There are few things more satisfying than stepping back to admire your newly washed car on a sunny day, but let's be honest... washing your car properly can also be a hassle.

Garden hoses are of course an acceptable solution. But if you want to clean your vehicle's exterior like a pro, and we mean really give it a good once-over, Beach Showers are your best bet.

In this guide, we'll show you how to use your Beach Shower as a portable car washer and get that satisfying shine every time.

What is a portable car washer?

Portable car washers refer to compact and lightweight pressure washers that are designed specifically for cleaning cars and other vehicles. They often (but not always) consist of:

• A small electric pump
• Battery
• Water tank
• Hose
• Attachments such as nozzles and brushes

These machines can be taken anywhere, making them perfect for on-the-go car cleaning or when you're seeking a simple, mobile and easy to operate alternative to the everyday garden hose.

Beach Shower vs portable car pressure washer

We're going to level with you. We didn't design our Beach Showers explicitly for car washing.

As we've sold more and more of them, however, we've heard from many customers who’ve discovered their Beach Shower's cleaning abilities go far beyond washing sandy and salty bodies.

→ Read our Beach Shower Use & Care guide

That said, we want to give you our most unbiased opinion on how a Beach Shower stacks up in comparison to a traditional portable car washer or pressure washer. You might find them to be the perfect solutions. Others might prefer a more traditional cleaning experience.

Either way, here's how they stack up side-by-side.

Beach Shower

• Lightweight and compact design, perfect for on-the-go cleaning
• No electricity or batteries required, making it a no-nonsense and cost-effective option
• You can adjust the pressure simply by opening or closing the valve and adjusting the water flow
• You have 12 showerhead modes to choose from, offering versatility for different cleaning needs
• These showerheads are attached to the nozzle -- no need to carry separate attachments for different cleaning needs
• The robust design of the Beach Shower makes it suitable for outdoor use, even in rugged environments
• Their compact size makes them easy to store and transport
• Our Beach Showers are kid-friendly, which is to say they can be used by children as well as adults
• Available in 5L, 8L and 10L sizes

Portable car pressure washer

• Usually larger and bulkier compared to a Beach Shower
• Pressure washers have a higher pressure, making them more suitable for tougher and harder-to-remove dirt and grime
• Consequently, they require a battery or electricity to operate, which may be a downside for those looking for a simple and mobile solution
• Pressure washers also often come with a variety of attachments, which can be useful for different cleaning needs, but might also mean carrying more equipment around
• They may not be suitable for use on delicate surfaces or vehicles that require gentler cleaning methods

Tips for turning your Beach Shower into a car washer

If you want to save money on buying a portable shower for the beach and a separate car washer, you're in luck. Our Beach Showers double as showers and car washers!

It's the best of both worlds, really. 

You keep your vehicle's upholstery sand, dirty and salt-stain free by using our Beach Showers the way they're intended. Then, when the exterior starts looking grubby, you can easily switch it up and give your car a good wash with the same device.

→ Find your ideal Beach Shower size

Here's how to use a convenient, power-free and easy to use Beach Shower to elevate your car washing experience.

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary items on hand. You will need your Beach Shower, a bucket of water, car soap or detergent, a sponge or microfiber cloth and a drying towel. Having these supplies ready will make the car washing process smoother and more efficient.

Start by using your Beach Shower to give your car a decent rinse. This step helps to loosen and remove any loose dirt or debris from the car's exterior. Adjust the pressure of the Beach Shower to a gentle spray setting to protect the paintwork while effectively removing surface dirt.

Next, mix your car soap or detergent with water in the bucket as per the product's instructions. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to apply the soapy mixture to the car's exterior, working from the top downward to avoid spreading dirt to clean areas.

Once you've thoroughly scrubbed the car, use the Beach Shower again to rinse off all the soap. Ensure that you remove all traces of soap to avoid streaks or residue on the car's surface. Adjust the Beach Shower's nozzle to a steady flow for thorough rinsing. 

Finally, dry the car using a soft, clean drying towel or chamois to prevent water spots or streaks from forming on the surface. Gently wipe down all areas of the car, including the windows, to achieve a spotless finish.

By following these steps with your Beach Shower, you'll achieve a sparkling clean car without the need for bulky equipment or even electricity, making it an ideal solution for both beach days and car washes.

Final thoughts

Cleaning your vehicle's exterior just got easier.

Sure, our compact, safe and durable Beach Showers don't pack the same power as pressure washers, but for quick rinses and de-dusting your vehicle, they can be just as effective.

Hit the button below to check out our range of multi-use Beach Showers today and treat your car to some tender loving care. 

After all those beach, bush and mountain adventures it's taken you on, it's earned it.