Question for Detailers

[rick3000]

If I'm understanding your post correctly, you don't wash the car because it is kept in a garage and covered, but you do clean the car with quick detailer, and clean the wheels. I do think that is a bad idea.

Quick detailer is more for spot cleaning between full washes, so things like bird droppings don't sit on the paint and etch it. Using quick detailer with a towel (I hope a good quality microfiber), introduces a lot more potential for scratches and swirls than rinsing the car with water and a good lubricating car wash, because anything picked up by the towel is getting pressed into the paint as you wipe it around. If you do a good job washing the car, the soap will lubricate those small particles and help prevent them from scratching/swirling. Second, quick detailer provides no protection, a good wax or sealant will help protect the paint when it is hit by small particles, rocks, sand, etc while driving the car. You want that extra barrier on the paint. And cleaning the undercarriage is always a good idea, especially if you live somewhere that puts down salt.

[Seal1968]

Originally Posted by rick3000

If I'm understanding your post correctly, you don't wash the car because it is kept in a garage and covered, but you do clean the car with quick detailer, and clean the wheels. I do think that is a bad idea.

Quick detailer is more for spot cleaning between full washes, so things like bird droppings don't sit on the paint and etch it. Using quick detailer with a towel (I hope a good quality microfiber), introduces a lot more potential for scratches and swirls than rinsing the car with water and a good lubricating car wash, because anything picked up by the towel is getting pressed into the paint as you wipe it around. If you do a good job washing the car, the soap will lubricate those small particles and help prevent them from scratching/swirling. Second, quick detailer provides no protection, a good wax or sealant will help protect the paint when it is hit by small particles, rocks, sand, etc while driving the car. You want that extra barrier on the paint. And cleaning the undercarriage is always a good idea, especially if you live somewhere that puts down salt.

Hit the nail on the head. Reminds me of "dry hair shampoo"...you're just putting more gunk on top of things.

[Frodo]

It sounds like the car stays pretty clean, doesn't need a "full wash" often (if ever). In that setting, I typically use ONR. A little into a bucket of water; dunk a good quality microfiber towel into it, and wipe the exterior down (moving along the same lines that wind flows over the car), repeat until clean. Doesn't need to be dried, though I'll sometimes use a wetted and wrung chamois (I know, a "no-no" in some minds—but I've been doing it for 30 years and can't understand why).

[boxxster]

Up until I started doing waterless washes I was totally in the same school of thought. I believed there was no way you could safely clean a car without a bucket wash. If you do a waterless wash correctly, however, there is no risk to the paint.

I use Ultima waterless wash. It has a wax component and since I never drive my car in the rain, I don't even bother doing any additional waxing/sealing/coating. In my case, it is sufficient on its own. A 16oz bottle is ~$20 and the dilution is 0.5oz to 22oz of water. So less than a dollar a bottle. I use plenty of clean towels and by the time I do the wheels and door jambs, I use a whole 22oz bottle per wash. Look on youtube for proper technique. Obviously I wouldn't use this method on a very heavily soiled car.

Believe me, I though it was complete heresy before I started doing it. I wash my car once every two weeks and it's been 2 or 3 years since I last corrected my paint. Here is a recent pic of the paint. You be the judge.