Best Bike Pressure Washers
It’s so easy to clean your bike with a pressure washer! Our instructions show how and include helpful tips.
Even the most stubborn dirt comes off under pressure. That’s why the pressure washer is a good alternative for cleaning your bike.
While it is only permitted to wash your car with a pressure washer under strict legal regulations, there are usually no legal restrictions on washing your bike with a pressure washer. To be on the safe side, however, check with your local municipality about possible regulations. There are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your bicycle survives the cleaning process well:
- Before you clean your bicycle with the pressure washer, make sure it stands firmly. To do this, lean it against a wall or tree or secure it in a bicycle holder.
- Work at 20 bar. If your pressure washer does not allow such a low pressure, keep enough distance from the bike. Too much pressure could damage the paint and any stickers. Start with a larger distance and slowly feel your way forward. If you feel that the dirt is not coming off, you can always reduce the distance. Use the flat spray nozzle of the pressure washer to create the softest possible jet with which to clean your bike. Do not aim the jet directly at bearings and seals. You could otherwise inadvertently force water and dirt into them and accelerate wear.
- Do not use a high-pressure cleaner when cleaning the bicycle chain. Sensitive parts such as the chain could be damaged under the pressure.
5 Best Bike Pressure Washers
In this guide, I reviewed the 5 best bike pressure washers. I compared water pressure, machine weight, flow and cost to give you my best recommendations.
Bike Pressure Washers Review in UK
Kärcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer
The Karcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer is a high-performance cleaning machine that delivers exceptional power and versatility. With its impressive maximum pressure of 180 Bars, it can handle the toughest cleaning tasks with ease. The included T 450 surface cleaner and stone and facade detergent provide efficient cleaning solutions for large areas and stubborn stains. While the weight and cord length may pose some limitations, the K7 Premium is a reliable and powerful pressure washer that is ideal for homeowners seeking professional-grade cleaning performance.
Kärcher K 7 Premium Smart Control Home pressure washer
The Kärcher K 7 Premium Smart Control Home High-Pressure Washer is a powerful and advanced cleaning tool that delivers outstanding performance and convenience. With its adjustable pressure, high flow rate, and efficient surface performance, it effectively tackles dirt and grime on various surfaces. The inclusion of the T 7 surface cleaner, 3-in-1 Multi Jet spray wand, and Home Kit enhances its versatility and cleaning capabilities. While the weight may be a consideration for some users, the overall performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking professional-level cleaning results.
Kärcher Pressure Washer K 2 Compact
The Kärcher K2 Compact Pressure Washer is an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight and versatile cleaning solution. With its compact design, high-pressure hose and gun, and included accessories like the dirt blaster and spray lance, it provides precise and efficient cleaning performance. Although not intended for heavy-duty tasks, this pressure washer is perfect for maintaining the cleanliness of your car, patio, and other small to medium-sized surfaces. The added convenience of the water filter ensures a smooth and prolonged operation.
Kärcher K 2 Power Control Home high-pressure washer
The Kärcher K 2 Power Control Home High-Pressure Washer offers a compact and efficient solution for your outdoor cleaning needs. With adjustable water pressure, effective dirt removal, and the included Home Kit, this pressure washer ensures thorough and convenient cleaning performance. Its lightweight design and low sound level enhance usability, while the 1400-watt motor provides reliable power. While not designed for heavy-duty tasks, the Kärcher K 2 Power Control Home is a reliable and convenient option for maintaining cleanliness around your home.
Kärcher K 5 Premium Smart Control Home pressure washer
The Kärcher K 5 Premium Smart Control Home High Pressure Washer offers exceptional cleaning performance and convenience. With its adjustable pressure, high flow rate, and comprehensive accessories, it tackles dirt and grime effectively on a variety of surfaces. The smart control technology and included accessories, such as the T 5 surface cleaner and 3-in-1 cleaner, enhance its versatility and cleaning capabilities. While the weight and sound level may be considerations for some users, the overall performance and features make it a reliable and efficient cleaning tool. With a 3-year guarantee, you can have confidence in the durability and longevity of this pressure washer.
How to clean your bike with a pressure washer?
Rinse off coarse dirt
First treat the bicycle with clear water from the high-pressure cleaner to soak and loosen coarse dirt. Work with low pressure (20 bar is ideal) and a large distance. Do not hold directly on bearings and seals – the water running off is sufficient to loosen dirt here.
Apply cleaning agent
Fill the foam nozzle with vehicle shampoo according to the operating instructions and attach it to the high-pressure cleaner. Now apply the cleaning agent to the bicycle. Leave out sensitive parts such as the bicycle chain and bearings. Use a soft brush to gently loosen stubborn dirt. For cleaning rims and gears, you can also use a harder brush. 
Rinse and dry off
Remove the cleaning agent with the high-pressure cleaner and rinse the bicycle with clean water. Then dry it thoroughly. Pay special attention to seals and other places where water could stand to prevent corrosion.
Oil moving parts
Finally, oil the moving parts such as the bicycle chain and bearings. Use a cloth to do this. This will prevent excess oil from sticking to the bicycle, where large amounts of dust and dirt could accumulate.
How often should you clean your bicycle?
Give your bicycle a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer at regular intervals or as needed. Every few months is usually sufficient. If you clean your bicycle intensively too often, it can even be damaged in the worst case because, for example, the seals and bearings are attacked. Small amounts of dirt can remain on the bike without any problems. After a bike ride through mud, however, you should remove it immediately so that it does not dry out. Have a good ride!
Summary: Cleaning bicycle with a pressure washer
- You can wash your bike effortlessly and thoroughly with a pressure washer.
- Make sure that the bicycle has a firm footing. Use low pressure (20 bar is ideal) and keep a sufficient distance.
- Do not aim the water jet directly at bearings, seals and the bicycle chain.
- Always wear your personal protective equipment when working according to the operating instructions.
- First rinse off coarse dirt with water and then apply the cleaning agent with the high-pressure cleaner. Remove dirt with a soft brush. Then rinse the bike with clean water.
- Dry the bike thoroughly after cleaning with the high-pressure cleaner. Finally, oil the moving parts.
- Clean your bicycle thoroughly every few months if you use it frequently. In between, a rough cleaning and the removal of heavy dirt such as mud is usually sufficient. If you use it infrequently, one or two washes per year are also sufficient.
FAQ
How often should I clean my bike?
You should not clean your bicycle too often. A thorough cleaning every two to three months is usually enough to keep it in optimal condition. If you clean too often, seals and bearings can wear out more quickly. Heavy dirt such as mud and slush, on the other hand, should be removed immediately so that it does not dry out.
Can you clean a bicycle with a pressure washer?
Yes, you can clean a bicycle with a pressure washer. It is important to set a pressure of about 20 bar and to keep a sufficient distance with the jet pipe. This way, even stubborn dirt can be removed thoroughly.
How do I clean my bicycle with a pressure washer?
Cleaning your bike with a pressure washer is easy. Be careful not to use too much pressure. About 20 bar is ideal with enough distance. You can compensate for too much pressure by increasing the distance. You should also make sure not to blast sensitive parts such as bearings, seals and chain directly and dry the bike thoroughly afterwards.
Which high-pressure cleaner is suitable for a bicycle?
Which high-pressure cleaner is suitable for a bicycle depends on its setting options. Ideally, the pressure can be regulated so that you can already set the low pressure on the pressure washer.
Where can you clean your bike?
Your local authority regulates where you are allowed to clean your bicycle. Cleaning a bicycle with a pressure washer is not always permitted on private property. Check with the relevant authority. Ideal locations are those where the bicycle can stand safely, such as against a wall, a tree or in a bicycle rack.
What can I use to clean the bicycle chain?
The best way to clean the bicycle chain is with a cloth. After you have cleaned your bicycle with a high-pressure cleaner and dried it, you can oil the bicycle chain with a cloth. This provides optimum care for the links and removes excess oil from the chain at the same time.
