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I’d like to hear about your waterless washing method! We’re in pollen season here in NY which means the car gets dusty after just a few hours outdoors Washing it regularly never bothers me at all but it’s come to my attention that these cars are not the most rust resistant, and of course they’re not new anymore either.
So, what process and/or product do you stand behind for “dry rinsing”?
I’d like to hear about your waterless washing method! We’re in pollen season here in NY which means the car gets dusty after just a few hours outdoors Washing it regularly never bothers me at all but it’s come to my attention that these cars are not the most rust resistant, and of course they’re not new anymore either.
So, what process and/or product do you stand behind for “dry rinsing”?
Thanks!
I use Ammo Frothe for my normal waterless washes. If it's just very light dust from sitting in the garage, I'll use Meguiar's Quik Detailer. I do a big wash with water maybe two times a year. Using the waterless wash is faster for me without having to get out all the buckets, the hoses, etc.
I struggle to understand how using any version of this stuff as a strict substitute for a traditional wash would not result in undue micro-scratching.
I wondered about that too but the main thing I’m trying to combat is pollen, where a solution like this is clearly a net positive over constant rinses. For larger crud I would definitely still wash it.
I'd recommend leaving it dusty with pollen until you can actually wash it if you're trying to avoid swirls. After you wash, I'd recommend using either an Ego Blower, like the 580 or 650 model, or a Metro Vac Master Blaster. That way you can remove as much water as possible from areas where rust can develop.
Otherwise, I've done wipe downs with Griots Speedshine, Griots Spray on Car Wash, Griots Best of Show Detailer, Adams Detail Spray, etc. Really any of them will do the job. Just have lots of microfibers on hand.
You can also look into the system that Ammonyc recommends, which is his Ammo Frothe solution, with a foamer, and lots of microfiber towels.
I'd recommend leaving it dusty with pollen until you can actually wash it if you're trying to avoid swirls. After you wash, I'd recommend using either an Ego Blower, like the 580 or 650 model, or a Metro Vac Master Blaster. That way you can remove as much water as possible from areas where rust can develop.
Otherwise, I've done wipe downs with Griots Speedshine, Griots Spray on Car Wash, Griots Best of Show Detailer, Adams Detail Spray, etc. Really any of them will do the job. Just have lots of microfibers on hand.
You can also look into the system that Ammonyc recommends, which is his Ammo Frothe solution, with a foamer, and lots of microfiber towels.
Thanks. I'll definitely try what's been mentioned so far. AMMO has a hefty price tag but it seems like Larry's products are top tier.
Originally Posted by LexVan
Would you date a girl if she did waterless showers? I didn't think so.
Just because she showers doesn't mean there's never a need for a quick wipe down. Na mean?
I think we've run our course. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
I have owned my Targa for nearly 4 years and I have not once washed it with water since buying it. I’ve taken it on a couple of trips, one at 1500 miles and many shorter ones and have put about 7500 miles on it since buying it. I haven’t had any issues keeping the paint looking good using waterless wash approach. I’ve owned my Black Spyder for 10 years and have only washed it with water 3 times. I’ve polished it twice in those 10 years, both instances it was to remove very very light swirls only because I’m ****.
WATERLESS WASH PRODUCTS
High quality Microfibers: This is absolutely critical, skimping on this will instantly result in swirls and damage to the paint. My favorite microfibers for the paint are the Cobra 530 in 16” x 24” size or the Eagle Edgeless 500. These microfibers should only be used on the paint, nothing else. Wash in warm/hot water only with other microfibers and dry only with other microfibers and no fabric softener.
High quality Quick Detail Spray: If you’re going to remove heavy soiling without water you need a spray that will lubricate the surface and also help loosen the soil. I’ve found Pinnacle Crystal Mist to be an excellent product for this purpose. There are a few other very good products although I don’t have experience with them so I can’t offer any other suggestions.
Separate microfibers for the wheels, tires, interior and glass. Keep them dedicated to a specific use and toss them when they get worn which will be more frequent than the paint microfibers.
California dust to remove the heavier surface dust. Use this very gently to remove the top later of dust and pollen. Blow it out with compressed air every few uses or shake it vigorously after each use. Don’t use it on a car that’s seen rain.
PROCEDURE
Gently dust the car with California Dust to remove light surface dust.
If the car is heavily soiled with bugs and dirt spray the heavily soiled areas with Quick detail spray and let it soak a minute. Gently wipe these areas with the paint microfiber until most of the heavy soil and bugs are gone. Put this microfiber aside to be washed
Using a fresh microfiber start at the top of the car and work your way down. Basically spray a section of a panel with detail spray and gently wipe with paint microfiber. Rotate surface of microfiber after three panels to keep it fresh. You can use this microfiber and quick detail spray to also wipe down the plastic trim no rubber parts.
Wipe wheels down with the cheaper microfibers, if they’re heavily soiled you’ll need to do an initial wipe to remove most of the brake dust and then go back again for a detailed wipe down.
Finally wipe down the glass with a glass microfiber and your favorite glass cleaner, I use a mix of 65/35 Isopropyl/Distilled water. This blend can also be used to remove sticky contaminants from paint but only after you have already wiped the surface with quick detail spray.
It’s really not that difficult and you have to trust the process and products. It will be a bit more tedious than a water wash but you get equally good results and with less products.
I struggle to understand how using any version of this stuff as a strict substitute for a traditional wash would not result in undue micro-scratching.
I have been using Adams Rinsless wash not the waterless wash, for 4 years since I had my paint corrected and ceramic coated on my black 965. I will never go back to the old way of washing unless you have real dirt and mug on the car. I rarely wash my car with water anymore and I have full access to water, I use water wash about 2-3 times a year. You need high-quality microfiber towels and about 4 or more per cleaning you should have 8 clean squares per towel. Make sure you're always flipping the towel and with one single swipe,, Never rub in circles and watch plenty of youtube videos of how the pro do it. There's a method to doing it right, It takes a lot less time in the comfort of your garage. It's amazing, For the glass, I don't use glass cleaners it tends to leave residue, I use distilled water in a spray bottle and a waffle towel. I agree with most of what Marina Blue said except for the California duster. I stay from those because they retain the dust and dirt and using it over and over is't the best for the paint from my experience. I personally use a blower. But most of the time its not needed
Helio
Last edited by heliolps2; May 30, 2021 at 04:26 PM.
Totally agree with Heliops2 on this. Trust the guy with a black car.
There are several advantages to waterless washing.
1. It conserves water.
2. It reduces the chances of developing rust around the windshield and other rust prone areas.
3. The Speed Shine provides some lubricity that helps protect the finish between waxes.
Setting aside for a moment cost and environmental impact, is there a solvent that could substitute for water that would not promote rust and that would do an equivalent or better job at lifting and carrying away contaminants ?
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Waterless Washing
Washing it regularly never bothers me at all but it’s come to my attention that these cars are not the most rust resistant, and of course they’re not new anymore either. 
