Waterless Wash Products

Clark_Kent · 04-02-2018, 08:50 AM

The purpose of this thread is to leverage the intellectual capital of our resident detailing experts on the merits of the waterless wash product. I have used waterless wash products many years ago and I stopped using them because, quite frankly, I could never get comfortable with the validity of the claims of "removing dirt, filth and other contaminants" safely. The operative word here is safely. With that said, I understand technique, quality of wash media and how dirty the vehicle is are key. On the last point, if the car just finished the equivalent of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a waterless wash is probably not the best idea.

I don't dispute the ability of the product to clean the vehicle. In my opinion, the product cleans the vehicle and does it quite well in a substantially shorter amount of time it would take to gather the buckets, pressure washer, leaf blower, etc. I have tagged several known detailers for their perspective based on empirical evidence over the years and coming into contact with hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of vehicles. If I have forgotten anyone, please don't hesitate to chime in. Is the waterless wash product worth its weight in gold? Should I reconsider my position on how well waterless wash products work in removing dirt from the vehicle's surfaces with no damage to the paint (ceramic coated or otherwise)?

ddas
Eric S
Bruce_SC
DetailersDomain

Aaaaaaaaa · 04-02-2018, 02:17 PM

The benefit of Waterless wash is mostly in convenience. For example you can do it pretty much anywhere the car is covered and cool in much less time than a conventional wash m. How much water you save is questionable since you have to wash those MF towels very thoroughly to get all the dirt out. I'm pretty convinced it causes swirl marks much easier and faster than conventional washing. How much you can tolerate and trade off with convenience is the determining factor. Leasing and just want to clean the car quickly and can stand swirl marks that mostly can't be seen from 5 feet away? Perfect for waterless wash. Like to quick detail everyday after work? Might as well use a waterless wash product because it provides more lubrication. Owning a garage queen and inspecting the paint with a magnifying glass everyday? I wouldn't. Drive though mud and gravel on a consistent basis? Definitely not.

Sometimes I do a hybrid wash to save some time. Clean the wheels conventionally, give the paint a thorough hose down to remove larger particles then liberally use a waterless wash to dry and clean at the same time. I like to do this in less than ideal weather conditions (still sunny out, too hot too cold). I can hose down car outside in the driveway and then pull it inside the garage real quick and finish the waterless wash process in the comfort of the garage. Makes the garage smell though.

Bruce_SC · 04-02-2018, 02:31 PM

I too was skeptical at first, but I think the chemistry has come a long way. I typically stick to ONR (Optimum No Rinse) or for some things, Meguiars Express Wash. I have not tried CarPro Echo, but I hear great things about it.

As pheerlx said, it is a very convenient way to clean, but I leave it to the times when I know that it is just dust on the vehicle. I have never really used it on a vehicle that I needed to rinse anything heavy off of.

I have a client with a barn full of classic cars that we are periodically polishing. That is all he uses and loves how easy it is.

Bruce

Golfster · 04-02-2018, 02:31 PM

I'm interested in the feedback as well.

OP, did you strictly mean waterless or waterless and rinseless?

Aaaaaaaaa · 04-02-2018, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce_SC

I have a client with a barn full of classic cars that we are periodically polishing. That is all he uses and loves how easy it is.

This is actually a perfect use for rinseless and waterless wash as these cars hardly get driven and mostly collect surface dust. Plus you don't want to get moisture in classic cars.

Clark_Kent · 04-02-2018, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfster

I'm interested in the feedback as well.

OP, did you strictly mean waterless or waterless and rinseless?

I view them as one and the same.

Graves · 04-02-2018, 09:02 PM

This is all you need. Used waterless washes now for years and never had an issue or noticed any significant swirl marks. This friggin Clearshine product is amazing. I've tried them all and this is the best one. A friend owns the company and he's retired Air Force. He gives military discounts as well.

https://clearshine.store

Use this code when placing your order.

REFNS1MHELM0K

KevinM · 04-02-2018, 11:48 PM

There are a few different products to consider, depending on your needs. I haven't washed any of my cars with the traditional method for years. If you use good products and some common sense, you (and your car) will be be fine.

I use Optimum No-Rinse (https://optimumcarcare.com/product/o...se-wash-shine1) as my solution after rainstorms and for moderate dirt. For light dust/dirt, I use a completely waterless wash such as Poorboy's waterless wash (https://poorboysworld.com/spray-and-...less-wash.html).

1. Heavy dirt/caked on dirt/mud: rinse with a pressure hose to get rid of the mud/loose dirt and follow with Optimum No-Rinse.

2. Light dirt/after a rain storm, use Optimum No-Rinse.

3. No obvious grit on the car, just dust/light dirt, use a waterless wash (as above or take your pick).

For any type of wash, use high quality clean microfiber mitts and towels.

I'll never go back to regular washing techniques. Have fun!

Bruce_SC · 04-03-2018, 06:33 AM

I think another aspect to consider is how your car starts out. If for instance you don't have much of any protection on the car, the waterless/rinseless wash is going to not work as well. If you start with a full decon and then polish and coat, the waterless/rinseless is going to really be an easy way to maintain the vehicle.

Just my $.02

Bruce

Eric S · 04-03-2018, 11:56 AM

My 2cents..

If the car is coated, a waterless wash is easier and more manageable.

With that said, I would never waterless wash a car that was driven for a week a lot, nor wipe down a dirty car from sitting, etc.

A pressure pre-rinse would make things MUCH better when doing a waterless wash wipedown, but then there goes the water"less" part alebeit its less water used than a conventional wash.

Wheels = only a pressure wash cleaning if coated. if not coated, daily maintenance on them. If they are ceramic pads and produce less brake dust, any routine maintenance will work. ceramic pads with a coated wheel = easiest way to maintain the wheels.

in a nutshell, there are rare occasions where a WL wash is suitable for me.

Graves · 04-03-2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric S

My 2cents..

If the car is coated, a waterless wash is easier and more manageable.

With that said, I would never waterless wash a car that was driven for a week a lot, nor wipe down a dirty car from sitting, etc.

A pressure pre-rinse would make things MUCH better when doing a waterless wash wipedown, but then there goes the water"less" part alebeit its less water used than a conventional wash.

Wheels = only a pressure wash cleaning if coated. if not coated, daily maintenance on them. If they are ceramic pads and produce less brake dust, any routine maintenance will work. ceramic pads with a coated wheel = easiest way to maintain the wheels.

in a nutshell, there are rare occasions where a WL wash is suitable for me.

I did it all the time without an issue. In fact, I could hold light up to my paint and not see swirl marks, no lie. Here is one of my toys. Factory paint is stupid expensive. Only ever cared for the car with waterless wash. Original paint, 21k original miles. I would drive it for a few days even after rain if I happen to get caught, spray Clearshine on it and rock out. Never had an issue.

damageprone · 04-03-2018, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graves

I did it all the time without an issue. In fact, I could hold light up to my paint and not see swirl marks, no lie. Here is one of my toys. Factory paint is stupid expensive. Only ever cared for the car with waterless wash. Original paint, 21k original miles. I would drive it for a few days even after rain if I happen to get caught, spray Clearshine on it and rock out. Never had an issue.

Those pictures are pretty unbelievable for a car that has only used waterless wash! Is the car ceramic coated too?

Graves · 04-03-2018, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damageprone

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graves

I did it all the time without an issue. In fact, I could hold light up to my paint and not see swirl marks, no lie. Here is one of my toys. Factory paint is stupid expensive. Only ever cared for the car with waterless wash. Original paint, 21k original miles. I would drive it for a few days even after rain if I happen to get caught, spray Clearshine on it and rock out. Never had an issue.

Those pictures are pretty unbelievable for a car that has only used waterless wash! Is the car ceramic coated too?

It's not Ceramic Coated. It had CQuartz done about 2.5-3 years ago. That is no wax, no sealant, just plain waterless wash. The paint has always been very well maintained.

Graves · 04-03-2018, 05:30 PM

Same product, same results, shitty camera, lol.

Clark_Kent · 04-03-2018, 07:26 PM

^Looks good! Thanks for sharing.

mardibob · 04-03-2018, 08:06 PM

Washed my car for the first time using ONR. It was pretty dirty from a long drive, and was quite worried about how the waterless wash would perform as it was just detailed/paint corrected for a partial ppf.

Long story short, I power washed first(I don't think I'll ever go true waterless). Then I did the typical ONR wash using two bucket method. Not a scratch or swirl to be seen.

I'm sold on waterless wash and it's convience. (although those foam cannons sure do look cool)

gatorfast · 04-04-2018, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mardibob

Washed my car for the first time using ONR. It was pretty dirty from a long drive, and was quite worried about how the waterless wash would perform as it was just detailed/paint corrected for a partial ppf.

Long story short, I power washed first(I don't think I'll ever go true waterless). Then I did the typical ONR wash using two bucket method. Not a scratch or swirl to be seen.

I'm sold on waterless wash and it's convience. (although those foam cannons sure do look cool)

Looks good but if you are going to go as far as hosing it off first, then using the 2 bucket ONR method you may as well just do a regular wash no? Seems like its the same amount of effort.

A true waterless wash like clearshine is simply spray on as-is and wipe off which is significantly less effort.

mardibob · 04-04-2018, 11:13 AM

Yea, that's a good point. I wasn't quite ready for the "true water-less" version, and my car was a little on the dirty side. I think ideally I would be set up to do both, depending on the situation.

hlothery · 04-10-2018, 07:09 AM

When we had severe water restrictions in San Antonio a decade ago, I began using ChemicalGuys Ecosmart RU on my 2007 Porsche Cayman. I have used it exclusively ever since, never considering going back to water. It is fabulous, with no swirl marks, and in all kinds of dirty condition. Once, when my car was splashed with heavy mud, I did go to a commercial car wash and use the sprayer to get the mud off, then went home to use the waterless wash. When at the beach, I use the same tactic for salt spray. Otherwise, it is always only waterless wash. I am completely sold on it, and have no plans to change back. BTW, my cars are the constant recipients of numerous remarks about how beautiful they are.

CK23 · 04-15-2018, 08:21 AM

Very interested in this as well. Good info. on here, seems like it may be a very viable option in the right circumstances...

DDR MFS · 04-19-2018, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlothery

When we had severe water restrictions in San Antonio a decade ago, I began using ChemicalGuys Ecosmart RU on my 2007 Porsche Cayman. I have used it exclusively ever since, never considering going back to water. It is fabulous, with no swirl marks, and in all kinds of dirty condition. Once, when my car was splashed with heavy mud, I did go to a commercial car wash and use the sprayer to get the mud off, then went home to use the waterless wash. When at the beach, I use the same tactic for salt spray. Otherwise, it is always only waterless wash. I am completely sold on it, and have no plans to change back. BTW, my cars are the constant recipients of numerous remarks about how beautiful they are.

Used ChemGuys products and waterless wash on my Cayman S and it worked really well. The car was Carrera White so a little more difficult to tell if swirling occurred but never looked like it with close inspection.

Going to continue to use the ChemGuys products on the new F80.

corbs09 · 04-27-2018, 10:29 AM

I use ONR, and have used it on my m4, but prefer to use it for my cars that I don't want to get wet.

I have a Datsun 240z and I use rinseless to avoid standing water in my engine bay and other "flat" parts of the car that could cause rust.

I daily the M4 and it is usually too dirty for me to feel comfortable doing waterless.

04-02-2018, 08:50 AM	#1
Clark_Kent Lieutenant Colonel 2228 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: Retired Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Waterless Wash Products - Yay or Nay? The purpose of this thread is to leverage the intellectual capital of our resident detailing experts on the merits of the waterless wash product. I have used waterless wash products many years ago and I stopped using them because, quite frankly, I could never get comfortable with the validity of the claims of "removing dirt, filth and other contaminants" safely. The operative word here is safely. With that said, I understand technique, quality of wash media and how dirty the vehicle is are key. On the last point, if the car just finished the equivalent of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a waterless wash is probably not the best idea. I don't dispute the ability of the product to clean the vehicle. In my opinion, the product cleans the vehicle and does it quite well in a substantially shorter amount of time it would take to gather the buckets, pressure washer, leaf blower, etc. I have tagged several known detailers for their perspective based on empirical evidence over the years and coming into contact with hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of vehicles. If I have forgotten anyone, please don't hesitate to chime in. Is the waterless wash product worth its weight in gold? Should I reconsider my position on how well waterless wash products work in removing dirt from the vehicle's surfaces with no damage to the paint (ceramic coated or otherwise)? ddas Eric S Bruce_SC DetailersDomain
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04-02-2018, 02:17 PM	#2
Aaaaaaaaa Banned 7559 Rep 5,056 Posts Drives: The other M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	The benefit of Waterless wash is mostly in convenience. For example you can do it pretty much anywhere the car is covered and cool in much less time than a conventional wash m. How much water you save is questionable since you have to wash those MF towels very thoroughly to get all the dirt out. I'm pretty convinced it causes swirl marks much easier and faster than conventional washing. How much you can tolerate and trade off with convenience is the determining factor. Leasing and just want to clean the car quickly and can stand swirl marks that mostly can't be seen from 5 feet away? Perfect for waterless wash. Like to quick detail everyday after work? Might as well use a waterless wash product because it provides more lubrication. Owning a garage queen and inspecting the paint with a magnifying glass everyday? I wouldn't. Drive though mud and gravel on a consistent basis? Definitely not. Sometimes I do a hybrid wash to save some time. Clean the wheels conventionally, give the paint a thorough hose down to remove larger particles then liberally use a waterless wash to dry and clean at the same time. I like to do this in less than ideal weather conditions (still sunny out, too hot too cold). I can hose down car outside in the driveway and then pull it inside the garage real quick and finish the waterless wash process in the comfort of the garage. Makes the garage smell though.
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04-02-2018, 02:31 PM	#3
Bruce_SC Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 257 Posts Drives: Truck Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	I too was skeptical at first, but I think the chemistry has come a long way. I typically stick to ONR (Optimum No Rinse) or for some things, Meguiars Express Wash. I have not tried CarPro Echo, but I hear great things about it. As pheerlx said, it is a very convenient way to clean, but I leave it to the times when I know that it is just dust on the vehicle. I have never really used it on a vehicle that I needed to rinse anything heavy off of. I have a client with a barn full of classic cars that we are periodically polishing. That is all he uses and loves how easy it is. Bruce
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04-02-2018, 02:31 PM	#4
Golfster Lieutenant 307 Rep 511 Posts Drives: DD: Macan GTS, W/E: 992S Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	I'm interested in the feedback as well. OP, did you strictly mean waterless or waterless and rinseless?
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04-02-2018, 09:02 PM	#7
Graves Sicario 1130 Rep 1,248 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Fort Stewart iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00]	This is all you need. Used waterless washes now for years and never had an issue or noticed any significant swirl marks. This friggin Clearshine product is amazing. I've tried them all and this is the best one. A friend owns the company and he's retired Air Force. He gives military discounts as well. https://clearshine.store Use this code when placing your order. REFNS1MHELM0K __________________ Ryan King 2018 M3 ZCP
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04-02-2018, 11:48 PM	#8
KevinM Brigadier General 2936 Rep 3,286 Posts Drives: 2002 M5;2007 M Coupe;2020 M2C Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tucson iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M2 Competition [10.00] 2007 E86 M coupe [8.38] 2002 E39 M5 [9.00]	There are a few different products to consider, depending on your needs. I haven't washed any of my cars with the traditional method for years. If you use good products and some common sense, you (and your car) will be be fine. I use Optimum No-Rinse (https://optimumcarcare.com/product/o...se-wash-shine1) as my solution after rainstorms and for moderate dirt. For light dust/dirt, I use a completely waterless wash such as Poorboy's waterless wash (https://poorboysworld.com/spray-and-...less-wash.html). 1. Heavy dirt/caked on dirt/mud: rinse with a pressure hose to get rid of the mud/loose dirt and follow with Optimum No-Rinse. 2. Light dirt/after a rain storm, use Optimum No-Rinse. 3. No obvious grit on the car, just dust/light dirt, use a waterless wash (as above or take your pick). For any type of wash, use high quality clean microfiber mitts and towels. I'll never go back to regular washing techniques. Have fun! __________________ 2020 F87 M2C Hockenheim Silver/MT 2002 E39 M5 Sterling Gray/Caramel 2007 E86 Z4M Coupe Silver Gray/Black 2021 Kia Telluride (hauler)
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04-03-2018, 06:33 AM	#9
Bruce_SC Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 257 Posts Drives: Truck Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	I think another aspect to consider is how your car starts out. If for instance you don't have much of any protection on the car, the waterless/rinseless wash is going to not work as well. If you start with a full decon and then polish and coat, the waterless/rinseless is going to really be an easy way to maintain the vehicle. Just my $.02 Bruce
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04-03-2018, 11:56 AM	#10
Eric S Lieutenant 293 Rep 546 Posts Drives: in pre-order stages Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: orange, ca iTrader: (1)	My 2cents.. If the car is coated, a waterless wash is easier and more manageable. With that said, I would never waterless wash a car that was driven for a week a lot, nor wipe down a dirty car from sitting, etc. A pressure pre-rinse would make things MUCH better when doing a waterless wash wipedown, but then there goes the water"less" part alebeit its less water used than a conventional wash. Wheels = only a pressure wash cleaning if coated. if not coated, daily maintenance on them. If they are ceramic pads and produce less brake dust, any routine maintenance will work. ceramic pads with a coated wheel = easiest way to maintain the wheels. in a nutshell, there are rare occasions where a WL wash is suitable for me.
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04-03-2018, 05:30 PM	#14
Graves Sicario 1130 Rep 1,248 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Fort Stewart iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00]	Same product, same results, shitty camera, lol. Attached Images __________________ Ryan King 2018 M3 ZCP
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04-03-2018, 07:26 PM	#15
Clark_Kent Lieutenant Colonel 2228 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: Retired Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	^Looks good! Thanks for sharing.
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04-03-2018, 08:06 PM	#16
mardibob Private 34 Rep 63 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: CHI --> TX iTrader: (0)	Washed my car for the first time using ONR. It was pretty dirty from a long drive, and was quite worried about how the waterless wash would perform as it was just detailed/paint corrected for a partial ppf. Long story short, I power washed first(I don't think I'll ever go true waterless). Then I did the typical ONR wash using two bucket method. Not a scratch or swirl to be seen. I'm sold on waterless wash and it's convience. (although those foam cannons sure do look cool) Attached Images
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04-04-2018, 11:13 AM	#18
mardibob Private 34 Rep 63 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: CHI --> TX iTrader: (0)	Yea, that's a good point. I wasn't quite ready for the "true water-less" version, and my car was a little on the dirty side. I think ideally I would be set up to do both, depending on the situation.
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04-10-2018, 07:09 AM	#19
hlothery Seeking mental floss 482 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Join Date: May 2016 Location: San Antonio, Tx iTrader: (0)	When we had severe water restrictions in San Antonio a decade ago, I began using ChemicalGuys Ecosmart RU on my 2007 Porsche Cayman. I have used it exclusively ever since, never considering going back to water. It is fabulous, with no swirl marks, and in all kinds of dirty condition. Once, when my car was splashed with heavy mud, I did go to a commercial car wash and use the sprayer to get the mud off, then went home to use the waterless wash. When at the beach, I use the same tactic for salt spray. Otherwise, it is always only waterless wash. I am completely sold on it, and have no plans to change back. BTW, my cars are the constant recipients of numerous remarks about how beautiful they are.
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04-15-2018, 08:21 AM	#20
CK23 Private 34 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP, 2021 J.Rubicon Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Very interested in this as well. Good info. on here, seems like it may be a very viable option in the right circumstances...
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04-27-2018, 10:29 AM	#22
corbs09 Lieutenant 355 Rep 478 Posts Drives: 09 335i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Dallas iTrader: (1)	I use ONR, and have used it on my m4, but prefer to use it for my cars that I don't want to get wet. I have a Datsun 240z and I use rinseless to avoid standing water in my engine bay and other "flat" parts of the car that could cause rust. I daily the M4 and it is usually too dirty for me to feel comfortable doing waterless.
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