Is it safe to use?
I have read conflicting opinions.

Thanks for any info

 

I use a waterless wash as a good in-between product. I like the Adam's CS3, myself. The key to making it work is using multiple towels and clean sections of those towels on every panel.

 

I’ve used “waterless” detailing for > 20 years. As long as you use proper sponges, washing the dirtiest parts separately/ last and continually rinse your sponges its a lot safer and simpler than a hose and soapy bucket. No water spotting, way less x’s rubbing the paint and debris increasing chances of scratching the paint

Get a new 5 gallon bucket use warm not hot water
3 sponges - 1 soft natural sponge for light use
1 soft dense foam (like the Meguiar’s yellow sponge) for lower door and bumpers
1 dense foam sponge just for wheels and tires
3-4 Micro fiber towels
1 dose of common sense
Never clean a car in direct sunlight
1 start at the top and work down ; 1 panel at a time
Rinse out the sponge repeatedly to avoid scratches
​​​​​​ Keep the sponge moist just not soaking wet. It will use the “waterless” compounds to lubricate and dissolve foreign materials
Drag a towel softly across surface removing water and particulates then turn over the towel and remove light residues and hazes
I’m not going to name brands but typically if you buy them from a box store its not a good product to use continually

Hary

 

If my car isn't that dirty, I use this stuff. I also use towels that are made just for waterless washes. They are thick and soft. I turn the towels quite often and do just one panel at a time. I start from the top down. It seems the C5 gets more dirty on the rear bumper so I do that last. I think I'm going to try that Adam's CS3 that Stingroo uses.

 

I use Adams Waterless car wash all the time with great results. I also use it with special MF towels specific to washing the car vs. detailing it. Also, I only use it when the car is slightly dirty and I use different MF towels for the wheels and exhaust. If it's really dirty, I still choose the foam canon bath.

The system seems to work for me. My C5 is now 17 years old and the finish looks great.

 

What am I missing here? How can it "waterless", when one of the items you recommend is a 5 gallon bucket of warm water? Just askin'......

 

An answer being the stuff is so damn difficult to rub off! Goodness help... if it drys! Then you need more ON to get if Off!

 

It should never have the opportunity to dry. Do one panel at a time, or half a panel.

 

To each their own. Sorry I’m not a fan. I’ve never used it on the vette. But have used on the Buick. It was more work than I thought it would be. I can take the car to a quarter wash and dry it faster than with that product. Sorry not for me.

 

I have used Optimum No Rinse (ONR) and been very happy with the results. I know many pro detailers that use it as well. There is a detailing section here on this forum and Autopia forum is a good source for info.

 

I have been using Chadwick's for 7 years. My car hasn't seen a drop of water (except rain) since. Amazing shine and clarity, ease of use, and now with Ceramic blended in, it's a no brainer for me. It is also daily driven.

 

Not my narrative. Maybe forward the complaint to Meguiars, Adams Chemical Guys, Rainex and Car and Driver.
If that is troublesome try another improper description, “touchless”. Even more ambiguous

FYI ; 5 gallon water bucket isn’t used for “waterless” car wash. It’s merely used to keep the sponges clean. At no time is the bucket water used to “clean” the car. If you want you could the same dirty sponge all over the car without any additional water on the car at all.

Hmm maybe thats why it’s called “waterless”

 

I used griots and it was more work than I would have wanted. Stopped buying it and just wash as normal now. I did use it as a spot cleaner for like bird droppings or other small items on my DD and it worked great for that. Did that till it ran out. Not buying more

 

I was just outside using Poorboys spray and wipe waterless wash on my vette and followed it up with a coat of wax, and then Poorboys Spray and Gloss.

A waterless wash is only going to work well on a car that is already taken care of.

 

been using Chadwick's since 2014 (only) the best product I have used !!!

 

I would never try waterless wash but after looking at Pounder's and MSG's Corvettes I may change my mind. Would like to see close-ups of your Black C5Z, Pounder.
Mike

 

I can't see how you wouldn't end up with a lot of swirl marks in the paint.

 

I use Wolfgang Uber Rinseless Wash or ONR on mine. I live on property and have hard water so washing with hose and bucket leaves water spots even if I use a blower to dry. Looks better than the day I brought it home.

 

the name is cheesy ... but Amsoil's aerosol "Miracle Wash" spray foam with micro fiber towels has impressed me.

I will hit the fenders with water when they get caked from a mud splash, but for most of the road scum/dust ... that miracle wash really is. good tar remover, too.

 

Hi StevieB,

In addition to waterless car wash ( I use Zymol Detailing Spray )

Be sure to really get all the road grime, pollen, industrial fallout, and grit to really scratch yer clear coat by using an old used California Duster

The Carnuba Wax in the Duster traps the particles and helps to put in random scratches, swirl marks, and other uneven blemishes on the fine surface

When the Sun Shines on the xirilc oxide flakes on the Anniversary Red, it also helps to give it dry rub down of Indiana's Singing Sand . . .

Singing Sand Yes, StevieB, Singing Sand, the 8th Natural Wonder of the World

The Indiana Dunes, of course, are made of sand, but what is sand made out of?

The sand itself is mostly made out of quartz and silica left behind by glaciers.

Its composition creates an interesting sound when you walk on it, which is why we call it “singing sands.”

There are only a few other places in the world that have singing sands, like Dubai and Japan.