Is it really possible to set up a car wash at your garage?
Car washes and detailing studios where your car will be cleaned and polished to a shine are becoming more and more common, but you can also set up one in your own garage or dacha. A high-pressure washer will help you avoid traffic jams and queues. It allows you to wash your car at any time convenient for you. It's also suitable for washing facades, garden equipment, rugs, and much more, so your car will never be idle.
Let's look at power and performance
Depending on their power and performance, these machines are divided into two types: household and professional. The more powerful they are, the faster and better they clean. When choosing a home car wash, consider where you plan to use it and the level of dirt your car is most likely to encounter.
Household sinks
Household sinks: Mobile, compact, weigh up to 20 kilograms and are easy to transport.
Pros: Well suited for washing cars from dust and light dirt.
They are easy to operate and not as demanding on water quality as professional devices.
They operate on 220 volts and have low energy consumption (2–2.5 kW).
Cons: If the device is not very powerful (working pressure up to 150 bar), washing will take a lot of time.
Streaks may remain when washing with shampoo.
They don't handle heavy dirt. This type of car wash won't clean your car properly after driving through swamps.
Professional devices
Professional devices (working pressure above 180 bar).
You can find them at car wash stations, but they can also be purchased for personal use. This type of car wash is ideal for a garage: just install it and use it as much as you need.
Pros:
Effective cleaning of any dirt and ice.
There are no traces after using car chemicals.
High washing speed due to greater power.
The operating time is longer than that of household appliances.
Cons:
High demands on water quality and maintenance.
Many professional car washes operate on 380 volts and can be susceptible to power surges, making them less suitable for summer cottages.
Higher power consumption (3.7 kW for 220 volt, 4–5.5 kW for 380 volt).
Of course, professional devices are more expensive than household ones, but for this money you will get a higher quality and faster wash.
Which pressure washer should I choose for my summer house?
Considering the water supply issues that can occur in summer cottages, choose pressure washers with a tank-mounted water draw feature. Simply lower the hose into the tank and off you go.
The pressure and cleaning speed won't be as high as with a tap, but it's enough to remove light dirt. To ensure a consistent water supply, position the container above the pressure washer. For a professional pressure washer, it's recommended to provide a water pressure of 2–4 bar. This will ensure better performance and longer life.
What else should you pay attention to?
It is more convenient to work with a pressure washer if the hose is at least 5 meters long.
The Total Stop system on the washer stops the water flow when the spray gun handle is released. This will help extend the life of the machine.
When using a car wash, especially a professional one, make sure the machine is connected correctly and carefully read the instructions to ensure proper operation.
Do not use highly alkaline shampoos in the integrated car wash tank, as this will cause problems with the pump. Chemicals with a high pH can corrode the internal components of the device, resulting in failure. Carefully read the instructions before using the car wash and use suitable car wash chemicals."
Pavel Shamne – Grass equipment expert
Setting up a home car wash with a high-pressure washer isn't difficult at all:
Determine what kind of dirt you need a washer to clean in order to choose a model with the appropriate power and energy consumption. Buy a pressure washer with a water intake function if you plan to use it at your garage.
Proper connection and operation are key to the long-term performance of your washer. Don't forget this.