Silver04

DA04
Aug 7, 2012
1,385
224
63
Firebaugh Ca
don't wanna use pressure washer ever time i wash my truck though, wash it every week but really want one

I hated using pressure washer all the time but then realized how much water I was saving using it compared to not using it. Also give me another reason to use power tools.
 

a-fuso

GMC Owner
Mar 28, 2012
1,856
77
48
CA
Dylan, off topic kinda, but I notice detailers always washing cars in the sun, doesn't that leave a lot of water spots to deal with after washing the vehicle?
 

SamCarroll

Faux Runner
Staff member
Jan 25, 2011
7,740
1,981
113
Northern California
I typically wash in the shade but if my washing spot is in the sun i don't have to worry with a balanced wash. I've yet to leave water spots and my cities water is insanely hard.
 

DylanVK

New Member
Jun 5, 2012
142
1
0
Dylan, off topic kinda, but I notice detailers always washing cars in the sun, doesn't that leave a lot of water spots to deal with after washing the vehicle?

Depends on a lot of things, but if you know what you're doing and use the correct products/process its not a concern.

When I first got into detailing and started my first business it was mobile... no real options for shade when you're in the middle of a parking lot at some random business. You learn to adapt and adjust for it.

Also, as mentioned above, our balanced wash is pH neutral (as any good car wash should be) and helps suspend mineral content in the water, so I can basically let that foam dry on the car and it will not spot. After washing/rinsing I use our Polymer DS while I dry to continue that effect and end up with a spot free car.
 

a-fuso

GMC Owner
Mar 28, 2012
1,856
77
48
CA
Maybe I need to buy some different soap then, because When I wash my truck, usually in the shade since it's black, I always end up with soap streaks and spots on my windows since it takes so long to get around to washing the whole truck, and my water is quite hard and has a good amount of chlorine in it. I know the water stains our shower doors and drinking glasses pretty good too, so you guys are saying a pH balanced or pH neutral soap will prevent the soap staining and water spotting?
 

DylanVK

New Member
Jun 5, 2012
142
1
0
don't wanna use pressure washer ever time i wash my truck though, wash it every week but really want one

Its definitely a little more time on the setup and cleanup side of things pre and post wash, but it does (IMO) significantly speed up the wash process and also allows you to get some things clean with far less scrubbing. My wheel wells rarely get a scrubbing in the warm months b/c nothing in there builds up enough that the pressure washer can't handle it alone. Also, it may not seem like it, but you use WAY less soap... this video is just 2oz in the cannon to get that kind of lather.

Maybe I need to buy some different soap then, because When I wash my truck, usually in the shade since it's black, I always end up with soap streaks and spots on my windows since it takes so long to get around to washing the whole truck, and my water is quite hard and has a good amount of chlorine in it. I know the water stains our shower doors and drinking glasses pretty good too, so you guys are saying a pH balanced or pH neutral soap will prevent the soap staining and water spotting?

Not all pH neutral soap is going to prevent water spotting, so make sure you're choosing one that does. Also, if your water is very poor then it can only do so much - it will certainly reduce the spots with really bad water, but there are limits.
 
Oct 16, 2011
4,621
3
0
SoCal
I usually wash when sun is setting and it hits the driver side of my truck, its the last side I rinse and first side I foam. After I rinse again, its the first side i bucket wash and first side i rinse and dry off.
 

DylanVK

New Member
Jun 5, 2012
142
1
0
I recommend not rinsing till the end if you're using a good soap. Its far easier to remove a dried pH neutral soap than it is dried water spots.
 

fortplainman

official CGM slut
Feb 8, 2012
9,398
115
63
35
utica ny
yeah water spots suck....doesnt help spraying salt off all winter with a hose. couldnt even get it all out with the clay lol.