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Washing car in garage

sizzler90

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I like to keep my car clean all year round. Sometimes the weather does not allow me to wash my car outside. I could wash it in my garage except that water would probably run under cabinets, toolboxes and freezer. Does anyone make a portable water block that I could drive my car on and not flood my garage? I wash with low water pressure so water does not go all over the place, but still it seems to drain everywhere I don't want it.

Or are there any ther reasons I don't want to wash my car in the garage?
 
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PassnThru

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Any other reasons not to do it? How about increasing the humidity inside your garage so much that your tools and everything else rusts out. If you don't have a drain in your floor then the water is stuck in there unless you squeegee it out every time. I have enough problems with humidity in my garage without introducing more water. Just something to think about OK :beer:
 

HOTFR8

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1,The simple way is to use Spray bottle and Chamois - spray on wipe off or 2, the professional way would be to build a floor area with a drain so you can use the pressure washer and have that section well away from your work area.

I use the 1st idea myself and the 2nd I have seen done in many a garage.
 
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sizzler90

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Thanks everyone for the replies.

I will need more information on this waterless and ORN concept. I would think both of these would just grind dirt and sand into the paint. Especially if it's really dirty.

If i where you I'd look in to a waterless wash....or a no rinse wash

http://www.optimumcarcare.com/onrwns.htm?li=2

optimum no rinse (ORN) is just what you're looking for, I use it and it's great doesn't mar the paint and makes quick work of car washing in a garage.

1,The simple way is to use Spray bottle and Chamois - spray on wipe off or 2, the professional way would be to build a floor area with a drain so you can use the pressure washer and have that section well away from your work area.

I use the 1st idea myself and the 2nd I have seen done in many a garage.


Didn't think about that. Thanks for bringing that up.
Any other reasons not to do it? How about increasing the humidity inside your garage so much that your tools and everything else rusts out. If you don't have a drain in your floor then the water is stuck in there unless you squeegee it out every time. I have enough problems with humidity in my garage without introducing more water. Just something to think about OK :beer:


I try not to drive my Miata when the weather gets too bad, but I like to get the winter road chemicals and grime off of it, as much as possible.
If the weather is bad enough to prevent you washing the car... whats the point???


I could do that, but then it would get dirty again on the way home. So I would be wasting money. But I would get most ofthe chemicals and heavy dirt off of it.
Better off to spend the $4 at the coin wash when it's cold out.

Hmm
Use a shop vac for the water
 
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DHCrocks

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Hawaii
ONR is good but if you have a heavy coat of dirt and mud forget it. you'll need to use a hose for that. if you look on you tube they have examples of doing a ONR wash, just search ONR. or you can head on over to autopia.org it's a detailing forum.
ORN is a very safe and popular wash method that doesn't require a hose.
 
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sizzler90

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ONR is good but if you have a heavy coat of dirt and mud forget it. you'll need to use a hose for that. if you look on you tube they have examples of doing a ONR wash, just search ONR. or you can head on over to autopia.org it's a detailing forum.
ORN is a very safe and popular wash method that doesn't require a hose.

Thanks I'll check it out.
 

antolod

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Illinois
Another waterless solution is Dri Wash. Here is their web page. I have used it for detailing before a car show and it seemed to work okay.
 
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Rothaus

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virginia
I use Magic Spray and wipe since years now, in the garage and outside.

Here is the website It is also great for the wheels. In summer when the car is still clean and the wheels have break dust.

Cheers :beer:
 

Matt M PA

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SE PA
I too use QEW when it's too cold, or a car that can't be hosed off. Works very well.
 

trainer

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Northern Ontario, Canada
I warm the car up inside the garage, then pull it outside and wash it quickly with warm water. Then back inside, and chamois to dry. This method works down to about 20 degrees and keeps most of the moisture out of the shop.
 

Griot's Garage

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Tacoma, WA
Waterless car washing is actually a lot safer than it sounds. The idea behind it, like any car wash, is to lift the dirt off the surface and allow the lubricants in the waterless car wash to slide the dirt off of your paint without scratching.

Here is a link to a short article I wrote about it on our blog:
http://www.inmygarage.com/?p=1394

I use our Spray-On Car Wash on my cars all the time. The car can be pretty dirty, but you just want to make sure it isn't splattered with mud all down the side. But I've done it on cars that see a week or two of commuting in the rain.

The most important thing to remember is to not use much pressure when wiping with your towel. Too much pressure will press the dirt into the paint not allowing the lubricants in the product to do their job. If you have an area where the dirt is a little more stubborn, mist with a little more product. The Spray-On Car Wash will soften the dirt and lift it off the paint. Good towels are also important. A high-loft micro fiber will be gentle on the paint and also be able to hold the dirt away from the surface better than a cotton or thinner micro fiber.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

~derek
 

nate379

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Pointless to wash it then isn't it?

I pull my junk into the coin wash every month or so during the winter to knock the worst of it off. Not going to win any car shows after I get done, but at least I can tell what color the car is. :bounce:

I could do that, but then it would get dirty again on the way home. So I would be wasting money. But I would get most ofthe chemicals and heavy dirt off of it.
 

Elkiebob

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Nov 26, 2009
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Marietta, GA
I have used Griot's waterless car wash for a couple years now. we had a drought here in GA for a long time. couldn't wash cars. I had a brand new paint job and Griot's worked great. I highly recommend it.
 

D.J.

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Sep 16, 2009
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New Haven IL
Use a tarp on floor of garage and 2X4's to roll up the edges and make a tray around your car. Wash and then **** up water in tarp with wet vac. We use this at hazmat incidents for containment of contaminates. Just my $.02 D.J.:bounce:
________
Brunette ********
 
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sizzler90

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Thanks again for all the replies. I am going to give the waterless car wash a try with all of the great recomendations. I'll hit the car wask to knock off any real heavy stuff first if needed.

The hazmat idea is good also. I have used that at work (luckily just for training.
 
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sizzler90

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I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

~derek
As long as you asked, I do have a question.
After sending you ton's of money for car wash goodies are going to refund my money if I go with your spray on car wash? :bounce:
How about just the car wash shoes?
Just joshing ya.:lol_hitti
You have great products. I'll send another order with another ton of money soon.
 
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