Q: I just bought a karcher pressure washer (electric, no heat) on Craigslist. It is my first one and I would like to know how to use the detergent option. It doesn't have an on-board tank, just a tube coming out of the side near the bottom. Do I need a special low/compact bottle for this? What detergent(s) would you recommend for washing vehicles (normal washing, no mud)?
thanks by Joe from Kansas on May 28, 2011
A: Yes, you can use detergent with this pressure washer. The long plastic tube is going to be your siphon tube. You would place this into a bucket of soapy water and with the nozzle placed on low pressure, it would pull the detergent from the siphon tube and into the pump. When using detergent, just use pressure washer safe detergent. They make a general purpose solution you can use that would work well for your job.
Q: I need a replacement gun for my washer model K5.93m. Which one should I orde Thank you by Jody Bryant from Massachusetts on April 30, 2011
A: Unfortunately we do not carry the exact replacement gun for that model. We do carry a replacement gun and hose kit by Karcher that would definitely be compatible with your model pressure washer.
I am posting a link below to the kit I am referring to:
<a href="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-2.642-182.0/p4011.html" title="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-2.642-182.0/p4011.html" class="bluelink">Karcher Gun and Hose Kit</a> by Bill, Product Expert
Q: sorry earlier comm not complete. I need whole new hand held trigger/ wand. hose attachment is intact. by Alex White. ( Canada) on April 25, 2011
A: We carry a gun/hose kit and a spray wand that would be compatible with this pressure washer.
I am posting links below to the products I am referring to:
<a href="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-2.642-182.0/p4011.html" title="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-2.642-182.0/p4011.html" class="bluelink">Karcher Gun and Hose Kit</a>
<a href="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-2.642-191.0/p4009.html" title="http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-2.642-191.0/p4009.html" class="bluelink">Karcher Spray Wand</a> by Bill, Product Expert
Q: hey Bill thanks for the quick respond, hey are all the karcher PW self priming? commercial ones and just the regular one? and does "induction motor" stand for self priming? by Richard from South Carolina on April 15, 2011
A: The motor type has nothing to do with the self priming aspect, it is simply the motor type. Electric pressure washers have universal and induction type motors, an induction type is a higher grade electric motor and can typically be ran longer. All Karcher presssure washers with a Karcher pump are self priming and can pull water from a standing source, regardless of model and/or price. by Bill, Product Expert
Q: Do you have any self priming pressure washers for sale (gas or electric) ? I have wood deck on my 3/4 acre pond to clean & would like to be able to use the pond water. Thank you by Mat from Virginia on March 27, 2011
A: Yes we carry 3 different brands with this feature. All Karcher, Kranzle, and Dirtkiller branded pressure washers (both gas and electric) have self priming pumps that have the capability of pulling water from a standing source such as a pond or tank. by Bill, Product Expert
Q: Do you have any self priming pressure washers for sale (gas or electric) ? I have wood deck on my 1/2 acre pond to clean & would like to be able to use the pond water. Thankyou. by John from Ohio on March 25, 2011
A: Yes, all Karcher branded pressure washers both the gas and electric versions have self priming pumps that can pull water from a standing source such as a tank or pond. We also sell Kranzle and DirtKiller brand pressure washers which too have self priming pumps. Kranzle and DirtKiller only offer professional grade pressure washers while Karcher offers residential and prosumer grade models.
I would definitely recommend that you use a filter on the end of the hose that is placed in the pond to prevent debris from entering the pump. Karcher makes a hose with filter for this purpose that we sell as an accessory. by Bill, Product Expert
Q: What happens when you use hot water in a Karcher electric power washer? I never knew they were (Electric-Cold Water) listed. by Bob Mills from Michigan on March 25, 2011
A: Karcher's cold water pressure washers can accept water up to 104F degrees. This is common with all cold water pressure washers. Using water hotter than 104F degrees in a cold water pressure washer will definitely damage and wear away the seals in the pump, causing the pump to fail. This is the fastest way to damage a pump that is rated for "cold water". by Bill, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.1
(Based on 8 Reviews)
Sort By
July 23, 2010
William Potter Mystic, CT
Mostly good, but could use some design improvements
Machine was received with a cracked side panel which will be replaced by PWD.
Unit comes with 2 wands which are great for close work. The variable pressure wand is a nice feature, but if you want to do house siding, you need another wand that provides for greater distance cleaning, $40+.
The caps on the detergent containers were a bear to put on the first time, but once I figured out the trick to it, it was no problem. Two detergent containers are a plus. With water in one, you can easily switch to it to rinse out the detergent from the machine. The containers cannot be removed by hand. You need a screwdriver to pry up the bottom to get them out for cleaning.
The design of the garden hose inlet connection area leaves a lot to be desired. It is a female plastic connector designed to make a direct connection to the garden hose male end. Access and visibility of the process is limited so I thought a quick connect device would be a big help. Unfortunately, the only quick connect devices I could find locally were female-female.
However, I did find the perfect solution, a 45 degree gooseneck adapter for an outdoor faucet. It means that I only have to make the connection to the machine once, thus preventing likely crossthreading of the plastic female on the machine which looks like something impossible to replace.
In addition, it allows the hose to approach from the sides or below. Something like this should have been included with the machine, or designed into it.
All in all, I think the rest of the machine is well made and should last a long time. Time will tell.
Machine was received with a cracked side panel which will be replaced by PWD.
Unit comes with 2 wands which are great for close work. The variable pressure wand is a nice feature, but if you want to do house siding, you need another wand that provides for greater distance cleaning, $40+.
The caps on the detergent containers were a bear to put on the first time, but once I figured out the trick to it, it was no problem. Two detergent containers are a plus. With water in one, you can easily switch to it to rinse out the detergent from the machine. The container... more
July 18, 2010
Richard Rybarczyk Lambertville, MI
Would not buy again
Bought this model in early June and it would not dispense the soap. After a number of calls to PWD and Karcher I finally returned it to Karcher for a replacement. I had to go all the way up to the Manager of the service reps because you will get a refurbished model and I wanted a new one to replace the one I had for only two weeks.
I had to write special instructions on the return sheet. I received the new one this week and everything is working fine for now. I did receive a new pressure washer and not a refurbished one. You may want to think about this before you order a new model and have trouble with it in the first few weeks.
The extension I bought I liked but, it made the wand feel top heavy and was quite tiresome trying to hold it up to wash the top of our siding.
Bought this model in early June and it would not dispense the soap. After a number of calls to PWD and Karcher I finally returned it to Karcher for a replacement. I had to go all the way up to the Manager of the service reps because you will get a refurbished model and I wanted a new one to replace the one I had for only two weeks.
I had to write special instructions on the return sheet. I received the new one this week and everything is working fine for now. I did receive a new pressure washer and not a refurbished one. You may want to think about this before you order a new m... more
July 16, 2010
Joseph Whitt Athens, AL
Better than most
better than most electric power washers- so far, worth the money.
June 15, 2010
Carl Lesesne Renton, WA
Difficult assembly
I had trouble connecting the Trigger Gun to the High Pressure Hose, Vario power spray wand and dirtblaster.
I contacted Karcher Support and was told to spray a WD40 type lube that allowed me to install these accessories. It would be helpful to include this information in the owners manual.
The small manual photos for installing the detergent tanks and detergent tanks tubes were difficult to install because the tank tops needed a WD40 type lube before the tops could be installed. I received this information from Karcher Support but it should be included in the users manual. With this information, I was able to install the tank tops.
The tanks were installed with some difficulty. The owners manual states that the tanks are removable without mentioning that some parts must be removed before the tanks can be removed. I am still trying to get information from Karcher Support to determine if I installed the one power washer tube correctly that connects the detergent tanks to the powerwasher.I have not used the powqerwasher yet but I hope to use it soon after I get information on the connection from support.
My complaints about this unit is that it is difficult to assemble, there are no hooks for the cables and the detergent tanks are not readily removable.
I had trouble connecting the Trigger Gun to the High Pressure Hose, Vario power spray wand and dirtblaster.
I contacted Karcher Support and was told to spray a WD40 type lube that allowed me to install these accessories. It would be helpful to include this information in the owners manual.
The small manual photos for installing the detergent tanks and detergent tanks tubes were difficult to install because the tank tops needed a WD40 type lube before the tops could be installed. I received this information from Karcher Support but it should be included in the users m... more
May 09, 2010
Sher Satisfied Karcher Owner Hamburg, PA
Love this model
Well I finally found the model for us.....For the last 14 years I kept borrowing my parents Karcher Power Washer to clean my house siding, usually 1X per year.
My parents do their siding 1X per year as well. Then in 2008 I decided to purchase 1 of my own. We bought a Simoniz brand Pressure Washer that was on sale. I was so ecstatic to get this one at a great price. Well it worked 1 season, then in 2009 I went to use it and nothing. No power what so ever.
So 2009 I skipped washing the house. Then this year I borrowed my parents Karcher and it worked for 10 minutes and quit. What a time I am having with these Pressure Washers.
So I found this website and I was in Heaven. After reading many reviews and information on different brands....I knew to purchase from this seller, as they have nothing but great ratings.
I read lots of reviews on different brands of Power Washers, and decided to go with this one. Karcher for sure...it lasted us so long with 2 different families using it.
Bottom line is I am so glad I picked this one...its so easy to operate, has lots of power more that I need for siding, but I have plenty of other jobs to do around the house with it as well. If you want a good choice and lasting brand this is it.
This Seller also delivered promptly, and the package was in excellent condition. The only thing I advise....when the machine directions say use wheels and do not lift, take heed....as my back can verify. Knocked my back out for 3-4 weeks. Ouch!!!!!
Buy this...U will not regret it.
Well I finally found the model for us.....For the last 14 years I kept borrowing my parents Karcher Power Washer to clean my house siding, usually 1X per year.
My parents do their siding 1X per year as well. Then in 2008 I decided to purchase 1 of my own. We bought a Simoniz brand Pressure Washer that was on sale. I was so ecstatic to get this one at a great price. Well it worked 1 season, then in 2009 I went to use it and nothing. No power what so ever.
So 2009 I skipped washing the house. Then this year I borrowed my parents Karcher and it worked for 10 minute... more
April 06, 2010
KIM GREEN Gulfport, FL
Easy to use
This model is easy to use, quiet, and reliable. The water flow is only modest, so large areas take a while.
I bought an electric washer because the gas powered washers are too noisy and too unreliable.
However, 120v in the US isn't enough to get a pump with decent power and flow, so the flow is compromised. A shame, as the European 240v models deliver much better performance.
March 27, 2010
Mel Rushing Clifton, VA
Satisfied
I used the Karcher to clean lawn furniture and a brick porch after the rough winter. It performed well and to good effect.
June 15, 2008
B Kay Houston, TX
Terrific washer
I have previously owned 3 other pressure washers: two were electric and one was a 2500 PSI gas Excel model with a Briggs & Stratton engine purchased at HD.
The Karcher K5.93M is BY FAR the best PW of the 4. The Dirtbuster wand attachment - with the rotating water pattern - powered off the toughest concrete stains I had on my huge driveway (a job that, in the past, took 5 hours; I completed it in about half that time). Even the dried up paint the window guys left behind came off easily.
I live in Houston, TX where heat, humidity, and rain is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. I purchased the pressure washer on Saturday and had it by Wednesday. I hooked it up the next weekend just to test it and make sure it worked, and I ended up using it for 3 hours - pressure washing was fun again. The mold, mildew etc came off faster than ever before.
I am amazed at what this electric PW can do. I just hope that it lasts me a long, long time.
PROS - amazing pressure, quiet, light weight, well written instructions and care tips.
CONS - hose inlet is sorta hard to get to when trying to unscrew a garden hose, lack of place to hang or store hose and power cord when not in use.
PWD RESPONDS: A garden hose quick connect will save your knuckles; please see our Adaptor section for details.
I have previously owned 3 other pressure washers: two were electric and one was a 2500 PSI gas Excel model with a Briggs & Stratton engine purchased at HD.
The Karcher K5.93M is BY FAR the best PW of the 4. The Dirtbuster wand attachment - with the rotating water pattern - powered off the toughest concrete stains I had on my huge driveway (a job that, in the past, took 5 hours; I completed it in about half that time). Even the dried up paint the window guys left behind came off easily.
I live in Houston, TX where heat, humidity, and rain is the perfect breedi... more