Waterless Wash. Yay or Nay

N

nick_l

Senior member
 Essex
Those of you with black cars will understand my plight. Minutes after cleaning a black car it almost immediately looks dirty again. Ok maybe not minutes, but it seems like it. :headbang:

I don't always have time to do a full clean, as I live in a flat and its bit of a chore setting up the jet wash etc. Whenever I decide to wash my car the other half seems to convince me to wash hers too! So I was thinking would a waterless wash be the solution to my problems.

Does anyone have any recommendations, issues or warnings when using waterless washes? My car looks amazing when its clean and shiny...It would be nice to have a way of easily maintaining this.
 
I wouldn't suggest a waterless wash for a very dirty car, but if its relatively clean then I would recommend Showroom Shine:
http://www.greasedlightning.co.uk/products/showroom-shine?variant=8753674627
Use one micro fibre cloth to apply and one to remove (there's a video of it used on a black car in the link)
 
I use 'No Rinse Wash and Shine' when the Zed is not too dirty. You still need a bucket and water but it is quick and (as yet) has not marked the paint. Use a capful to a bucket (I always use two or more capfuls to a half bucket). A loaded microfiber cloth to clean and then a clean microfiber cloth which has been in the solution but wrung out, used to dry off. The polimers in the solution save the paintwork from the dirt and dust.

I also use a heavy concentration in a spray bottle to clean the Zed when I'm on a run. With lots of cloths - so far so good :thumbsup:
 
My car isn't immaculate but I just couldn't bring myself to use a waterless system, it just seems wrong :o
Rob
 
nick_l said:
Does anyone have any recommendations, issues or warnings when using waterless washes? My car looks amazing when its clean and shiny...It would be nice to have a way of easily maintaining this.
Click to expand...

I use Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine and i think its really good. Like you, i live in a flat and i do not have access to a water tap outside. Previous cleaning methods involved several bucket runs up and down two flights of stairs :rofl: Always a failure.

Have to admit, i am super impressed with ONR wash! I am a bit hooked now, can't believe i just learned about it about one month ago.

I watched far too many youtube videos on how to do a waterless/rinseless wash that i care to admit. In the end i believe i techincally do the "Garry Dean method" which sounds very cringey.

What i do is pre-spray the panel with a hand spray bottle (actually use one of those garden hand spray bottles that you can pressure up .. this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-HAND-HELD-PRESSURE-SPRAY-BOTTLE-1-LITRE-SPRAYER-WATER-WATERING-SPRAYING-PUMP-/321416966181). I pre-soak the panel with this first before moving to the wash.

Washing:

1. I mix about 20ml with ~4litres of water (this is probably a bit more than recommended but meh, such a tiny amount). I find 4 litres of water is enough to do my full Z4 and alloys (and leave a small amount left over).

2. Throw your Microfibre towels into the bucket and soak. Need about 4-5 MF towels depending on size of towel and how dirty your car is.

3. Take a wet towel and fold it into 4. Squeeze some excess solution out.

4. Next, lightly drag your towel over the pre-soaked area - i tend to do sweeps.

5. Look at how dirty your towel is and move to a 'new' quarter if its quite soiled. Once you have used up all 4 sides (front and back of towel, so 8 in total), throw towel away into spare empty bucket ... do not re-introduce dirty towel into your Mixed Solution.

6. Move panel to panel, dry each panel immediately with waffle towel and boom, nicely cleaned Z4.

Definitely recommend it ... but would not do it on a very soiled car, that would require rinse and soap.
 
swilsco said:
nick_l said:
Does anyone have any recommendations, issues or warnings when using waterless washes? My car looks amazing when its clean and shiny...It would be nice to have a way of easily maintaining this.
Click to expand...

I use Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine and i think its really good. Like you, i live in a flat and i do not have access to a water tap outside. Previous cleaning methods involved several bucket runs up and down two flights of stairs :rofl: Always a failure.

Have to admit, i am super impressed with ONR wash! I am a bit hooked now, can't believe i just learned about it about one month ago.

I watched far too many youtube videos on how to do a waterless/rinseless wash that i care to admit. In the end i believe i techincally do the "Garry Dean method" which sounds very cringey.

What i do is pre-spray the panel with a hand spray bottle (actually use one of those garden hand spray bottles that you can pressure up .. this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-HAND-HELD-PRESSURE-SPRAY-BOTTLE-1-LITRE-SPRAYER-WATER-WATERING-SPRAYING-PUMP-/321416966181). I pre-soak the panel with this first before moving to the wash.

Washing:

1. I mix about 20ml with ~4litres of water (this is probably a bit more than recommended but meh, such a tiny amount). I find 4 litres of water is enough to do my full Z4 and alloys (and leave a small amount left over).

2. Throw your Microfibre towels into the bucket and soak. Need about 4-5 MF towels depending on size of towel and how dirty your car is.

3. Take a wet towel and fold it into 4. Squeeze some excess solution out.

4. Next, lightly drag your towel over the pre-soaked area - i tend to do sweeps.

5. Look at how dirty your towel is and move to a 'new' quarter if its quite soiled. Once you have used up all 4 sides (front and back of towel, so 8 in total), throw towel away into spare empty bucket ... do not re-introduce dirty towel into your Mixed Solution.

6. Move panel to panel, dry each panel immediately with waffle towel and boom, nicely cleaned Z4.

Definitely recommend it ... but would not do it on a very soiled car, that would require rinse and soap.
Click to expand...

Superb. Ive always thought waterless will just ruin my paint, but this method seems a lot easier on paintwork. If my car is mega dirty I will always just do a full proper wash, but as its a daily driver it quickly gets covered in road dust and everyday dirt. I'll give this a try :thumbsup:
 
paulgs1000 said:
I also use a heavy concentration in a spray bottle to clean the Zed when I'm on a run. With lots of cloths - so far so good :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

And provides free demonstrations of the technique to those enjoying their breakfast in the hotel and watching you hard at work... :D
 
So a rinseless is the way to go rather than a waterless. Makes sense really. I've just ordered a bottle of ONR :thumbsup:
 
It is surprisingly easy and quick to clean the car using ONR.... but that might be because i am no longer running up and down with buckets of water.

I think its also great on cleaning glass and doing the alloys.
 
Marlon said:
GreyZed said:
I think my teenage son favours the waterless wash. :lol:
Click to expand...

:lol:
Click to expand...

My wife has always preferred the 'washless wash' method for her cars...
Sometimes the dog will help out and lick the inside of the rear hatch window :x
 
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