[Slepy87]

Morning. Wondering how and we're you guys wash your cars? Living in a area we're I can't really do it by myself

[xenon]

Cue all the (well-founded) horror stories about the car wash gangs who scrub your car with a grit-laden sponge.

I'd ask around locally for recommendations. I generally wash myself but there is a local place who are good if I'm desperate. A local valeter would be best but probably too expensive for regular washing.

[Kinsman]

Not sure what you mean by your area being a constraint but have a look at waterless wash and wax sprays. I have Meguiars. It's daunting at first but the results are excellent. I recommend jetwashing with a cold rinse first.

[Slepy87]

Originally Posted by Kinsman

Not sure what you mean by your area being a constraint but have a look at waterless wash and wax sprays. I have Meguiars. It's daunting at first but the results are excellent. I recommend jetwashing with a cold rinse first.

Living on high road Street. Only if I go asda car park lol

Originally Posted by Kinsman

Not sure what you mean by your area being a constraint but have a look at waterless wash and wax sprays. I have Meguiars. It's daunting at first but the results are excellent. I recommend jetwashing with a cold rinse first.

During the hosepipe ban I tried this, like you say bit worrying to start but it did a great job and left an amazing finish.. as long as you keep on top of it, not sure I would be brave to use on a real dirty car lol

[Kinsman]

Originally Posted by stuarttunstall

During the hosepipe ban I tried this, like you say bit worrying to start but it did a great job and left an amazing finish.. as long as you keep on top of it, not sure I would be brave to use on a real dirty car lol

Agree completely. It's a great alternative even if the science behind it doesn't make sense. Without doubt it's not for thick crud.

[Soul_Glo]

What do you mean you live in an area you cannot wash? Live in apartments with car parked further from home?

I’ve been in various situations where I couldn’t wash due to time pressures.

Last year I regularly went through an automated wash which is safer apparently and introduces less scratches than a careless wash place. Then I’d hand polish/wax at work as needed.

Ammo NYC has a good video on waterless wash techniques or using minimal water at least. If you can’t use the two bucket method, you might consider one bucket with a product such as Optimum No Rinse (ONR). ONR is a highly lubricant cleaner which allows you to wipe on and wipe off. Not to be used on really dirty paint.

You can even go to a pressure washer at a quiet time and pre-rinse, dry off etc. there.

Last week I was so busy I hired a guy to come and wash my car at work. He did a really good job. There are loads of freelance detailers and mobile wash guys charging reasonable rates.

In the winter months I focus on interior cleaning and glass cleaning. Summers tend to be full on inside and outside type cleaning.

I find maintenance is easier. If you have it cleaned. Simply use a microfibre or two carefully with detailing spray or something to keep it clean.

https://youtu.be/pDxRPQLh_zA

https://youtu.be/3sqELpeZrrY

Let us know what you decide and how you get on.

[Beemer5to3]

Get a good, reputable mobile detailer to come and do it. Don’t use waterless washes, no matter how much care you use, you will induce marring and scratching into the clear coat. Also avoid machine car washes and the £6 “Scratch ‘n’ shine”. As with everything in life, you get what you pay for.

[mattyrallye]

Originally Posted by Slepy87

Morning. Wondering how and we're you guys wash your cars? Living in a area we're I can't really do it by myself

Try optimum no rinse!!

[asbost]

I used to fill a bucket with decent car wash soap, grit guard, sheep wool mit and put the lid on the bucket, then drive to my local DIY jet wash and done it that way. Wasn't ideal but done the job well and I was only a three minute drive from it so was handy enough.

[Slepy87]

Did it waterless from meguiar's. Quite impressed

[mattyrallye]

Originally Posted by asbost

I used to fill a bucket with decent car wash soap, grit guard, sheep wool mit and put the lid on the bucket, then drive to my local DIY jet wash and done it that way. Wasn't ideal but done the job well and I was only a three minute drive from it so was handy enough.

That’s what I used to do before every car show I attended!! I would detail the car to the nth degree before I went, drive to the show and do exactly that. Take a big drying towel and nice QD to give that extra lusture on the day.
God I miss having that much time to play with cars!