Heijneker Posted September 8, 2022 Share Posted September 8, 2022 Hey All, Was wondering if there's any experience with using a waterless wash after a pre-wash? Meaning, Power Clean (10:1) as pre-spray and a pressure rinse, followed by a waterless wash. Reason being, just came back from a 2500 mile road trip. Car was very dirty but the pre-wash cleaned it up amazingly well (also thanks to Hyper Seal and Glass Clean & Protect). Just a slight layer of traffic film remaining. So to safe time and effort, could I safely swap the usual ONR wash with either Opti-Clean, Istant detailer or even Car Wax? Seems to me it would safe me some time and effort. So would like to hear other's thoughts or experience! On a side-note: DIY Detail showed a great simple way of cleaning wheels. Couple sprays of Power Clean wiped with a wrung-out MF towel. Worked awesome for me! Glass Clean & Protect survived the OPC pre-wash without a fuss. Did not expect that! Made the driving through rain also a lot safer. So thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted September 8, 2022 Share Posted September 8, 2022 I always pre-spray before a wash (sometimes with Opti-Clean and sometimes ONR at quick detailer ratio), but only the high dirt areas (front, wheels, lower panels, rear). I never pressure wash, but depending on condition of paint, I'll use Opti-Clean, ONR at quick detailer mix, or Instant Detailer as my overall wash product. I wouldn't use wax, Opti-Seal, or Hyper Seal as a cleaner since they don't have cleaning components. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A&J Posted September 8, 2022 Share Posted September 8, 2022 Yeah sure...you can easily use Opti-clean after OPC pre wash and pressure wash...Dont use opti-seal, car wax or hyper seal though as they dont have cleaning properties. OID is ok as a dust, smudge and finger print remover but I wouldnt use it as a watterless wash...thats what Opti-clean was made for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Outback Posted October 2, 2022 Share Posted October 2, 2022 Here's a Youtuber's approach to using rinse-less washes. Is it Safe? I've washed the same way until Ivan answered a post of mine remarking the approach was dangerous and that a bucket wash was best with ONR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullwinkel Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 Seems fine to me, he’s spraying the panel then wiping with a wash media from a buck of rinseless wash. What about his process do you have issue with? @Mr.Outback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A&J Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 Thats exactly how I wash my cars so I dont see a problem here either 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Outback Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 I've no issue with technique, but was told by Ivan, a former Optimum specialist, that the technique was bad and that I should be using the sponge/bucket approach with rinseless washes to avoid scratching. The method shown in the video was suitable for waterless washes (more lubricants in the waterless wash). I've since learned that one can modify the ratio of product to water so that it performs as a waterless wash, and have done so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted October 3, 2022 Share Posted October 3, 2022 there were people who thought they could apply ONR with a garden sprayer then dry. I think that's what Yvan questioned - ONR takes some agitation, like running a sponge over the paint, to be effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A&J Posted October 4, 2022 Share Posted October 4, 2022 Sponge instead of a mitt perhaps yeah...mitt traps dirt inside its microfiber while the sponge releases it easier. I tend to use a sponge with my initial swipe and use a MF noodle mitt over that to pick up the remaining missed bits. Still I use a 2 bucket method with grit guards in each bucket. Never had an issue And true what Ron said...many people call ONR a waterless wash and think you just spray it on like a QD and wipe away...thats not how you safely use ONR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Posted October 4, 2022 Share Posted October 4, 2022 Your right AJ I think people get the hole thing wrong about onr its not a waterless wash must drive Ron crazy lol . I rinse car then soak entire car with onr using ik 12 pro sprayer Then wash with one bucket with 4 or 5 washmitts when dirty through it in my wash bucket for laundry . I just leave the ones I don't use in the bucket put the lid on ready for next time. The only problem is when I go to dry the onr might be dry on the paint so i just have a little spray bottle with onrww and give it a refresh and dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted October 4, 2022 Share Posted October 4, 2022 Habs, the difference between waterless and rinseless doesn't drive me crazy (I can understand the confusion), but the people who insist something is true because they saw it on social media does. I have customers tell my I'm wrong all the time, and sometimes vehemently, because I disagree with what they've read/heard. A comment on the video test - the guy states that he thinks Absolute captures more dirt because there's more in his media, while ONR leaves more in the bucket and that makes no sense to me. He implies one is better than the other....and I agree but opposite of him, I'd rather have it in my bucket and away from the paint. It seems he was reaching, looking for some difference. A price difference is a reasonable advantage, but the difficulty mixing Absolute (and does it stay mixed) would seem to be a negative. I don't pretend to be unbiased... Mr.Outback 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Posted October 6, 2022 Share Posted October 6, 2022 Hi Ron Just wanted to tell you that I appreciate what you do on this form my 13 year old car looks like new because of what you and the people on this form have taught me. As for that video in question I only got through the first few minutes made absolutely no sense . It would take weeks to compare these products in the real world of driving . Optimum products still amaze me I just cleaned my car with a solution of onr, power clean and optimum car soap . Car was clean right down to the gloss coat I then have put two coats of hyperseal amazing it looks like i just gloss coated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron@Optimum Posted October 6, 2022 Share Posted October 6, 2022 Thank you Habs - I'm not detailer and don't represent myself as one, but have had extensive experience with Optimum (since 2004). I really try to tap into those personal experiences and use practical, real world examples. There are other posters here who's knowledge far exceeds mine and I sincerely appreciate their contributions. As far as Absolute, I've heard it streaks and wonder if those particles the tester mentioned contribute to poor mix characteristics. Deciding that one product cleans better because it captures more dirt in the wash media than in the bucket seems arbitrary to me...and just wrong. Any cost difference is what it is. One of ONR's greatest attributes is it's flexibility - safe on all surfaces and so many uses (I just used it yesterday to clean a hot tub) at so many mix ratios. As you state, products need to be tested over time and ONR has survived the test of time while other products have "left the building". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Outback Posted October 6, 2022 Share Posted October 6, 2022 A recent Yvan post sheds more light on rinse-less washing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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