But if you want to use the jet wash you don't need to take anything apart from means of payment. The last time I used one (probably 30 years ago) you bought a token from the cashier. Technology may have moved on though. Don't go in your Sunday best and wellies might be sensible.

Isn’t the pressure adjustable on Karcher jet wash?

I don’t have a garden hose connection point outside the house. I guess I will have to use bucket(s). What are the steps? What all do I need to buy?

How often does one need to clean just from paint protection point of view? The car is a hatchback Clio bought on PCP and I just want to spend enough to keep it clean when I return or part exchange after 2 years. So not looking for an expensive detailing. Something quick and easy on pocket.

Contrary to what some think, and presumably sacrilege to some on the forum, for the most part you don't actually need to wash a car. With a couple of exceptions like bird poo (which will eat into the paint surface) and salt encrusted winter road grime, a layer of dirt will do the car no harm at all. It also doesn't turn to cement if you don't wash it off within a certain time, i.e, giving at a good wash before you hand the car back won't be noticeably harder than doing it once a month. An argument could actually be made that a layer of road grime will actually protect the paint surface!

But, a couple of other points. You say you don't have an outside tap, do you have a front facing kitchen or bathroom window?. If so, and assuming you are not in a flat many floors up!, a hose could be attached to the tap and ran out through the window. If that still not doable, you can buy cordless, (rechargeable) battery powered power washers. You plonk the intake in a big bucket of water and crack on!.

As the owner of ancient cars I contend the best way to protect the paintwork is to wash it with plain water and a large soft rag (e.g. oldT-shirt) then apply a good quality wax. Then leave it alone for as long as possible. Any further cleaning just use plenty of water and the rag. No enthusiastic rubbing. No detergent. Usually only waist high rinses are needed, especially in winter. I (turtle)wax only every couple of years or so - it's pricey, but a little goes a long way so it's worth it. Apparently sahara dust is on its way - can't think of a better way of destroying the shine on bonnet and roof if rubbed in with a rag.

One thing I don't like to see is an accumulation of green stuff round windows or door shuts. The best treatment I have found for that is an old toothbrush which can get into all the crooks and nannies. I don't know whether a carwash will shift it, as I have never used one :-)

I squirt on some malt vinegar* to get rid of that stuff to get rid of that stuff.

*Also a cheap and effective way to get rid of garden / paving slab weeds.

Edited by De Sisti on 27/01/2024 at 19:28

I don't jet wash my cars (except for the fifty quid KIA that used to get covered in mud on trials). I've seen damaged bearings and wet floors where the power of the water has got past the seals.

Surprisingly, I find myself in agreement with John f. I use a soft bristle brush on the end of a hose. I did once polish and wax my car a few years ago and the water still beads when clean. While the hose is out I'll give the undersides a good rinsing - the MOT tester appreciates that.

£7?? Cheapest is £15 round here!

And they're not referred to as Scratch and Shine for nothing.

I do my car myself. Two or three times a year usually in winter. I don't need scratches from a cleaning squad, that's what the hedges are for, when someone coming the opposite way decides that 3 foot away from their side of the road is OK.

I used to be a regular at a local jet wash before we moved house back in 2022. Probably TOO regular, although it didn't seem to do the car any obvious harm.

I now wash the car with a bucket, sponge and some AA branded car shampoo every couple of weeks, then rinse and dry it with a chammy leather, and it's a regime which keeps the 11 year old bodywork looking absolutely superb.

The only time I'd ever use a jet wash again is in the unlikely event that the car had an encounter with serious quantities of mud.