Hello Detailing Gurus,
I just recently purchased a 2013 Mini Cooper S and she is quite the bug killer on the highway LOL. I live in an apartment with no water hose and I recently took her to a self clean car wash with my own sponges and towels in hand (not subjecting her to self sudding brush at the wash) but the water there smelled horrible and it left spots everywhere after drying. I was surfing through the forum and I saw rave reviews for the Nomad Portable Washer which looks like the perfect solution for me but I can't find it available anywhere. Does anybody know where one can still be purchased or know of a good alternative? I'd really like to clean her myself but may have to start taking her to a local hand washing car wash. Thanks everyone!

 

http://nomad2go.com/

 

I actually just found their website after searching for about 2 days, they really need to boost their Google listing LOL

But they don't list where to buy and their online contact form doesn't seem to work. I'm gonna try calling the 1-800 number tomorrow. Thanks DDM

 

Until you get one of those, you can carry a bucket of water to your car and use a bug sponge to get the bugs off the windshield, mirrors, and nose of the car. Then towel dry.

They're out of stock on those at Amazon, but they carry three other kinds of portable power washers; each around $100.

 

That's what i'm doing for now, gotta keep those bugs off that beautiful Chili Red paint and white mirror caps :D

 

Apartment washing is the worst. I can't stand all of the neighbors wondering why I won't just shell out the money to go to the local swirl-inducing local car-wash...the kind that still uses brushes at that!

I've been taking a bucket and OPT No-Rinse to the nearest (still 25 Min Drive) self clean car wash, just as you did. The local hand-wash place has been my next-best option.

 

LOL, I hear ya buddy! What my neighbors think doesn't really bother me, I love my MINI too much to worry about that hahaha. The closest two neighbors I have is one with a work truck that has an expired registration and inspection and a very nice gentleman with a Jag. I think the Jag owner would understand

I called Nomad and they said it had been discontinued so it looks like eBay may be my next option if I want to get one. I have found a couple online retailers that show them in stock but when I call to double check before ordering they tell me that the website hasn't been updated. I have one more that i'm waiting for a call back from.

Might have to go to the local hand wash or keep toting the bucket out to wash her myself. Oh well, she's worth it :D

 

Most mobile detailers don't charge much for a wash and bug removal. They will most likely just use ONR and tarminator but it's much better then any car wash. Once and awhile on my beater when it's real dirty I go to a self serve fill my bucket then, rinse it with the pressure and hand wash it. If you are worried about watermarks get some Meguairs Ultimate Quick Detailer and spray that as you dry it.

The key is to find a good car wash with a decent filtering system. I have only found one near me the rest leave water marks if I don't use ONR @ quick detailer dilution.

 

Sweet! I will try that. I knew this was the right place to turn to for advice! Thanks BSD!

 

BayState makes some good points, and its a good idea to add the OPT No-Rinse to your wash bucket just as a softener in addition to your usual wash.

 

Use the 2 bucket method with Optimum no rinse

 

Your welcome.

So grab a bottle of this. Instead of buying Meg's QD you can mix this 30:1 with water and it will give you quick detailer you can spray as you dry as well as be your soap for cleaning. It will take some getting used to but once you use it a couple times you will love it and regular hose washing will seem like such a hassle!! When I show up to wash a car I hate when I can't use ONR because the car is just too dirty.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optim...ULA_p_154.html

 

Idk if anyone tries any of the Chemical Guys products.
I too live in an aprtment complex and use there Ecosmart waterless stuff.
Have had great results with the stuff.

 

I do use some of their items. They have some great products but I commute 500 miles a week and the car gets too dirty for the waterless wash. How do you find the ecosmart waterless wash works on dirty wheels? I haven't tried so I really can't say much on this one.

 

I just recently got into detailing and I must say its great. After the first initial wipe it leaves a haze of wax, then I use a second microfiber to buff it off.

I also commute very close to 100 miles a day and if anything, the car just gets dusty. The only real hard stuff to remove are the bugs on the bumper and headlamps. I just make sure I spray a gracious amount, let it do its thing for a few seconds then gently wipe, once you get your own rhythm it's pretty quick to do the entire car....(cause you know, it's suuuuch a big car lol).

 

I feel your pain, I remember this being an issue for me as well (years ago). Fortunately, several of the Mobile gas stations around here have touchess car washes (no brushes, just high pressure water and high pressure air for drying). It was never perfect, but it was great for getting the crud off, so I could dry and wax everything. I cringe every time I see folks driving their cars into the washers with spinning brushes...

 

I live in an apartment complex but I shopped around till I found one that had a car wash area. Hose and driveway I just have to bring my washing supplies.

 

Nearest one to me is close to a half hour away. Wish I could find one closer. Even the local hand wash places are rather poor and use mitts that seem to induce plenty of swirls.