I do not have access to a hose in my apartment building and am wondering what the experts think my options are for washing my car. I have gone with a 2-bucket system with my Jetta, but I plan on taking better care of my Mini.

What I did was have a wash bucket and a rinse bucket, with separate towels. I'd wet the car, then use a really wet towel from the wash bucket to gently loosen any dirt. After 2 rounds of that, I'd switch to the rinse towel. The rinse bucket's water remained clear for the whole time I washed the car, so I think I got all the dirt off with the wash towel (I changed out the wash water halfway through). My Jetta is dark blue, and does look really good when it's washed.

Would I be crazy to do the same thing with my PW/B MCS (assuming it ever gets here!)? Or, are there portable car washers, maybe something like those handpump-powered insecticide sprayers? Or do you have other options for me?

Thanks for any help!

 

I'm not an expert yet, but I think it is important to make sure you do not trap any dirt between the towel and the paint. Wiping dirt off with a wet towel could lead to scratching. You may want to experiment with using a couple buckets and just pour them over the car, starting at the top to rinse most of the dirt off.

But it sounds like you 1. wet the car 2. wash the car 3. rinse the car
should be ok as long as you are gentle.

Congrats! Enjoy your MINI

 

I tried using a garden sprayer for putting distilled water on my MCS after washing it, in an experiment aimed at finding a low-labor spot-free drying method.

The problem is there's just not enough flow available. It would take a long time (and several refills) to deliver enough water to the surface to wash off the soap. I think you really need a fairly strong stream of water to do an effective car wash.

I think if I were in your situation, I'd take it to a self-service car wash bringing along all the cleaning paraphernalia, including plenty of microfiber towels. I'd go at some off-peak hour where I could take my time...

btw, my experiment was an utter failure! Because I was unable to fully displace the rinse water (from washing the car) with the distilled water, I had water spots everywhere!

 

I have washed my car with the two bucket method in my apartment complex as well, here's what works for me..

I have two buckets, one is full of clean water, the other is my car wash mixture. I rinse my MINI using the clean water, just enough to break any dirt and grime up that may be stuck and wet.. After that I go and wash each panel of my car separately, starting from the top down, rinsing with clean water (I use a full cup and fling it across the surface, so while you're not shooting in volume, you're streaming in speed), washing with car wash, and rinsing again, and then drying with WWMF (waffleweave microfibre). It works pretty well on the occasion that I can't get to a car wash do it yourself place and use my bucket and mixes there! I also wash by car every week, and quick detail it twice a week, so there is always a minimum of crap on my car.

I often have to refill my clean water supply by running back into the apartment and filling it up again in the tub, and then coming out, so that is the only drawback.. The majority of the time I take my car to a do-it-yourself car wash and use their hose to rinse and clean, and my bucket to hold my car wash liquid, and wash my car by hand. (Don't trust those bristle brushes at the public car wash!

 

You have a new product that has entered the market that is getting a lot of attention.
Some are calling it, "magic in a bottle". It is so good.
Excelawash - Waterless Car Wash & Wax
It leaves the finish with a touch of velvet.
Visit the website http://www.excelawash.com
I'd like to hear from you after you use the product.

 

I knew this guy was going to post here. They claim the stuff is 'magic'.

Remember the days of spending an hour and a half washing (scratching) and drying your vehicle with soap and water, hoping to have enough energy to polish or wax it later? Those days are GONE! Now, with our revolutionary NEW Product, you can Clean, Polish, Seal and Protect all in One Step with No Water!

I can wash my MINI in about 15 mins and I use water ...

 

Yeah, no magic for me either. The self-serve car wash is the best option for me. Not as convenient as washing the car behind my apartment building, but it's worth the trouble.

Unless...the laundry room is about 6 feet from my parking space, maybe I could just disconnect the washing-machine hose, hook up my own hose, and use that! Residents are not supposed to wash before 8am, so that gives me plenty of time on a Saturday morning to get my car washed.

Thanks everybody for your suggestions and comments.

 

I don't believe in magic either. Or SPAM.


It is, unfortunately, inconvenient but the need for flowing water is really very important to flush the debris away. If it takes getting to the car wash, if only to access their hose, then do it.

I noticed that you mention using a "rag" when washing. Please be sure to use a quality 100% cotton chenille mitt when washing. Be sure to rinse the mitt often. I use a seperate mitt for the lower half of the car where more dirt and debris is collected. Less chance then of using the dirtier mitt on the more noticable areas of the car. Also, the use of a shampoo not only loosens and lifts dirt but more importantly it lubricates the mitt so it glides with less friction over the surface and causes less scratches and swirls as you wash. Be sure to use microfiber waffleweave drying towels for fast and easy scratch free drying.:smile:

 

I ordered the car towel kit from Microfibertech, as instructed in the first thread in the forum, so I think I'm all set for that side of things.

 

Yea, I read that thread and for the most part there is some really excellent information in there. But microfiber, which I am a great proponent of, is a poor product to use as a wash mitt, that's all. It doesn't do all things well.

Here's a quote from a report from some testing that has been done:
"Microfiber wash mitts and towels – I have yet to find a microfiber wash mitt or towel that is free rinsing (so it can unload dirt and grit in the wash bucket) or has fibers long enough to protect paint from scratches from loose grit. Microfiber as wash mitts are simply a bad idea."

My own testing on fresh painted test panels have found this to be true. Over time there is risk of micro-marring and great risk of capturing debris in the short nap.

They are super for polishing and quick detailing and waffleweaves are terrific for drying. But just not the best for washing.

Have fun!:smile:

 

I live in an apartment w/ no access to a hose either. I was lucky enough to find a car wash near here, though, that makes it easy to keep my MINI clean. Basically what is offers is a 50 cent (2 quarters) rinse cycle.

Initially, from home I brought my bucket and two gallon jugs of water. I use one gallon and some soap to wash my wheels. Then I pop in 2 quarters to rinse the wheels and wet down the entire car. Next I used the other gallon w/ some shampoo to wash w/ a cotton chenille mit. Finally, another 2 quarters go in for the final rinse. Using the combination of the car wash rinse and the bucket has worked super for me!

Then I realized (yes, I'm kinda slow on the uptake) that the car wash actually had a water faucet for customer use....no charge for that!!!! So now I forget bringing jugs of water from home, I just fill up there and use the same process.

Vacuuming costs another 50 cents, but I discovered that one of the vacuums will kick on with just one quarter. (shhhhh.....its the middle one!!!)

This car wash isn't one of the new ones....its kinda old school/ghetto, but it actually offers better amenities for car washing than some of the newer ones including a covered drying area.

It might be worth searching around for a similar or even more suitable facility...if you find one, you'll be all set.

(p.s. - any MINI owners in the Arlington area pm me and I'll tell you the location of my secret spot.)

 

Brad -

I've had good luck with my MF mitt, and I especially like how it has a waffle weave on one side to remove bugs. But the article makes me want to reconsider...

What type of mitt do you use and is it able to remove bugs? TIA.

 

I use a high quality 100% cotton chenille mitt.

The key to removing bugs is not abrasion. (which can cause scratches) It's chemicals. In fact, even if you wipe them off you aren't getting the acid that leeches into the clearcoat. (ever notice that some bugs leave a yellow stain?)

You should consider using a good bug remover that neutralizes the acid and removes the stain from the clearcoat. I spray the little suckers as soon as I see them! Check out these wipes or this spray. These are just two examples of products that I use that do a good job of disintegrating big guts fast. Much safer than water and a nylon scraper of harsh sponge.

 

BradB is correct on several points! First off, you definitely need running water to wash your MINI. Cotton mitts are excellent for washing, but I use microfiber towels for everything else from drying to detailng to buffing out wax. Getting bugs off the paint is definitely chemical and NOT an abrasive process. This may be counter-intuitive to many, and you'll need to re-train yourself to grab the bug remover spray and not extend your fingernail or grab the scrubber in order to protect your paint.



Did I miss anything? :smile:

 

I also keep a citrus degreaser in the arsenal...I just hate to have to reapply Klasse after I use it.

 

Yeah, if you can get to running water, I use the Mr. Clean auto-dry car wash, It really works! I wasn't sure, but for 15-17 bucks, you can't go wrong. I have a yellow MC 04' and it gets dirty all the time, so almost ever weekend, I use it. You put the soap in the handel part, and it has a filter that cleans the water as it comes through the hose. It works gre, you don't ever have to use a towel, and that helps a lot in my thinking, (less contact with the car) always a plus. I also found a great mitt to use on the car at Big Lots. It was like 3.99 but dosn't hurt the car at all. Works wonders for the car, and it looks brand new after the wash, no streaks or anything! I love it!

 

I do not have access to an outdoor faucet at my apartment building either but I do use a hose. Went to the Home Depot and bought an adaptor for my kitchen sink. Just remove the faucet aerator, screw on the adaptor and the hose. I have a hose long enough to reach my car. It's a little hassle but no more than filling up buckets and carrying them to the car. If you decide to do this take your aerator with you, there isn't a standard thread for kitchen faucets. Some have threads outside some on the inside. :smile:
Charles

 

hummm, still thinking

 

I picked up my car yesterday (if you didn't see my thread) and will try to find a self-serve car wash this weekend.

There is one not far from my place, but when I've driven by before it was always crowded on weekends. I'll check it out, though. Maybe I'll just have to adjust my schedule to accommodate caring for my car...

And I'll go get a nice soft cotton wash mit this weekend, too!

 

Yes, I predict you will definitely be doing this. I used to be somewhat embarassed about cleaning my wheels at my apartment complex (you know, right in front of the neighbors) or dusting my MINI in public. Now I have no shame whatsoever.

btw, one good thing about commercial or do-it-yourself car wash facilities is that your sudsy or grimy water doesn't wash into your friendly neighborhood storm drain and thereby (in my area anyway) directly into area creeks and waterways. Something to remember.

 

I have hard well water that is really bad to wash with.So I go to a coin wand wash in town at least once a week,and my MINI comes out very clean with no rubbing,except to dry,costs a couple of bucks to do.Then I drive home to polish and vacuum.

 

I agree with several of the other posts, I think your best bet is to take your:
bucket, washmit, & shampoo to a coin-op place. Start it up & rinse your MINI down, & fill your buckets. Then wash with your own soap (who knows how wax-safe that stuff that comes out of their hose is). Then rinse with the low-pressure coin-op rinse.

It is just too likely that too much dirt would stay trapped on your washmit.