[oasis3582]

This is a bit random, I know...but I wanted to recommend an item I just picked up that is extremely useful for winter car washes. If you do not have a self-serve wash near you or do not want to lug your stuff to and from such a place, this is perfect for you. In winter, I turn off/cover my outdoor hose bibs, and when my car is really salty I feel a bit uneasy doing only a rinseless bath without a pre-rinse.

Anyway, the product is the Ryobi Cordless Power Cleaner. It is basically a slightly less powerful pressure washer and battery powered so you don't have to worry about having an outlet nearby. And best of all, it can siphon water from a bucket using the provided hose or can directly attach to a 2L bottle...no hose needed. Perfect for winter washes.

I already bought into the Ryobi One+ ecosystem, so the (brushless) tool itself was $119, or they make a brushed version for $99 if you don't need the batteries. Having just used it this week, it is well worth the price.

Brushless tool link
Brushed tool link
Youtube video overview

Note: I am not affiliated with Ryobi in any way...just think it is a great product, and I never knew something like this existed until recently!

[80_Mark]

Any sense of how far/long a home depot bucket full of water lasts? Enough to do a rinse of the entire car?

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by 80_Mark

Any sense of how far/long a home depot bucket full of water lasts? Enough to do a rinse of the entire car?

Depending on how much water you use, it might be enough. When I washed my car, I filled the bucket, rinsed the whole car and wheels, cleaned the wheels, and rinsed wheels again. Bucket was still about half full but I filled it up again to wash the car body. One bucket was plenty for the body itself.

Some variables to keep in mind:
- the brushless one (that I have) has more psi and flow rate so it will go through water quicker.
- the selected nozzle type probably makes a difference…the rinse selection seems to consume less water than the 15 degree and turbo selections.

[The.bands]

I have a similar one the Hydroshot from Worx which I attach to a hose. Much more powerful than just a hose on its own for washing off crud prior to a wash without the hassle of dragging out a power washer. If I'm being lazy or the weather is crap I will give the car a rinse, followed by covering with shampoo via the foam attachment, leave for 5 mins and then rinse off again. Not as good as a proper wash but definitely helps keep the car clean.

NB. Get the 4.0 Ah version as it is brushless motor, more powerful and lasts longer.

[capten1001]

I picked up the Kobalt 600 psi Power Cleaner for $40 brand new from FB marketplace. Worth every penny. Was able to wash the entire vehicle on one charge. Very happy with the performance. I live in an apartment (no access to a water spigot) and used a large bucket for Kobalt to draw water from. I also had two additional buckets to perform a 2 bucket method wash.

[capten1001]

Originally Posted by 80_Mark

Any sense of how far/long a home depot bucket full of water lasts? Enough to do a rinse of the entire car?

I used about 10 gallons for the entire car. Filled up water in a 13 gallon trash can. I did detail the wheels, washed the rubber mats.