Waterless car wash recommendation
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Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 175
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Waterless car wash recommendation
Body shop says use waterless car wash until I get my claim figured out as to not possibly get water intrusion on my headline from damaged shark fin ...yes my car was ceramic coated. Does it make any sense to use waterless just on roof and regular wash everywhere else?
Last edited by oceanp; Apr 15, 2026 at 01:01 PM. Reason: add info
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 363
Likes: 296
From: cA
Your car is destined to rust again. Lol.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 627
From: PNW
We use Griot's Garage Rinseless Wash & Wax with their ultra soft blue microfiber cloths -- we love it.
They also have a Ceramic Rinseless Wash with 5
reviews. Any negative reviews were solely from shipping times, but the product was on backorder.
They also have a Ceramic Rinseless Wash with 5
reviews. Any negative reviews were solely from shipping times, but the product was on backorder. 
Driver
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 83
Likes: 38
From: Nor Cal
I use Clean by Pan. It's been great for me. I even put some in a spray bottle when birds decide to give me presents. Here's the link from Amazon:
...and yes, if you wanted to get a more thorough cleaning, just do rinseless wherever you having issues and wash the rest as normal. That would be a great idea.
...and yes, if you wanted to get a more thorough cleaning, just do rinseless wherever you having issues and wash the rest as normal. That would be a great idea.
Last edited by Bota36; Apr 16, 2026 at 01:56 PM.
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Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2025
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Ordered Chemical guys and a three pack of their micro fibers. used my California duster first and then the waterless. It certainly wasn't filthy, however it turned out really nice.
I am in CA and seems like everything has cancer warning on it, but this stuff does have formaldehyde, which is not great. I used gloves. washed micro by hand. don't need junk in my washing machine. might try another brand if I find one without the toxins.
I am in CA and seems like everything has cancer warning on it, but this stuff does have formaldehyde, which is not great. I used gloves. washed micro by hand. don't need junk in my washing machine. might try another brand if I find one without the toxins.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 175
Likes: 78
I use Clean by Pan. It's been great for me. I even put some in a spray bottle when birds decide to give me presents. Here's the link from Amazon: Amazon.com: CLEAN. Rinse-Less Wash – 16oz-Waterless Car Wash Solution, Safe on All Surfaces, High Lubrication Polymer Blend, pH Neutral, No PFAS, Interior & Exterior Car Cleaner, Use in Sunlight : Automotive
...and yes, if you wanted to get a more thorough cleaning, just do rinseless wherever you having issues and wash the rest as normal. That would be a great idea.
...and yes, if you wanted to get a more thorough cleaning, just do rinseless wherever you having issues and wash the rest as normal. That would be a great idea.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 1,595
From: CA
Ordered Chemical guys and a three pack of their micro fibers. used my California duster first and then the waterless. It certainly wasn't filthy, however it turned out really nice.
I am in CA and seems like everything has cancer warning on it, but this stuff does have formaldehyde, which is not great. I used gloves. washed micro by hand. don't need junk in my washing machine. might try another brand if I find one without the toxins.
I am in CA and seems like everything has cancer warning on it, but this stuff does have formaldehyde, which is not great. I used gloves. washed micro by hand. don't need junk in my washing machine. might try another brand if I find one without the toxins.
I like Adam's products a lot and Griot's is really good too. There are a lot of products out there now! 99% of chemical guys stuff I have tried I never purchased again. I think theres a dude on YouTube that goes by Out of Spec Detailing (easy to find, he has one arm) who does a really good job breaking down products and testing them. He has a tier list for the different companies. Anybody on the "good" or above list will be... good lol
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 4,767
From: ON
Sorry for maybe asking a dumb question but maybe it's because I am French speaking (and not a true Anglophone) - But there is a difference between "rinseless" products versus "waterless" products. My understanding is that the rinseless products still requires you to dilute the product in a bucket with water, and then wipe your car and then dry it with microfibre without needing teh car to be rinsed. The waterless products are simply those that you spray on (on a dry car) and wipe off and contains a lot of 'slippery agents" to reduce the risk of swirls. Obviously, these waterless products are meant more for light jobs if there is a bit of dust or minor dirt spots
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 627
From: PNW
Sorry for maybe asking a dumb question but maybe it's because I am French speaking (and not a true Anglophone) - But there is a difference between "rinseless" products versus "waterless" products. My understanding is that the rinseless products still requires you to dilute the product in a bucket with water, and then wipe your car and then dry it with microfibre without needing teh car to be rinsed. The waterless products are simply those that you spray on (on a dry car) and wipe off and contains a lot of 'slippery agents" to reduce the risk of swirls. Obviously, these waterless products are meant more for light jobs if there is a bit of dust or minor dirt spots
Thanks for this info -- it makes sense.
Yes, the Rinseless Wash & Wax we use from Griot's is like 1-part solution to I'm guessing 5-parts(?) water. We love it.
During winter/cold months that is what we use. Unless they gets really dirty/muddy, we go to a selfserve car wash to spray all the debris off, go home and then will use the Rinseless Wash & Wax.
During warmer months when we can handwash our vehicles we also use Griot's Garage car wash soaps for the foam cannon and dry with their ultra soft blue microfiber towels.
Everyone will have their favorites like Meguiar's, Adam's, Chemical Guys, Turtle Wax, etc. but our go-to is Griot's.
We also use their leather cleaner/conditioner, correction cream/clay bar products, and have yet to find a product we're not happy with. We're fortunate their flagship store is in the area so no shipping costs and we receive military discount on top of it.
Just my personal opinion. Stick with whatever works for you.
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,742
Likes: 4,767
From: ON
^^ Agree 100% and I have many of Griot's product and they work well for me - I am a bit a freak when it comes to trying new detailing products and such! I love tinkering in the garage and detailing my cars.
I may give that "GoClean" product a try - I am curious and would be handy for the minor little touch up from time to time
I may give that "GoClean" product a try - I am curious and would be handy for the minor little touch up from time to time
Last edited by wthrman2; Apr 17, 2026 at 09:18 AM.
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