The most effective method for cleaning oil and grease from vehicle bodywork is to use a
combination of hot water at 60 C, a detergent such as an alcaline shampoo at average pressure
and water flow levels. By using detergent and warm water, pressure does not need to exceed 180
bar for a water flow of max 800 l/h. Lower pressure and flow levels will also protect the
bodywork surfaces from damage. Note that a temperature of 60 C without detergent is 20% less
effective than with 60C with detergent.
If detergent should not be used, similar cleaning effect can be obtained at same pressure
levels by heating the water up to 90 C.
In the absence of hot water, the cleaning effect will come essentially from an increase in the
water flow. 180 bar and 1700 l/h with cold water offers similar cleaning efficiency as 180
bar, 800 l/h with 90 C.
If using cold water only and no detergent, the use of a specialised accessory such as a brush
can increase relative cleaning efficiency by up to 200%
Medium pressure/flow + detergent + 60 C water temperature = reduction of cleaning time
by up to 4 times compared to medium pressure/flow with cold water
Medium pressure/flow + 60 C water temperature = same cleaning effect as medium
pressure/flow + detergent + cold water
Medium pressure/flow + 90 C water temperature = same cleaning effect as medium
pressure/flow + detergent + 60 C water temperature
Cold water with high pressure levels of 200-250 bar at 1000 l/h is 30% less effective
than using hot water cleaning at lower pressure and flow levels.