Keeping your Bimmer clean is more than just taking pride in your car. It’s also an important part of making it last as long as possible, so you want to do it right. Pressure washing seems like a convenient way to do that, but is this a safe way to clean your BMW?
In most cases, yes, you can safely pressure-wash your BMW — or any car, for that matter. That said, it poses some risks you don’t have to worry about with other washing methods.
Concerns With Pressure Washing
The biggest concern with pressure washing your BMW is, well, the pressure. Some power washers can deliver upwards of 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of force. That’s more than enough to take your paint off or damage sensitive parts.
However, most washers also allow you to use much lower pressure, especially if you’re using an electric one. Most surfaces on your BMW should withstand anything below 2,000 psi.
The other big concern with pressure washers is that they could send loose debris flying if you hit it at the right angle. Those tiny projectiles, in turn, could hit and damage your Bimmer — especially the windows. While auto glass is four times stronger than normal window glass, a tiny, fast-moving pebble can still crack it by putting a lot of force in a small area.
Still, you can avoid that if you approach power washing carefully. None of these risks make pressure washing too dangerous to be worth it if you know what you’re doing.
How to Safely Pressure-Wash Your BMW
Given these risks, you’ll want to take a few precautions when pressure washing your BMW. Here’s how you can do it without damaging your car.
1. Find the Right Pressure Washer for the Job
First, you need to use the right kind of power washer. You’ll want an electric one instead of a gas-powered alternative, as these are much less powerful. Look for a washer with adjustable pressure settings and, ideally, wheels to make it easier to use.
Pay attention to the nozzles that come with your pressure washer, too. A 40-degree nozzle is best for most car surfaces because it creates a less concentrated stream, leading to less pressure on your BMW’s paint. A 25-degree nozzle is fine for wheels or other strong but grimy parts, but you’ll want to avoid 0-degree nozzles altogether.
2. Mind Your Environment
You’ll also want to be careful about what’s around you when pressure washing your BMW. Park it on a hard, flat surface before starting. Gravel or dirt driveways won’t work because you may accidentally send debris from these surfaces flying if you hit it with the power washer.
It may help to clear the area of any small objects like rocks and twigs before getting started. You could do this with your power washer on a low-pressure setting before moving your BMW there or sweep it away with a broom. Ensure your car is ready for washing, too, including rolling up the windows and closing the sunroof, if you have one.
3. Rinse, Wash and Rinse Again
Now you’re ready for washing. Start by rinsing off loose dirt and debris by putting your washer on a water-only setting and spraying your BMW from the top down. Use a wider nozzle and set the pressure to around 2,000 psi. Take a few steps back when spraying windows or other delicate surfaces.
Next, it’s time to add some soap. Your pressure washer should have a setting for detergent, so set it to that and turn the pressure as low as possible. Remember to dilute your cleaning fluid according to the manufacturer’s directions. Because you’re using low pressure, you may need to take a sponge and scrub some areas by hand to remove tougher stains.
Let the soap sit for a few seconds, then switch your washer back to a water-only setting and rinse it off from top to bottom. Dry your BMW immediately after rinsing, as leftover water can leave mineral deposits on your paint.
4. Avoid Delicate Areas
You’ll want to be extra careful around certain parts of your Bimmer as you work. Most importantly, never power wash the engine bay. While some authorities say you can hose your engine, there are a lot of delicate and electronic parts in there. It’s best to avoid getting them wet or applying too much pressure.
Similarly, you’ll want to avoid power washing any spots where your paint is chipping. These areas are prone to flaking under pressure, so you’ll make them worse if you don’t go around them.
You Can Pressure-Wash Your BMW if You’re Careful
Pressure washing your BMW is a great way to get it clean quickly. It can be risky if you don’t watch out for a few areas of concern, but you’ll be OK by following these steps. Once you know the do’s and don’ts of power washing, it’s perfectly safe.
