination of speed, power and different features that is important and that will affect its performance. Expressed in liters per hour (l/h), the flow rate of modest pressure washers varies between 200 and 300 l/h. It can go up to more than 600 l/h for more expensive models. Note that a high flow rate often guarantees less working time for a given surface.

The frequency of use of the pressure washer

For rather occasional use, prefer a pressure of 100 to 120 bars, so you can wash your car, your terrace or your garden furniture for example. This type of machine is particularly suitable for wooden surfaces that do not support too much pressure and could risk defibration. For the occasional washing of floors and terrace tiles, gutters or exterior facades, a pressure of 120 to 140 bars is preferred. On the other hand, for much more frequent use, a pressure of more than 140 bars is necessary. You will be able to clean walls, metal grilles, motors or any other surface.

How to wash a car in winter in frost

How to wash a car in winter in frost at a self-service car wash? 5 features

Do you need to wash your car in winter? And if so, how is it right?

There are two reasons why it is important to wash cars in winter. Firstly, in winter our cars collect much more dirt, salt and harmful reagents than in summer. Reagents are especially active on car bodies at temperatures near zero, but even at sub-zero temperatures, the effect continues. Secondly, road dirt accumulates on the windows and scratches them when we use windshield wipers and scrapers.

Can a car be washed in any frost?

We did not find in any manual for the operation of a car a ban on washing the body in cold weather. The only thing worth noting is that motorists can successfully use self-service car washes down to minus 10°C. To wash your car yourself at lower temperatures, you need to have a good experience, otherwise the washing solution will freeze and you will not have time to wash it off. At temperatures below minus 10°C, it is recommended to use a hand wash.

Features of washing in cold weather start at -5°C

Down to minus 5°С car washing, in fact, does not differ from washing at positive temperatures. But if the temperature approaches minus 10 ° C, then there are several subtleties. The main point is to do everything so that the washing solution does not freeze, has time to work out.

1st feature: Pick a time when there is no strong wind

In strong winds, the cleaning solution freezes faster. Yes, and most wash the car in the wind is extremely uncomfortable.

2nd feature: My well-warmed up car

To do this, you can turn on the stove in the cabin to the maximum, turn on intensive airflow, as well as defrosters for windows and mirrors. In this way, the car body will warm up and the washing solution will act on pollution for a longer time. Why is it important to separately heat the windows and mirrors – only so that at the end of the wash the water does not freeze on them, which will limit the driver’s view. If drops of water freeze on the body – it’s okay, they will soon go away on their own.

3rd feature: During washing, we do not turn off the engine, the stove remains at maximum

Taxi drivers have been doing this for a long time, but other motorists usually turn off their engines. Meanwhile, in cold weather, you need to continue to warm the body.

4th feature: We prepare tokens or cash in advance (depending on the car wash)

Again, in order not to interrupt the washing process. If the composition freezes during the washing process, it will take a lot of time and effort to melt it.

Feature 5: Use wax to help drive water off the body before it freezes

Wax is also important at positive temperatures, but in cold weather it becomes especially relevant. It is also important that the sink has lukewarm water in the wash mode and in the flush mode.

How to dry the car so that the rubber bands do not freeze?

Most often, motorists are afraid of frozen doors after visiting car washes. But this problem is easily solved. You can pre-apply silicone to the rubber door seals. Then, after washing the car, you can immediately continue driving. After washes, you can simply open the car doors for a few minutes. The water on the seals will partially drain, partially evaporate, partially freeze. But the doors themselves will no longer freeze to the seals.

Cleaning the boat explained in stages

Cleaning the boat explained in stages

Maintaining a boat is not just about scrubbing the deck with a brush and a little water. It must be admitted that, after going out to sea, a certain amount of courage is necessary to arm yourself with a hose and a brush. However, by applying the right gestures, it is possible to save time and efficiency.

Exterior cleaning of the boat

The rule is simple: start with the most aggressive products and end with the least aggressive. In concrete terms, we first use a yellow remover, then we end up with a deck shampoo.

For example, it is necessary to deal first with the wooden fiddles which will, during cleaning, evacuate their black marks on the deck after having been brushed and rinsed, then finish with the stanchions or the stainless steel pulpits.

These can even be treated after washing the deck, to avoid any splashes of water that would leave marks and reduce the effort of proper polishing to nothing. This is why, for this specific position, it is preferable to use cleaning products formulated with a paste or gel.

Finally, it is necessary to clean from bow to stern, paying particular attention to the deck hatches and other overhead portholes, especially if they are Plexiglas, to avoid leaving traces of water which, as they dry, would leave streaks visible in the sun. On the weather side, it is possible to work in all weathers, except for a few specific positions, such as the treatment of teak which must be done dry.

Interior cleaning of the boat

As with exterior cleaning, interior fittings must be completed by the place where you leave. These are often the downhill steps. We therefore logically start from the forward cabin and end with the saloon.

The partitions and the upper parts must be treated as a priority, then it will be the turn of the bottoms, which must not be forgotten, to finish with the floor where the traditional mop will be finished. Compliance with such an order will necessarily benefit the owner.

And even if an individual does not have the same requirements as a cleaning professional, he can take advantage of the time saved to sail, enjoy his boat, etc.

Which is nothing out of the ordinary. Good practice means doing things in the right order. They also save time.

Among the tips of the professional, we can mention products with a dense foam, which anchors well on the support, without flowing, and works almost alone. Hence compliance with the dosages recommended by the manufacturer, knowing that eco-designed products make it possible to be more tolerant with respect to this dosage.

Finally, it may happen that traces do not leave (like mold on mattress covers). These can be erased with chlorine, for example. But you have to be careful not to alter the support and know how to stop before.

Equipment

Professionals use deck brushes of different hardnesses (hard, medium and soft), but also joint brushes (also of different hardnesses), whose smaller head will remove dirt in the corners.

Added to this are sponges, and those also called “magic sponges” for upholstery, fabrics or linings, which are more fragile and require precautions. Finally, the essential chamois leather will wipe away the traces of rinsing.

Eco Wash eco-friendly car wash

Created the first sustainable laundry in the country to avoid wasting 50,000 liters of drinking water per day

Julián Arroyo is committed to changing the link with the environment. His father is a plumber and helped him create a rainwater collection system and the necessary filters to reuse it. He is evaluating opening Eco Wash franchises and projects new eco-friendly ventures.

To clean a car, up to 500 liters of water are used. An average car wash washes at least 100 vehicles per day, that is, it uses 50,000 liters every 24 hours. Seeing how such an essential resource is wasted was what motivated Julián Arroyo to create Eco Wash, the first sustainable car wash in the country.

In 2021, Julián was presented with the possibility of opening a car wash inside a sports complex in the port of Mar del Plata. Until that moment he had not discovered how to make it sustainable, but he did when intense rain filled the open pits in the ground while they were building the floor: create a rainwater collection system.

Shortly after, he felt that he had to go one step further to be truly sustainable and asked his father, a plumber, to help him also design the filtering system to reuse it.

“You don’t need to bring a filter from NASA to be able to recover the water, nor do you need US$50,000 to start a business. Putting a little desire, head and, above all, a lot of sacrifice, you can do a business  

The young entrepreneur is convinced that in Argentina “there are great opportunities for sustainable businesses, so that the under 40s start investing.”

With the conviction of caring for the environment

Julián is 26 years old and lives in Mar del Plata. His first job was at a car wash company, where he worked for 10 years. “I was always struck by the number of liters of water that was thrown away. When I left I wanted to start a business on my own and the possibility arose of building a car wash from scratch and I decided to make it sustainable”.

It was then that he turned to his father who helped him design the rainwater collection and filtering system. “My dad is a plumber and we began to find a way around him, to investigate. We spent a month making plans. When we made them we didn’t know if they were going to work and as we went along we refined the idea”, he said.

The work began in August 2021 and on December 13 the laundry was already in operation. The most difficult thing was to get the staff, because, he says, “the field is highly stigmatized.” “It is thought that it is for people without education or without resources and in reality it is not; it is a question of the company adapting to provide better conditions to be able to offer a comfortable job and in good conditions”, he assured. Today, mothers and fathers of families and university students work at Eco Wash.

How does the system work

In addition to the water collection and filtering systems, Eco Wash began to stock up on environmentally friendly soaps, which dissolve in a week. “As the water pits collect 7,000 liters, they have time to turn around, then the soap dissolves. But in addition, we put a thinner on it,” he explained.

In total, they have two rainwater collection pits, which they use directly in the laundry. The liquid used is recovered in other pits in which settlers are placed, there it is filtered and the sand and earth remain at the bottom, thanks to a pump that works by level.

Then, the water goes into 200-liter tanks filled with stones and sand that filter it and then store it in two 2,000-liter tanks, which are used as storage. The cycle starts over when it is used again in the pressure washer.

How much does a sustainable car wash service cost?

In Mar del Plata, a basic car wash costs from $1,500, at Eco Wash they charge $2,300, but it has the added bonus of knowing that the water is being reused. “We are not aiming to wash 100 cars a day, as any car wash does, but we are aiming for people to have a different and good quality service,” said Julián.

According to him, he said, for now what motivates the people of Mar del Plata to go to his place is not so much the awareness of caring for the environment, but the quality of the service, but he trusts that the youngest will choose them for both reasons.

“It’s part of a long process, that those of us 40 years old and below have to do, to start applying these techniques and change our minds, so that young boys can grow up with it. Older people have no conscience, but those between 25 and 35 years old like the idea, they even spread, share, recommend, ”he said.

Franchises and more sustainable projects

The next step that Julián wants to take is to dive into the world of franchises and he already has interested investors. “Water recycling is already working and we already have a fixed clientele, the second stage is to create a platform to manage shifts, and then a network of car washes, in which we provide support, human resources and the service system. water recovery, as if they were franchises”, he anticipated.

At the moment everything is under evaluation, he doesn’t want to “launch early”, but what he is convinced of is that he is not afraid that they will replicate his idea. In fact, part of his environmental awareness has to do with that.

“I also think that, hand in hand with politics, they should begin to make certain changes to favor young people who are entrepreneurs and who want to put these types of solutions into practice,” he added.

He is thinking of closing a deal with an importer of electric motorcycles and scooters. “I started with a laundry room, but I have a lot of projects in mind that go hand in hand with sustainability. I am a distributor of a tire brand and the issue of tires is an ecological problem, and I am planning to find a final disposal for them, such as the recycling of rubber to be used in concrete”.

If he has to summarize the success of Eco Wash, Julián likes to attribute it to the “dedication” and “sacrifice” of those who accompanied him on this path “to move the business forward”.

best-selling car vacuum

Amazon’s best-selling car vacuum is on sale for just $19

Here are some things that are probably in your car that shouldn’t be: dirt, Doritos, dust, dog hair, leaves, potato chips, bits of paper, leftover pretzel, an errant potato chip from your last stop at your local Favorite fast food. But go for it: you can (it used to cost $40).

Don’t you think it’s time to enjoy a clean car inside?

The next time you drop Cheetos in the car, don’t smash all that orange powder on the carpet. Simply grab the one from the trunk, plug it into your car’s 12V socket and clean professionally. Thanks to its , the device also removes allergens making your car safe and healthy. Think of all the money you save by not having to go to the car wash as often!

Cordless vacuums may be convenient, but they don’t always have the power to get the job done right. This one has a and a cable of almost five meters that allows you to get between the upholstery of the seats and the side gaps. With the stiff brush you can solve big messes.

The handheld vacuum cleaner comes with three different accessories, including a pet hair brush. It is very satisfying: since the container is transparent, you can see the remains that enter the machine.

It can also be a great gift for someone who does a lot of road trips. Users love the practicality of this device: “The most impressive car vacuum cleaner”; “This is great! I have a 2018 Dodge Durango that unfortunately does not have leather seats. I have three dogs and it is a nightmare to pull the cord to vacuum the truck. Now all I have to do is plug it in and go! The power of this vacuum cleaner is what is needed in a car vacuum cleaner”.

One says that he uses the vacuum cleaner frequently at his job and says that it helps him get big tips. “This is a tremendous vacuum cleaner! Very easy to set up! Works fine!” he adds.

“It’s the best vacuum I’ve ever used”, “catches things that other vacuums don’t, like fine dust from the dashboard and console. The accessories appear to be made and designed specifically for a car. Congratulations to the design engineers. it has an appropriate name, because that is what it does.”

With cyclonic force and great suction power, this compact and lightweight handheld vacuum can catch just about any dirt on your car. The kit includes three accessories, for greater precision, a carrying bag and a filter brush.

Of course, you will benefit from free shipping with Amazon Prime. Still are you not a member? No problem. You can sign up here for a free 30-day trial (by the way, non-Prime users will still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more).

high pressure washers

Eight steps to reduce or eliminate germs with high pressure washers and hot water

When hot water at temperatures of 85-100°C is introduced for cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner, there is a drastic reduction in bacterial colonies. Employing best practices aggressively when cleaning can improve hygiene by disinfecting high-touch surfaces and common spaces.

Nilsifk (the one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional cleaning equipment) gives eight pro tips on how to best reduce or eliminate germs step by step for optimal cleaning results:

  • Know the application. Before you begin, assess the environment, as well as any dirt and bacteria potentially present. Ask questions such as: “Does the environment allow the use of hot water pressure washers, considering the large amounts of water and exhaust gases?” Also, for the full cleaning protocol, ask, “What disinfectants will I need at the end of the cleaning process?”
  • Evaluate the best cleaning parameters. Depending on the types of dirt and surface, evaluate the optimal levels of water flow and pressure: high flow and medium pressure for the most superficial dirt, and higher pressure levels for the most difficult, stubborn and encrusted dirt.
  • Choose the appropriate temperature levels. In the case of the reduction of bacteria and germs, the highest temperatures are those that serve to break them down. In general, temperatures of 85-100°C will quickly allow a drastic reduction in bacterial colonies, although only temperatures close to 155°C will kill many germs completely. Therefore, you will need to turn the cleaning temperatures up to maximum levels to begin the disinfection process. For example, Covid-19 is eliminated at a rate of 10,000 units per 30 minutes at a temperature of 56°C. With this cleaning duration and required temperature, a hot water unit alone will not be efficient. Add a detergent.
  • Choose the right detergent for the job, and prepare the surface. Be sure to select a complementary detergent to help fight germs. Local and regional health organizations often recommend the right ingredients for each task. Soak surfaces with detergent to break down tough layers of residue and dirt.
  • Rinse surfaces with hot water or steam. Rinse off detergent and power wash surfaces to completely remove all layers of dirt and debris. Hot water increases cleaning efficiency and increases the disinfecting effect. Some units can heat water to 140°C to vaporize it, allowing for wet steam pressure cleaning. This process can partially sterilize surfaces.
  • Apply disinfectants. Hot water is not sufficient for disinfection, although it can generally reduce bacteria counts with sufficient exposure time and temperature. It is necessary to finalize the cleaning protocol with a disinfectant. Choose the disinfectant according to local legislation, and according to the type of bacteria that must be eliminated.
  • Get the right end tools. The right accessories ensure optimal, effective and efficient cleaning the first time. Consider purchasing lances, nozzles and sprinklers.
  • Let dry. Allow surfaces to dry before allowing animals or people to pass through again for hygiene or safety reasons.
trunk cleaning

Deficiencies in car care

trunk cleaning
Germs feel particularly comfortable in the trunk – regular cleaning is advisable

Everyone knows that a car is not germ-free. However, the fact that there are more strains of bacteria in the interior of the vehicle than in ordinary toilets may come as a surprise. A study by the British Aston University found that to be the case. High time to change the car care.

  • The highest level of germs is in the trunk
  • Bacteria alarm on driver’s seat and shifter
  • Clean the inside of cars regularly

The British Aston University (Birmingham) examined five different vehicles between the ages of two and 17 years. Children and animals were traveling in three cars, and only the pet in one. All five cars were bought used. They compared the samples that the researchers took from the cars with the samples from two toilets.

Trunk: More bacteria than in a toilet

The researchers were able to identify 1,425 strains of bacteria in the rear compartments alone. According to the study, most bacteria can be found in the trunk. Bacterial contamination – including faecal germs – was even higher than that of an average toilet. Coli bacteria could also be detected in many cases. They can trigger gastrointestinal diseases.

Tip: Wash fruit, vegetables etc. thoroughly in the future. Just wipe other things that you clear out of the trunk.

Driver’s seat and shift lever heavily soiled

According to the study, 649 types of bacteria were found in the driver’s seat – including faecal germs. The disgust ranking is followed by the shift lever (407 strains of bacteria), the rear seat (323 strains of bacteria) and the dashboard (317 strains of bacteria).

Tip: Wipe the steering wheel and shift lever often with an antibacterial damp cloth.

Steering wheel: Fewer germs – probably thanks to Corona

Surprising: Only 146 different types of germs were detected on the steering wheel. What sounds reassuring at first is deceptive. The researchers believe that the picture is clouded by the corona hygiene measures because people are currently frequently disinfecting their hands. The scientists assume that the steering wheel is normally subjected to the most stress – similar to the button on a toilet flush.

The germs come over the years

The study was able to clearly demonstrate that the bacterial load increases the older a vehicle is. Bacterial strains therefore continue to accumulate with age.

Tip: If you buy a used car, you should take enough time for a thorough cleaning and especially clean the trunk. Carpet and plastic cleaners are suitable for this.

Proper car care: It is essential to clean the inside as well

So if you want to take good care of your car, you should not only drive your car to the car wash from time to time, but also clean it regularly from the inside.