Washing/Rinsing Help Please?

[bighouse]

The water at my house is so hard that if you allow any drops to evaporate you'll have a white spot where the drop used to be. So, just rinsing a car leaves spots all over the paint, chrome, glass, etc. My solar roof will be rendered useless in no time!

So, I'm wondering if anyone has ever used Reverse Osmosis water in a small pump garden type sprayer (like for treating plants with insecticide) to do a final rinse before drying?

Granted, if one drys the bad water off, I suppose you could get it all off before any of it evaporates, but on a warm day that's not very likely. I would love to NOT have waterspots on my Prius that I am going to pick up from the dealership in a few hours!

And, two more washing questions..
1. I've looked at all the chain autostores for Zaino and Garoits products- no one carries them. Are they available online only or are there big box stores that carry them?
2. My house doesnt' have a concrete driveway, it's gravel/dirt...so it makes washing my car unfun- mud/dirt/gravel sticking to my shoes, etc...has anyone ever invented any kind of a roll-out mesh matt to allow cars to drive atop of for washing them to keep the car washer himself clean??? I'm thinking like a 12' x 20' fiberglass type shadecloth tarp that one might drive atop.

[carz89]

Originally Posted by bighouse

The water at my house is so hard that if you allow any drops to evaporate you'll have a white spot where the drop used to be. So, just rinsing a car leaves spots all over the paint, chrome, glass, etc. My solar roof will be rendered useless in no time!

So, I'm wondering if anyone has ever used Reverse Osmosis water in a small pump garden type sprayer (like for treating plants with insecticide) to do a final rinse before drying?

Granted, if one drys the bad water off, I suppose you could get it all off before any of it evaporates, but on a warm day that's not very likely. I would love to NOT have waterspots on my Prius that I am going to pick up from the dealership in a few hours!

And, two more washing questions..
1. I've looked at all the chain autostores for Zaino and Garoits products- no one carries them. Are they available online only or are there big box stores that carry them?
2. My house doesnt' have a concrete driveway, it's gravel/dirt...so it makes washing my car unfun- mud/dirt/gravel sticking to my shoes, etc...has anyone ever invented any kind of a roll-out mesh matt to allow cars to drive atop of for washing them to keep the car washer himself clean??? I'm thinking like a 12' x 20' fiberglass type shadecloth tarp that one might drive atop.

I would think a reverse-osmosis setup would be prohibitively expensive and provide a frustratingly low flow rate (unless you run it for hours and collect the water). Have you thought about a whole-house water softener? -- expensive but very beneficial for your home hot water appliances in stopping water scale buildup.

I can't speak intelligently about any specific products, but I've always experienced similar issues with water spots in San Diego. I have the best luck by washing the car in early morning when the sun is low and the humidity is higher due to the coastal marine layer (the water drops will not dry quickly). Any spots that do appear are readily taken out with the use of a microfiber towel.

About using a fabric or mesh under your car, I would think that the weight of the car and the rocks/gravel below would quickly result in holes and tears in the material. After a few washes, your material would be toast. If a paved driveway is out of the question, you may want to consider installing pavers that are permeable with large openings for the grass to grow. It's a do-it-yourself project much cheaper than pavement, environmentally friendly, and solves your mud problem.

[jetsaviator]

I use the "MR. Clean Car Wash System" available at Wal-Mart and other stores for about $25.00. With a soft nylon brush on a 4 foot handle it takes about 20 minutes. The sprayer, which goes on the end of the hose, contains soap for washing and a special cartridge that is used for a final rinse that eliminates all water spots. You do NOT need to dry the car to remove water droplets. Just let it air dry. You must use the Mr. Clean car wash soap and change the cartridge when it change color.

Wash about 1/4 of the car at a time.

1. Spray on water to wet the surface.
2. Select the soap position and spary on soap. Use sparingly very little is needed.
3. Scrub area with the brush.
4. Rinse with clear regular water.
5. When entire car has been washed select the special rinse water and spray the car. The water comes out in a fan like spray. Use it as though you were spray painting the car. Again, use sparingly. One pass over the surface is enough.

I have been using it for about two years.

[a64pilot]

I assume you have an RO unit? Yes RO water will do what you want, so will a Mr Clean car wash thing

Amazon.com: Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System Starter Kit: Mr. Clean: Automotive

Amazon.com: Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System Starter Kit: Mr. Clean: Automotive
Amazon.com: Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System Starter Kit: Mr. Clean: Automotive

[a64pilot]

On the mat, go to a RV store. They have a plastic fake grass mat that's made to put under the awning of an RV. Ought to work perfect for what you want, folds up for easy storage too

[SW03ES]

You might want to try using the ONR hoseless wash process that I wrote a thread about in here, its still on page 1 of the forum. My water is pretty hard too...and sometimes in the summer I will just do that to avoid the spotting...

[PriusCrazy]

Originally Posted by bighouse

The water at my house is so hard that if you allow any drops to evaporate you'll have a white spot where the drop used to be. So, just rinsing a car leaves spots all over the paint, chrome, glass, etc. My solar roof will be rendered useless in no time!

You might want to take a look at Meguiar's NXT wash. It is pH balanced to help with hard water. Also available in 64oz. size.

Also, you could try rinsing your car in such a way that it would leave very little water on the car...

See this older thread here:
Keeping the Prius shiny...

[JRitt]

A better idea than reverse osmosis would be to use a water softener. Install one in the house. It will protect your hot water heater from calcium build up, all of your plumbing and keep the sinks and shower free from build up also. Your wife will thank you because she will have an easier job cleaning. They are easy to install (~2hrs). You also need an outlet for the timer. It doe not add salt to the water but replaces the calcium ions with sodium ions so the water will not tast salty or leave salt spots on the car.
$300-$500 depending on the capacity

[aapoppa]

Originally Posted by bighouse

1. I've looked at all the chain autostores for Zaino and Garoits products- no one carries them. Are they available online only or are there big box stores that carry them?

as far as I know, online only

www.zainostore.com

www.griotsgarage.com

[bighouse]

Originally Posted by aapoppa

as far as I know, online only

www.zainostore.com

www.griotsgarage.com

OK, I have a brand new Prius IV in Barcellona Red, Solar roof package. I understand I should wash it with Dawn (how much Dawn per gallon? Cold, or warm water?) using a good sheepskin mitten. Dry with microfiber towels.

Then clay bar it with the Zaino claybar product. After that though I'm a bit confused as Zaino seems to make all kinds of different polishes to top it off after that cleaning....Do I then use the Z-AIO product and then finish it with the Z-2 with occasional use of Z-6???

Someone please just tell me what to do?!?

I have the dark grey leather interior, so I went ahead and ordered the Griot's Ultimate Interior Care package- seemed like it would have all the cleaners and conditioners I might need for the interior (except maybe carpet care). But, I'd like to see what you really experienced with Zaino would recommend as the "ideal exterior package" of products for my little red beautiful car.