[Todd@Autopia]

How To: Wash Your Vehicle Using a Rinseless Wash.

Phase 1 of the Autopia-CarCare 5-step Paint Care Cycle: The Car Wash.



The first step in creating and maintaining your car's paint is to wash and dry it with precise technique. All paint systems, but particularly modern clear coat paint systems, are scratch sensitive. This means anytime dirt or grit is rubbed against the paint, even softly, it creates microscopic scratches. With enough accumulation these scratches form visible swirl marks that act to diffuse the reflected light and the paint appears dull. Larger more visible scratches form swirl marks, which are visible micro scratches that ruin the appearance of the paint in bright light. Properly washing your car greatly reduces the chances of creating micro-scratches, keeps your paint free of acidic fall-out, and removes any dirt that blankets an otherwise perfect shine. Properly washing your car using high quality materials with good technique will not only help prevent or eliminate micro-scratches, but will not strip (or may even reinforce) your existing wax coating.

There are three main types of washing methods: Traditional Washing, Rinseless Washing, and Waterless Washing. Each type has advantages and draw backs. This article will focus on using the Rinseless Washing type to clean your vehicle.

-Rinseless Washing-As the name implies, Rinseless washing uses a technique that encapsulates and removes dirt and grime with out using a high-volume of rinse water. xRinseless washing has gained popularity in recent years. Rinseless washing is ideal in areas where water is restricted or times when speed and efficiency are critical. Popular Rinseless wash solutions include Detailer's Pro Rinseless Wash and Glossxand Optimum Polymer Technology'sxNo-Rinse and Shine. As a benefit, each of these wash solutions utilize synthetic polymer technology that not only cleans the paint but adds a layer of protection and shine to the finish, making them ideal for maintenance washing as well.x

Products Needed:

• A large (5 gallon) wash bucket.
• Wash media- A plush microfiber cloth, foam wash sponge, natural sponge, or wash mitt.
• Rinseless wash solution- Detailer's Pro Series Rinseless Wash & Gloss or Optimum No-Rinse Wash and Shine.
• Several Microfiber Drying towels.

Additional Products Recommended:

• A second, large (5 gallon) rinse bucket.
• Grit-Guards
• Additional cleaning chemicals- A pre-rinse solution, wheel cleaner, and bug and tar remover.

Products Being Used:

• 2 x Blackfire 5 Gallon Wash-buckets
• 2x Grit-Guards.
• 2x 16x16 inch Cobra Gold Plush Microfiber Towels (wash media)
• Detailer's Pro Series Rinseless Wash & Gloss
• Detailer's Pro Series Waterless Auto Wash (used a pre-treatment).
• Detailer's Pro Series Cleanse-All Exterior Cleaner
• Detailer's Pro Series Wheel Cleaner
• Cobra Ultimate Guzzler Waffle Weave Drying Towel
• All Purpose Microfiber Detailing Cloths

Getting Started

First, start by dropping a Grit-Guard into the bottom of each Blackfire Wash Bucket.





Fill each 5 gallons of water with approximately 4 gallons of water. Add the appropriate amount of rinseless wash solution to one bucket. Detailer's Pro Series Rinseless Wash & Gloss recommends a dilution of 1 oz per 2 gallons of water. I used a Pro Dispenser. If you don't have one you can use the bottle cap. Each cap-full is ¼ of an ounce. Add 8 cap-fulls to a four gallons of water.







Place your wash media into the wash solution and allow to soak for 5 minutes prior to washing.





Rinseless Wash Process:

(optional) Pre-treating your vehicle prior to getting started is an optional process. Detailers discovered that by misting the surface of the paint prior to washing, with a rinseless or waterless solution they break the tension holding the grime to the car and reduce the chance of micro-scratching the paint. Detailer's Pro Series Rinseless Wash & Gloss can be diluted and used in a spray bottle. Additionally, Detailer's Pro Series Waterless Auto Wash makes an excellent pre-treatment. Only a light mist is necessary. Allow to dwell.






Treat any areas of stubborn bug remains or tar with Detailer's Pro Series Cleanse-All Exterior Cleaner and allow to dwell for three-to-five minutes.





Wash and dry your vehicle a section at time. Begin with the cleaner surfaces such as the roof, hood, and upper side panels. Wash by moving your wash media, in this case a Cobra Gold Plush Microfiber Towel, across the paint gently making sure to use plenty of solution. Wring an ample amount of solution over the section to wash and move in gentle straight lines. Some of the dirt and grime will become trapped in the solution and run off the paint, some of it will attach safely to the microfiber.





After washing the section, rinse your wash media out thoroughly in your secondary (rinse) bucket and wring until damp.





Wipe using your damp microfiber cloth to remove most of the solution safely. This will leave behind a damp surface that requires light only light toweling with a drying towel to finish.





An ultra soft Cobra Guzzle will remove any remaining dampness and leave the surface feeling slick and looking glossy.