Ask a Professional Detailer
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
I figured that about the brush, though I was hoping it wasn't true...problem is that there are huge signs in the wash bays that say "no buckets" and "no hand washing"...but that's probably because they don't want people cheaping out by going there and just using the water...maybe if I make it so that I've got money in the meter the whole time they'd leave me alone.
I figured that about the brush, though I was hoping it wasn't true...problem is that there are huge signs in the wash bays that say "no buckets" and "no hand washing"...but that's probably because they don't want people cheaping out by going there and just using the water...maybe if I make it so that I've got money in the meter the whole time they'd leave me alone.
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
I have a friend that owns a condo and has had his troubles trying to keep his paint nice while living there. He recently started using Optimum No Rinse with a microfiber wash mit. Only uses 2 gallons of water in a home depot 5 gallon homer bucket with a grit guard. He gets great results every time, I was very impressed. I think all in all he only initially invested about $100 in everything and has enough products for many washes. You might want to take a look at that imo.
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
I have a friend that owns a condo and has had his troubles trying to keep his paint nice while living there. He recently started using Optimum No Rinse with a microfiber wash mit. Only uses 2 gallons of water in a home depot 5 gallon homer bucket with a grit guard. He gets great results every time, I was very impressed. I think all in all he only initially invested about $100 in everything and has enough products for many washes. You might want to take a look at that imo.
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
I use it all the time... And coincidentally I use 2 home depot buckets with grit guards and a Cobra Chenille microfiber wash mitt.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
I have a friend that owns a condo and has had his troubles trying to keep his paint nice while living there. He recently started using Optimum No Rinse with a microfiber wash mit. Only uses 2 gallons of water in a home depot 5 gallon homer bucket with a grit guard. He gets great results every time, I was very impressed. I think all in all he only initially invested about $100 in everything and has enough products for many washes. You might want to take a look at that imo.
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
GoFast- You have any experience with Optimum No Rinse?
Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
This is straight from optimums website and this is the way I use it.
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
This is not a traditional wash replacement. But to be used in case you do not have access to water etc.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
So if I've got the options of the do it yourself car wash or the Optimum No Rinse (given I can't do a full on car wash where I live)...
- If the car were REALLY dirty, would a quick rinse at the do it yourself place, followed by a parking lot cleaning with the Optimum No Rinse be acceptable as a "traditional wash replacement?" I can see how, if a car were really dirty, the likelihood of dragging dirt across my paint would go up alot.
- Can this Optimum No Rinse REALLY cause no scratching? They say it won't in their writeup...just seems like without knocking solid dirt loose before wiping on the car would have to cause scratches. Then again, I know pretty much nothing about washing and detailing cars, and if you guys use it and say it works without scratching, I'm going to order it and try it this weekend. Would save me $7 a weekend if it works.
- If the car were REALLY dirty, would a quick rinse at the do it yourself place, followed by a parking lot cleaning with the Optimum No Rinse be acceptable as a "traditional wash replacement?" I can see how, if a car were really dirty, the likelihood of dragging dirt across my paint would go up alot.
- Can this Optimum No Rinse REALLY cause no scratching? They say it won't in their writeup...just seems like without knocking solid dirt loose before wiping on the car would have to cause scratches. Then again, I know pretty much nothing about washing and detailing cars, and if you guys use it and say it works without scratching, I'm going to order it and try it this weekend. Would save me $7 a weekend if it works.
So if I've got the options of the do it yourself car wash or the Optimum No Rinse (given I can't do a full on car wash where I live)...
- If the car were REALLY dirty, would a quick rinse at the do it yourself place, followed by a parking lot cleaning with the Optimum No Rinse be acceptable as a "traditional wash replacement?" I can see how, if a car were really dirty, the likelihood of dragging dirt across my paint would go up alot.
- Can this Optimum No Rinse REALLY cause no scratching? They say it won't in their writeup...just seems like without knocking solid dirt loose before wiping on the car would have to cause scratches. Then again, I know pretty much nothing about washing and detailing cars, and if you guys use it and say it works without scratching, I'm going to order it and try it this weekend. Would save me $7 a weekend if it works.
- If the car were REALLY dirty, would a quick rinse at the do it yourself place, followed by a parking lot cleaning with the Optimum No Rinse be acceptable as a "traditional wash replacement?" I can see how, if a car were really dirty, the likelihood of dragging dirt across my paint would go up alot.
- Can this Optimum No Rinse REALLY cause no scratching? They say it won't in their writeup...just seems like without knocking solid dirt loose before wiping on the car would have to cause scratches. Then again, I know pretty much nothing about washing and detailing cars, and if you guys use it and say it works without scratching, I'm going to order it and try it this weekend. Would save me $7 a weekend if it works.
This is straight from optimums website and this is the way I use it.
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYOAyxsEIuQ
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Thanks for that! I'll have plenty of microfiber towels. I'm actually excited about doing this...just got this Camaro a month ago, and the last time I got into washing and waxing a car (10 years ago) I used all stuff you could get at the discount auto parts store - and it looked crappy. Just from having read this thread, last week I bought some Chemical Guys products, did a wash and applied the BlackLight sealant and I couldn't believe how nice it came. So now I know there is stuff out there that really works well, isn't terribly difficult to use, and it's fun rather than a thankless chore.
You're welcome!
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner + Daytona wheel brush (or Wheel Woolies) should do a great job. If the inside has never been cleaned you still may need to take them off to clean more thoroughly.
1. I think has been answered quite well by other members.
2. I don't recommend them. Get 1 spec of dirt and they will scratch your paint badly.
3. PM sent.
I never use air fresheners. Makes the car feel cheap...used. Leather conditioner and freshly cleaned carpets smell the best. I like Zaino Z10, smells great.
BadCompanyWS6 and ThirdgenTa covered this quite well.
Yes, I use it as clay lube all the time and as my main detail spray because of the awesome lubricity it has. When running water isn't available I will use it. Revolutionary product.
Did this car on the Stanford Campus with ONR since there was no water available.
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...-cayman-s.html
Both these guys are dead on right. Well said.
Get 2 buckets and 2 grit guards.
Thats why I made this thread! Keep up the good work!
I've read this whole thread...great information and very generous of you to share all of this information.
I've got a few questions that I did not see asked...maybe because they are stupid...
1. I imagine there has to be other folks on this forum that have to wash their car at a self service auto wash place...any thoughts on how to make this work? Right now, I'm using the low pressure rinse, then the soapy brush, then the low pressure rinse, driving home, using a microfiber towel to get whatever water hasn't blown off, then using a detail spray on the whole car...am I committing a bunch of cardinal sins?
2. I didn't see any mention of those silicon "t" edge water blades for drying a car...is that because they are just awful to use?
3. Do you offer any kind of consultation service? Maybe someone sends you some cash through paypal and you give them a half hour telephone consultation so that they can come up with a good solution for keeping their car looking good without having to become a master detailer? If so, pm me because I'd like to do that.
I've got a few questions that I did not see asked...maybe because they are stupid...
1. I imagine there has to be other folks on this forum that have to wash their car at a self service auto wash place...any thoughts on how to make this work? Right now, I'm using the low pressure rinse, then the soapy brush, then the low pressure rinse, driving home, using a microfiber towel to get whatever water hasn't blown off, then using a detail spray on the whole car...am I committing a bunch of cardinal sins?
2. I didn't see any mention of those silicon "t" edge water blades for drying a car...is that because they are just awful to use?
3. Do you offer any kind of consultation service? Maybe someone sends you some cash through paypal and you give them a half hour telephone consultation so that they can come up with a good solution for keeping their car looking good without having to become a master detailer? If so, pm me because I'd like to do that.
2. I don't recommend them. Get 1 spec of dirt and they will scratch your paint badly.
3. PM sent.
Yes, I use it as clay lube all the time and as my main detail spray because of the awesome lubricity it has. When running water isn't available I will use it. Revolutionary product.
Did this car on the Stanford Campus with ONR since there was no water available.
http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...-cayman-s.html
This is straight from optimums website and this is the way I use it.
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
Directions:
Add 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse™ Wash & Shine to 2 gallons of water in a bucket. Soak a plush microfiber towel into the wash solution and wash one section at a time till it is completely clean. Dry the section using a clean plush microfiber towel.
Some people also go as far as filling a lawncare spray pump such as this and spray the car down with the mixed solution and then follow the directions. I guess it gives the ONR time to dwell and loosen the dirt.
I also use ONR as clay lube because it works very well and I can do a ton of cars out of one bottle.
Saturate the panel with a sprayer as mentioned above and allow it time to break down the dirt and emulsify everything. (I used a hand pump sprayer similar to the one above) After that, then you take your wash medium and GENTLY run it across the surface. You're not scrubbing or pushing down with any moderate pressure. I usually wring out my wash mitt or MF so it's not just sloppy but still has a good amount of saturation. If it takes a couple of applications, then so be it. Treat it as a traditional wash with grit guards and two buckets.
This is not a traditional wash replacement. But to be used in case you do not have access to water etc.
This is not a traditional wash replacement. But to be used in case you do not have access to water etc.
Both these guys are dead on right. Well said.
Thanks for that! I'll have plenty of microfiber towels. I'm actually excited about doing this...just got this Camaro a month ago, and the last time I got into washing and waxing a car (10 years ago) I used all stuff you could get at the discount auto parts store - and it looked crappy. Just from having read this thread, last week I bought some Chemical Guys products, did a wash and applied the BlackLight sealant and I couldn't believe how nice it came. So now I know there is stuff out there that really works well, isn't terribly difficult to use, and it's fun rather than a thankless chore.
Question for ya-
Any chance something like this can be "fixed" by an experienced detailer?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...de-swiped.html
I wouldn't dare attempt it myself, but since I cant afford paint, I figured I'd see if I have any other options.
Any chance something like this can be "fixed" by an experienced detailer?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...de-swiped.html
I wouldn't dare attempt it myself, but since I cant afford paint, I figured I'd see if I have any other options.
Question for ya-
Any chance something like this can be "fixed" by an experienced detailer?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...de-swiped.html
I wouldn't dare attempt it myself, but since I cant afford paint, I figured I'd see if I have any other options.
Any chance something like this can be "fixed" by an experienced detailer?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/paint-bod...de-swiped.html
I wouldn't dare attempt it myself, but since I cant afford paint, I figured I'd see if I have any other options.
I don't have the time to go through the entire thread right now (at work) but is there a post that recommends the speed to be used with the different pad colors and polishes? Thanks guys