Lesson learned regarding cleaning rubber floor mats...

[fgwinn]

I decided to clean my Winter floor mats using a power washer this weekend. Not a good idea. I managed to tear up the first one a bit by holding the nozzle too close. It works okay if you hold the nozzle 18" to 24" inches away from the mat.

[VUE62]

The rubber mats clean nicely with a spray of Simple Green cleaner, a soft nylon bristle brush for any stubborn spots, and a wash down with a garden hose. Look like new again.

[Gerry Proctor]

A power washer of even modest pressure with a zero-degree nozzle will cut a brick in half.

I do it like VUE62 writes.

[OhioVueBoy]

I use my pressure washer on them. I dial it back to around 600 PSI and stand back from it, with no problems.
~D.J.~

[Bill Murray]

Originally posted by Gerry Proctor
A power washer of even modest pressure with a zero-degree nozzle will cut a brick in half.

Kids:
don't try this at home
professional power washer on closed roadway!

[Qlara]

What's the optimal pressure(PSI) setting to wash our Saturns with pressure washer? Clearcoat safe?

[Gerry Proctor]

First off, Q, a pressure washer alone will not do a very good job of washing a car. You have to do it like they do at the "No Touch" washes and use a pre-applied soap. Once the soap has a chance to emulsify the dirt you can hit it with a pressure washer. If you are not skilled with a pressure washer, the chances that you'll do harm to the car is really pretty good. Use no less than a 15-degree nozzle and distance or reduce pressure to no more than 700 psi.

The problems with most folks using a pressure washer is that they use a narrow nozzle, too high a pressure, or work too close to the car. It is easily possible to blow the paint of the car if you hit a thin edge under the right circumstances.

Pressure washers aren't a bad way to wash a car but you have to weigh the advantages. Plus they do a marginal job when compared to hand washing.

[OhioVueBoy]

I actually use my pressure washer along with a hand washing... it works great to get the soap off without wasting a lot of water, and its great for the undercarriage.
~D.J.~

[bortojo]

I agree with OhioVueBoy. A great way to clean is to use a combination of hand and power washing. Just use common sense and only use the power washer at close range on the wheels, tires, windows and under carriage. For painted surfaces step back a bit and go at a nice easy angle not perpendicular to the surface.

[OhioVueBoy]

Don't use the pressure washer at close range on the tires or wheels, you can damage the tires internally and externally. I once blew the paint off of a hubcap on a VUE at work, and our pressure washer is set at like 900 PSI.
~D.J.~