PondScum

I wouldn't try to do a rinseless wash on a car with caked-on mud or a lot of dirt. Other than that it's fine; lots of very skilled detailers use ONR and no rinsing to wash high-end cars during the winter or when rinse water isn't available.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...imum-no-rinse/

IS3Fguy

Lol how do you think they can keep it open in business? If you want cheaper, find a friend who will allow you to wash your car in his house and just buy him lunch.

rustyd

Touchless washes are fine if they are used in moderation. Yes they use harsh chemicals and don't really get all the grime off, but to me its better than nothing. I usually only use them in the winter time to get the salt off, then drive home a finish with a rinseless in the garage to get the grime off. I also don't worry about it stripping wax as I have many coats of sealant on it at all times.

Aeromotive

All right, so I went to this self-serve car wash close to my home and they don't allow people to use buckets or mitts. You have to rinse with their pressure machine, then apply soap with a scary brush and rinse off. You're not even allowed to dry the car LOL. All the place is dirty and poorly maintained. I'm not going back.
So that same day I headed to the store and got all I needed to wash my car using the two-bucket method at my parent's house.

/end thread!

IS3Fguy

What's two bucket method?

JDR76

I highly recommend this. I use one bucket for soapy water, and the other with just plain water. Before putting your wash mitt back in the soapy bucket, you rinse it out in the water bucket. This way you leave the dirt collected on the mitt in the water bucket, rather than transferring that dirt into your clean, soapy water. Add a couple of grit guards to both buckets and you're set.

You can also consider a third bucket dedicated to just your wheels/tires.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Please visit this link for more information on the proper washing method (actually using 3 buckets - 1 for wheels, 2 for paint). This is the safest way to wash your vehicle as it reduces the chance of rubbing dirt and contaminates on your paint leading to swirls and scratches. You'll probably be wondering why you haven't been doing this your whole life after reading the article.

How to Properly Wash and Dry a Car

Let me know if you've got any questions

-Zach

s4chico

WOW!!! The self service car wash by you has an attendant there watching you? All of the ones I have ever seen are all coin operated with no attendant in sight ......ever.

Aeromotive

Yeah... it was really bad. Plus they don't allow mitts and buckets... lol

On a side note I just came back from vacation in the French Riviera where I visited Monaco and its infamous Place du Casino (Hotel de Paris) where I saw a couple of Aventador's and even a Reventon!!!

I looked closely at the paint of a black (glossy) Aventador and saw swirrrrrlllllssssssss! It made me feel better about spending the extra energy to properly wash my car

The black Aventador is the 6th or 7th car. Sorry I didn't take close-up pictures of the paint but I really wanted to share this one... gotta love that place.

Rarebird

AnthonyMJ

Gary Dean method. Two bucket method helps with grit, but does not get it all. Plus you redeposit the oils and greases from the rinse water back into the wash bucket. With the GD method only clean soapy microfiber ever touches your paint. The Ammo NYC guy is great. Especial.y if you love paying a lot of money for your products. But, ONR is still the gold standard. In either case, the soap is not the key. The technique is what's important.

GunnyFitz

Used this Method on my wifes RX350, which actually came out better than I expected (If you have the need to decontaminate / clay the finish) When I use ONR, I drop and soak about 6-8 high quality Microfber Towels into the bucket and use those instead of their "Big Red Sponge" - works much better for me!

You may have seen my Thread on "Ammo" products here- 98 views and no comments probably indicates people thought I meant "Ammunition"
However, I am very anxious to try this "Hoseless Lift Kit" Waterless Wash of his, which you can even do inside the garage too! I invite you to try one of these methods out sometime.

Bottom Line = Don't use any drive thru car washes if you can. Its just not worth it if you truly love your Lexus. Ever seen those Gas Station washes where a guy stands in front and runs a long handled brush over your car for a small tip? Well, he uses that same brush on every other filthy car, over everyone's wheels, and get this - I even saw a guy pouring gallons of Windshield Washer Fluid into the huge drum he leaves the brush in! He said it helps strip off all the dirt faster. LOL = :

Propulsion

I use the automated wash at least twice a month. Never any issues on my Mica Red paint. But then again my GS is a older model. I probably won’t use them on a newer model.

I knew I’d find an excuse to post this gif I made months ago while in the wash