Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Pressure Washing a Car Safely
Follow the safety instructions in your pressure washer manual for power washing cars. General guidelines include:
- Stand on a stable surface where you have good balance and solid footing. Never use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder.
- Wear proper ear and eye protection.
- Do not operate gasoline-powered pressure washers indoors, without proper ventilation. Direct the exhaust away from doors, windows and vents.
- For electric pressure washers, keep the electrical connections dry and off the ground and never touch the plug if your hands are wet.
- Never leave a spray gun unattended while the pressure washer is running.
- Never point the spray gun at people, animals or plants.
- Keep the spray away from electrical fixtures, power sources and power lines.
Before you start pressure washing a vehicle or boat, prepare the area.
- Move the vehicle to an open space with plenty of room around the vehicle. Locate a nearby water source.
- Close the windows, doors and sunroof. Cover any exposed electrical components on the vehicle.
- If you're pressure washing a boat with a canopy or removable seat cushions, take these items off of the boat. If you're washing a truck, remove loose items from the bed. Remove any obstacles in the work area that could cause you to trip or snag hoses.
Check your vehicle owner's manual to see if it's okay to clean your car or truck with a pressure washer.
The cleaning power of each pressure washer depends on multiple factors. Check the owner's manual to see if the power output of your machine is appropriate for the job. Settings vary depending on whether you're applying detergent, performing high-pressure cleaning or the type of surface you're cleaning.
How to Clean a Car With a Pressure Washer
Here are some basic tips for truck, boat or car washing with pressure washers.
Check your vehicle owner's manual for specific cleaning instructions. Check your pressure washer manual for operating instructions and details about spray settings and how far the spray tip should be from the vehicle. Using a pressure washer incorrectly can damage your vehicle. Always test the spray pattern on a hidden area before cleaning to avoid damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to pressure washing a car, boat or truck. Pressure washer instructions may vary, however.
What Is a Good PSI for a Pressure Washer to Wash a Car, Boat or Truck?
When washing a car with a pressure washer, we recommend you keep your PSI between 1,200 and 1,900 when washing your car, but check your pressure washer manual for recommended uses.
Does Pressure Washing Hurt Your Car?
If done properly, pressure washing is a safe and effective way to clean the dirt and grime off your car. However, if you use too much pressure (i.e., more than 1,900 PSI), it's possible to crack the glass in your windows or damage the paint.
Can You Pressure Wash Boat Carpet?
We don't generally recommend using a pressure washer on boat carpet because it's easy to damage the carpet and the glue beneath. If you do use a pressure washer, set it at the lowest PSI level and remain at least eight inches from the surface.