Water De-Ionizer for Washing Cars?

[edgemar]

Does anyone use a de-ionizer for washing their cars? It seems to be an expensive endeavor, especially when re-filling the filter.

Is it worth it?

[red-beard]

I bought one from a person in the neighborhood. I'll check the brand a little later. The cost of the unit is around $200 including the first filter.

At our power plant, we RENT de-ionizing filter for 3 months a year for our evap coolers. About $200/month and good for hundreds of gallons per day.

[bleucamaro]

It depends on how bad your tap water is, and how big of a system you get.

I have the CR spotless one, with the dual canisters on a cart. It gives spot free water, but I don't like how low flow it is, and it's a bit of a pain to wheel out, and manage 2 separate hoses while washing.

I think for car washing, managing time is very important, and a foam cannon would probably be a better investment.

As for the resin, it lasts a long time. The kit I bought came with extra and I've yet to change it after 5+ years of (very) light use.

[Tervuren]

It isn't cheap.

I have terrible water.

It really helps.

Because I have terrible water, I eat through it fast.

I've started only using it on my last rinse off, which helps on the usage.

[Por_sha911]

A pro detailer I go to for advice says it really helps with water spots when you have hard water. Some folks claim you don't have to chamois the car when the water is de-ionized.

[RNajarian]

Mr Clean makes a product that has a small filter you activate during the final rinse which produces spotless drying.

I’ve used it for some time, works well, but the cost of the replacement filters is a bit of a negative.

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-AutoDry-System-Starter/dp/B0006M56CE/ref=sr_1_6?hvadid=77721840723170&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=car+wash+filter+spotless&qid=1571106445&sr=8-6

[john70t]

A whole-house filtration system would keep the interior pipes cleaner.
Might need a larger storage/pressure tank and perhaps another booster pump if running off well water.

Washing in the shade and using a leaf blower soon afterwards also prevents spotting.

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Mr Clean makes a product that has a small filter you activate during the final rinse which produces spotless drying.

I’ve used it for some time, works well, but the cost of the replacement filters is a bit of a negative.

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-AutoDry-System-Starter/dp/B0006M56CE/ref=sr_1_6?hvadid=77721840723170&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=car+wash+filter+spotless&qid=1571106445&sr=8-6

wow, that thing jumped in price! Wasn't it $40 when it came out a few years ago? Looks like there are some deals on eBay. $32 -$45 for a new kit shipped.

[edgemar]

Some people on youtube use this as a cheaper alternative:

filters

apparently it helps but it is not a real system.

[MrBonus]

I haven't used a hose on my car in the 7 years I've owned it, Optimum No Rinse only. It's a cheaper, cleaner, easier solution.

[red-beard]

https://crspotless.com/

And this is the model I own

https://crspotless.com/product/dic-20-high-output-rolling-system/

I paid $50 from a neighbor. I hook it up to the power washer for the whole wash.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Mr Clean makes a product that has a small filter you activate during the final rinse which produces spotless drying.

I’ve used it for some time, works well, but the cost of the replacement filters is a bit of a negative.

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-AutoDry-System-Starter/dp/B0006M56CE/ref=sr_1_6?hvadid=77721840723170&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=car+wash+filter+spotless&qid=1571106445&sr=8-6

I bought one of those several years ago. I used it a couple times and when it ran out of soap it went in the trash. My water must have been pretty good because i didn't see any benefit to it and the water pressure and flow through it wasn't very good.

I considered it one of those things I regretted wasting money on.

[bleucamaro]

Originally Posted by red-beard

https://crspotless.com/

And this is the mode I own

https://crspotless.com/product/dic-20-high-output-rolling-system/

I paid $50 from a neighbor. I hook it up to the power washer for the whole wash.

Same one I have. $50 is a heck of a deal!

When I use it, I run 2 hoses from a Y splitter at the bib. I use one hose for main wash, and second through the filter for the final rinse.

Without a pressure washer, the flow of water coming out is pretty low (they provide a sprayer and recommend using the "flat" spray setting).

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by edgemar

Some people on youtube use this as a cheaper alternative:

filters

apparently it helps but it is not a real system.

That is what I use. Originally bought it to filter the water coming out of the boat water tank. Then started using one to wash the boat, now for the cars. Available at Walmart. $20ish as I recall and filters are around $10.00.

May not be the best but it works ok. I don't even bother to dry the boat.

[RANDY P]

I got one plumbed into my little wash station, Phx-

it cuts down spotting but it's not 100% perfect I just go over everything with spray detailer after chamois.

Done.

rjp

[sc_rufctr]

For less than $20 this looks interesting. I'm going to try it for myself.

[stevej37]

^^^ I bought this from WalMart yesterday. It was $26 for 2 filters.
Put a quick-connect on each end and washed the d/d car. When done, I didn't dry the car..except for the glass. The water spots that usually appear...didn't. Happy with it so far.
Also..didn't notice any pressure loss..I have well water.

[Brando]

I still have a Mr. Clean Auto Wash filter kit. I had read about back-flushing them to extend their lifetime. Using that in-line filter with one would likely extend its life as well.