How Dirty Is Too Dirty For QD or Waterless Wash

Hi there just wondering how dirty would you say is too dirty for a QD or Waterless Wash. I was thinking like just 1-2 days after wash QD is okay and 3-4 after wash for Waterless Wash if course if there is excessive dirt or mud a regular wash is required. What do you guys think and for a waterless wash what would you say the best one is I have CG One Waterless Wash, PB Spray And Wipe and Adams Waterless Wash. Thanks

 

This is one of those situations I find myself facing a lot. I tend to err on the side of caution and usually just wait until a full wash. I think its hard to think of it in terms of days, as I can take a trip to my parents on Sundays (about 140 miles round trip) and many times the car will need a full wash from highway grime/oils and bugs. Other times I can go 3-4 days of local driving and the car has just a light dust that a QD will fix.

I tend to chose a QD like ONR at QD dilution. I think it does a great job of cleaning without marring provided that you use a soft MF with it. I also use ONR QD at the end of most drives to knock the bugs off the front the car. The QD strength is actually more potent than the ONR wash strength, so in theory it should be relatively safe on the paint. If I want a little more bling, I will use a more traditional QD after the ONR QD wipedown.

I tried the CG One waterless and really wasn't all that impressed. I felt that the ONR QD did a better job and was cheaper to boot.

I think 'dusting' the car off with something like California car duster (Used properly!) or maybe that new Wool duster Phil has at DD would be even more ideal for light dust rather than QDing since the whole goal is to minimize contact with the paint as much as possible. I used to use a california car duster daily on a Carbon black M3 and never had an issue with marring. Problem is many people use them incorrectly and marr the paint, so they kind of get a bad rap.

 

I agree... when in doubt pull the bucket and hose out!

I limit my WW and DS usage to very light dust... if you stay on top of it, say every day or 2 and only do light driving for the mostpart you should be OK, but theres a little use of common sense required in everything.

 

I like this saying, when in doubt, pull it out...that's what she said...

 

I don't know that ONR at QD strength really has any cleaning power, just the added benefit to absorb more dirt particles.

You would be surprised how well you can clean off some small amounts of dirt with a good garden spray and ONR before doing a ONR wash. I try not to ever do a ONR wash after it has rained for a few days. A week of city driving around here usually the car is just dusty, and if need be I use something like a diluted APC to help with the front end of the car and side skirts, blast it with the ONR in the garden sprayer and go to town. Just have to remember to seal or wax those areas because the APC will most likely take off the protection.

 

I agree with the garden sprayer technique.

Like everyone is saying, you can't put it into days, you really have to use your bet judgment and err on the side of caution.

 

After I wash my car, as long as I don't drive it, I have no problem with doing a QD or waterless wash as my car sleeps indoors.

Once I drive after the wash, whether it's for 5 minutes or 5 hours, I don't touch it until the next ONR wash or traditional wash.

 

You'd be surprised what an ONR wash can do.

ONR, think youe've reached the limits! - Autopia.org

And if you're still weary about it, just presoak the car with a squirt bottle and do it.

(more reading... ONR: The Definitive Thread - Autopia.org)