[thanksfornothing]

Hey All!

If this has been answered elsewhere please point it out. I searched and couldn't find anything that really fit.

I need to wash my car but I don't have access to a hose where I live (apartment tower). I'm wary of taking it to one of those "Hand Wash" places as I've heard horror stories about the employees using dirty water and scratching wax/paint (as my car is black I'm extra paranoid about scratches).

There are a couple self-spray/wash places in the area where I can the high-pressure hose to spray it down with soap and then rinse. It's not the best system but it's the best available to me. The only issue is unless I wipe it down afterward it leaves hard water spots when it dries.

That said, are there any recommendations for cloths that are good to wipe down the car after the rinse?

Also, for the wheels, I have a spray for the rubber, but are there any recommendation on a cleaning solution/cloth I can use to detail?

Thanks!

[jt335i]

Because of construction on the road by my condo, I nearly have to wash my car every day because of the dust, and mud when it rains, so I go to the spray/wash place next door.
When I wipe it dry, I use a chamois which I get at Walmart.
Works great. It may still leave some water spots, but nobody is going look hard at it.

[Delta0311]

I live at a townhouse but I have access to my hose and place to wash my car. Best option is to do it yourself .. In your case use the spray wash place but bring two buckets, good car soap, a nice mitt for washing cars.. Wash it then dry it with some Viking towels.. You will need about 2 or 3 of them to dry the whole car. Viking towels pull in water like the freaking Sahara desert.


https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Microf.../dp/B001Q8DMA0

[John 070]

real chamois work well for me (not synthetic)....I agree with you choosing to do the spray with the wands.....I have never run my car through a wash, although I'm sure a dealer has done so...nothing has happened knock on wood....

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

I always brought two buckets with me and filled it there. They do make sealable buckets so you can bring the water with you, if you'd like.

An alternative would be waterless car wash solution. It's a great alternative and works just as well. Plus, you can do it right at your apartment.

For drying, get a big, absorbent microfiber towel and some Wax & Dry (Meguiars, Eagle One, Chemical Guys make variations of it). Use the combination of spray wax and the microfiber to dry the car. You'll create a lubricant layer to prevent swirls, and you'll be waxing it simultaneously.

[BSM n54iS]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

I live at a townhouse but I have access to my hose and place to wash my car. Best option is to do it yourself .. In your case use the spray wash place but bring two buckets, good car soap, a nice mitt for washing cars.. Wash it then dry it with some Viking towels.. You will need about 2 or 3 of them to dry the whole car. Viking towels pull in water like the freaking Sahara desert.


https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Microf.../dp/B001Q8DMA0

+1

Exactly how I washed my car every other week at apts.

Pay $3-4 at self wash, rinse the car, own bucket and soap, wash mit, drying cloths (actually I got this a while ago too...really good!
https://www.amazon.com/California-Ca...rnia+car+blade)

Rinse and repeat as often as you'd like

[roadkillrob]

Those water blade things I would stay away form, one little piece of dirt and you drag it across the finish - if you can use something to blow dry it - i use a leaf blower if you have access to power where you wash the car, there are drying agents you can spray on the car when it is wet to help dry it when you wipe it down and they help deal with water spots. I like a good waffle weave drying towel if I can't blow dry the car.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...gee-on-my-car/

[BSM n54iS]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

Those water blade things I would stay away form, one little piece of dirt and you drag it across the finish - if you can use something to blow dry it - i use a leaf blower if you have access to power where you wash the car, there are drying agents you can spray on the car when it is wet to help dry it when you wipe it down and they help deal with water spots. I like a good waffle weave drying towel if I can't blow dry the car.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...gee-on-my-car/

I dunno, I've yet to have an issue personally. I wash my girl spotless

[dmatre]

Use a wash like Optimum No Rinse (google it if not familiar), which is made for use in places where you don't have access to a hose.

You can fill a bucket in your apartment, carry it down to the car, and wash it where it sits.

The best part is that ONR leaves the car looking just detailed (shine is enhanced with use).

You can use it in direct sunlight without any problems.

Check it out, and good luck!

[nekbreaker]

I own a home so no need to used car wash but best way to dry the car leaf blower and microfiber drying towel after the blower work for me and easy way

[ctuna]

There is a detailing sub forum here.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

and many others

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

[gotturbo]

Doesn't anybody use "the absorber" for drying cars these days? I used to use real leather chamois' until I discovered them 20 or 25 years ago. They work great

[5tony]

Originally Posted by gotturbo

Doesn't anybody use "the absorber" for drying cars these days? I used to use real leather chamois' until I discovered them 20 or 25 years ago. They work great

Been using them since I had a new e36. Never an issue and they last forever!

[mxchris727]

Honestly, just find a good reputable soft-toch automatic wash and use that. Don't worry about the swirl marks; they can always be polished out. I'm OCD when it comes to paint and there are a few automatic washes that I wouldn't hesitate to bring my near-flawless cars to.
However, do stay away from the hand washes. They rub with way too much pressure and their drying processes are always awful (reuse towels).

[PourBoi-Jay]

Find a touchless wash for routine cleaning.

Otherwise, Chemical Guys put together a nice Coin Wash Tips & Tricks tutorial for guys in your situation:

Also, check out the e90post detailing forum if you have more questions. Search around. There is a ton of great info:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

Hope that helps

[Guido S]

Just a quick tip: To prevent water spots and streaking use a bath towel and pull it across the car working from the top down. Don't rub the car to dry it. Works for me.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by gotturbo

Doesn't anybody use "the absorber" for drying cars these days? I used to use real leather chamois' until I discovered them 20 or 25 years ago. They work great

I did, but then I realized how many scratches and swirls I was introducing.

[PourBoi-Jay]

Drying the car is a totally different cam of worms. Most techniques introduce scratches.

Bottom line....touch the car as little as possible to avoid scratches. If you must use any kind of towel, blot away water. Do not wipe

[nekbreaker]

Originally Posted by gotturbo

Doesn't anybody use "the absorber" for drying cars these days? I used to use real leather chamois' until I discovered them 20 or 25 years ago. They work great

those take off the wax

[Swish]

You can buy a big pile of microfiber towels at Costco or Sam's Club for a fairly cheap price. I use them for everything; washing, drying, detailing inside the car, cleaning the leather seats, cleaning your windows. Just throw a pile in the trunk before heading to the car wash.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by nekbreaker

those take off the wax

That would make sense....I noticed that my wax wouldn't last very long when I would use a shammy.

[The HACK]

Drive real fast. That dries up cars quick.