Hey Everyone!

So, I have been washing my Cabrio down at my local do-it-yourself car washes. Mainly because I don't have the time to spend on meticulously washing my car every weekend. But, I avoid spraying any chemicals or soap on my top and only rinse it off with water. Every so often I use the MINI supplied convertible top cleaner.

But, I am starting to notice the buildup of oils and swirls on my paint. So, I was thinking about taking it to get detailed. As I was driving around today I saw a detailing place that uses steam at about 100psi to wash the car (using a hand spayer, not automatic). Has anyone ever used a detailer like this? And does anyone have any input on how/if this effects my soft top?

I am a little concerned about what it might do to my top. Since it is steam I am wondering if it is going to open the pores on the top and let whatever chemicals down in it. I guess I could just tell them to avoid the top and I could do it later. But who knows, it might actually do a good job.

I welcome any input that anyone has on this kind of car wash.

 

Honestly find a detailer that hand washes just save yourself the trouble. Search detailers in the area and reviews.

Me being a detailer myself I may be biased but it gets annoying always fixing car washes mistakes.

 

Hey BayState,


So this company is not putting my car through a machine. They going around by hand and using a steamer to clean the car. This just "washes" the car. They will then go around and detail, polish, and wax the car if I ask them to.

The reviews for this place sound fairly good and they have apparently been endorsed by a local BMW owners association.

Have you ever heard of a place that uses steam like this before?

 

No I haven't and I don't see steam being an issue for the paint at all. I usually use steam on door jambs and engine bays to loosen the dirt. But I don't think steam alone can actually clean the car. Even a very high powered pressure washer will not take a lot of the dirt off. They have to be touching the car with something I would assume. And that would cause swirling.

I would be interested to see the results on some soft black paint. That is the true test.

 

I would be less worried about the steam than the pressure. the OM advises against high pressure car washes.

I would also be wary of subjecting paint and plastic parts to high temperatures. I wouldn't subject my car's finish to a temperature that would scald my own hand. What's the point? Sounds like a gimmick.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about steam - when new MINIs arrive stateside, the workers at the Vehicle Distribution Center use steam cleaners to remove the cosmoline protectant from all the outside surfaces of the car.

That being said, I don't see where steam cleaning provides any benefit compared to hand-washing (except for the engine compartment).

 

I wouldn't use steam on my car, soft top or not. Remember, steam is 212 degrees F. If the operator is not careful, I can easily see damage being done. And I'd never use it on the top.

I also wouldn't use a pressure wash. A car should be washed the old fashioned way. And it's good that you've avoided soaps and things on the soft top.

Do yourself a favor and get and use Ragg Topps cleaner and protectant. Ragg Topp is the only brand recommended by the manufacturer that makes the raw materials for most of the soft tops made and sold in the world. Follow Ragg Topps instructions for cleaning and protecting the top. I do it at least twice a year. And all it sees between cleanings and protectings is water from my garden hose.

http://www.wolfsteins.com/product-fk.htm I find the best prices are on Amazon and I buy a number of cans at a time.