I find that whilst a jet wash can remove huge clumps of mup and gloop, the only way to get the bikes looking really clean (if that's what you want) is to use a soft brush, sponge and muc-off / soap. Bikes look clean when blasted with a hose, but dry off looking dirty (especially anodised black frames).
I bought a jet wash recently, I think it's going to mainly be used for cleaning the patio and scaring cats.
....but the spinning tyres thing is fun too!
Rusty Mac - apologies for my wrong information! Am a bit paranoid with filling up the Dirt Worker and it leaking in car so use a separate water container. Container holds less than Dirt Worker hence running out of water! What a bimbo I am. 🙄
Pressure washing in my experience will mess up your bearings in pivots, in wheels, in headsets long before washing with bucket and sponge.
I've yet to effectively clean a bike with a jetwash. It looks sparkly for about ten minutes until it dries and reveals a thin layer of caked on mud. Soapy water and a sponge for me.
[i]I'm sure I'm not the only person to have a water meter to think about![/i]
As Dave said, jetwashes certainly use less water. I spent 15 minutes jetwashing the floor and walls of our stable recently, one person with a broom was enough to sweep the water 8 metres across the floor to the barn door before it started pooling under everyones stuff. With a hosepipe the place would have been completely flooded.
Tip for the dirtworker; I used to cover the air holes in the cap with a bit of tape, you just need to loosen the cap when using it so the air can get it. I've since sealed them with a few dollops of inner tube cement.
