Cleaning car without rinsing?

UNKNOWN_370 · 10-18-2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunNgun

Is it pretty much accepted that touchless car washes are the best + easiest way to wash your car today?

I don't know about best. But easiest is about right. Remember. Touchless car wash uses acid based soaps that eat away at the clear coat over time. As I stated earlier. It is safest to use after a wax protectant has been applied by hand. It reduces the clearcoats exposure to harsh chemicals.

SS66 · 10-19-2011, 11:58 PM

I know this sounds stupid but it is true. I have a 66 SS chevelle that hasn't seen a water & soap wash in 12 years. My 2011 370Z has seen water & soap once in about 5.5 months.

Mainly I just use a California duster and wipe them down followed with a quick wax or detailed wax on them after the dusting. Of course the other thing is I never drive them in bad weather. Only sunny day drives. Of course I have had several friends that say what the hell...... Drive the damn things!

didymus · 10-17-2011, 03:11 PM

I use Optimum No-Rinse, one of the more popular of this type product

Armonster · 10-20-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by didymus

I use Optimum No-Rinse, one of the more popular of this type product

This stuff is the best, I have used it since my Z was a newborn. Unless your car is incredibly filthy, this should be safe when used properly (i.e. 2-bucket system).

6MT · 10-17-2011, 03:34 PM

Aaaa-Choooo!!

NickBaragona · 10-17-2011, 06:52 PM

Well, I decided to take it to a touchless carwash. When it was finished, I pulled to the side and proceeded to finish drying/waxing. Well on the passenger side of my bumper, I noticed huge scratches. I wonder if the hoses in the carwash somehow got too close and scratched my car? I will post a pic of the damage shortly.

TheGreatOne · 10-17-2011, 06:59 PM

oh, sucks about the scratches

I use a quick detailer from turtle wax in-between washes, works amazingly but I was super anal when i bought the car and washed it about 3 times a week lol.

Now she gets it once a week but I hate driving a dirty car, so I'm on my 3rd large bottle of detailer for this season lol

NickBaragona · 10-17-2011, 07:16 PM

Guy at the body shop seems to think it looks like a shopping cart ran into my car. I'm still suspicious about the touchless car wash though. So I guess I will have the bodyshop make my bumper look brand new, and then it's time for the clear bra to be installed. I already had rock chips and such on my front bumper, so I suppose this would need to be done anyways before installing the clear bra. I just planned on waiting until next summer...

poorazn · 10-17-2011, 07:46 PM

I use ONR. Its great stuff for a quick rinseless wash and in between detailing

Cmike2780 · 10-20-2011, 02:44 PM

A real wash is best, but sometimes you don't have a choice, like in winter months. I've used Optimum No-Rinse & Adam's Waterless wash. Both work well. The Optimum bottle def goes a long way depending on your ratio. I find the Adam's works a little better because it leaves less of a "film" on the surface/wipes off easier. With either one though, proper technique is essential if you don't want a ton of swirls.

This is my procedure:

1. Use compressed air to blow off any large particles off the surface. (leaf blower might work also)

2. Use a California car duster. Make sure its clean and used very lightly, just barely touching the surface with the ends of the duster strands. You don't want to put any pressure whatsoever. You just want to remove as much debris as possible without causing swirls.

3A. Spray waterless wash on the surface of the paint and light spray on the microfiber towel or waterless wash towel. As with anything touching the paint, it has to be clean, especially the MF towel. Make sure you are constantly turning the towel to a clean side. It gets pretty dirty fast. I think this is the faster method if you're in a rush.

Alternatively,

3B. If you intend to use the ONR, use an MF and fill the bucket with water and the correct ratio per instructions on the bottle. Basically the same as the waterless wash, except your soaking the MF towel in the solution.

4. Finish with detail spray.

As always, use a different towel, bucket etc for wheels & tires. If the dirt on the surface is "really" dirty with mud, tar, sap, insects, etc... skip the waterless wash and wash the old fashioned way. The waterless wash is best for in-between washes where the dirt is pretty "light".

Cmike2780 · 10-20-2011, 02:46 PM

Doesn't look too bad. That will polish out.

semtex · 11-06-2011, 05:17 PM

So I gave Optimum No-Rinse a try for the first time today. I'm very pleased with the results! My car did have a ton of crud and salt on it as it snowed here a few days ago, so I ran it through a touchless wash first (which still left plenty behind for me to clean).

Armonster · 11-06-2011, 06:40 PM

Looks good, but careful with the touchless car washes. They use strong soap that strips the wax off your car. Optimum no-rinse will leave your wax intact. But if you must do the touchless wash, then make sure to put some wax on afterwards.

semtex · 11-07-2011, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster

Looks good, but careful with the touchless car washes. They use strong soap that strips the wax off your car.

I'm kinda skeptical of this, because in my experience, the touchless washes don't even remove all the dirt off my car. How's it going to strip the wax off my car if it can't even strip the dirt off that's sitting on top of the wax?

Cmike2780 · 11-07-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

I'm kinda skeptical of this, because in my experience, the touchless washes don't even remove all the dirt off my car. How's it going to strip the wax off my car if it can't even strip the dirt off that's sitting on top of the wax?

The problem is, you really don't know what type of shampoo they use. For the most part, a lot of these places do use some type of automotive shampoo. If dirt is still on your car after washing, it just means you probably didn't aggitate the dirt loose. If you did, it would have taken away the dirt along with the wax if a strong detergent was used. Strong detergents like dish soap easily strips wax off the car. That's why you should never use it unless removing wax was your intention.

10-17-2011, 03:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
6MT A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: ITU Zone 2 Posts: 22,459 Drives: Reliant Robin Rep Power: 1791	Aaaa-Choooo!! __________________ Andrew 2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold 2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D

10-17-2011, 06:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
NickBaragona Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 360 Drives: 40th 370Z Rep Power: 15	Well, I decided to take it to a touchless carwash. When it was finished, I pulled to the side and proceeded to finish drying/waxing. Well on the passenger side of my bumper, I noticed huge scratches. I wonder if the hoses in the carwash somehow got too close and scratched my car? I will post a pic of the damage shortly. Last edited by NickBaragona; 10-17-2011 at 07:00 PM.

10-17-2011, 06:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
TheGreatOne A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada Age: 47 Posts: 1,980 Drives: E60 BMW M5 Rep Power: 22	oh, sucks about the scratches I use a quick detailer from turtle wax in-between washes, works amazingly but I was super anal when i bought the car and washed it about 3 times a week lol. Now she gets it once a week but I hate driving a dirty car, so I'm on my 3rd large bottle of detailer for this season lol __________________ 2017 SUBARU STI 2008 E60 M5 - SOLD 2010 40th Anniversary 370Z - SOLD (and missing her)

10-20-2011, 02:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 30	A real wash is best, but sometimes you don't have a choice, like in winter months. I've used Optimum No-Rinse & Adam's Waterless wash. Both work well. The Optimum bottle def goes a long way depending on your ratio. I find the Adam's works a little better because it leaves less of a "film" on the surface/wipes off easier. With either one though, proper technique is essential if you don't want a ton of swirls. This is my procedure: 1. Use compressed air to blow off any large particles off the surface. (leaf blower might work also) 2. Use a California car duster. Make sure its clean and used very lightly, just barely touching the surface with the ends of the duster strands. You don't want to put any pressure whatsoever. You just want to remove as much debris as possible without causing swirls. 3A. Spray waterless wash on the surface of the paint and light spray on the microfiber towel or waterless wash towel. As with anything touching the paint, it has to be clean, especially the MF towel. Make sure you are constantly turning the towel to a clean side. It gets pretty dirty fast. I think this is the faster method if you're in a rush. Alternatively, 3B. If you intend to use the ONR, use an MF and fill the bucket with water and the correct ratio per instructions on the bottle. Basically the same as the waterless wash, except your soaking the MF towel in the solution. 4. Finish with detail spray. As always, use a different towel, bucket etc for wheels & tires. If the dirt on the surface is "really" dirty with mud, tar, sap, insects, etc... skip the waterless wash and wash the old fashioned way. The waterless wash is best for in-between washes where the dirt is pretty "light". __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

10-20-2011, 02:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 30	Doesn't look too bad. That will polish out. __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

10-19-2011, 11:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
SS66 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 165 Drives: 2011 370Z SP m6 Rep Power: 15	I know this sounds stupid but it is true. I have a 66 SS chevelle that hasn't seen a water & soap wash in 12 years. My 2011 370Z has seen water & soap once in about 5.5 months. Mainly I just use a California duster and wipe them down followed with a quick wax or detailed wax on them after the dusting. Of course the other thing is I never drive them in bad weather. Only sunny day drives. Of course I have had several friends that say what the hell...... Drive the damn things!

10-17-2011, 03:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
didymus Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Providence / Boston Posts: 564 Drives: 280 / 370Z Rep Power: 307	I use Optimum No-Rinse, one of the more popular of this type product

10-17-2011, 07:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
NickBaragona Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 360 Drives: 40th 370Z Rep Power: 15	Guy at the body shop seems to think it looks like a shopping cart ran into my car. I'm still suspicious about the touchless car wash though. So I guess I will have the bodyshop make my bumper look brand new, and then it's time for the clear bra to be installed. I already had rock chips and such on my front bumper, so I suppose this would need to be done anyways before installing the clear bra. I just planned on waiting until next summer...

10-17-2011, 07:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
poorazn Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DC Posts: 176 Drives: 11 370Z BC M6 Sprt Rep Power: 15	I use ONR. Its great stuff for a quick rinseless wash and in between detailing

11-06-2011, 06:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
Armonster Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 270 Drives: 2010 370z t/sp/6mt Rep Power: 15	Looks good, but careful with the touchless car washes. They use strong soap that strips the wax off your car. Optimum no-rinse will leave your wax intact. But if you must do the touchless wash, then make sure to put some wax on afterwards.

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