Cleaning Products That Do Not Use Water

[gaters]

Just seen adverts for a set of products that do not use water, The car they tried it on was filthy, and looked very clean after. But this surely flies in the face of all advice re protecting your car when washing from dirt particles (do not use sponges!) and to use clean water (even selling special filter buckets.

What is the view on these products?

[randlemarcus]

You are trapping the grime and grit in clay, then rubbing it off. Do you think this is a)bad for the car, or b) a really good idea?

[TheEnd]

No professional valeters use them which is a good clue. They are just targeting lazy people who can't be bothered with carrying buckets of water.

[matthias73]

Tried it on my mountain bike with a similar product, it just scratched the grit and grime against the lacquer.

[EDLT]

Drive around in the rain, it's free!

[V8A*ndy]

If the car is a little dusty then fine.

For real dirt these products will scratch the paint if there is grit and think of the state of your cloths each time you do a dirty car.

Get a snow foam gun and the foam to go with it.

[mizx]

DO use water, they are fine as an all-in-one product used only after washing.

That probably defeats the "supposed" point of them, to be fair the shopping channels make the point that the dirty cars were already treated but I fail to see how that prevents paint damage. I've used them for a few years now, being a wheelchair user I can't wash the entire car myself and have to rely on others, so something that does it quickly and reasonably well is ideal for me.

That said, up until recently all my cars have been from Motability so quick and easy wasn't a problem. I'm taking a bit more care with my MX5, still quick but a far better finish and easy to maintain; wash with CarLack shampoo, clay, CarLack Systematic Care + Long Life Sealant, Sonus acrylic spritz for detailing between and with washes.

Edited by mizx on Monday 14th May 01:10

[crocodile tears]

Most people are blissfully unaware of how to clean or look after a cars paintwork properly. Even most dealership just use scruffy sponges and rags that might as well dispense grit.

[Wafflesmk2]

Fire.

Fire does not use water.

[gaters]

Looks like a resounding no vote. Water and proper cleaning materials and cloths advised. Thought so.