The #1 Engine Cleaning Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands
Cleaning your engine bay is smart—but making this one mistake could lead to costly repairs.
A clean engine bay improves resale value and makes maintenance easier. But far too many people make a critical mistake during engine cleaning: using high-pressure water directly on sensitive components. This simple error can destroy electronics, cause misfires, and leave you with a repair bill in the thousands.
The Mistake: High-Pressure Water on Sensitive Parts
Modern engines are filled with sensors, wiring, and connectors. While they can handle some moisture, blasting them with a pressure washer or aggressive hose stream is dangerous. Water can infiltrate areas that should remain dry, leading to electrical issues or even permanent failure.
Safe Engine Cleaning Alternatives
- ✅ Pre-soak with The Super Soaper instead of harsh degreasers.
- ✅ Foam with a cannon at low pressure.
- ✅ Agitate with brushes, not high-pressure water.
- ✅ Rinse gently—let water flow instead of forcing it in.
What Happens If You Use Too Much Pressure?
| Damage Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Fried alternator | $400–$1,000+ |
| Shorted fuse box | $300–$800+ |
| Sensor failure | $200–$600 each |
| ECU damage | $1,500–$3,000+ |
The Right Way to Clean Your Engine
- Pre-soak with The Super Soaper using a pump sprayer.
- Foam the bay with 4 ounces of The Super Soaper in a foam cannon.
- Agitate with a variety of brushes.
- Rinse gently—avoid spraying electrical connectors directly.
- Dry with a blower or towels to remove trapped water.
- Dress plastics and rubber with All Dressed Up for UV protection and a fresh finish.
Q&A – Engine Cleaning Safety
Is it safe to use a pressure washer on my engine?
Not directly. You can foam the engine with low pressure, but never blast sensitive components with a high-pressure stream.
What soap should I use for engine cleaning?
Stick to a safe, pH-balanced soap like The Super Soaper. Avoid harsh degreasers that can damage plastics and rubber.
Do I need to cover the alternator or fuse box?
No. Just be cautious—don’t spray them directly. Modern vehicles are built to handle some water exposure if treated carefully.
Will dressing help protect my engine?
Yes. All Dressed Up protects plastics, hoses, and rubber while leaving a matte OEM finish.
⭐ Clean Smarter, Not Riskier
Avoid expensive mistakes. Use The Super Soaper for safe engine cleaning and All Dressed Up for protection.
Buy The Super Soaper Buy All Dressed Up