Best pressure washer accessories according to redditors

1. Yes and No. The pressure washer is a tool like any other and is not necessary to detailing you car. Pressure washers really only give you two things. Control, and power. Control over how much water is used and where and power of that waters pressure. They're are hugely useful for tackling bigger jobs and making maintence washes a breeze. A regular hose can achieve the same clean as a pressure washer. This is the one I use "https://www.lowes.com/pd/Greenworks-1800-PSI-1-1-GPM-Cold-Water-Electric-Pressure-Washer/1000604813". It works excellently, doesn't break the bank and comes with a good host of accessories.
   
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2. OMG YES. They're fun, they work, and they make life easy. Again, this is the one I have "https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CGG67PY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1". Great for the money.
   
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3. I do wheels, trim, then paint from the top down but use whatever method works for you and properly addresses the needs of your vehicle.
   
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4. NO SPONGES. EVER. FOR ANY REASON. Not even a microfiber sponge. They lock in dirt and keep it, which causes damage to any finish you could be hoping to achieve. Get yourself a mitt, I preffer one I can out my hand in but whichever is fine. I'd link my mitt but they can be bought pretty much anywhere for cheap so no big deal.
   
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   5.Wash, decontaminate, clay, then spray. Spray wax is just wax in a liguid form and goes on pretty much the same as paste wax. They don't always last as long but work for DIY detailers like us.
   
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5. Clay works by being sticky as all hell and literally pulling baked in filth out of your cars paint/wheels. USe with a lubricant and wipe gently in a back and forth motion until the surface feels smooth as glass. Do small 2X2FT areas at a time. Clay as needed.
   
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   Hope this helps. Feel free to check out my youtube for a couple videos I've started making.
   
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   HeavyB: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAZQYR9Qqho7zxxyCZlkDkg

Any type of foaming ability included with a pressure washer will be crap. You need to buy an actual foam cannon such as this one to get the results you want. There are cheaper options than this one but I elect to stay with MTM.

I usually put 2 ounces of soap into the canister to get optimal foam.

Okay, this guy on Youtube puts Apple prices on the things he makes, more power to other people's wallet. You can make your own. Some items you will have to order, some items like the adapter can be found at your local hardware stores.


$15 wand Throw away type, it breaks toss it, still better than the stock wand.


$35 Wand These are serviceable, internal parts can be replaced. The stainless versions can get into $$$.

$65 Stainless Wand


$35 swivel I have two of these, one at the pressure washer outlet and the hose end, the one at the pressure washer started leaking, pricey doesn't mean better all the time.


$15 swivel I'll put these on the wand itself.


Better quick connecters Really a must buy for swaping out accessories even with cold or wet hands.


Adapters


Pipe thread tape This is thicker and better than the white tape.

So you should get the most amount of foam when you tighten the soap nob (right). Next, the nozzle should be set the the fan side. I set mine just shy of the widest setting.

Another thing to try, is with the settings above, take off the bottle, and put your finger on the bottom of the straw. When I do that, i can feel a strong suction that would probably get uncomfortable if I kept it there for long.

If all that checks out and you are still having issues. Start with replacing the pistol part between hose and cannon. I use a short pistol like the one MATCC sells. https://www.amazon.com/MATCC-Washer-Pressure-Power-Washers/dp/B06XYJ3N19/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1522435400&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=matcc&psc=1

I also use honeydew which works great for me. You have a pressure washer that should work like all the best yt videos. I'm stuck with an electric sun joe and have finally been able to get almost exactly what you find in chemical guys videos once i got the 1.1mm MTM cannon. You should have the same results with a 1.25mm orifice which is what came with my cheap amazon DUSICHIN since you have a Gas powered.

This is my set up and works great. The reviews say the MTM doesn't work with the SunJoe SPX3000 but it does. I've ordered 3 in total for friends and myself. All of them has came with the 1/4in fitting and works perfect with the SPX3000. So the idiots that left the reviews saying it does not work must not know how to change out the fittings or something?
Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Joe 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric Pressure Washer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPGMUXW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_-TMtzb9F0DSFK

MTM Hydro Professional Adjustable Foam Cannon with Bayonet, 2600 PSI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDSLVQC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_BVMtzbW630TGF

I've only owned a single foam cannon and that's the MTM Hydro Professional. This one has a smaller orifice specifically meant to be used with electric pressure washers that don't output the same water as gas pressure washers.

When I was researching foam cannons, I noticed the community was split on cheap <$20 foam cannons (the ones that pop up on Amazon by searching for "foam cannon"), and by higher end >$50 foam cannons like the MTM I have.

A lot of people were saying the cheaper ones performed just as well as the expensive ones, and a lot of people said they didn't. One thing I knew for sure from watching take-apart videos, was that the internal construction for more expensive foam cannons was a lot better than the cheaper ones. I figured if I was going to be using this in a business setting, I should opt for the more expensive one ensuring I get the better quality.

Briggs & Stratton 6328 14-Inch Surface Cleaner for Gas Pressure Washers Up to 3200-PSI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KQI37VA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Oa99Ab95A15CN

You'll need a different spray gun since the Portland washer comes with an adjustable nozzle.

I tend to recommend Twinkle Star as a cheap option with decent quality:

Spray gun:

https://www.amazon.com/Twinkle-Star-Pressure-4-Color-Nozzles/dp/B01N6S5JR7

Foam cannon:

https://www.amazon.com/Twinkle-Star-Cannon-Connector-Pressure/dp/B07CGG67PY

Quick disconnect kit:

https://www.amazon.com/Twinkle-Star-Pressure-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B07L4HR1R7

Swivel joint (not necessary but recommended):

https://www.amazon.com/Twinkle-Star-Pressure-Connection-Fitting/dp/B07MYTG4T4

Longer / better hose (I would highly recommend this):

https://www.amazon.com/SIMPSON-Cleaning-MorFlex-Replacement-Extension/dp/B00MB8Z39W

Just get an electric power washer with 2000 psi and this foam cannon from Amazon.

You may have to remove the original adapter the factory put on the foam cannon with the American standard in order for it to fit onto the sprayer.

Afterwards, enjoy!. Don't mind the spec sheet at the bottom of the list. It's outdated.

I've been using an MTM Hydro for ~8 years now, it's fantastic.

https://www.amazon.com/MTM-Professional-Adjustable-Cannon-Bayonet/dp/B00EDSLVQC

I use this one with my ARBlue 390SS and Meg's Gold Class. It has two adjustments, one to change the shape of the spray and another to adjust ratio of water:soap mix. I'm not sure exactly which foam lance you have, but if it doesn't have a dilution adjustment, that may be the issue.

You could also try increasing the soap:water ratio in your bottle to get it thicker, to see if that helps instead of buying a new foam gun.

Edit: Changed link to proper model for electric power washers. Thanks, TimeToGrowThrowaway

Before you use an auger, you might want to attempt this with a sewer nozzle connected to a pressure washer:

https://www.amazon.com/Forney-75142-Pressure-Accessories-Rotating/dp/B003X5PSV0

They work OK for most cleaning purposes.

I have the Karcher k2.300 electric pressure washer. Make sure you get the MTM Cannon that is designed for Karcher washers.

https://www.amazon.ca/Mingle-Pressure-Washer-Undercarriage-Cleaner/dp/B07K22DGRY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=61160775556&hvadid=310058307020&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9001461&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5271144072517751214&hvtargid=kwd-303094429860&keywords=undercarriage+pressure+washer&qid=1554396461&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

You'll want one of these if you want to clean your car:
http://www.amazon.com/MTM-Hydro-Professional-Adjustable-Foamer/dp/B00EDSLVQC/ref=pd_sbs_lg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1MMC8X642WWZG9R5J25W

Of course it may be cheaper to just go to those self-service car washes, as they're about five(ish) dollars a visit. I bought a ton of car stuff and it was quite a bit more than five dollars, and I don't think I will ever break even as I am rarely in the mood to drag out all the stuff to wash my car... but I don't regret buying them as it is nice to really wash my car on a nice day and really get in touch with it and fix any issues I find.

But those self service car washes are fun too! Grab a bluetooth speaker or hope the place plays music and rock out.

Just a note, if you get the MTM foam cannon made for electric power washers like the sun joe you will get thicker foam than the one you chose. That one is more suited for more powerful power washers.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDSLVQC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also, if you haven't seen already my setup is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/comments/8hnuto/my_budget_friendly_wallmounted_sunjoe_w_aquarium/

Nah, theyre like $150 for a decent one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPGMUXW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDSLVQC

I bought my SunJoe SPX 3000 pressure washer and MTM Hydro back in February 2016 and it's still working as of now. I have plans to swap the hose for a longer hose and a new gun. I'm not a fan of the longer wand style gun that comes with it.

This is foam cannon you want to use with electric pressure washers. It's designed to be used at a lower pressure. And 1500psi will work. Just don't expect it to make the kind of foam you see in the CG videos.

You're gonna splash the drywall a little (which should have cove base on it and be painted to protect against water to a degree). It'll dry. Not gonna hurt it.

Or use a floor scrubber attachment. They're $45 at Walmart. Damn things are AMAZING.

I recommend something a bit smaller then what I am using in the video. I use this surface cleaner professional and it requires 4000 psi and 3.5gpm.
https://smile.amazon.com/Generac-6132-Pressure-Surface-Cleaner/dp/B00RHXFZIA/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1483583070&sr=1-1-fkmr2&keywords=3100+2.4+surface+cleaner

Frankly, If I was you, I would connect a Z-wave water shutoff just AFTER your main manual shutoff. These things are a bit too pricey to have everywhere, nor should you need to use one everywhere.

Some Amazon links

$429 or [$129] (https://smile.amazon.com/Wireless-Z-Wave-Water-Valve-inch/dp/B006KU10ZI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473890371&sr=8-3&keywords=zwave+water+shutoff) or $59

Looking closer, It appears that the 59 dollar one can be retrofit over a quarter-turn valve, which actually is pretty darn cheap and amazing, though I wouldn't trust it to be "sturdy" enough for permanent use or anything.

I would additionally attach one to your main natural gas / heating oil line, Again a second shutoff directly after your main manual shutoff. If ever your water heater that springs a leak, you're gonna wanna shut that off as well due to dangers of heating an empty heater. If electric, that means a relay or something to shut that off.

I honestly cannot think of automation that would be so necessary other than a flood sensor. Some of these ads you see on TV where the kids left the sink running are frankly ridiculous and unnecessary.

Edit: Wow, I only read the headline, thought you were only looking for plumbing advice. Light switches are a must, everything else is a good idea, but remember if you don't have an idea for it right now, its kind of wasted money. There are all kinds of things that aren't frankly necessary. (As in a outlet that can be toggled via zwave. If its gonna be on all the time, there's no need for it.)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ2LQ35/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_B8FAzbVFA8SJH

Saw a YouTube video that showed this wand being used. Much cheaper than the MTM units! Not sure how long it will last, but probably will be fine for homeowner use.

https://www.amazon.com/connecting-pivoting-pressure-cleaning-high-pressure/dp/B01GBVEJUI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1526525228&sr=8-6&keywords=pressure+washer+swivel+fitting

I also recommend one of these for cleaning under the car/truck. I found this at WalMart for $1.50(!) on rollback a few weeks back. YMMV though.

I just picked up a greenworks myself just to clean off my car quicker and no trips to the car wash during winter.

I noticed that on the electric power washers the soap attachment is NOT anywhere near as good as the MTM foam cannon my buddy has on is. So I did a quick order on amazon.

The one you need for Karcher is this one https://www.amazon.com/MTM-Hydro-Professional-Adjustable-Bayonet/dp/B00EDSLVQC

Here's the one I use:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDSLVQC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's heavy duty, and I really like it. The foam in this shot isn't all that great - but it's because I chose to really just get it soaking to get the grime off. Plus, I use chemical guy's which is probably the best around (IMHO) but isn't quite as snowy as others I've used.

I got the SunJoe. Have only used it a couple of times, once on my car and once on my small entryway and rear patio (10x10 concrete slab covered in northwest moss/mold). It has performed perfectly on both occasions.

For me, the SunJoe hit the "sweet spot" of features, power, and price. It was $149 at both Amazon and Home Depot (online order only). I went with Home Depot for an easier return in case I wasn't happy. Comes with five nozzles for variety of options (widest 40-degree spray for car rinse, 15-degree did the rear deck just fine). Motor is not quiet, but at least it only runs when you're actually using the sprayer.

As one other user noted, the hose is a bit short - I think it's 20 feet. I own a VW Golf, and with the machine a few feet from the front of the car, it took a bit of a reach to be able to foam the back (I live in a townhome and my wash space is a bit tight). 30 feet would be optimal. That said, the hose material seems sturdier than the "roll up" hoses that come with the Ryobi and PowerWorks washers that I inspected closely at Home Depot and Lowe's.

Speaking of build quality, when you read online reviews, it seems that every brand has problems with longevity and bad "out of the box" units. All of the consumer-grade electrics I inspected seem the same kind of Chinese mass-market build quality. They might last 7-8 years of light duty use, they might leak the first time you use them. Caveat emptor. The SunJoe's two year warranty where almost everyone else offered one was a selling point for me.

One other thing worth noting: MTM Hydro makes two different foam cannons. One is specifically designed for pressure washers under 2600 psi. This is the one you want to get: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDSLVQC?keywords=mtm%20hydro&qid=1458490183&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Hey guys, i'm new to detailing and I've been lurking around this subreddit for a while now, so I figured this was the right place to get some help.

I recently bought a Sun Joe Spx 1500 (https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Joe-SPX1500-Pressure-Electric/dp/B01IJ2SCF0/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3T9276WQD7OHU&keywords=sun+joe+spx1500&qid=1562874471&s=gateway&sprefix=sun+joe+spx+1500%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-2)

and a Dusichin Sfl-100 foam cannon (https://www.amazon.com/DUSICHIN-SFL-001-Pressure-Release-Adjustable/dp/B00WPKHFA6/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_86_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E38KDVCN4MV5RTRMGQWR)

and the cannon does not go with the pressure washer, so I was looking for some help on how I would go about making these two work together instead of buying another foam cannon.

I was thinking about buying this gun (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ2LQ35/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3N2AP77W7SQTI&psc=1), but i'm not sure if it would work with my pressure washer or if I would need and adapter or something.

Any help would be appreciated. (sorry for the formatting)

Blasting is definitely the easiest way, just very messy. I did it myself but I asked a few pros, they all asked 50-70€. Some power washers can also be fitted with a sandblasting kit, that's what I used.
Just be careful, regular sand has a pretty big grain size and will leave a very grainy surface (and will clog your hose more easily too), you have to get finer sand. Whatever sand you use, you'll need to brush the frame (quick and dirty : drill + metallic brush) anyway, in order to get a surface that looks like regular steel.
Pro tip that does not work for steel but is perfect for aluminium or wood : use baking soda.

I did not dip nor spray the solution, i used a piece of cotton, you waste less product. I wanted to get the darkest shade I could, I guess that wouldn't be an ideal method if you wanted to darken the frame just a bit, I'd expect the result to be uneven.

We have an entry in the wiki regarding this question. https://www.reddit.com/r/AutoDetailing/wiki/pressurewashers . I personally use this foam canon and I love its performance. It comes with 3 adapters, it should have the quick disconnect fitting you need. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EDSLVQC/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use an MTM hydro pro cannon with a sun joe SPX3001. Would recommend to anyone.

MTM Hydro Professional Adjustable Foam Cannon with Bayonet, 2600 PSI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDSLVQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xUSdBbDACF0TX

I highly recommend this. https://amazon.com/Wireless-Z-Wave-Water-Valve-inch/dp/B00IAD133W

I tried the dome and it didn't work out for my setup. The Fortez one is perfect, I installed it myself with sharkbite connectors.

They totally make using a nozzle like a joke.
This one does well... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KQI37VA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oe63BbY6N52CD

Bundle it with MATCC Car Washer Gun for extra 3% off.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYJ3N19/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qbFjzb15AMTHW

Sorry for graveposting, want to make sure I grab the right foam cannon:

This is the low psi version: Professional 2600 PSI Adjustable Foamer
and this is the high psi version: Professional Foam Lance Adjustable with 32 oz. Bottle

right? it looks like the low psi version doesn't come with quick disconnects, which I'm pretty sure I need to connect to my pressure washer, right?

Can you replace yours with one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Pressure-SPX3000-OPACC-3000PSI/dp/B06ZZ2LQ35/

You need one of these :D MOAR FOAM

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-2600-PSI-Adjustable-Foamer/dp/B00EDSLVQC/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1450935166&sr=8-6&keywords=foam+cannon

Attach downstream injector after the pump, but before the pressure hose. Cheaper injector, but should work for about anything most people want to do. If you want to clean dirty stuff faster, order the hi draw fixed injector online. If you want to REALLY clean dirty stuff REALLY fast, order an Xjet, or a SuperSudsSucker from Envirospec.
Link to normal downstream injector that will get you up and going: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Washer-UW16-PW70B3-Adjustable-Chemical/dp/B01N6JT8XZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=downstream+injector&qid=1556070416&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Hey guys I'm about to buy my first pressure washer and I just wanted to make sure I got all the parts correct.

Extension Hose

Washer Gun

M22-14mm Male to M22-15mm Female Adapter

M22-14mm to 3/8' Quick Connect Plug

two M22-14mm male ends to 3/8' Quick Connect Couplers

3/8' Quick Connect Plug

1/4' Quick Connect Coupler

I followed a guide I saw here on this subreddit but mainly wanted to see if I still needed the M22-14mm to M22-15mm adapter since I'm using a Sun Joe extension hose and not buying a 50ft hose. Also wanted to see if that adapter is correct one.

Thank you very much

Saw this in the related items -- this may allow a quick connect surface cleaner to be used with the HF, I may look into this if the above fails:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYT62MR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07MYT62MR&pd_rd_w=WAWXA&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=ECZqs&pf_rd_r=4S064GZ51C1NPKN4M1VF&pd_rd_r=1ba03058-78b4-11e9-91a5-9bf57843c05e#customerReviews

It appears that it is for draining the carburetor bowl. See page 8 of the Honda GC 190 engine manual.

http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/engines/pdf/manuals/00X31Z8A0230.pdf

My pressure washer has a Honda engine with a triplex water pump . My water pump takes oil and I get a little bit of leakage on the shaft of the pump where it meets the engine. I think a little might be kind of normal. I always check both my pump oil level and my engine oil level before use. Although my pump leaks a bit it has not gone down far enough over the past year for me to add oil.

Some tips. Don't run the engine for more than 30 seconds without releasing the pressure via the water trigger. You can burn a pump up if you let it run without releasing pressure. I know they have a safety pressure release valve but that is a last resort as far I am concerned. Don't store it for longer than a month with gas in it. Drain it completely out. Use this pump stuff (link below) for long time storage. The pump can rust without it. Keep your nozzles clean after you are done. I blow my entire wand assembly down with my air compressor when done.

https://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-Pressure-Washer-Saver/dp/B0012VY200

Get yourself one of these testers. With the gas to the meter off, disconnect your house from the meter and connect this guy where the meter used to go. Then turn off the ball valves to any appliances (you're just testing the gas system, not the appliances themselves). Then pump up your gas system just like a bike. If you don't have a compressor this could take a while.

You already know that it won't hold pressure right now, so this is less so a test as it is a non-flammable leak detector. Pump your system up to 20 or so psi (way way higher than it will ever get with gas alone) and go to town with your soapy water (starting at anything you touched in your project). The higher pressure will show leaks much more readily than low gas pressure.

Tighten everything that leaks until it doesn't. (Check your pressure gauge every now and then to make sure you've still got some psi in the system.) Use the yellow PTFE tape. Brand new black pipe doesn't generally have to be tightened that tight to stop leaks, but if a joint has been screwed and unscrewed a lot then the threads might be messed up. Replace the part if you can or try tightening it up hulk-tight.

Inspectors generally look for a system to hold 10psi for 10 minutes without noticeable drop in the gauge. So if you can get to that standard yourself then you're set. Might be worth having an inspector come out (if they do that for water heaters in your area).