Waterless Wash
Discussion
Mixed views.
But really they are limited to all but the very lightest of dirt and really should not be used on anything more than "light surface dirt".
Even then plenty of clean microfibres are necessary
Other factors that influence use really boil down to the fact that nearly all of them have polymers to enhance lubrication, but all of them therefore sit on the top for a short time meaning any protection you have laid down previously to protect is not really doing what you set it out to do.
Even products used to reduce water usage are not helpful in some of the above as they have similar issues (optimum no rinse for example).
For me IMO if after a quick wash where possible and avoid getting all my gear out then hose pipe, foam blaster (as opposed to a full lance) and then open hose rinse. All with DI water to save drying it. But then I have designed my pressure washer and other water bits to have permanent places and be plugged in 24/7. Tap on, plug on and then lance out job done, DI filters are all setup for easy switch over from tap water to pure water (or even just switching pure water into the pressure washer to deal with direct sunlight)
But really they are limited to all but the very lightest of dirt and really should not be used on anything more than "light surface dirt".
Even then plenty of clean microfibres are necessary
Other factors that influence use really boil down to the fact that nearly all of them have polymers to enhance lubrication, but all of them therefore sit on the top for a short time meaning any protection you have laid down previously to protect is not really doing what you set it out to do.
Even products used to reduce water usage are not helpful in some of the above as they have similar issues (optimum no rinse for example).
For me IMO if after a quick wash where possible and avoid getting all my gear out then hose pipe, foam blaster (as opposed to a full lance) and then open hose rinse. All with DI water to save drying it. But then I have designed my pressure washer and other water bits to have permanent places and be plugged in 24/7. Tap on, plug on and then lance out job done, DI filters are all setup for easy switch over from tap water to pure water (or even just switching pure water into the pressure washer to deal with direct sunlight)
Edited by Ninja59 on Friday 6th July 11:30
Ares said:
Perhaps a daft question, but with a car covered in debris, even microscopic grit/sand/roadgrime etc....how does it stop the grit etc from scratching?
Just after a quick easy solution when on the road for a few weeks.
Essentially in a sense it acts as a lubricant the same as any normal shampoo would. But in addition they are loaded with polymers which help to carry the water element away as well as a little towards lubrication.Just after a quick easy solution when on the road for a few weeks.
The reality is dirt should be taken away with something that lifts the dirt gently away from the panel and keeps it away from the panel.
Personally instead of waterless wash, I would if possible look at minimal water solutions like ONR, plenty of deep pile MF's, a mitt of some form and fold up buckets. Go a panel at a time working top down. It will interfere with any protection on there, but after a few washes the polymers will degrade.
Note in regards to shampoo as well do not confuse "suds" with lubrication as lots of suds is a poor indicator of good lubrication. Any shampoo can have good lubrication, but not necessarily significant suds and in a way suds is actually more of a problem. Case in point is something like Bilt Hamber's car shampoo tiny bottle, not lots when in use, no suds, but has good lubrication.
This is one of the reasons that drying and other "dry" steps where lubrication is in essence being driven away are the most dangerous when cleaning a vehicle because you are taking something away that helps create a protective layer.
On my metallic black car, I use waterless wash once a week (with clean microfibres as mentioned) which takes me 20 minutes for the entire car. Every day I spend 5 minutes with a California car duster to remove surface dust, dirt and pollen. Keeps the car shiny all week long during this sunny weather. Not sure the same routine would be possible in autumn/winter.
I've not had any of the issues with swirls or residue like the others mention. I use Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax.
I've not had any of the issues with swirls or residue like the others mention. I use Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax.
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