Do You Need A Pressure Washer To Wash A Car? | Cheap vs Expensive

Today we answer the question do you need a pressure washer and go over the cheap and expensive options for a garden hose wash. Watch to find out and enjoy the bloopers at the end.
Check out my website for more info and giveaways - www.carswithkeav.com
Follow Me on Instagram - / carswithkeav
Products In Video:
Incredible Suds, Quick Beads & Ceramic Gloss - www.diydetail.com/?rfsn=79604...
Discount Code CARSWITHKEAV for 10% off
Eley Sprayers & Quick Connects - www.eleyhosereels.com/?rfsn=7...
Orbit Sprayer - amzn.to/48vmHlT
Flexzilla Hose - amzn.to/3vC5k5e
Bluseal Retractable Garden Hose Reel - amzn.to/3IdZIRR
Garden Hose Flow Meter - amzn.to/49SIuFs
Gilmour Foam Gun - Check Product Tags on this Video
Bottle Trigger Sprayer - amzn.to/4amtkZK
Battery Foamer - amzn.to/3vpoQlP
Gilmour Foam Gun - Check the product tags bottom left corner of video.
Chemical Guys Bucket - amzn.to/3TVQpwq
Gamma Lid for Bucket - amzn.to/49i0M1W
Ryobi Blower - Check the product tags bottom left corner of video.
Wheel Detail Brush - amzn.to/43DS1Os
Hard Short Bristle Tire Brush - amzn.to/4cH1BEn
Detail Factory Tire Brush - amzn.to/4afOqZA
Glacier 1100 Drying Towel - amzn.to/3TXFBOd
Bucket Dolly - Check the product tags bottom left corner of video.
Active Affiliate Link - shop.activeproducts.com?sca_ref=2600661.YNbljSrmHt
Eley Affiliate Link - www.eleyhosereels.com/?rfsn=7...
Sliplo - HEIDI at or 15% off sliplo.shop/carswithkeav
Gtechniq - Heidi10 for 10% off at gtechniq.com
Blackvue - Heidi10 for 10% off at blackvue.com/ref/Heidi_the_335/
JDCars - KEAV5 5% off at jd-cars.com/?ref=KEAV
Items On The Wall Setup:
WaterDrop Spotless - amzn.to/3ZyUSWX
Flow Meter - amzn.to/3ENhE41
CR Spotless DIW20 - amzn.to/3BV2GXz
Carbon Filter 1 Micron - amzn.to/3t4XpMD
Chloramine reduction carbon filter - amzn.to/3tbh4dS
Active 2.0 from Active - shop.activeproducts.com/produ...
Active 2.0 from Amazon - amzn.to/43q4vZ9
SGS28 Swivel Spray Gun - amzn.to/3dTuKPh
Pressure Washer Hose - amzn.to/3O1HDYp
3 foot Jumper Hose- amzn.to/46BAQxz
MAD Car Care Nozzle Holders - madcarcareproducts.com
3/8 female QD coupler - amzn.to/3xj224e
1/4 Female Quick Disconnect Set for Wall - amzn.to/48EDMuT
Blueseal Garden Hose Retractable Reel - amzn.to/3RHqdox
Fixfans Pressure Washer Hose Retractable Reel - amzn.to/3LKlZc9
Essential Washer Hose - amzn.to/46z7PCH
Flexzilla Swivel Hose - amzn.to/45urvqp
Brass Garden Hose Angles - amzn.to/3YQ848y
Ridge Washer Nozzles - amzn.to/46cNbbE
15 inch heater hose - amzn.to/46rSP9o
3/4 female npt to 3/4 female ght adapter - amzn.to/3t9JW67
3/4 male npt to 3/4 male npt adapter - amzn.to/3ZTkGgV
3/4 male npt to 3/4 male ght adapter - amzn.to/3RE9v9t
DigiFlow 6710 - amzn.to/3zFsrfa
Amp Meter - amzn.to/3zJtgU4
Blue Monster Tape - amzn.to/3ZArFep
Union Valve - amzn.to/3jSv2wI
Union Fitting- amzn.to/3E7ZMRs
Washing Machine - amzn.to/3K7rktU
3/8 stainless elbow - amzn.to/3E55ljg
m22 to 3/8 female -amzn.to/3Xv22Jp
3/8 male plug - amzn.to/3YAirxy
Products I use
Active Short Gun - shop.activeproducts.com?sca_ref=2600661.YNbljSrmHt
Cart - amzn.to/3jNalzz
Solo Battery Powered Sprayer - amzn.to/3u6IxKe
Kingkast Waterproof Gloves - amzn.to/3oGitnZ
Syphlid Waterproof Garden Shoes - amzn.to/31Cdhc9
Awesome Multi Tool "Wonder Wrench" - amzn.to/3ghAOTM
De-Ionization - amzn.to/3yNH8bZ
VE52 Pressure Washer - amzn.to/3fWWqp9
VE52 Pressure Washer Alternative (Same unit different cosmetics) - amzn.to/2WrBNK6
MJJC Foam Cannon - amzn.to/3v00rO6
MJJC Site - www.mjjc.com/collections/foam...
Firehose Nozzle - amzn.to/3d9SKLv
Brass Garden Hose Shutoff valve De-Ionization - amzn.to/3d39O93
Small EZ Detail Brush - amzn.to/3i72Qzu
Tire Brush - amzn.to/3ARRh9X
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you. If you do purchase through my affiliate links, thank you so much for your support!
#carwash #gardenhose #carwashing

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you for using DIY Detail

[@CarsWithKeav]

Always

[@millerdetailing4176]

Really great breakdown and use of different techniques Keav. Appreciate all the great content hope you have a great week.

[@CarsWithKeav]

You as well and thanks for watching!

[@kennythomsonjr5553]

one of your very best videos. Good stuff. Thank you

[@CarsWithKeav]

Appreciate that!

[@JhawkerZ]

Great demo. Thank you.

[@CarsWithKeav]

You’re welcome

[@dannysandoval5195]

Excellent demo Keav.

[@CarsWithKeav]

Thx

[@davidboyce6427]

Can’t wait to see you on The Cleaner Cast Podcast 👍

[@TRINInDC925]

This video is ideal for me. I don't have a chance to break out the pressure washer for each wash. But the tools and process as well as the ideas for my set up. Thank you so much. I know I won't be going high end, but I do like a foam option as I use a spray bottle and it's fine. But it's also why I like using the pressure washer. So many ideas after seeing this video. I'll watch it again for sure.

[@CarsWithKeav]

There are so many ways to wash a car. So Many wants, but only really just a few needs.

[@functionaldoc5054]

Looking forward to being on the Keeping It Real podcast this week with Eddie and Joey. Time for you get Big Boi Pro Dryer Plus to dry off that nice Di water. I like you love to foam any day as a prosumer . Foaming is car therapy.

[@CarsWithKeav]

Eddie got the date wrong it’s next week. I’ll be at the Freedom 500 this week so couldn’t do this week. I’ll start looking at more blower solutions once I get all these pressure washers out the way.

[@seashackf1]

Nice. I have a pressure washer set up, MTM guns, wand, nozzles and foam cannon. I rarely use them anymore because of the setup and break down since mine isn’t mounted on the wall. For years now I have been doing a rinse, then pre foam, more alkaline, with Gilmour foam gun. Let it sit for 5 + min while get my buckets and brushed ready. I rinse, then foam again with the same soap that’s in my bucket, then do a contact wash. Works great and much let equipment to use. As far as the foam not being as thick, it still stays on for minutes. The benefit though is when it runs off it takes the dust and some dirt with it, just like a foam cannon would, so I don’t think it’s much of a detriment, if any at all. I know videos are usually shot weeks or months in advance so I guess our discussion about foaming guns a couple of weeks ago was very timely.

[@CarsWithKeav]

For sure shot a bit ago I keep these ready when something is delayed in shipping so I always have a video to put out. Correct on the foam being so runny does move more off the panel. If I do think foam a few minutes in I like to put a mist of the car to dilute the foam and have it run off more like the Gilmour foam. You got a good process going there.

[@still-DJ]

Do You Need A Pressure Washer To Wash A Car? Hell yeah, I do. At 66 years old and 120 degrees in the Phoenix AZ area, I need the fastest car wash possible in the summer months, especially for trucks and ATVs. Let's face it, in the summer months, no method is fun. Truck washing here starts at 5:00 - 6:00 AM. Even with a P/W you still must wash by hand. That Gilmore hose foamer is killer and I do use mine when I'm in a hurry on small cars and don't have the pressure washer fully set up. Those super-thick foam cannon washes go into retirement due to extreme heat, in the summer months. Another great video, and best of all... you showed all the possible price points (from entry-level to high-end).

[@CarsWithKeav]

Your environment changes the want to a need. Can’t say I envy that I hate it here in the south during the summer, but it’s a humid heat so water tends to evaporate slower than that dry desert type heat. You sweat a lot more though. Thanks for the kind words as well.

[@still-DJ]

Humidity is so much worse. @@CarsWithKeav

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@still-DJ It sucks that’s why I had to finish my garage. I used to wash at night, but with the light and the humidity comes the mosquitos. I’m too lazy in the morning to wash. 🤣

[@Pedroluvslupe]

You freaking got me for Christ sake I forgot about that

[@CarsWithKeav]

🤣🤣

[@FredShramovich]

Great break down on different processes and why you don't need $$$ in products and tools!

[@CarsWithKeav]

Thanks Fred!

[@randyramirez4946]

Picked one up because of your review and it works great! I used it to not only foam but also rinsed with it and then dried by hand to finish the job. I found I’m using a lot less water, a lot less, which means I’m not getting side eyed from the neighbors.

[@CarsWithKeav]

Got to make sure Karen doesn’t flip her lid again. If my neighbors give me a side eye I just start up the straight piped BMW and give them a few revs. 🤣

[@randyramirez4946]

@@CarsWithKeav that’s the perfect response to Karen and the HOArd!

[@jeffreycaban5107]

Love using my Comet Pressure Washer but to be honest about 85% of the time I'm using just my Garden Hose and a Wash Bucket.

[@CarsWithKeav]

I find myself going to the garden hose wash more often. Mainly because my cars are usually pretty clean already.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Nice!!!!

[@CarsWithKeav]

Thx

[@Enthusiast_detailing]

I tried rinseless wash for the 1st time and I definitely see why some don’t bother with a pressure washer it works for me since I really only detail when my kid is taking a nap so I gotta be efficient with my time however if he’s going to have a longer nap I’d like some foam (:

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Since rinseless wash take less time, bring kids to help you out. My daughter like to do wheels because they have the same height 😂

[@katser5023]

I do what he does but with rinseless. Pre treat, rinse off with garden hose, pre treat again but for lubrication, contact wash and dry. If the car isn't that dirty then skip the rinse part in the beginning.

[@CarsWithKeav]

The days of me dealing with kids is almost over. One left to leave and he is a teenager so I hit lots of times in my hands. For sure when they were younger I had way less time.

[@UndressforAndres]

@@Carlos.Riverabro that’s awesome 😂

[@wescat2]

What a great video Keav! On a side note my cheap battery foamer arrived today 4/1/24 after 10 weeks..ha I submitted a USPS package search a month ago.

[@CarsWithKeav]

USPS was way late on my diabetic medication and some other things just no tracking for weeks so got an emergency prescription it arrived quickly, but all of a sudden a week later my USPS packages that I thought were lost just magically showed up. I’ve seen news stories of multiple USPS facilities that have trailers and trailers of unsorted mail and are weeks behind, but they don’t estimate that they just says it’s getting delivered tomorrow and just update that everyday. 🤣

[@wescat2]

@@CarsWithKeav Of all the things to lose. I take Mounjaro, but UPS delivers mine. So far so good on the 90 day supply.

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@wescat2 I take Ozempic, but since refrigerated they come UPS as well. My Metformin was what got lost and then found. LOL You losing weight with the Mounjaro its basically the same as Ozempic just different Pharma companies. I have been losing at a steady pace and almost never really feel hungry.

[@wescat2]

@@CarsWithKeav I wasn't hungry for 10 months then all of a sudden I stay hungry. I've been on 7.5 for about 6-7 months.

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@wescat2 I've been taking for about 4 months. Hope that doesn't happen to me.

[@CyberSkunk90]

I used the wash bucket method with a garden hose for years and swirled the absolute HECK out of my car. You can't beat a pressure washer when it comes to a swirl free wash. A pressure washer will blow off about 90% of dirt and particles on your car which leaves basically nothing behind that could leave a scratch. Whereas with a garden hose, it won't even blow off stuck on grass.. I get where you're coming from in this video, but using this method significantly increases your chances of swirls because you're not able to remove all that heavy particulate off the car.. Idk, as someone who used the bucket method for 10 years and recently got into the pressure washer game.. Night and day difference and not a single swirl on my car. I did a complete paint restoration on the car that was heavily swirled, and washing it with my pressure washer never left swirls

[@CarsWithKeav]

I get what your saying and don’t doubt this happened to you, but good pre-rinse chemicals and a good sprayer you should not be getting swirl marks with a garden hose. I understand if you don’t have enough pressure from your water hose to Knock off the dirt. People use Rinseless wash all the time and don’t swirl their cars. I use a garden hose bucket wash quite often and have not had any marring or swirling. One thing I would say is if more particles are there between a pressure wash and a garden hose wash then even more reason to use single bucket method and not put anything back in the wash bucket. I abandoned two bucket method long ago and stick with single use wash media.

[@CookiesUnleashed]

Even a pre rinse with a rinseless wash should mitigate that by 90%. That’s my method when I don’t feel like using my pressure washer. If you can manage to use a foamer then really it’s the safer alternative because you have the added flow plus a decreased chance at shooting contaminants with 1,000+psi. However one thing to note is that my garden hose has a pretty high output at a bit more than 10gpm which makes my hose nozzle shoot with quite a bit more pressure

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@CookiesUnleashed That’s some good flow and mine at 8gpm is more than enough, but there are some that I have seen that struggle to get 4gpm flow and with that you could struggle to get containers off the surface and possibly during contact could increase the chances of scratching. If Inhad that kind of problem I would for sure stick to the pressure washer or use a rindless method. DIY Detail Rinsless is great for a pre-rinse I have used before when I see a lot of large particles in the car.

[@05xrunner]

I cant remember the last time I washed with my PW. I really dont even like it as it is just a MUCH longer processes. I dont even like hose washing. 95% of my washes are rinseless. Walmart has basically same bucket dollies for $14

[@CarsWithKeav]

It all depends on the setup. If I didn’t have the wall setup or a full setup wash cart I would hose wash more often. Rinseless still isn’t my thing yet. I mentioned in the video they are 14.97 at Walmart and that’s a great price.

[@05xrunner]

@@CarsWithKeav I have a full active wall setup with reel and all and still don’t like using it.

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@05xrunner Dang that sucks just lost the urge to use the equipment? Could you be in a climate that it’s too hot that happens to a lot of people. Either way the car is clean which is the whole point.

[@05xrunner]

@@CarsWithKeav no I just hate hose and PW washing cause it takes so much extra time compared to rinseless. I spent a lot setting up my wall to realize no thanks. Takes me 30min to rinseless vs 2 hr with PW or house cause I am super ocd and have to blow every drop out of every crack before I can finish.

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@05xrunner I’m the same way just have not gone away from the setup yet. I guess me reviewing all these products keeps things new for me and excited to use them.

[@moveit05]

Great video...i use a $5 temu pump sprayer with an electric air pump attached and the foam i get from that is awesome!

[@CarsWithKeav]

That’s awesome I assume you modded a valve onto the bottle somewhere so you can fill it up?

[@moveit05]

@@CarsWithKeav yeah so easy...and cheap🤭🤭🤭

[@YZERPLAN]

Hi, do you also use a hose or pressure washer?

[@moveit05]

@@YZERPLAN i use hose foamer from harbor freight works great 👍

[@YZERPLAN]

@@moveit05 oh, so you have access to water then? I live in an apartment and no access to water, is there a safe way to rinseless wash? Thanks again

[@coolwrld302]

When using IncrediSuds on the wheels do you notice surface rust on the rotors after you dry them?

[@CarsWithKeav]

Not anymore than after it rains outside. If I use an iron remover it tends to rust more. I usually use brake buster which has rust inhibitors and that produces a little less.

[@coolwrld302]

@@CarsWithKeav Yea I use Auto Fantic wheel cleaner and it does a really good job with rust inhibitors but really like the idea of using the same cleaner for everything.

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@coolwrld302 Got to love the technology in chemicals today.

[@stvcrgy55]

I've had my Amazon foamer for about a month. It's done great so far. Really the only thing indont like is that if there is no liquid in it it like to tip over.w I use it for wheels. Also for my wheels I like a MF barrel brush better because it's softer amd I have black painted wheels. I'm also not a rinseless fan. Enjoy foaming my car. I like to foam 1st for breaking up the dirt andn2nd for a contact wash.

[@CarsWithKeav]

Yeah, the balance on these is no good empty. I’m thinking of trying out a microfiber one just these are so much easier to rinse and clean. I do the same foam twice most of the time.

[@YZERPLAN]

Hi, can I do a rinseless wash without access to a hose or pressure washer without scratching or marring my 2024 RAV4 paint? TIA

[@CarsWithKeav]

Depends on how dirty the car is. If tons of grit on the panels you will need some type of pre-soak and rinse to get them off the car. Then you would be safe.

[@YZERPLAN]

@@CarsWithKeav thank you, which pre-soak product do think would work the best in a marolex sprayer? Would KC GS be good or is there something better?

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@YZERPLAN That stuff is great. I like Incredible suds by DIY detail. Just like any wash it can change based on the road grime if it’s heavy you can add a little apc to the foam soap to give it a little extra cleaning power. KC has some product I think you can add as well like green star.

[@YZERPLAN]

@@CarsWithKeav thank you, greatly appreciated

[@derrickabare9986]

Good vid . The age old debate . Hose vs pw . Rotory vs da . Ive been detailing for 40 yrs . I have come to the conclusion that rather you use a pw or hose is a non factor . Both are just methods to move water . It all about chemicals used and techniques that makes the difference. In some ways a Hose is even quicker for rinse off . Liken it to filling you sink with dish soap . Put water through the faucet. Not much happens . Put water through the sprayer and bubbles everywhere.

[@CarsWithKeav]

I feel the same way and appreciate your input. Thanks for gracing the comment section with your 40 years of experience. The debate will live on forever though until another crazy new process is invented. Then it will be a 3 way debate.

[@derrickabare9986]

@CarsWithKeav well there is only a handful of channels I watch including yours . Mostly looking for tips and tricks that I may be able to incorporate into my routine. When I started nobody was using a pw on cars . DAs where a guy downtown that you didn't want to see and microfibers where still a couple yrs out . I was using diapers , cotton clothes , t shirts and newspaper on glass . Lol . Been a dealership detailer the whole time at the same place . Started a side hustle llc 4 yrs ago as well . Learning and growing even now . Looking forward to the next vid .have a great day .

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@derrickabare9986 What a life to have lived seeing all that progress. We are kind of spoiled now with all the products and technology that is out there today. The last 3 years and been an insane growth in products for the DIY person for sure.

[@johnparkerzabala]

Sir yes Sir🙏🫡

[@CarsWithKeav]

Thx

[@whattheydo1804]

😂,😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Subie-Driver]

Short answer to,the title of this vid? Nope.

[@CarsWithKeav]

Agreed

[@rizzayification]

your car is wrapped?

[@CarsWithKeav]

Yes, Avery Dennison Satin Roaring Thunder.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First!!!!

[@maryhoffman2547]

Lil slow today, lol. Watching trcma😂

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

😜😜😜seems we came almost at the same time by a hair split😜😜

[@maryhoffman2547]

@@1stfrompuertorico568 my little legs are quick🤣

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

@@maryhoffman2547 😜😜😜just today?😜😜😜

[@maryhoffman2547]

@@1stfrompuertorico568 rainy day, I got the time.

[@maryhoffman2547]

First! Lol

[@CarsWithKeav]

We got a competition going on here. 🤣