Downtown Condo Garage washing

[Bl0ck]

Hey there,

I always have washed my cars in front of my house, but struggling finding ways to wash my car in this multi story garage now.

Has anyone exclusively washed their car weekly with waterless wash? I am very worried about the paint with this. Our garage has no hose hookups either. I have even thought of just filling up a bucket in the condo and taking it downstairs too.

Any advice would be greatly appreciative!

[gatorfast]

Waterless wash works great and sounds like the perfect solution to your situation.

[Bl0ck]

Originally Posted by BMWModel3

If you can keep on it and wash before car gets really dirty should be ok. You could also look into mobile detailers. They can carry a pressure washer and water source and do it properly. Might wanna check with your condo's rules though.

Yeah they don't let you wash in the garage. So I would have to take it to a random lot for a detailer.

[Andrae26]

Originally Posted by Bl0ck

Yeah they don't let you wash in the garage. So I would have to take it to a random lot for a detailer.

Or a self serve car wash

[Bl0ck]

Originally Posted by Andrae26

Or a self serve car wash

Unfortunately in downtown Fort Lauderdale.. there are not any close.

[Eric S]

waterless is fine if you have a "clean enough, but dirty car" It doesnt work well on a filthy car.

just get quality towels with a longer nap to them so the dirt has somewhere to hide.

[Iceman1183]

Originally Posted by Bl0ck

I have even thought of just filling up a bucket in the condo and taking it downstairs too.

If you're willing to do this step you open yourself up to "Rinseless" washes, not just "Waterless" washes.

Rinseless wash products are numerous - 2 of the most popular being Optimum No Rinse (ONR) and Wolfgang Uber Rinseless Wash.

ONR has almost a cult like following, only because it's so good & so versatile. And very safe for both lightly soiled and filthy cars.

If I was in your situation and didn't mind filling a bucket in my condo & walking it out to my car, I'd look into maintenance washes with ONR.

[jdgamble]

I would def go rinseless over waterless. You can wash a pretty dirty car with rinseless. You’ll need the bucket, but I make a bucket of solution in a 5 gallon bucket with a gamma-something lid (see Amazon) and keep it for over a month. You’ll also want to make some quick detailer dilution in a spray bottle to presoak the car. Get a lot of microfiber (Costco are fine) for washing and only put clean ones in the bucket (ie keep the solution clean). Then get a good drying towel or 3. Works like a charm. I have a driveway and pressure washer, but I don’t use them often because rinseless is so effective.

FYI - I prefer Uber to ONR. It leaves a nicer finish.

[Bl0ck]

Thank you guys for the info, definitely looking into rinseless

[damageprone]

I bought a refurbished Worx Hydroshot off ebay for $20, you can get it now for like $40, and it is a cordless "pressure washer" that runs off of any water source.

I use a 2 bucket system. I fill 2 buckets with ONR and prerinse with the Hydroshot. I then use their Big Red Sponge thing to do a 2 bucket wash. I haven't had the courage to do this for the F80 though, just my beaters.

[icegrill]

Originally Posted by damageprone

I bought a refurbished Worx Hydroshot off ebay for $20, you can get it now for like $40, and it is a cordless "pressure washer" that runs off of any water source.

I use a 2 bucket system. I fill 2 buckets with ONR and prerinse with the Hydroshot. I then use their Big Red Sponge thing to do a 2 bucket wash. I haven't had the courage to do this for the F80 though, just my beaters.

Be prepared to be disappointed with it, but you also got a good deal! I tried and was like "is this it!"

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by icegrill

Be prepared to be disappointed with it, but you also got a good deal! I tried and was like "is this it!"

I actually like it quite a bit! For the purposes mentioned above its great. I choose it over my actual pressure washer a lot due to laziness.

From a pressure washer standpoint it's terrible. I think for the OP's use it would be perfect especially if he has no access to a hose.

[ritzzzzzwik]

Here's my technique. I currently live in an apartment, but I would probably use the same process even if I didnt. Its more environmentally aware. I am wasting less product and water. No need for massive machines. I like them, and I have all kinds of contraptions, but they are mostly unnecessary. And best of all no pesky water drips after youre done washing and drying. There is always one!

Anywho here it goes- Its a bit lengthy and uses a combo of products that may not be the cheapest, but I am anal about lubricity (no pun intended), and dont like correcting my car's paint if I dont have to-

Products used
- 8 quality Microfiber towels (400-450 gsm, no high pile ones)
- Ammo Frote
- Ammo aerator
- Uber Rinlsess wash
- 2 buckets (one with wash solution and one to hold dirty towels, so you really just need one )
- Uber Rinsless wash in a detail sprayer with appropriate dilution
- 2 waffle weave drying towel

Process:-

Determine how filthy the car is, if it hasnt been washed for a few weeks and has been driven in rain and all kinds of crap, then you will need to more frote. If its just a week of dust, you probably dont even need to use Frothe.

Frothe and the aerator are reserved for the super dirty spots like behind wheels, and rear bumper area.

Pump up you aerator and spray frothe. Use a microfiber in a rolling motion (minimal pressure, almost none) to lift up the gunk and the foam. repeat process till all the areas are clean. Then use the Uber Rinselss detail sprayer to spritz the area and buff with another clean microfiber. Again no pressure. This to make sure there is no residue, and leave a glossy slick finish.

For all other parts of the car I use (basically Gary Deans method) Uber Rinseless wash in a bucket (3Gal of water, and 1.5 oz of concentrate ) put 6 microfibers in there to soak.

Then I use the detail spray to saturate the panel I will be working on. The pull a towel from the bucket, wring it out- not completely dry, not too wet, just on the verge of dripping. Clean by swiping across panel in straight lines using a scoping motions. I usually have my towel folded in 4s. Inspecting the level of dirt and flipping as necessary, and using a new one if this one is filled with dirt. Always making sure a dirty part does not contact the paint again. Once done use the waffle weave drying towel to pickup the excess solution on the panel, and buff to a high shine. Super easy and super simple.

Use the same process for glass Wober Rinseless works great on glass too.

Do one pannel at a time and finish the whole car.

For wheels use the left over solution, and use old cheap towels to follow the same process.

Notice- you dont have to use Frothe/Rinselss wash regimen. You can use one or the other. I personally like how safe Frothe is with dirt, but does not work with glass. So I use it specifically for the more dirty portions of the car. Wolfgang Uber Rinsless works for the whole car, therefore making my wash a little faster. Again you could probaly achieve the same speed with just Frothe, but its a 2 step process, and you have to use a detail spray (or Ammo Hydrate) to follow up with Frothe. So I just use Uber Rinsless for most of my car, and the second step after Frothe.

Frothe is also great for more than usually dirty wheels, so use it there if you need too.

Also, both products are sold as concentrate, and you have to dilute both, but Frothe is a bit more expensive, and Uber Rinsless is a banging product in itself, and leaves the surface feeling super slick.



PS- ONR is great too I am just using the products I like best. Also, Ultima Waterless wash Plus is a great waterless wash product. I keep a bottle in my car for bird bombs

[Mojo561]

I live in downtown FTL as well. Been struggling with this myself as not many great options. Right now got a detail guy coming to my building and pretty happy with him...

[tamkhan]

Thanks for this!

Originally Posted by ritzzzzzwik

Here's my technique. I currently live in an apartment, but I would probably use the same process even if I didnt. Its more environmentally aware. I am wasting less product and water. No need for massive machines. I like them, and I have all kinds of contraptions, but they are mostly unnecessary. And best of all no pesky water drips after youre done washing and drying. There is always one!

Anywho here it goes- Its a bit lengthy and uses a combo of products that may not be the cheapest, but I am anal about lubricity (no pun intended), and dont like correcting my car's paint if I dont have to-

Products used
- 8 quality Microfiber towels (400-450 gsm, no high pile ones)
- Ammo Frote
- Ammo aerator
- Uber Rinlsess wash
- 2 buckets (one with wash solution and one to hold dirty towels, so you really just need one )
- Uber Rinsless wash in a detail sprayer with appropriate dilution
- 2 waffle weave drying towel

Process:-

Determine how filthy the car is, if it hasnt been washed for a few weeks and has been driven in rain and all kinds of crap, then you will need to more frote. If its just a week of dust, you probably dont even need to use Frothe.

Frothe and the aerator are reserved for the super dirty spots like behind wheels, and rear bumper area.

Pump up you aerator and spray frothe. Use a microfiber in a rolling motion (minimal pressure, almost none) to lift up the gunk and the foam. repeat process till all the areas are clean. Then use the Uber Rinselss detail sprayer to spritz the area and buff with another clean microfiber. Again no pressure. This to make sure there is no residue, and leave a glossy slick finish.

For all other parts of the car I use (basically Gary Deans method) Uber Rinseless wash in a bucket (3Gal of water, and 1.5 oz of concentrate ) put 6 microfibers in there to soak.

Then I use the detail spray to saturate the panel I will be working on. The pull a towel from the bucket, wring it out- not completely dry, not too wet, just on the verge of dripping. Clean by swiping across panel in straight lines using a scoping motions. I usually have my towel folded in 4s. Inspecting the level of dirt and flipping as necessary, and using a new one if this one is filled with dirt. Always making sure a dirty part does not contact the paint again. Once done use the waffle weave drying towel to pickup the excess solution on the panel, and buff to a high shine. Super easy and super simple.

Use the same process for glass Wober Rinseless works great on glass too.

Do one pannel at a time and finish the whole car.

For wheels use the left over solution, and use old cheap towels to follow the same process.

Notice- you dont have to use Frothe/Rinselss wash regimen. You can use one or the other. I personally like how safe Frothe is with dirt, but does not work with glass. So I use it specifically for the more dirty portions of the car. Wolfgang Uber Rinsless works for the whole car, therefore making my wash a little faster. Again you could probaly achieve the same speed with just Frothe, but its a 2 step process, and you have to use a detail spray (or Ammo Hydrate) to follow up with Frothe. So I just use Uber Rinsless for most of my car, and the second step after Frothe.

Frothe is also great for more than usually dirty wheels, so use it there if you need too.

Also, both products are sold as concentrate, and you have to dilute both, but Frothe is a bit more expensive, and Uber Rinsless is a banging product in itself, and leaves the surface feeling super slick.



PS- ONR is great too I am just using the products I like best. Also, Ultima Waterless wash Plus is a great waterless wash product. I keep a bottle in my car for bird bombs

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Mojo561

I live in downtown FTL as well. Been struggling with this myself as not many great options. Right now got a detail guy coming to my building and pretty happy with him...

yeah why wouldn't you choose a mobile detailer to get you on a maintenance schedule? with your situation this sounds the best and you know you'll get a clean car always done to your liking.

[ritzzzzzwik]

Update!

Well I tried out the BRS and ONR after resisting for a long time> I never felt comfortable using a sponge, BUT, it works! Just as described.

My car was covered in crap from a track day, and skid pad. I runsed it, adn it didnt really take anything off. Used ONR with the BRS (follow instructions from Optimum) and it just works.

I was so tired, I just wanted a clean car, and was willing to have some marring. I am pretty adept at polishing, and I just went- lets just see what happens. Did one panel, and when to my surprise it did not mar the paint one bit. I did another. Then did teh whole car. Honestly its freakishly simple, and effective.

Now it does not mean you wont scratch your car, but if you just follow what Optimum tell you to do in their videos, you should be fine. I have done 3 washed like that now, and I have to say, its quick and super effective. I have not seem any marring on my paint, and ive put it out in the sun nad bobbed my head from all angles to catch anything it may have done. so far so good.

Sometimes manufacturers are right

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by ritzzzzzwik

Update!

Well I tried out the BRS and ONR after resisting for a long time> I never felt comfortable using a sponge, BUT, it works! Just as described.

My car was covered in crap from a track day, and skid pad. I runsed it, adn it didnt really take anything off. Used ONR with the BRS (follow instructions from Optimum) and it just works.

I haven’t had the courage to try this combo on the F80 yet. But I’ve been using it on the beaters and I agree, it’s freakishly easy.