Just wondering what everyone uses for their car. I don't have proper pressure washer setup and I am wanting to get one just for the car. Can anyone recommend a fairly cheap setup that does the job. Thanks.
Best snowfoam and pressure washer?
- Thread starter Joxh
- Start date
I have one of these was cheap deal at Halfords (£100 I think I paid £80) does the job, only downside is the short pressure hose need to move the unit around a few times to get the whole car .... There are other versions that have attachments for doing decking and other wooden surfaces paving etc.
Karcher K2
www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/pressure-washers-hoses/karcher-k2-full-control-car-pressure-washer
I use this stuff as I have a ceramic coat PH neutral 150ml in the .5L and let it soak for a bit and wash it off by hand
Valet Pro pH neutral snow foam
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005JN5V5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm sure there is loads in the detailing forum, I can never keep mine clean for more than 1 Hr. I live in the country side...... and am by no means an expert...
https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/forums/detailing.116/
Karcher K2
www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/pressure-washers-hoses/karcher-k2-full-control-car-pressure-washer
I use this stuff as I have a ceramic coat PH neutral 150ml in the .5L and let it soak for a bit and wash it off by hand
Valet Pro pH neutral snow foam
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005JN5V5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm sure there is loads in the detailing forum, I can never keep mine clean for more than 1 Hr. I live in the country side...... and am by no means an expert...
https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/forums/detailing.116/
If your just starting out, I’d recommend going cheap and cheerful to get you on your way.
I find Demon Snow Foam (Halfrauds, other shops available) is actually pretty decent stuff at that price point.
I actually use it with my pressure washer, however they do a version that you can just connect to a regular hosepipe.
Cost is around £12.
I find Demon Snow Foam (Halfrauds, other shops available) is actually pretty decent stuff at that price point.
I actually use it with my pressure washer, however they do a version that you can just connect to a regular hosepipe.
Cost is around £12.
As to a lance would go for a better quality one and avoid the cheap plastic karcher one
https://www.google.com/search?q=autobrite snow foam lance
I can recommend this one. It can also be taken apart for cleaning to ensure continued good performance .
https://www.google.com/search?q=autobrite snow foam lance
I can recommend this one. It can also be taken apart for cleaning to ensure continued good performance .
RichardT
Registered User
I just use Citrus Prewash - works well. I was a bit concerned about hosing all the foam down the road to the drain.
How eco is this?
How eco is this?
I would suggest giving the Karcher outlet website a look for refurbished kit. Bought mine here and the quality is spot on.
https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/
https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/
Got to agree with this . Snowfoam Lance from In2detailing cost me £16 and works great. Karcher k4 cost me £159 and so far it's brilliant. Vario Lance for bodywork , jet Lance for wheel arches.
Valet Pro is good snowfoam but I'm using TAC Systems Ultra snowfoam at the moment and that's really good too.
Sent from my Nokia 8 using Tapatalk
Don't forget the car nozzle , some people have found the clear coat coming off wheels etc when using the normal patio cleaning nozzle. Amazon do a Nilfisk 'Auto nozzle for pressure washer' which I have and been brilliant so far.
That's what the Vario Lance is for as you can control the jet so it's not too harsh .
Sent from my Nokia 8 using Tapatalk
For cleaning power bilt hamber auto foam takes some beating. Doesn’t produce the thickest foam but it does clean a lot of the muck off and definitely loosens it for jetwashing off. You can also use it through a pump sprayer with hot water. This is what I do in the winter and it’s not far off a touchless wash if you have decent protection already on your car. I only use the foam when it’s warmer as it can dry fairly quickly using a pump sprayer. Needs to dwell for around 5 minutes for best results. Another option is spray BH AF on with a pump sprayer for its cleaning power and cover it with a cheap foam to stop it drying out so quick in the sun.
Definitely worth checking the karcher outlet. Buy the best you can afford K4 or better would be my choice. Only use the vario lance on your car, don’t go near it with any other attachment!
https://www.in2detailing.co.uk/products/wash/snow-foam-and-lances/bilt-hamber-auto-foam-5-litre.html
Definitely worth checking the karcher outlet. Buy the best you can afford K4 or better would be my choice. Only use the vario lance on your car, don’t go near it with any other attachment!
https://www.in2detailing.co.uk/products/wash/snow-foam-and-lances/bilt-hamber-auto-foam-5-litre.html
K2 Karcher plus Autobrite foam lance using Meguiars Hyperwash snowfoam.
Citrus pre wash prior and Fireball Easycoat afterwards.
Citrus pre wash prior and Fireball Easycoat afterwards.
Audi_Rob
Registered User
Been watching this thread.
I have a k2 and it’s starting to break after about 7 or so years. Started leaking from inside so thought it’s time to upgrade.
For those with the k4 is there any point in the variable nozzle control thing? Is it just a gimmick?
I have a k2 and it’s starting to break after about 7 or so years. Started leaking from inside so thought it’s time to upgrade.
For those with the k4 is there any point in the variable nozzle control thing? Is it just a gimmick?
Try CleanStore for Karcher stuff. They usually have offers on and there could be Easter specials on this weekend. They did email this morning but I deleted it!
There's this for example:
https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=14213
There's this for example:
https://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=14213
@Joxh - Another vote for the Karcher K4 here
I was lucky enough to get a new one from Asda for £100
Best place to start looking would be Karcher's Outlet Store
https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5599
Don't forget to check out Amazon's specials on Nilfisk power washers, especially over the easter weekend
Snow foam lance ?
Can't beat Autobrite's IMHO
You may pay a little more but they are the best
https://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/exterior-cleaning/hd-foam-lance-and-snow-foams/autobrite-heavy-duty-foam-snow-foam-lance-and-magifoam-500ml/ad-foamlance-magi-500ml-karcher-kseries
Snow foam? I'm not a fan but if you must Bilt Hambers Auto-Foam is highly recommended
https://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/bilt-hamber-auto-foam
You'll find with Car Detailing that everyone has their own fave products. Its just a matter of trial and error to get what works best for you
I was lucky enough to get a new one from Asda for £100
Best place to start looking would be Karcher's Outlet Store
https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5599
Don't forget to check out Amazon's specials on Nilfisk power washers, especially over the easter weekend
Snow foam lance ?
Can't beat Autobrite's IMHO
You may pay a little more but they are the best
https://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/exterior-cleaning/hd-foam-lance-and-snow-foams/autobrite-heavy-duty-foam-snow-foam-lance-and-magifoam-500ml/ad-foamlance-magi-500ml-karcher-kseries
Snow foam? I'm not a fan but if you must Bilt Hambers Auto-Foam is highly recommended
https://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/bilt-hamber-auto-foam
You'll find with Car Detailing that everyone has their own fave products. Its just a matter of trial and error to get what works best for you
K5 Premium here, but K4 very good
+1 for the autobrite Lance, have had mine for 5+ years no issues and used a lot
Also, AngelWax Cleanliness is ace too 
Good thing about the auto brite Lance is it is easy to take apart and remove the gauze capsule soak over night in vinegar and rinse . The lance will foam like new again . You can also by a new capsule for £5 .
I like their foam as well
I like their foam as well
You get the variable nozzle on the new K2, if I’m understanding you correctly. It adjusts for different uses, eg cars, drives etc.
My k2 was really good but think I want to replace with something more powerful
Only seen the variable nozzle thing in the k4.
https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5599
This one with the leds
The K2 nozzle is adjusted manually by twisting it, no leds though.My k2 was really good but think I want to replace with something more powerful
Only seen the variable nozzle thing in the k4.
https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5599
This one with the leds
Same happened to my old K2 as yours but only after 13 or 14 years so I got my money’s worth
I got mine free when I bought Tesco insurance years ago. Definitely got my money’s worth too.
It still works but it’s leaking a tiny bit from somewhere underneath so when I leave it on it powers up every few seconds which is annoying the **** out of when when I’m like scrubbing the wheels or doing something other than using it.
Time to put it to rest I think.
Just need to make sure the connections are the same in the new ones as I have the extended 12m hose and snow foam gun etc.
Really? Haven’t done any of this on mine, tend to rinse off after use. Didn’t even know there was a capsule
Yes it is like wire gauze . This creates the foaming of the solution . Over time it gets clogged with soap residue and you get less and less foaming . With the karcher gun you have to buy a new gun . With autobrite ( and others made by the Italian factory) you can open it up ( nice brass fittings) soak it to clean out the soap and as good as new . Will try to upload a picture.
Attachments
https://www.autobritedirect.co.uk/products/autobrite-foam-lance-metal-gauze--single-gauze/metg
Here is the link for the capsule
Here is the link for the capsule
Glad to help , I have had plenty of good advice over the years , so nice to return the favour.
if you go on the karcher website refurbed k2 under £100 with an option of extended warranty
i use pro kleen snow foam does the job but there is better on the market will try valet pro once ive used 10 litres
for £20 or 15 for £25
i use pro kleen snow foam does the job but there is better on the market will try valet pro once ive used 10 litres
for £20 or 15 for £25
The likes of AliExpress is good for things like this, yeah the delivery takes some time but at their prices you can buy in advance:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/32760835419.html
Well spoke too soon. My k2 has finally given up. It just sprays water from underneath and power stays on.
Anyone here who’s had the k2 and k4 confirm if the accessories connections is the same?
Anyone here who’s had the k2 and k4 confirm if the accessories connections is the same?
Connectors are all the same up to the K7. This might help to compare.
https://pressurewasherreviewer.co.uk/which-karcher-pressure-washer-buyers-guide/
https://pressurewasherreviewer.co.uk/which-karcher-pressure-washer-buyers-guide/
RichardT
Registered User
I think you only really need a more powerful one for cleaning patios and drives etc. I would think that even the bottom of the range would be fine for car cleaning.
Not sure about the snow foam aspect though as I don’t use that - I find citrus prewash does the job fine.
Not sure about the snow foam aspect though as I don’t use that - I find citrus prewash does the job fine.
