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By now, everyone knows about all the "waterless" washing products that are on the market. Most detailers have probably given one or two of them a try. Many detailers also own a steam machine, or have a least used one on occasion. While these are not new topics individually, the combination of the two may soon usher in a new trend in washing cars. Until recently, steam has really only been used to clean the interiors of vehicles. However, new technology in steam machines has made them more powerful with the ability to clean the exterior of the car as well. Steamers, if combined with the new polymertype "waterless" wash products, could soon be the new wave in car washing. In ever more areas of the country there are water restrictions or strict water runoff laws. The "old school" way of washing will soon need to change. Let's look at both the conventional way of washing and a newer way and then compare the two systems. CONVENTIONAL WASHING
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We all are familiar with the conventional method of washing a car. Water is used to pre-wet the vehicle, followed by an application of soap, which is then agitating to lift the dirt from the surface. The next step is a thorough rinsing with water, either with high pressure or via a garden hose. This method has always worked, and detailers and homeowners alike have washed cars this way for about 100 years. But the times they are a changing. Conventional washing uses a large amount of water to clean a car. A garden hose, even with a nozzle, will allow about 5 to 6 gallons of water a minute to be released. A pressure washer will still deliver about 4 to 5 gallons of water per minute depending on pressure and nozzle size. This is still a large volume of water. In drought-stricken areas, detailers are not being allowed to use this much water. In areas such as California, where the runoff laws are extremely strict, detailers in some jurisdictions need to demonstrate the capability to effectively wash a car with a miniscule amount of water. If they do not show a "water-smart" method of washing, they will not be able to obtain a permit or license to work in those areas. Therefore an alternative method of car washing is needed. This leads back to the newer, polymer-based products now on the market that are advertised as "waterless" or "watersmart" products. If you have only heard about these products or have limited experience with them, all of the following questions probably come to mind: Are these products just as effective as conventional washing? Will they scratch the paint surface? What if the car is extremely filthy? How much time will this method take? CHEMISTRY TO THE RESCUE
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"Waterless" or polymer-based systems do not require pre-wetting of surfaces. Polymers used in these no-rinse wash products have the capability to bond to dirt particles and act as a barrier between the dirt particles and the paint. The grime and dirt is then trapped in the polymer, protecting the paint finish with no need to use a large amount of water to flush the dirt off the vehicle. Most of these polymer products are very safe for the vehicle and the environment, as well as being a very effective cleaner.
Most have been proven to clean as well as soap, not scratch, and actually leave the vehicle with a better gloss and some protection - since the polymers bond to the paint surface.
Additionally, there is no issue with polymers drying out on the car surfaces since they can be easily wiped off or re-dissolved with additional polymer solution. You can wash in this fashion in sections since the only steps involved are to wash and dry. There are a couple of methods to washing a car with these products. Some products are ready-to-use in a spray bottle and you simply spray it on, wipe the panel with a clean microfiber towel, and dry. You will need to frequently change sections of the towel to a fresh and clean section since there will be a lot of dirt and grime accumulating on the towel. With this method you may use a few towels per vehicle. The other method is to take a concentrated product and mix it in a small bucket of water, usually a few capfuls of product to a gallon of water. Use a microfiber towel or microfiber wash mitt and dip it into the mixed solution. Wring the towel to release any excess back into the bucket. Then, simply use the wet towel to wipe down the vehicle panel by panel while periodically dipping the towel back into the bucket of solution. This will keep the towel free of built-up dirt while still using a miniscule amount of water. REALLY DIRTY CARS
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People always ask if these "waterless" wash methods will still work if the car is really dirty. The truth is: they will, but it will take longer, and you will use far more towels. Additionally, certain areas of the vehicle - such as wheel wells, doorjambs, trunk sills, wheels, seams, etc. - will be far more challenging to clean. In situations like these, there is nothing like high pressure and plenty of water, but we have to realize that this method of washing is soon becoming a thing of the past. In reality, there are many vehicles - especially after a rough winter - that need heavy-duty cleaning. Sometimes a spray-on-wipe-off method just won't get the job done as fast as you would like. Also, there are other factors to consider: What's the weather like in your area? Are you in a cold climate? Are you mobile? Let's look at the problems that large amounts of water can cause on a very cold day. Water, if you can even get it to flow, will sometimes freeze instantly on the vehicle's surface. Even if the air temperature is above 32 degrees, the car's surfaces may be much colder and cause icing as water hits those surfaces. Or, the water flowing off the car and onto pavement will freeze and the surrounding area will be like a skating rink. If people were to walk by or approach you to inquire about services, there could be a major accident. This is a huge potential liability as well as a general nuisance because you just can't work on a freezing cold day. It's important to realize that water runoff and water restrictions are an issue. That, along with the possibility of water freezing on cold days, as well as a car that can be very dirty, make it necessary to think about "waterless" options. The addition of steam washing can be combined with the polymer wash products and do a great job in a relatively short amount of time.
NEXT MONTH
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In the November issue of Auto Laundry News, we will take a closer look at the role of steam cleaning in auto detailing and how technologically advanced steam machines can expand that role, especially with regard to exterior cleaning. In particular, we will explain how combining a polymer-based cleaner with steam cleaning makes this expanded application possible.
Kevin Farrell owns and operates Kleen Car, a full-service auto detailing business located in New Milford, NJ. Kevin is also an instructor for a detailing program he developed for, and in conjunction with, BMW of North America. His background includes auto dealership experience and training through DuPont, General Motors, and I-Car. Buy our entire collection of informative articles Copyright © 2004 by Kevin Farrell
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