waterless carwash sprays

[midden]

Any of you use these and how do you rate in terms of cost and finish

[Chris]

Hi Midden,

Lots of info/threads here: http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/fo....php?f=177
Here's a review of one waterless wash system: http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/sh...p?t=279150

Not something I've tried myself so can't comment, some people think it's great though.

Chris

[mickvp]

Hi Midden,

I've been using ONR for a while now (optimum no-rinse) as a waterless wash. not strictly waterless as you do still need a bucket full of water, but don't need to rinse down after "washing".

I find it works good (with one strict proviso - you keep on top of it!). It doesn't tackle thick mud of heavy soiling as good as a traditional wash, and so I wouldn't want to use it for anything that goes off-road, or weeks of use without washing (as you then risk trying to do too much at once and marring the paint).

If you like to wash the bike regularly though it can be a great alternative. I generally only use(d) it on show vehicles for a final clean where water might not be available, but don't use it every wash as I'm not that eco-conscious and it is still more expensive than normal washing. Plus I have my own pressure washer st home, and using ONR negates that too.

Anything in particular you wanted to know about it?

[midden]

Cheers for the links Chris will have a browse
You've pretty much covered it Mick. I keep seeing it on the shelves and just wandered really if it was just good for already clean bikes as a wipe over or if it was able to replace the bucket and effort.  Was looking for a lazy way out

[mickvp]

If you want a lazy way out. I may have a semi-solution. I'm on the phone at the minute but will post up in more detail when I'm home

[mickvp]

Oh and excuse the terrible spelling in that first post. Mobile phone autocorrect at work there. I'll sort it when I'm in too (no edit button on tapatalk anymore, which is well annoying!)

[midden]

What is this tapatalk I keep seeing blamed. I presume it isn't a android thing

[mickvp]

yes. its an android and ipad/iphone app mate

It basically turns the forum into a more basic version like text messaging, makes everythign really basic and easier to navigate. it has had a few upgrades recently though which havent done it any favours, as it has lost some features (such as editing posts).

Anyway, waterless washes and "being lazy". If thats your thing, and you just want to make it quicker/easier to wash your bike? the answer to your problem lies in sealants. we are not talking turtle wax here, but more modern day nano-sealants. these generally come in two flavours (hybrids aside) - long life, and short life.

Life is compromise however, and the really "long life" sealants, which purportedly last around 6-8 months (possibly longer if you dont do many miles), the flip side to this is that you generally need to correct paintwork before application with a machine polisher (or at least give it a good hand polish/cleanse/detox beforehand). application can also be fussy and troublesome, so its not for everyone. it does however give the vehicle impressive beading and sheeting properties which helps stop water sticking to the paint (and in turn - stops dirt sticking) so it makes your washes a lot easier.

The alternative option to this is shorter term sealants, which tend to only last from 4-5 weeks to maybe 2-3 months at most. these in turn are not so fussy to apply, and some do not require as much preperation to the paintwork (you only need to detox and cleanse the paint). they have the same effect as long term sealants, just simply dont last longer.

One product i mention a lot (wth good reason) is hydro2. made by a company called carpro. to seal the paint with this you just apply through a spray gun to a wet bike (after you have just washed it) and rinse off excess with hosewater - thats it. the downside to this ease of application is this product does only tend to last around 3-4- weeks so you need to apply it every few washes to top it up. it definately makes keeping it clean easier though

Some food for thought for you anyway.

[midden]

yes defo worth looking at.  Do you use it yourself then

[mickvp]

Certainly do mate. Got it on both the car and bike (I also use it on my helmet, helps keep the helmet clean and the visor clear )

[midden]

Certainly do mate. Got it on both the car and bike (I also use it on my helmet, helps keep the helmet clean and the visor clear )

that's a tad excessive lol

[mickvp]

it does wonders though to stop water collecting

CarPro Hydro2 on Helmet (Gtechniq G5 on Visor) Sheeting water Like Crazy!