Detailer vs. Waterless Wash

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valleyguy1

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I'm kind of new to the waterless wash world, but have been using Ultimate Waterless Wash quite successfully. However, any number of detailers seem to do pretty much the same, depending on how dirty the car is. So my question is, where is the demarcation point for using a detailer versus using a waterless wash? Obviously caked on dirt would not call for a detailer, but how must dust can accumulate before the Waterless is called for?
 
Just forget quick detailing. Waterless wash is the same process using products that can handle more grime and dust.
 
If you can blow the dust off...a detailer will work and give you a better pop. If you can't blow the dust off...waterless wash.
 
I use my waterless wash only if I have recently detailed my car 3-4 days previous, and it hasn't rained or is wet.
I commute 2 hours a day with my DD and will use my waterless wash after this time which will show up as just a dusty look on my metal black paint.
Otherswise common sense would tell you that mud or slashed on dirt would not be a good choice for a waterless wash.
That's how I gauge it anyway.


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Lots of opinions on this one.

I use a QD for spot cleaning. For example, if I go for a drive and come back and see a few water spots or some very light dusting I might use a QD. If the whole car is covered in dust, and a finger swipe removes this dust without any residual grime then I will use a waterless wash. Anything more than this deserves a rinseless wash.

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Hmm, common sense with no experience will yield a different result than common sense with experience. Based on comments here, seems I've been using QD when the waterless would be safer.

Thanks for the comments. kevincwelch, good guideline on waterless vs. rinseless.
 
To me waterless wash has replaced QD. The process is the same and the waterless washes provide more lubrication and even protection afterwards.
 
valleyguy1 said:
Hmm, common sense with no experience will yield a different result than common sense with experience. Based on comments here, seems I've been using QD when the waterless would be safer.

Thanks for the comments. kevincwelch, good guideline on waterless vs. rinseless.
Click to expand...

Not really. When in doubt, go for the waterless wash. That's what I meant.
 
pheerix said:
To me waterless wash has replaced QD. The process is the same and the waterless washes provide more lubrication and even protection afterwards.
Click to expand...

Yeah, assuming the Waterless/Rinseless is mixed up at a QD-strength.

These days I need a pretty good, specific, reason to use on of my (many :o ) QDs instead of (strong, QD-strength) IUDJ.

But as for cleaning off a vehicle that's "just a little dusty", well... it's easy to mar up paint.
 
pheerix said:
To me waterless wash has replaced QD. The process is the same and the waterless washes provide more lubrication and even protection afterwards.
Click to expand...
I think this is reasonable advice as well. I rarely use a QD these days because I just don't encounter situations that are simple enough for a QD.

Although, dodo juice tropical mist seems to have a TON of lubrication and leaves a nice finish.
 
kevincwelch said:
Lots of opinions on this one.

I use a QD for spot cleaning. For example, if I go for a drive and come back and see a few water spots or some very light dusting I might use a QD. If the whole car is covered in dust, and a finger swipe removes this dust without any residual grime then I will use a waterless wash. Anything more than this deserves a rinseless wash.

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Click to expand...


Great advice… I just go straight to a rinseless, no matter what I've got on the car because it's so easy and then for taking off spot bombs I just mixup Windex bottle of rinseless and keep that in the car. I just don't feel waterless has enough lubricity when the towel touches the paint as opposed to rinseless which is sopping wet. Mixing up a bottle of rentals is also much cheaper than any quick detailer or waterless that I buy…
 
Well since the proper answer hasn't been stated but should be known is there is a difference. QDs are meant for light dust and grime removal but the rinseless method refers to more the 2 bucket method and the waterless method is done with the same technique as QD but the product is much different. The way waterless wash products are able to wash without harm is because the are made with a higher lubricant capability to reduce surface friction i.e. Love marks, marring, micro marring, and scratches. A waterless product are more similar to claybar lubricants than the are QDs. The link will tell you everything you could want to know about waterless
 
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True, so feel free to save a few $$ and use your waterless wash in place of the expensive clay bar lubes for claying and nanoskins.
Works great for me


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i 2nd that lol, thats one of the things i love about CG is there are so many things i have to buy anyway and they throw in a bottle of clay lube for free. then i dilute that at a 20:1
 
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