Waterless Wash
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 260
From: Seattle
I dont mind using water in fact, I am having a hot water tap installed to the spicket in front of my garage just to wash with. But started reading about this waterless stuff and if I can find a quicker and easier way I am all about it.
I use Adam's waterless wash. It works very well, never any scratching. The key is ample coverage with spray, and do not apply pressure on the microfiber. I wipe, flip to new spot on rag, wipe, flip to new spot on rag, wipe, and so on. Then follow up with a detail spray/ spray wax. Sometimes even a normal waxing.
works extremely well on lightly dusty vehicles. I use it a few times a week when I daily drive my bike as the parking lots at both of my jobs are gravel. So my bike gets damn dusty just parked. its not a full wash replacement but it sure makes a real wash a lot easier and the need to get out the hose and soap a lot less frequent. Keeps my bike looking like its just been detailed.
works extremely well on lightly dusty vehicles. I use it a few times a week when I daily drive my bike as the parking lots at both of my jobs are gravel. So my bike gets damn dusty just parked. its not a full wash replacement but it sure makes a real wash a lot easier and the need to get out the hose and soap a lot less frequent. Keeps my bike looking like its just been detailed.
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; May 8, 2018 at 03:20 PM.
I'm a believer. I personally dont waterless wash my truck because it's bound to have a lot more dirt/ contaminants on the paint, and its a hell of a lot more square footage than a bike. I use waterless wash very regularly, and I can tell you I dont have any swirls or anything in my paint and its in better shape than 99% of the bikes in any dealer's showroom.
You just have to know how to do it. It takes next to no pressure on the rag, and you flip to a clean/ new area of the microfiber after each wipe. So you're not constantly dragging more and more dirt across the surface. Plus a waterless wash is meant to emulsify dirt and provide a lot of lubrication to prevent micro scratches/ swirl marks. So as long as you take a little care when doing it, and know when you actually need to wash the bike with a hose its very safe for the paint.... and honestly it's a lot less of a hassle to do a quick waterless wash, then detail spray wipe down and your bike looks freshly washed as long as your engine cases arent too filthy. In fact... shoot me a PM if you wish, you pay shipping and I'll send you a sample to try.
You just have to know how to do it. It takes next to no pressure on the rag, and you flip to a clean/ new area of the microfiber after each wipe. So you're not constantly dragging more and more dirt across the surface. Plus a waterless wash is meant to emulsify dirt and provide a lot of lubrication to prevent micro scratches/ swirl marks. So as long as you take a little care when doing it, and know when you actually need to wash the bike with a hose its very safe for the paint.... and honestly it's a lot less of a hassle to do a quick waterless wash, then detail spray wipe down and your bike looks freshly washed as long as your engine cases arent too filthy. In fact... shoot me a PM if you wish, you pay shipping and I'll send you a sample to try.
Waterless washes dont replace a real wash, but they're rather a "freshly washed maintainer" just something to knock the dust that settles on your bike thought a ride, and what accumulates on it when its parked. Its a hell of a lot faster and easier than a real wash.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 6
From: Poolville, T X
My bikes have never been washed by water, they have been garage kept, and other than the occasional rain shower and my dirt road don't get terribly dirty. I used Meguire's for years, and now use Top Coat with great success. For the past couple of month, as an experiment, I have been cleaning the windshield with a mist of plain water to test Top Coat. Taking bugs and road grime off isn't a problem, and no scratches.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
If you have a real coating on the paint, topcoat is not one, washing is less frequent and when you have to wash it is so easy to do. A quality sealant is also extremely easy to wash either way
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Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 442
Likes: 110
From: San Jose, CA
I use Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax after each ride. Takes between 15 minutes to a 1/2 at most, but I like to get into crevices. I also use cheap Vodka to clean the exhaust chrome. Does a great job of removing road grime..