Waterless carwash products: impressive

[Deschodt]

I like to wash my cars, and I was really annoyed when the county decreed no more washing cars at home to save water (no way I'm going to a car wash). Also my neighbors are tattle tales so I'm not risking it unless I get ****-bombed by a flock of gulls ;-)

I bought some waterless car wash bottles (speedwash from Mothers, blue stuff, they sponsor F1 ad free on ESPN so they got my business), expecting a gimmick. After all says my rational brain, no way a spray-on wipe-off product will not scratch the paint, no way... Well I'm eating my thoughts.

I spray, let it penetrate a bit, use a clean microfiber towel to pick up the grime, making sure to fold it on itself each pass. Takes a few microfibers per car obviously. I use a clean towel to dry it off... It's effing flawless, and it leaves a wax-like coating on top.. Color me impressed, you don't even need that much and it's super fast to do, much faster than a traditional washing with a bucket. Is it cheaper than soap and a bucket? no. But I already did 4 cars with 1/2 a bottle so it's not mega costly either... It works... I checked the paint under lights to look for micro scratches, nope... I mean no more than before..

Huh, old dog: meet new trick.

[stevej37]

I've been using this stuff for a couple years now....excellent product.

[masraum]

I've been using this stuff for years (lived in an apt, so no washing in the driveway). It includes something that acts as a protectant (kind of like wax) too.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultima-Waterless-Wash-Plus-Concentrate/dp/B00D7LTNW0

[Nickshu]

YES! I have not washed car in my fleet with soap since about 2013. I have gone through various rinse less wash products and used Optimum for quite awhile. My favorite now for the past 2-3 years is Owners Pride (OP). Not cheap but wow what a product, especially the EcoWash. https://ownerspride.com/

[Deschodt]

I am clearly late to the battle, but good to hear I'm not alone. *Very* impressed, I will go back to water when not rationed but this is definitely gonna stay as my "intermediary", "not that dirty", or "let me clean it up before throwing the car cover on this thing" car wash.

[cstreit]

If you use a california duster regularly to pick up loose dirt - it saves on the need to do this every time it rains, gets damp, etc...

[stevej37]

The no-water feature is handy in the winter in Michigan. Parked in the garage...it's the same as washing it in the summer outside.

[sugarwood]

Been promoting this for years. Once you do this, you never go back

[David]

I first saw this stuff almost 30 years ago. I bought some back then but never really used it.

How dirty can a car be and it still work without scratching the paint?

[Fast Freddy 944]

Nah, Ill just go to a coin op, its cheap, it works, and its less work..

[Jrboulder]

It works a lot better in conjunction with a ceramic coating on the paint.

[Zeke]

How is it on bird siht? One of ours cars sits on the street and I live under an airport light pattern. Everything is black in 3 days, plus the leaves, sap and bird poo. It's a white car. Fook 'em. I use soap and water. I can do the Jag with about 3 gallons. I use the last bit in the soap bucket with a half scoop of laundry detergent. That makes tires black but not ghetto shiny.

Of course I follow up with Armor All on the tread for extra traction.

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by Fast Freddy 944

Nah, Ill just go to a coin op, its cheap, it works, and its less work..

Ditto.

[stevej37]

On a nice day/evening, I love washing my car outside. The results are very satisfying.
The new soaps and waxes are incredible.

[cabmandone]

A friend of mine was into this stuff before it was cool. He used to sell something by Ethos. I just couldn't get my mind around using the stuff. It just didn't seem right.

[timchar]

Wait until you get a micro piece of sand in your microfiber towel..Hopefully you catch it quickly.
Tim

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by timchar

Wait until you get a micro piece of sand in your microfiber towel..Hopefully you catch it quickly.
Tim

No worries! It "encapsulates" the micro piece of sand and makes it super duper slippery!

[wildthing]

It's good for in-between washes, or after a short drive. But once it rains and there's mud or anything more than a thin layer of dust, I wash the car.

[dad911]

It's raining now. My fleet is getting a natural bath.

[MrBonus]

I haven't used a hose and bucket in like 15 years. I use Optimum No Rinse exclusively.