Waterless Washing (can't use water anymore)

[Fishcop]

Just after any advice from you fellow "dry continent" residents out there...

The city I live in (Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia) has been suffering greatly with a prolonged drought. We're at the point now where we can't water gardens or grass, and no washing of cars. Strictly drinkingwater and short showers only.

There are a couple of "brushless" commercial washing businesses, but they are on recycled bore water, it's apparently filtered etc... but I'm worried the mineral content may still be too high for my ungalvanised body panels.

Do any of you recommend, or are you using a waterless system or product?

We're at 8% water storage capacity after roughly 5 years without decent rain. Typical isn't it? You guys have been suffering too much water in the South, and we can't get enough over here...

[livi]

You want water ? Welcome to Sweden ! Never ending supply of rain water...

Being a rather small planet, pretty far from the sun, you would think we would have a more even climate. I would love some of your sunny days - and you could have all the rain you want from up here.

[wholberg]

I use a Mequire's touch up spray. It does a real nice job without water. Just spray it on and wipe off with a soft cloth.

It's still no substitute for water, though. I hope your drought eases soon.

[JohnJL]

Hi John,
Sorry to see you guys so low...we're down to ~30% reserves now, so maybe not too far behind ;-(

Anyone try Coopers, VB or XXXX? I don't see any restrictions on those!
BTW, the really surprising thing for me is that as far as I know, Oz hasn't been using supply and demand (ie. see the other Top Replacement thread!) to control water usage.,,

john

[Vipergrün]

DryWash.......the stuff is amazing!!!

[sammyg2]

Just use powdered water. All you have to do is figure out what to add

Seriously, i use a dust mop type of thing to remove the dirt, then hit it with either Meguire's detail spray or mother's similar product.
As long as there isn't a heavy build up this will work fine. if there is built up grime it will scratch the paint tho.
If it's really dirty I would pull the car in the garage where no one can see and use a 5 gallon bucket full of water to clean the heavy stuff off, then hit it with the spray detailer after it dries.

[jtratza]

Mequire's touch up or similar detailing spray does wonders even after the car gets dirty from rain which sounds like something you don't have happen to often. Those of us with leaky 911's should sonsider moving there.

[BK911]

Windex.

[alf]

Drive really fast into a head wind

[efhughes3]

What they all said. I use a California brush a few times per week, and the Meguiar's or Griot's dry detail sprays. I think I only actually wash my car 2, maybe 3 times/year. I'ts always ready to dazzle unprepared bystanders

[RussianBlue]

http://www.washwax.com/

I used this stuff for many years.... been around FOREVER and incredibly easy to use.
Passes all the aviation standards etc......
I used to live in the city where this is headquartered and I still know the CEO.
Products are only sold word of mouth and has never come close to going out of business.... I honestly think this was one of the first "dry-wash" invented.

I have zero interest in this Co., just another idea for ya'

[deoxford]

John,
There are a couple of "brushless" commercial washing businesses, but they are on recycled bore water, it's apparently filtered etc... but I'm worried the mineral content may still be too high for my ungalvanised body panels.

I see that you have some carwashes around, as you wrote they use Recycled water. The mineral content , is really not the corrisive part of water. Really minerals are what help prevent the water from being corrosive. I would say if the water has a neutral pH, then it should not have any ill effects on you car.

If you have any questions about the water and it LSI index(this is a number of how corrosive the water is)send me a email I can expain further.

[Fishcop]

Originally posted by sammyg2

If it's really dirty I would pull the car in the garage where no one can see and use a 5 gallon bucket full of water to clean the heavy stuff off, then hit it with the spray detailer after it dries.

I would never admit on an open forum But that has been a solution until now... We live next door to a big family (7 people), and it's just the wifey and I at our place, I pay rates, my car IS family and deserves a tub every now and then! (Do you think that will "wash" in court!? )

Russian Blue, thanks for the link!

Deoxford, thanks for the info - they have some info thre relating to LSI, I s'pose I should have a read I'll shoot you a PM if I find any questions...

[randywebb]

Some fish cop would find out you were wasting water on your car instead of on the wildlife...

[Matt Holcomb]

John,

Move to Melbourne!

[David]

I would think the filtered water at the car wash would be better than the water out of the tap at home which has many minerals. It should also spot less.

[Dantilla]

"Touchless" car washes typically need to use harsher chemicals to do a good job getting the car to look clean.

A commercial car wash with normal brushes will do a much better job without the harsh chemicals. And they do not scratch the paint! The brushes are continually rinsed, and are a very soft material. You will get less scratching in a commercial car wash than if you do it yourself with a bucket in your driveway.

[David]

Do they have DIY car washes down there? Would they leave out the harsh chemicals in the water treatment?

[creaturecat]

no water = time to move!

[RickM]

IMO, a commercial car wash with recycled water is much safer than dry wash techniques.
If only cleaning dust I'd use compressed air, California Duster and detailer spray, if neccessary.