| dowroa | 07-06-2004 08:29 AM |
Hard water: To wash without spots?
�
�
Background: Just moved into a new house that has well water. We can hook up to city water, but a nice 6K bill has me considering other options first.
I am a newbie when it comes to well water and 'water softener', so I am doing research currently. I am looking for information regarding that and what a good solution is.
Problem:
- The water is so 'hard' that when you spray the car down, it foams while you are washing it (it looks like soapy water). If you let it even partially sit, it looks like it has left calcium deposits all over the paint.
Solutions?:
- I have not tried water softner yet. I do not know the pros/cons of that solution.
- I DONT want to try the Mr. Clean system as I have not liked using it in the past, but maybe this is a solution I must try now?
- Any other solutions people have used to elimiunate this problem (exterior filtration tankspost hose filtration)?
Thanks for any and all information as I am just completely in the dark about what steps to take next.
Thanks!
- dow
I am a newbie when it comes to well water and 'water softener', so I am doing research currently. I am looking for information regarding that and what a good solution is.
Problem:
- The water is so 'hard' that when you spray the car down, it foams while you are washing it (it looks like soapy water). If you let it even partially sit, it looks like it has left calcium deposits all over the paint.
Solutions?:
- I have not tried water softner yet. I do not know the pros/cons of that solution.
- I DONT want to try the Mr. Clean system as I have not liked using it in the past, but maybe this is a solution I must try now?
- Any other solutions people have used to elimiunate this problem (exterior filtration tankspost hose filtration)?
Thanks for any and all information as I am just completely in the dark about what steps to take next.
Thanks!
- dow
| SCutchins | 07-06-2004 10:41 AM |
I have hard water also and I either have to use the Mr. Clean auto wash or chamois the car off right away or it will get spots. The auto wash isn't that bad, the soap sucks but the rinse works fairly well as long as you don't mind the time it takes to rinse off the car since the volume of water is pretty low.
| dowroa | 07-06-2004 10:44 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by SCutchins[/i]
[B] I have hard water also and I either have to use the Mr. Clean auto wash or chamois the car off right away or it will get spots. The auto wash isn't that bad, the soap sucks but the rinse works fairly well as long as you don't mind the time it takes to rinse off the car since the volume of water is pretty low. [/B][/QUOTE]
Exactly.
I am looking for a better solution to this as I KNOW that other NASIOC members have to have run into the problem as well.
If ANYONE has any home grown or more 'professional' ideas other than the Mr. Clean system, I am all up for trying them.
I appreciate the help, but I am looking for a solution that wont frustrate the hell out of me everytime I use it. That solution just makes me think, " There has to be something better than this"
Thanks!
- dow
[B] I have hard water also and I either have to use the Mr. Clean auto wash or chamois the car off right away or it will get spots. The auto wash isn't that bad, the soap sucks but the rinse works fairly well as long as you don't mind the time it takes to rinse off the car since the volume of water is pretty low. [/B][/QUOTE]
Exactly.
I am looking for a better solution to this as I KNOW that other NASIOC members have to have run into the problem as well.
If ANYONE has any home grown or more 'professional' ideas other than the Mr. Clean system, I am all up for trying them.
I appreciate the help, but I am looking for a solution that wont frustrate the hell out of me everytime I use it. That solution just makes me think, " There has to be something better than this"
Thanks!
- dow
| grknss | 07-06-2004 11:18 AM |
I used the Mr. Clean system this weekend!! Worked wonders, I was skeptical but I was pleasently surprised!!!
I should have taken pics, even if you don't want to use it for the auto dry feature, it has a rinse, soap, autodry setting thump switch to turn on and off the water, nice unit makes washing the car easier than ever.
I suggest picking it up, I live in Newton MA where the water is almost solid that's how hard it is!!
--John
I should have taken pics, even if you don't want to use it for the auto dry feature, it has a rinse, soap, autodry setting thump switch to turn on and off the water, nice unit makes washing the car easier than ever.
I suggest picking it up, I live in Newton MA where the water is almost solid that's how hard it is!!
--John
| dowroa | 07-06-2004 01:21 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by grknss[/i]
[B] I used the Mr. Clean system this weekend!! Worked wonders, I was skeptical but I was pleasently surprised!!!
I should have taken pics, even if you don't want to use it for the auto dry feature, it has a rinse, soap, autodry setting thump switch to turn on and off the water, nice unit makes washing the car easier than ever.
I suggest picking it up, I live in Newton MA where the water is almost solid that's how hard it is!!
--John [/B][/QUOTE]
I have used the system, and I DO NOT like it.
Please do NOT turn this into a Mr. Clean thread.
People with hard water, please respond and let me know your experiences with getting around hard water spots and ways you have avoided it. I am looking to alternative suggestions to Mr Clean.
Thanks.
- dow
[B] I used the Mr. Clean system this weekend!! Worked wonders, I was skeptical but I was pleasently surprised!!!
I should have taken pics, even if you don't want to use it for the auto dry feature, it has a rinse, soap, autodry setting thump switch to turn on and off the water, nice unit makes washing the car easier than ever.
I suggest picking it up, I live in Newton MA where the water is almost solid that's how hard it is!!
--John [/B][/QUOTE]
I have used the system, and I DO NOT like it.
Please do NOT turn this into a Mr. Clean thread.
People with hard water, please respond and let me know your experiences with getting around hard water spots and ways you have avoided it. I am looking to alternative suggestions to Mr Clean.
Thanks.
- dow
| grknss | 07-06-2004 02:06 PM |
sorry man
| frankb | 07-06-2004 02:11 PM |
An alternative would be to use Quick and Easy Wash (QEW). It was developed for cleaning RVs, but works well for cars also. You do not use a hose, or have to rinse your car. You just need a couple buckets full of water, and the car wash solution, and clean one panel at a time, then wipe dry immediately. It works incredibly somehow without scratching your paint.
With this method, you can use soft water if available because you're only using a limited supply of water, and since you're wiping dry after you clean a section, the water spots will have less time to form.
You can search around online to purchase it, I don't think its available at any big retail places. Try campingworld.com.
Frank
With this method, you can use soft water if available because you're only using a limited supply of water, and since you're wiping dry after you clean a section, the water spots will have less time to form.
You can search around online to purchase it, I don't think its available at any big retail places. Try campingworld.com.
Frank
| Supraru | 07-06-2004 02:37 PM |
I think you just need to learn how to wash your car. I have had a well all my life and we don't use softener at all and I have no problems. All I do is when I'm done rinsing everwhere I dry it fast. Now I use the autodry and love it. I don't see what you don't like about it. I even have a black car. So either wash your car somewhere else with public water or learn how to get your ass in gear when you're drying.:D
| thedaddyb | 07-06-2004 02:41 PM |
i have pretty decently hard water . . . not quite to the extent that you have. but it will leave really bad water spots if you let it air dry.
I use the eagle one wax as you dry spray and it works great. when the car is still wet just spray it on and wipe it off with a clean towel. no water spots and it does look like the car was waxed.
on the windows I just use the "absorber" to get all the water off before it drys, then put on some rain-x
I use the eagle one wax as you dry spray and it works great. when the car is still wet just spray it on and wipe it off with a clean towel. no water spots and it does look like the car was waxed.
on the windows I just use the "absorber" to get all the water off before it drys, then put on some rain-x
| STI4ME | 07-06-2004 02:51 PM |
Here in Fresno, CA, we get hard water too, but maybe not as bad as yours. What I find is the best solution is to have a water softener system. Friend of mine has one in his house and it really helps. I love washing my car at his house. Especially when the air here is hot and dry. Water spots, be gone!
When I do wash it at my house, I try to do it in the evening when it's cool and when the car is nice and cool. And really the only way is to wash and dry fast. Squeegee excess water from all glass surface, chaimois excess water from body and dry with microfiber towels. Lotsa towels.
When I do wash it at my house, I try to do it in the evening when it's cool and when the car is nice and cool. And really the only way is to wash and dry fast. Squeegee excess water from all glass surface, chaimois excess water from body and dry with microfiber towels. Lotsa towels.
| dowroa | 07-06-2004 02:53 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Supraru[/i]
[B] I think you just need to learn how to wash your car. I have had a well all my life and we don't use softener at all and I have no problems. All I do is when I'm done rinsing everwhere I dry it fast. Now I use the autodry and love it. I don't see what you don't like about it. I even have a black car. So either wash your car somewhere else with public water or learn how to get your ass in gear when you're drying.:D [/B][/QUOTE]
Oh God.
I love these holier than thou comments.
Yes, I KNOW how to wash AND dry my car, and I have been doing so for over a year with this car. I HAVE been using the microfiber towels, but it is PAINFULLY obvious EVEN WITH the handdrying that this water has LOTS of mineral deposits in it.
If it wasnt so great of a problem WITHOUT handdrying, I WOULD NOT BE POSTING.
So, get off your high horses and help with a solution. Even with QUICK hand drying, the deposits are SUPER bad.
I will post pics.... heck, even a movie.
I hate negative people. You suck for posting that.
- dow
[B] I think you just need to learn how to wash your car. I have had a well all my life and we don't use softener at all and I have no problems. All I do is when I'm done rinsing everwhere I dry it fast. Now I use the autodry and love it. I don't see what you don't like about it. I even have a black car. So either wash your car somewhere else with public water or learn how to get your ass in gear when you're drying.:D [/B][/QUOTE]
Oh God.
I love these holier than thou comments.
Yes, I KNOW how to wash AND dry my car, and I have been doing so for over a year with this car. I HAVE been using the microfiber towels, but it is PAINFULLY obvious EVEN WITH the handdrying that this water has LOTS of mineral deposits in it.
If it wasnt so great of a problem WITHOUT handdrying, I WOULD NOT BE POSTING.
So, get off your high horses and help with a solution. Even with QUICK hand drying, the deposits are SUPER bad.
I will post pics.... heck, even a movie.
I hate negative people. You suck for posting that.
- dow
| coolblue05 | 07-06-2004 03:10 PM |
You can use meguiars nxt car wash, it has water softening chemicals built in to prevent water spots. It works great for me.
| dowroa | 07-06-2004 04:17 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by coolblue04[/i]
[B] You can use meguiars nxt car wash, it has water softening chemicals built in to prevent water spots. It works great for me. [/B][/QUOTE]
Ah.. I have the three step car wax system. I have been using this for a while, but I have not put a new coat on in the past few months.
I was trying to just clean my car before I re-waxed, but I cannot get it 100% spot free to waz due to having water that is so hard.
What I need is a filtered water solution. I might just suck it up and use the slow Mr. Clean system so I can get complete before I wax, and hope that fixes the problem (beading getting rid of the water so it will never sit).
Thanks for the replies (minus one individual), it is appreciated.
- dow
[B] You can use meguiars nxt car wash, it has water softening chemicals built in to prevent water spots. It works great for me. [/B][/QUOTE]
Ah.. I have the three step car wax system. I have been using this for a while, but I have not put a new coat on in the past few months.
I was trying to just clean my car before I re-waxed, but I cannot get it 100% spot free to waz due to having water that is so hard.
What I need is a filtered water solution. I might just suck it up and use the slow Mr. Clean system so I can get complete before I wax, and hope that fixes the problem (beading getting rid of the water so it will never sit).
Thanks for the replies (minus one individual), it is appreciated.
- dow
| Supraru | 07-06-2004 04:30 PM |
HAHA, I suck? At least I know how to wash my car. Like I said you just need to make sure you rinse it all then dry it fast. Hell I'll even give you another tip, try making sure the whole car stays wet untill you dry it and even washing it in the shade will help you out. Also try washing it in the early mourning before it gets to hot. Damn I thought everyone knew this stuff...guess I was wrong. And please explain what's not to like about the Mr. Clean stuff. I wasn't gonna ask but since you're being a moron then I would like to know. Everyone know's it works verry well and it cuts out drying wich in my opinion sucks. What's not to like the design? You keep on bitching about finding a solution and Mr. Clean has it so suck up whatever problem you have with it and use it, it's a great product.
| exDSMr | 07-06-2004 05:34 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by dowroa [/i]
[B]Oh God.
I love these holier than thou comments.
Yes, I KNOW how to wash AND dry my car, and I have been doing so for over a year with this car. I HAVE been using the microfiber towels, but it is PAINFULLY obvious EVEN WITH the handdrying that this water has LOTS of mineral deposits in it.
If it wasnt so great of a problem WITHOUT handdrying, I WOULD NOT BE POSTING.
So, get off your high horses and help with a solution. Even with QUICK hand drying, the deposits are SUPER bad.
I will post pics.... heck, even a movie.
I hate negative people. You suck for posting that.
- dow [/B][/QUOTE]
Wow dude...calm down. He wasn't trying to attack you or anything. From what I read, he was just trying to offer some advice and make a joke at the same time. Where are you washing the car where it dries so fast with spots before you're even done? I think his last suggestion of keeping the car wet until you're ready to dry might be a good solution. That's what I try to do as I live in NY and the water seems pretty hard and if I don't keep the car wet, it'll dry with spots on the horizontal surfaces (not as bad on doors and fenders). Then when I'm ready, I hit the whole car as fast as I can with the absorber....one pass to get excess water off, then another to dry.
I was going to suggest that you use the Mr. Clean system not for the soap or washing, but just for the rinsing part using the filter for the water.
[B]Oh God.
I love these holier than thou comments.
Yes, I KNOW how to wash AND dry my car, and I have been doing so for over a year with this car. I HAVE been using the microfiber towels, but it is PAINFULLY obvious EVEN WITH the handdrying that this water has LOTS of mineral deposits in it.
If it wasnt so great of a problem WITHOUT handdrying, I WOULD NOT BE POSTING.
So, get off your high horses and help with a solution. Even with QUICK hand drying, the deposits are SUPER bad.
I will post pics.... heck, even a movie.
I hate negative people. You suck for posting that.
- dow [/B][/QUOTE]
Wow dude...calm down. He wasn't trying to attack you or anything. From what I read, he was just trying to offer some advice and make a joke at the same time. Where are you washing the car where it dries so fast with spots before you're even done? I think his last suggestion of keeping the car wet until you're ready to dry might be a good solution. That's what I try to do as I live in NY and the water seems pretty hard and if I don't keep the car wet, it'll dry with spots on the horizontal surfaces (not as bad on doors and fenders). Then when I'm ready, I hit the whole car as fast as I can with the absorber....one pass to get excess water off, then another to dry.
I was going to suggest that you use the Mr. Clean system not for the soap or washing, but just for the rinsing part using the filter for the water.
| dowroa | 07-06-2004 06:04 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by exDSMr[/i]
[B] Wow dude...calm down. He wasn't trying to attack you or anything. From what I read, he was just trying to offer some advice and make a joke at the same time. Where are you washing the car where it dries so fast with spots before you're even done? I think his last suggestion of keeping the car wet until you're ready to dry might be a good solution. That's what I try to do as I live in NY and the water seems pretty hard and if I don't keep the car wet, it'll dry with spots on the horizontal surfaces (not as bad on doors and fenders). Then when I'm ready, I hit the whole car as fast as I can with the absorber....one pass to get excess water off, then another to dry.
I was going to suggest that you use the Mr. Clean system not for the soap or washing, but just for the rinsing part using the filter for the water. [/B][/QUOTE]
#1 - It was not funny
I DO clean the car IN THE SHADE and WHEN IT - the car - IS COLD.
If anyone has any further or other helpful solutions, it would greatly be appreciated to be shared and/or expounded upon.
[quote]
I was going to suggest that you use the Mr. Clean system not for the soap or washing, but just for the rinsing part using the filter for the water
[/quote]
[quote]
I appreciate the help, but I am looking for a solution that wont frustrate the hell out of me everytime I use it. That solution just makes me think, " There has to be something better than this"
Thanks!
- dow
[/quote]
[B] Wow dude...calm down. He wasn't trying to attack you or anything. From what I read, he was just trying to offer some advice and make a joke at the same time. Where are you washing the car where it dries so fast with spots before you're even done? I think his last suggestion of keeping the car wet until you're ready to dry might be a good solution. That's what I try to do as I live in NY and the water seems pretty hard and if I don't keep the car wet, it'll dry with spots on the horizontal surfaces (not as bad on doors and fenders). Then when I'm ready, I hit the whole car as fast as I can with the absorber....one pass to get excess water off, then another to dry.
I was going to suggest that you use the Mr. Clean system not for the soap or washing, but just for the rinsing part using the filter for the water. [/B][/QUOTE]
#1 - It was not funny
I DO clean the car IN THE SHADE and WHEN IT - the car - IS COLD.
If anyone has any further or other helpful solutions, it would greatly be appreciated to be shared and/or expounded upon.
[quote]
I was going to suggest that you use the Mr. Clean system not for the soap or washing, but just for the rinsing part using the filter for the water
[/quote]
[quote]
I appreciate the help, but I am looking for a solution that wont frustrate the hell out of me everytime I use it. That solution just makes me think, " There has to be something better than this"
Thanks!
- dow
[/quote]
| henzly23 | 07-06-2004 06:52 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by dowroa[/i]
[B] Oh God.
I love these holier than thou comments...
I hate negative people. You suck for posting that.
- dow [/B][/QUOTE]
:eek: :confused:
...sorta makes people not really wanna help out
[B] Oh God.
I love these holier than thou comments...
I hate negative people. You suck for posting that.
- dow [/B][/QUOTE]
:eek: :confused:
...sorta makes people not really wanna help out
| enewtabie | 07-06-2004 06:57 PM |
I have hard water also and can't offer any solutions other than what is offered here.But,if you need to get the waterspots off of glass..buy Duragloss window cleaner(its made right here in Burlington,NC..only thing I have seen easily remove waterspots.
| sti63 | 07-06-2004 07:34 PM |
Hi, The mr clean system is the best. Carl
| MikeWRX-NJ | 07-06-2004 09:28 PM |
hmmm question, do the hard water spots wash out??? could they be etched into the paint? maybe they've built up over time and are now noticing them due to the new water?? :confused:
dunno just an idea.
the only advice i have is what the other poeple have said. although you can also try...
oh course as you're washing the car keep spraying it down after every two panels. (Thats what i do) then afterwards try the "perfect drying technique" from autopia.org. if you know it already, stop reading and good luck :) otherwise its:
keep the entire car wet while washing it (duh)
when you are done take the hose head off the hose and hit the car with just the running water... this makes the water naturally sheet off the paint, not bead up, which is what causing water spots. then hit it with a good waffle weave microfiber towel. i like them the best. i'd tried chamios, the absorber and other typed of microfiber towels. the waffle weave is simply the best. it sucks water up like no tomorrow.
good luck and check out autopia.org if you already haven't they probably have some REAL info on the subject.
dunno just an idea.
the only advice i have is what the other poeple have said. although you can also try...
oh course as you're washing the car keep spraying it down after every two panels. (Thats what i do) then afterwards try the "perfect drying technique" from autopia.org. if you know it already, stop reading and good luck :) otherwise its:
keep the entire car wet while washing it (duh)
when you are done take the hose head off the hose and hit the car with just the running water... this makes the water naturally sheet off the paint, not bead up, which is what causing water spots. then hit it with a good waffle weave microfiber towel. i like them the best. i'd tried chamios, the absorber and other typed of microfiber towels. the waffle weave is simply the best. it sucks water up like no tomorrow.
good luck and check out autopia.org if you already haven't they probably have some REAL info on the subject.
| dowroa | 07-07-2004 08:19 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by MikeWRX-NJ[/i]
[B] hmmm question, do the hard water spots wash out??? could they be etched into the paint? maybe they've built up over time and are now noticing them due to the new water?? :confused:
dunno just an idea.
the only advice i have is what the other poeple have said. although you can also try...
oh course as you're washing the car keep spraying it down after every two panels. (Thats what i do) then afterwards try the "perfect drying technique" from autopia.org. if you know it already, stop reading and good luck :) otherwise its:
keep the entire car wet while washing it (duh)
when you are done take the hose head off the hose and hit the car with just the running water... this makes the water naturally sheet off the paint, not bead up, which is what causing water spots. then hit it with a good waffle weave microfiber towel. i like them the best. i'd tried chamios, the absorber and other typed of microfiber towels. the waffle weave is simply the best. it sucks water up like no tomorrow.
good luck and check out autopia.org if you already haven't they probably have some REAL info on the subject. [/B][/QUOTE]
Thanks for the information, but this is where I got my information on car washing/drying when I finally settled on buying a black car.
I have only washed my car twice at [b]this[/b] residence (i.e. hard water), so this is not build up.
There are waterspots now on the 'flat panels' and even with the 'uber fast panel by panel' washing, you can [i]feel[/i] the calcification and deposits now on the paint (I ASSURE you that I have taken as much care and time washing as I do drying both times I have washed).
Is there any way to SAFELY remove water spots (you cant see them visually, but pass a moist microfiber towel over the surface, and it is OBVIOUS where they are). There are also a few large 'pocks' where the car was rained on one night, and water marks developed.
Please understand that washing my car has always been a RELAXING thing for me that allows me to take my time on something and enjoy it. These new events have KILLED my enjoyment I get out of washing/detailing my car, and I cannot find a solution to the madness that works.
- Quick drying -- you can still FEEL the deposits left as you hand dry
- Mr Clean -- in 90 degree humidity IN THE SHADE with a COLD car, it takes forever with the paltry stream of water to do an adequate job. Having the water dry on the panel you are working on (flat) is a real concern. It seems to start 'pocking' immediately.
- Deposits -- there are 'invisible' pock marks now, and I don't know how to safely do anything about that.
I apologize for being inflamitory before, but when someone trivializes something you enjoy and you are seriously looking for a solution, it is hard to take tongue and cheek comments with civility.
Thanks.
- dow
[B] hmmm question, do the hard water spots wash out??? could they be etched into the paint? maybe they've built up over time and are now noticing them due to the new water?? :confused:
dunno just an idea.
the only advice i have is what the other poeple have said. although you can also try...
oh course as you're washing the car keep spraying it down after every two panels. (Thats what i do) then afterwards try the "perfect drying technique" from autopia.org. if you know it already, stop reading and good luck :) otherwise its:
keep the entire car wet while washing it (duh)
when you are done take the hose head off the hose and hit the car with just the running water... this makes the water naturally sheet off the paint, not bead up, which is what causing water spots. then hit it with a good waffle weave microfiber towel. i like them the best. i'd tried chamios, the absorber and other typed of microfiber towels. the waffle weave is simply the best. it sucks water up like no tomorrow.
good luck and check out autopia.org if you already haven't they probably have some REAL info on the subject. [/B][/QUOTE]
Thanks for the information, but this is where I got my information on car washing/drying when I finally settled on buying a black car.
I have only washed my car twice at [b]this[/b] residence (i.e. hard water), so this is not build up.
There are waterspots now on the 'flat panels' and even with the 'uber fast panel by panel' washing, you can [i]feel[/i] the calcification and deposits now on the paint (I ASSURE you that I have taken as much care and time washing as I do drying both times I have washed).
Is there any way to SAFELY remove water spots (you cant see them visually, but pass a moist microfiber towel over the surface, and it is OBVIOUS where they are). There are also a few large 'pocks' where the car was rained on one night, and water marks developed.
Please understand that washing my car has always been a RELAXING thing for me that allows me to take my time on something and enjoy it. These new events have KILLED my enjoyment I get out of washing/detailing my car, and I cannot find a solution to the madness that works.
- Quick drying -- you can still FEEL the deposits left as you hand dry
- Mr Clean -- in 90 degree humidity IN THE SHADE with a COLD car, it takes forever with the paltry stream of water to do an adequate job. Having the water dry on the panel you are working on (flat) is a real concern. It seems to start 'pocking' immediately.
- Deposits -- there are 'invisible' pock marks now, and I don't know how to safely do anything about that.
I apologize for being inflamitory before, but when someone trivializes something you enjoy and you are seriously looking for a solution, it is hard to take tongue and cheek comments with civility.
Thanks.
- dow
| MikeWRX-NJ | 07-07-2004 09:08 AM |
ouch that really sounds like a PITA. i too love to take a good few hours washing the car slowly and doing a good job. heheh i "bond" with the car ;)
you should be able to clay bar the water spots off if they haven't etched the paint.
otherwise you'll have to hit them with a buffer.
honestly, I think the only route you can take that will give you the results you want is some sort of water softening system for your outside water... $$$ :(
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by dowroa[/i]
[B]
Is there any way to SAFELY remove water spots (you cant see them visually, but pass a moist microfiber towel over the surface, and it is OBVIOUS where they are). There are also a few large 'pocks' where the car was rained on one night, and water marks developed.
- dow [/B][/QUOTE]
you should be able to clay bar the water spots off if they haven't etched the paint.
otherwise you'll have to hit them with a buffer.
honestly, I think the only route you can take that will give you the results you want is some sort of water softening system for your outside water... $$$ :(
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by dowroa[/i]
[B]
Is there any way to SAFELY remove water spots (you cant see them visually, but pass a moist microfiber towel over the surface, and it is OBVIOUS where they are). There are also a few large 'pocks' where the car was rained on one night, and water marks developed.
- dow [/B][/QUOTE]
| dowroa | 07-07-2004 09:48 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by MikeWRX-NJ[/i]
[B] ouch that really sounds like a PITA. i too love to take a good few hours washing the car slowly and doing a good job. heheh i "bond" with the car ;)
you should be able to clay bar the water spots off if they haven't etched the paint.
otherwise you'll have to hit them with a buffer.
honestly, I think the only route you can take that will give you the results you want is some sort of water softening system for your outside water... $$$ :( [/B][/QUOTE]
Wow. I guess I am going to claybar and then wax the car. I am just surprised that one instance where water was left standing on the car would 'pock' that badly for that once. That REALLY disappoints me as I have been VERY meticulous about the maintenance of my car and its paint.
I guess I will spend a weekend and get that done, but does a good and frequent wax job keep problems like this from happening? Meaning, if I keep my car waxed reguarly (once a month), can this prevent hard water from pocking as easily and prevent issues like this from happening?
Any good information/sites on water softening systems that anyone has employeed?
Thanks!
- dow
[B] ouch that really sounds like a PITA. i too love to take a good few hours washing the car slowly and doing a good job. heheh i "bond" with the car ;)
you should be able to clay bar the water spots off if they haven't etched the paint.
otherwise you'll have to hit them with a buffer.
honestly, I think the only route you can take that will give you the results you want is some sort of water softening system for your outside water... $$$ :( [/B][/QUOTE]
Wow. I guess I am going to claybar and then wax the car. I am just surprised that one instance where water was left standing on the car would 'pock' that badly for that once. That REALLY disappoints me as I have been VERY meticulous about the maintenance of my car and its paint.
I guess I will spend a weekend and get that done, but does a good and frequent wax job keep problems like this from happening? Meaning, if I keep my car waxed reguarly (once a month), can this prevent hard water from pocking as easily and prevent issues like this from happening?
Any good information/sites on water softening systems that anyone has employeed?
Thanks!
- dow
| RayO | 07-07-2004 10:51 AM |
Hard water is a real problem, and a water softener is probably the solution.
Interestly, most softener installation instructions tell you how to hook up so that the exterior faucets aren't plumbed with soft water. I ignore this, and soften my water right out of the well.
Softeners are available in all kinds of price ranges. I've had terrible luck with Kenmore (Sears). I'm about to try a Waterboss (they're carried by Loew's and Home Depot).
A site that I visited called budgetwater.com has a lot of good information, and very good prices if you don't mind buying a large appliance on the internet. They also have technical phone support.
Beware of "breakthrough" developements in water softening technology. There's lots of snake oil in this business. And the "big" names seem to offer the same equipment as the discount brands, at highly inflated prices.
Good luck. I know exactly how you feel about making an effort to do a quality job, and getting less than perfect results.
Interestly, most softener installation instructions tell you how to hook up so that the exterior faucets aren't plumbed with soft water. I ignore this, and soften my water right out of the well.
Softeners are available in all kinds of price ranges. I've had terrible luck with Kenmore (Sears). I'm about to try a Waterboss (they're carried by Loew's and Home Depot).
A site that I visited called budgetwater.com has a lot of good information, and very good prices if you don't mind buying a large appliance on the internet. They also have technical phone support.
Beware of "breakthrough" developements in water softening technology. There's lots of snake oil in this business. And the "big" names seem to offer the same equipment as the discount brands, at highly inflated prices.
Good luck. I know exactly how you feel about making an effort to do a quality job, and getting less than perfect results.
| bhall | 07-07-2004 11:15 AM |
1st off this is not nuclear warfare, settle down.
2nd: You know the problem, hard water, and you know the solution, water softener. Seems like only one person has experience here with a water softener so stop getting all upset when all people are doing is sharing what works for them and trying to HELP you out.
Have a nice day:D
2nd: You know the problem, hard water, and you know the solution, water softener. Seems like only one person has experience here with a water softener so stop getting all upset when all people are doing is sharing what works for them and trying to HELP you out.
Have a nice day:D
| Supraru | 07-07-2004 04:14 PM |
I honestly think you just need to keep your car wet and dry it real fast. Now that I think of it every Sunday when it's nice me and my friends wash our cars at our friends house. My friend has a black evo and the other a black Msp. Well my friend with the evo and I didn't have any problem with water spots and neither did my friend with the blue Rs but the Msp got water spots all over it. He got all pissed off and swore never to wash his car at that house again. :lol: We were washing the cars at the same time and rinsing them off, I honestly think sometimes it has to do with technique or maybe it it's nicely waxed and polished.
| dowroa | 07-07-2004 04:19 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Supraru[/i]
[B] I honestly think you just need to keep your car wet and dry it real fast. Now that I think of it every Sunday when it's nice me and my friends wash our cars at our friends house. My friend has a black evo and the other a black Msp. Well my friend with the evo and I didn't have any problem with water spots and neither did my friend with the blue Rs but the Msp got water spots all over it. He got all pissed off and swore never to wash his car at that house again. :lol: We were washing the cars at the same time and rinsing them off, I honestly think sometimes it has to do with technique or maybe it it's nicely waxed and polished. [/B][/QUOTE]
Hmmm.. see, if I was talking to anyone on the net, and I had never had this experience, I would agree with you.
However, washing my car for the third time this week, I was able to keep new water spots from forming, but the damage has been done, and waterspots have formed. I am just going to have to claybar the whole thing and rewax, hoping that will minimize water spots in the future.
I am going to look at the pros/cons in water softner vs going to city water as a long term solution.
Thanks to all for the input, and hopefully I can minimize instances like this in the future. I think just the inital shock of how fast I have to do a panel (no more than 3-5 mins of water on the panel or it starts to pock) really surprised me. I also dont put force behind my washing, so I cant remove the pock marks easily.
Thanks to all, and I feel for people now when they say they have 'hard water'. It is terrible.
- dow
[B] I honestly think you just need to keep your car wet and dry it real fast. Now that I think of it every Sunday when it's nice me and my friends wash our cars at our friends house. My friend has a black evo and the other a black Msp. Well my friend with the evo and I didn't have any problem with water spots and neither did my friend with the blue Rs but the Msp got water spots all over it. He got all pissed off and swore never to wash his car at that house again. :lol: We were washing the cars at the same time and rinsing them off, I honestly think sometimes it has to do with technique or maybe it it's nicely waxed and polished. [/B][/QUOTE]
Hmmm.. see, if I was talking to anyone on the net, and I had never had this experience, I would agree with you.
However, washing my car for the third time this week, I was able to keep new water spots from forming, but the damage has been done, and waterspots have formed. I am just going to have to claybar the whole thing and rewax, hoping that will minimize water spots in the future.
I am going to look at the pros/cons in water softner vs going to city water as a long term solution.
Thanks to all for the input, and hopefully I can minimize instances like this in the future. I think just the inital shock of how fast I have to do a panel (no more than 3-5 mins of water on the panel or it starts to pock) really surprised me. I also dont put force behind my washing, so I cant remove the pock marks easily.
Thanks to all, and I feel for people now when they say they have 'hard water'. It is terrible.
- dow
| gerbs | 07-07-2004 04:47 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by exDSMr[/i]
[B] Wow dude...calm down. [/B][/QUOTE]
Just shaddap and use mr. clean's autodry feature it will work perfectly for your situation, duh, duh, duh.
If you don't wanna spend $10 on filters for it, go ahead and pay "$6000/mo" for city water.
[B] Wow dude...calm down. [/B][/QUOTE]
Just shaddap and use mr. clean's autodry feature it will work perfectly for your situation, duh, duh, duh.
If you don't wanna spend $10 on filters for it, go ahead and pay "$6000/mo" for city water.
| dowroa | 07-07-2004 04:54 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by gerbs[/i]
[B] Just shaddap and use mr. clean's autodry feature it will work perfectly for your situation, duh, duh, duh.
If you don't wanna spend $10 on filters for it, go ahead and pay "$6000/mo" for city water. [/B][/QUOTE]
No, that would be 6K for INSTALLATION of a line to the house from teh city water main, plus city assesment fees.
And no, I won't 'shaddap'. :)
- dow
[B] Just shaddap and use mr. clean's autodry feature it will work perfectly for your situation, duh, duh, duh.
If you don't wanna spend $10 on filters for it, go ahead and pay "$6000/mo" for city water. [/B][/QUOTE]
No, that would be 6K for INSTALLATION of a line to the house from teh city water main, plus city assesment fees.
And no, I won't 'shaddap'. :)
- dow
| kenchan | 07-07-2004 05:29 PM |
Try not to rinse with the water 'spraying' but with the water
streaming.
Then take a large spray bottle filled with distilled water and
spray the panels especially the bonnet, roof, and trunk.
It also helps to have the california water squeege thingie
and swipe the water as you rinse.
streaming.
Then take a large spray bottle filled with distilled water and
spray the panels especially the bonnet, roof, and trunk.
It also helps to have the california water squeege thingie
and swipe the water as you rinse.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét