Self service jetwash advice
Discussion
I live in Finland and you are not allowed to wash your car in the street. I've been using a SS jetwash (2 mins) to rinse off the worst of the dirt and then I take 20l of water and clean with the 2 bucket method before sluicing off with the remaining water, then towel dry. My problem is this jetwash has now closed and the new ones operate by a timed queuing system i.e. once your time is up anyone can get a code to enter your bay. The bays are also staffed so they come and chuck you out if you go over your time.
This means I can't use my own bucket and water to clean the car. Could I use a prewash from a garden sprayer? Snowfoam and wash mitt? Even get something to cover the dreaded gritty brush in the bay?
I have a pristine 997.2 which I don't wish to add swirl marks and a Defender which is more about removing salt. Any help much appreciated.
This means I can't use my own bucket and water to clean the car. Could I use a prewash from a garden sprayer? Snowfoam and wash mitt? Even get something to cover the dreaded gritty brush in the bay?
I have a pristine 997.2 which I don't wish to add swirl marks and a Defender which is more about removing salt. Any help much appreciated.
Edited by Sisu9 on Sunday 29th May 21:11
No, there is no access to water at the jet wash bays other than when the actual bay is activated. You are also not allowed to wash the car anywhere other than the actual bay. Something about chemicals from washing going into the main water network. I assume the bays have some sort of collection tank for waste water from washing.
InitialDave said:
When you say you're not allowed to wash your car on the street, what are the specific rules on that?
And is it just a residential area thing, or can you do it/get away with it somewhere quieter?
You can wash your car on your own property, but you have to have a filtration syste to prevent the hazardous run off getting into the public Rey water system. Jolly lucky that oil\diesel\road grime never leaks, or is washed off by puddles eh?And is it just a residential area thing, or can you do it/get away with it somewhere quieter?
Hmm, so provided you do the wet washing at the jet wash station, you could do all the dry detailing work at home? Maybe use a waterless wash of some type if necessary?
The other thing I've seen in one of Ammo NYC's videos when he was in California, with similarly strict rules, they set up a sort of sandbag barrier hose affair to prevent runoff and recapture the water, is there something similar that would allow you to operate within the rules?
Lastly, could you just drive somewhere away from prying eyes and do a wash there?
The other thing I've seen in one of Ammo NYC's videos when he was in California, with similarly strict rules, they set up a sort of sandbag barrier hose affair to prevent runoff and recapture the water, is there something similar that would allow you to operate within the rules?
Lastly, could you just drive somewhere away from prying eyes and do a wash there?
Yes, I could do the wash at the jetwash and then make sure it's properly clean with Waterless Wash.
The advantage of the jetwash is of course the fast-flowing water, rather than washing it elsewhere. I think I'm going to try covering the car in snowfoam for the first 5 mins, then jetwash on the soap setting and rinse with straight water and see how I get on.
The advantage of the jetwash is of course the fast-flowing water, rather than washing it elsewhere. I think I'm going to try covering the car in snowfoam for the first 5 mins, then jetwash on the soap setting and rinse with straight water and see how I get on.
Yes, the pre-wash stage before you use the jet wash is probably the best point to aid the cleaning process.
When does the timer start? From the moment you spray the nozzle? If so, then focus on pre-wash.
You can use a dedicated pump sprayer to snow foam. Strong mix to dissolve as much grime and break down dirt.
Then jet wash it off.
Next you will want to use something like a detailing spray or waterless wash (clay bar optional depending on level of cleaning). This is safe to use carefully with microfibre towels. Make sure you have enough towels. Fold over whenever a corner becomes dirty.
Things like waxing you can do on the road away from the wash place.
Optimum no rinse is a good option. Dilute it. If you would rather not keep buying dedicated waterless wash bottles.
Protection is best. A decent sacrificial layer. Strong wax. Or ceramic. This might help you go longer between cleans. Or make life easier when cleaning next time around.
Are there any wash bays further from that place who are a bit more relaxed? Or does the place you go to have quiet times where they are less likely to throw someone out?
I like the idea about the battery powered pressure washer. You could go somewhere and do that. Like rent a drive or garage where you can wash.
Hope that helps.
When does the timer start? From the moment you spray the nozzle? If so, then focus on pre-wash.
You can use a dedicated pump sprayer to snow foam. Strong mix to dissolve as much grime and break down dirt.
Then jet wash it off.
Next you will want to use something like a detailing spray or waterless wash (clay bar optional depending on level of cleaning). This is safe to use carefully with microfibre towels. Make sure you have enough towels. Fold over whenever a corner becomes dirty.
Things like waxing you can do on the road away from the wash place.
Optimum no rinse is a good option. Dilute it. If you would rather not keep buying dedicated waterless wash bottles.
Protection is best. A decent sacrificial layer. Strong wax. Or ceramic. This might help you go longer between cleans. Or make life easier when cleaning next time around.
Are there any wash bays further from that place who are a bit more relaxed? Or does the place you go to have quiet times where they are less likely to throw someone out?
I like the idea about the battery powered pressure washer. You could go somewhere and do that. Like rent a drive or garage where you can wash.
Hope that helps.
Good call on the QD with or without clay as a drying aid / added lubricity with microfibre cloths. I use a Klin mitt and towel when not using QD.
I usually use Sonax QD between waxing with Black Widow as a longer protection layer. Think I'll increase the application frequency of hard wax to aid the washing process long term. I'm not keen on ceramic coating, came on my Cayenne when I bought it, a nightmare for any potential paint jobs and the depth of shine is not comparable to wax.
The nearest more relaxed jetwash is a good 20kms away.
I usually use Sonax QD between waxing with Black Widow as a longer protection layer. Think I'll increase the application frequency of hard wax to aid the washing process long term. I'm not keen on ceramic coating, came on my Cayenne when I bought it, a nightmare for any potential paint jobs and the depth of shine is not comparable to wax.
The nearest more relaxed jetwash is a good 20kms away.
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