C7 General Discussion General C7 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Electric Pressure Washer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 12:31 PM
  #1  
patron1992's Avatar
patron1992
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 294
Likes: 39
From: Orlando, Florida
Default Electric Pressure Washer

Which model is everyone using to wash their cars? I'm searching for one that will pair with a foam gun to wash my Corvette.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 12:38 PM
  #2  
PatternDayTrader's Avatar
PatternDayTrader
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,982
Likes: 1,074
From: Lansing MI
Default

Don't mess with an electric pressure washer. You will regret it.
Buy a gas engine pressure washer.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 12:42 PM
  #3  
chuckrbt's Avatar
chuckrbt
Instructor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 103
Likes: 23
From: Orcutt CA
Default

Have a Sun Joe SPX3000 and it does a great job both on the car and cleaning around the house. Added a foam gun and hose extension and haven't found anything I can't take care of.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 01:04 PM
  #4  
Jaylars's Avatar
Jaylars
Pro
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 555
Likes: 265
From: Idaho
Default

Agree, Sun Joe SPX3000/3500 works like a champ.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 02:05 PM
  #5  
mschuyler's Avatar
mschuyler
Safety Car
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,980
Likes: 3,826
From: Bainbridge Island WA
Default

I have both a gas and an electric. The gas one is a PITA to use, frankly. It's very powerful, but you really don't want to blast the paint off so for the cars I use a Stanley 2150 and a foam gun. It's a lot easier and quieter. It's $140 at Amazon and also available at places like Home Depot. That's half the price I paid for my gas unit.

Last edited by mschuyler; Feb 12, 2019 at 11:58 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 02:13 PM
  #6  
randy ransome's Avatar
randy ransome
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Conversation Starter
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 473
From: Olive Branch Mississippi
Winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
2018 Corvette of Year
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of Year
Default

Don't buy an electric one from Harbor Freight. I did and as soon as I tried It it was Pitifull. It had a nozzle that looked like it had a fan pattern but it only washed like it was a solid stream. Took it back and they charged me $16.00 restock fee.

I was trying to clean mildew and crud of all my washed concrete...not strong enough.




Last edited by randy ransome; Feb 10, 2019 at 02:17 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 02:14 PM
  #7  
Foosh's Avatar
Foosh
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,942
Default

Many electric models are great. For car washing, lower psi models (below 1800 psi) are best. I have two and one of them is more than 6 years old, used constantly, and still working flawlessly. You have to be far more careful w/ higher psi gas models.

I've been using the one in the link below for 3 years, its small, and perfect for the job. I use it with a CR Spotless water system, and the power washer saves water, so I don't need to buy nearly as much replacement resin.

Greenworks portable power washer Greenworks portable power washer

Last edited by Foosh; Feb 10, 2019 at 02:15 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 02:37 PM
  #8  
The HACK's Avatar
The HACK
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 690
Default

AR Blue 383 here, but it has a proprietary wand. It’s rated at 1,800 PSi so it’s not TOO powerful, but the proprietary wand requires a custom adapter for the foam cannon.

the 383ss and 390 has a standard wand with interchangeable tip to alter the shape and pressure of the flow, and the adapters are standardized so you don’t need a special adapter if you already have a foam cannon.

The electric pressure washer has been flawless for over 5 years. The only issue is the rubber washers dries up and cracks, so you’ll have to replace them every year.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 02:41 PM
  #9  
fsvoboda's Avatar
fsvoboda
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 799
From: East Lansing, MI
Default

Originally Posted by chuckrbt
Have a Sun Joe SPX3000 and it does a great job both on the car and cleaning around the house. Added a foam gun and hose extension and haven't found anything I can't take care of.
I have one of these also, and they're all you need for most uses. Just make sure not to leave somewhere where it can freeze.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 03:00 PM
  #10  
SingleTrackMinded's Avatar
SingleTrackMinded
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 1,369
From: Mesa AZ
Default

Originally Posted by Foosh
Many electric models are great. For car washing, lower psi models (below 1800 psi) are best. I have two and one of them is more than 6 years old, used constantly, and still working flawlessly. You have to be far more careful w/ higher psi gas models.

I've been using the one in the link below for 3 years, its small, and perfect for the job. I use it with a CR Spotless water system, and the power washer saves water, so I don't need to buy nearly as much replacement resin.

Greenworks portable power washer
I use the same washer I got on sale at Lowes. Works perfectly and has just the right amount of pressure for my foam canon and rinsing the vehicles off.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2019 | 04:52 PM
  #11  
hemistar1's Avatar
hemistar1
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 374
Likes: 98
From: Hampton, VA
Default Model Spx 4000

Originally Posted by chuckrbt
Have a Sun Joe SPX3000 and it does a great job both on the car and cleaning around the house. Added a foam gun and hose extension and haven't found anything I can't take care of.
totally agree got mine from Lowe’s last spring...just make sure you use the correct supplied nozzle tip and stay 10 to 12 inches from car.

The SPX4000 is the model I chose.

Works really great with the 40 degree tip..not to harsh and all electric.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sun-Joe-200...her/1000208847
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 01:42 AM
  #12  
village idiot's Avatar
village idiot
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,079
Likes: 1,922
From: DFW, Tejas!
Default

I have one off amazon (I think it's sun joe) and it's perfect for washing the car. More than enough power, light, no gas/oil and relatively quiet.

You don't want more pressure than that on your car. You just want to run a foam cannon. After that, honestly the water pressure from the hose is probably enough to rinse.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 02:07 AM
  #13  
TyBoo's Avatar
TyBoo
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 850
Likes: 415
Default

I have a Powerstroke electric washer in the garage plumbed direct and tucked away in a corner with a hose reel holding 50' of pressure hose on the outside of the wall. It is real handy for both the car and truck. I just open the valve in the supply line, plug it in and the hose outside is ready to use. The only reason I chose the Powerstroke brand is because that is what Costco was selling.

I agree with those who say you want the lower pressure of an electric washer for your car. It's not so much that a higher pressure gas washer would take your paint off because you can control the force with nozzle selection and how close you hold the spray tip. The biggest advantage of the lower, but still adequate, pressure electric units is the size of the hose and spray wand. My 3200 PSI Honda washer has 3/8" heavy wall hose that is stiff and awkward and could easily flip up and hit the car if there is a loop in the hose when the trigger is released and the flow stops. The 1900 PSI electric washer uses 1/4" hose that is much lighter and more flexible. Easy to drag around the car and kick out of the way. The electric ones are a lot cheaper, too.

I use the sort tube spray wand that came with my foam cannon for everything. It is easy to control and aim. I have a three position swivel on the nozzle so it can tilt it up to rinse under the car and in the wheel wells. That is used more on the truck to get the sand out after a beach trip but is handy for the car, too.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 09:10 AM
  #14  
gliot1's Avatar
gliot1
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,764
Likes: 2,513
From: Buckeye, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Default

I started with electric, but it never did the job the commercial car washes did. I bought a gas and am completely satisfied. 3200 psi compared to 1600. The gas does many more jobs than just cars as well.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 12:23 PM
  #15  
JMII's Avatar
JMII
Safety Car
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Default

Greenworks 1800 PSI from Lowes. Perfect for the car / boat as its not so strong to do damage, yet still strong enough for projects around the house like cleaning the the deck and windows.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 12:54 PM
  #16  
C7&7's Avatar
C7&7
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
Default

Originally Posted by PatternDayTrader
Don't mess with an electric pressure washer. You will regret it.
Buy a gas engine pressure washer.
Couldn't agree more. I went from gas to an electric and HATED it. It can't clean ****. I went back to a gas.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 12:57 PM
  #17  
patron1992's Avatar
patron1992
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 294
Likes: 39
From: Orlando, Florida
Default

Thank you for all the information. I currently have a gas powered one, but it’s pita to use every time. I went Ahead and purchased an electric one from Lowe’s for $100.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Electric Pressure Washer

Old Feb 11, 2019 | 02:09 PM
  #18  
TyBoo's Avatar
TyBoo
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 850
Likes: 415
Default

Originally Posted by C7&7
Couldn't agree more. I went from gas to an electric and HATED it. It can't clean ****. I went back to a gas.
If I get **** on the car I will definitely fire up the gas pressure washer.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 02:51 PM
  #19  
MiamiCowboy's Avatar
MiamiCowboy
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 663
Likes: 172
From: Oklahoma
Default

Originally Posted by Foosh
Many electric models are great. For car washing, lower psi models (below 1800 psi) are best. I have two and one of them is more than 6 years old, used constantly, and still working flawlessly. You have to be far more careful w/ higher psi gas models.

I've been using the one in the link below for 3 years, its small, and perfect for the job. I use it with a CR Spotless water system, and the power washer saves water, so I don't need to buy nearly as much replacement resin.

Greenworks portable power washer
I have the same washer and it does a super job. Rinse, foam canon, mit wash, rinse and dry. Although I also have a Troy gas powered washer this one is very quite and shuts off when the trigger is released. Much better than the loud gas model that continues to hammer all the time. Nice to be able to use in my machine shed with the doors down. Lower pressure is good for car and paint protection film I have on cars. I am pleased with this model. It gets good reviews and only cost me $135 which was way cheaper than SunJoe or AR models.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2019 | 03:19 PM
  #20  
village idiot's Avatar
village idiot
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,079
Likes: 1,922
From: DFW, Tejas!
Default

what the heck are you guys getting on your car that an electric pressure washer can't handle? And why are you using pressure instead of soap and rag to wash your car?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:24 AM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE