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Thread: Waterless car wash

  1. #1

    Default Waterless car wash

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterless_car_wash

    A waterless car wash or dry wash is a technique used to wash a vehicle without the use of water. This technique uses a product that contains many different ingredients, including wetting agents, lubricants and protectants. The detergents and wetting agents in the product combine to soften and emulsify surface grime, while a specific blend of fluids and lubricants attach a microscopic layer of protectant to the surface. The protectant is often an extremely rare (and expensive) substance[citation needed] which provides a bonded layer of protection against any remaining abrasive not broken down by the detergents and wetting agents.

    The protectant often contains extensive cross linked polymers, which make it extremely effective as a car wax or glaze. The product often contains a complex mixture of cleaning elements along with the glaze ingredients.

    With proper application, the product lifts dirt from the vehicle by emulsification. The product surrounds dirt molecules, lifting them from the paint surface, before you start to wipe. At the same time, the application process initiates the cross chain polymer linking process that results in an extremely shiny, highly protective glazed finish. All this happens very rapidly due to the balance of ingredients within the product itself.

    The application process does not involve high pressure nor extensive rubbing and also does not require "soaking" - using a high volume of product. When used as directed the vehicle will shine, and water will bead on it.

    http://www.ecotouch.net/product_details.php?pid=19
    http://www.nowet.com/carwash.htm
    http://www.quickiehq.com/
    http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9833530-54.html

  2. #2

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    so would you recommend a product like this over a normal wash/dry/polish?

    Eu sou um tubarão, o chão é o meu oceano.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    I usually use Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine on my car. It isn't a "waterless" wash but it is an "rinseless" wash. This allows you to wash a car indoors safely without marring, no water spots and keep the car out of the elements. Perfect for places where you don't have access to a hose or when it is really cold/hot outside. The floor will get wet though.

    Optimum no rinse does not contain wax but it does leave the surface very slick. http://www.optimumcarcare.com/norinse.html

    Usage is pretty wierd, you'll need a bunch of microfiber drying towels to dry the car. Pretty much just wipe the stuff on and dry it. I usually do a panel at a time to make sure I don't miss a spot. On wheels it is a little harder but same technique. Wipe on with a mitt and dry with microfiber towel.

    Your mitts and towels will turn black after you use. The technology behind it binds all the dirty stuff to your mitts and towels. When you apply it on the car you can see the water binding all the dirt together into clumps and when you wipe they all end up on your mitt. It is nasty looking but is fine for the paint. Wash the mitt/towels afterwards with a microfiber detergent. I can do a whole car with 2 gallons of water. Becareful when wiping though, don't dry parts of the car you haven't wiped because you can drag dirt from the unwashed parts and cause swirls. I've replaced my normal maintenance car washes with no rinse washes exclusively because of ease of use and swirl free cleaning. It is also helpful when doing other people's cars in parking lots and other random places with no hose.

    Here's someone else's wash with Optimum No Rinse - this is what it looks like to wash with this stuff.

    Equipment


    Washing



    After wash

    Water on floor


    Car Detailing Enthusiast

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Bay Area, CA
    Posts
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    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    You do a car that dirty with that stuff? You are a brave man.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    Quote Originally Posted by bryan@GST
    You do a car that dirty with that stuff? You are a brave man.
    That's exactly what I was thinking... I might just be an idiot, but I tried something very similar to this with my Ducati, and spent $$$$$$$ getting it the scratches and stuff out.

    Jerry
    The inconvenience of poor quality lingers long after the thrill of a good bargain.

    www.FFTEC.com

  6. #6

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    haha... yeah... i personally would never do waterless car wash, therefore I would never recommend any waterless car wash products.

    I posted this because a lot of folks were wondering what waterless car wash is... well, here you go...

    closet thing to waterless car wash I've ever done is cleaning bird dropping from the car when I am not able to wash the car. and that of course, is just spot clean with detail spray...
    Quote Originally Posted by bryan@GST
    You do a car that dirty with that stuff? You are a brave man.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    Interesting topic. I just ordered some Poorboy's waterless spray last week: http://www.autogeek.net/pbsaw16.html
    But I am still skeptical about it and plan on using it as a last resort only. (i.e. No host access and must clean my car for a show or something) The thinking is that it would be at least better than using ordinay detail spray alone.

    Leo, if you have hands on experience with any of the product you listed above, please elaborate on the risks of getting swirl marks. I have a black car, it's a PITA to keep swirl free!

    Thanks,
    Adrian
    SpeedElement
    www.racinglab.com
    http://fatlace.com/hellaflush


  8. #8

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    Quote Originally Posted by KakimotoEVO
    Interesting topic. I just ordered some Poorboy's waterless spray last week: http://www.autogeek.net/pbsaw16.html
    But I am still skeptical about it and plan on using it as a last resort only. (i.e. No host access and must clean my car for a show or something) The thinking is that it would be at least better than using ordinay detail spray alone.

    <Never mind - I posted after seeing your reply>
    Leo, if you have hands on experience with any of the product you listed above, please elaborate on the risks of getting swirl marks. I have a black car, it's a PITA to keep swirl free!
    </Never mind>

    Thanks,
    Adrian
    SpeedElement
    www.racinglab.com
    http://fatlace.com/hellaflush


  9. #9

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    Adrian, I would use that if your car is not too dirty ... probably 1-2 days after washing or light dust (not pollen). Otherwise, use regular washing.

    As I said, it is not a "waterless" wash - it is a "rinseless" wash. You mix it with a couple gallons of water to wash a car. I would not recommend any "waterless" washes like the ones mentioned above or Chemical Guys/SmartWax "ONE" which is pretty popular.

    Optimum No Rinse is proven to not produce swirls if you use it properly. That said, if your car is covered with mud and other stuff... it's probably not a good idea.Â* Some detailers do a ONR (Optimum No Rinse) pre-rinse with a garden sprayer before ONR washing to further prevent marring. For every day driving cleaning, it is fine. Works good on bugs and such too. Lots of detailers use it in their mobile operations. After washing, you can go straight into swirl removal, your favorite wax/sealant just as if you did a regular wash.

    I was pretty skeptical of it at first but after tons of positive feedback, I decided to give it a shot. I am definitely a converted skeptic! Like I said, it takes some getting used to but after you get the hang of it...

    There's lots of demo videos online.

    F430 done with ONR
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...00996428313622

    Dirtier car, as you can see, when done right, your drying towel is completely clean. It may require multiple passes before drying.Â* If your drying towel is dirty - you didn't do it right.
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...55946412498290

    Other videos
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR8z8boxPXw
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSyOXjZtMqY
    Car Detailing Enthusiast

  10. #10

    Default Re: Waterless car wash

    If anyone wants a demo, I will be happy to provide one. I always have a gallon of this stuff around for mobile operations.
    Car Detailing Enthusiast

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