What is the best technique to use with the Waffle Weaves?

It isn't as plush as a monster fluffy so do you wipe with the waffle or just lay it on the wet Mini and absorb then lift and "blot" in the next location? I just want to make sure I avoid any stratching on my new mini.
THANKS

 

The DP waffle weave microfiber instructions indicate to just blot if you're just drying. Lay it onto the surface, maybe press down a little to make sure it's contacting the surface, and lift off.

If you're using Hyrdo (spray on wax), I think you would need to wipe, but I have not tried Hydro yet.

 

I wipe with my waffle weaves. I use Hydro when I dry so since the directions say to "work it in" as you dry, I don't really see how you can work it into the paint if you blot instead of wipe. I think wiping is fine just as long as you don't rub the paint too hard as you're doing it.

 

blot if without Hydro.

wipe with Hydro as Hydro becomes a lubricant.

 

where is ML btw?

aka The Ken of Waffle Weaves...

 

I know it's disgraceful, but hard water gives me no choice but to wipe and quickly. I'll take a few swirls that show up in the sun over big nasty water spots.

And yes, I've tried Mr. Clean - it lasted for ONE wash and even then left spots, I get less if I just use the hose without a nozzle and work quickly.

 

I haven't experienced ANY swirling with my waffle weaves from DP. And I wipe the water off with them (as well as work the HYDRO in)....just my 2cents.

 

Have you tried using a drying blade? I just picked one up, but have not used it yet.

 

Not yet - it seems like I'd still have to wipe off the little spots that are left. I guess, what's a little more $$? Maybe I'll try it sometime, but sort of wiping with a fake chamois (more like flinging) plus wiping it with the waffle seems to work alright. Driving with traffic on dirty Detroit highways does more damage to my paint than washing it, so I don't sweat it that much.

 

I feel for you. Our roads here in AZ are pretty tough on paint, too. I had a windshield ding and bumper ding (saved by clearbra) within a month of getting my MINI.

My thought on the drying blade was to use it to take most of the water off, then use Hydro with a microfiber waffle-weave to finish drying. I've heard folks have good results, though not specifically mentioned in relation to hard water.

Happy Motoring!

 

blade + calcium = swirl ... no?

you're better off using Hydro and wipe off with DP's waffle weave.

i wash my black car IN THE SUN and still get no stains when i use Hydro
and DP waffle weave. that's probably equivalent to hard water washing
in the shade.

 

A few years ago we were discussing using a "The Absorber" synthetic chamois to blot (not rub) off water and then using a waffle weave drying towel to finish up. This way the wiping was fairly gentle. I can't see just blotting with a waffle weave towel...too much water would be left and you have to finish somehow.

I had a drying blade years ago and got rid of it as some felt if anything got stuck on/under that blade you'd drag it right across your paint. I've been using the process mentioned above ever since

 

have you tried the DP waffleweave? that's wat i use and blot dry
works absolutely fine.

it's best you have sufficient wax on the paint and sheet off as much
as you can during the final rinse. there shouldn't be too much to dry off
to begin with.

 

Ah...no, I've never tried that.

 

yah, these drying towels are amazing. make sure you machine wash
first before first time use for maximum soaking power. i just
toss all my MF towels in the machine before use.

 

I use a drying blade only to remove excess water. I don't think it it is a good choice for actual drying. I use DP's waffle weave to dry and I wipe as I use Hydro. I have had no swirling or spotting.

 

*busts into the party*

Sorry I'm late!

I use a water blade to get off the excess water as well, and then I do wipe across the surface with Hydro. And I've never dried withOUT Hydro so I have no other method

 

MLWagner79,
It's never too late to jump in!

Any swirls or paint damage caused by the water blade? I only just picked one up and was planning on using it this weekend - I was becoming hesitant due to some of the comments.

 

It depends on how diligent you are. I'm 100% confident that there is *no* dirt left after I rinse, so I don't worry about it at all. And I don't use it everywhere... just on horizontal surfaces and the glass, to get pooled water moving and prevent water spots.

I do wash the blade before each use as well. Its just a regular old $10 Target California Water Blade and it works well for me!

 

Do most/initial drying with leaf blower. Finish with the waffle towel.

 

Suhhhhweeeeeettttt Thanks everyone for the awesome answers. Basically Blot if you don't have Hydro and wipe if you have Hydro. And a few other options have been thrown in the mix. Great Info!!!!

And since my first Hydro order was dropped off today I guess I will fall into the Hydro and wipe with the waffle group. As a new mini owner these are exciting times.

 

I'm a blade man myself. For the MINI, no too big a deal. For the Expedition there are not enough towels in Turkey to dry it without doing the blade first. Like ML I wash my blade before every use and then feel it periodically while using it to be sure it hasn't picked up anything - never has though, just a habit.
After the blade I can do the whole MINI, including wheels, engine, doors & boot with one towel. I still need two towels for the Expedition though.
I use a jelly blade because it was rather small, I thought the California blade was a little too long and when you got curves, short is easier IMO.

 

I find that by sheeting the water while rinsing, I can blot, lightly wipe with the waffle weave, then buff with a monster fluffy. May need 2 waffles when doing both MINIs, but one monster does both. This is when using Hydro, which is every wash.

Mark

 

I have not used Hydro yet (I purchased it a while ago but have not opened it yet)...I was going to spray on Hydro and then drag the waffle weave over to basically dry using it like a chamois as I always do, but this leaves a little wetness on the car, but then finish up by wiping the car fully dry with the monster Fluffies...does this sound reasonable?

 

Pretty much did that this morning. Only difference is that the Hydro instructions indicated to 'rub it in' a little, so I did a little more than just drag with the waffle weave. Worked great for me.