[RPS328ix]

I've never tried waterless car wash spray, but I was thinking about starting to use it between washes for touch up or as a quick spot cleaner on bird droppings, small mud splashes, etc.

I'm worried that, without water, I'll end up grinding dust and dirt (or salt in the winter) into the clear coat and scratching it. I guess you have to be very careful in how you wipe off the spray, but it seems to me like the potential to damage the finish is high if there is debris on the car that needs to be wiped off without first spraying that loose debris off.

Am I overthinking it, or is this a risk? Thanks!

[NitramA]

I'm sure that you'll get lots of replies telling you not to use the stuff and I have to admit I shared your concern.
I bought some just out of curiosity and couldn't see how it could work without scratching hell out the paintwork.
So first time I tried it I even washed the car with water first!
Then I applied it and was surprised at how good the shine was.
I then tried it on the wife's car without using water and it did exactly as it said it would. Cleaned and polished with no damage.
I've since cleaned four of my cars with no problems.
Colour doesn't seem to be a factor: I've cleaned metallic grey, red, metallic blue and the latest being mineral white, all with no visible swirls or scratches.
Only thing I'd say is that I shake out the cloths regularly and use three or four per wash. I also won't use it on a really dirty car.
I think it's no more dangerous than using water: I've caught grit in a cloth using water and it's scratched the paint.
Mind you I've now discovered Carplan Demon Snow Foam and that seems really good too. Even then you apply it and then use a sponge to help remove the dirt, so it's possible to scratch the paint then!
So my view is it's safe to use- but you need to be careful.

[335i_4D]

Not ready to try this on my black 335i.
Pressure wash, then very foamy soap with2 bucket and do it for me.

[vanbmw]

I have tried this on my car but only when it is too cold to use the hose on my driveway. I use 2 buckets with a wash mitt and Optimum no rinse wash and shine in each bucket. Wash a small area with bucket #1. Then I go over that area a second time from bucket #2. Then I follow up with a clean microfibre drying towel and wipe it dry. Results are good. I still prefer to wash with lots of water and the 2 bucket method but this works well when required.

Do you have a bottle of quick detail spray and a towel in your car? I keep a bottle/towel in my trunk. If I get some bird shit on the car I give a quick spray and wipe. Get that shit off!!!

[xantdieselx]

Optimum works very well I can attest because I used on a BSM E92 with no issues. For washes use the two bucket method. For touch up such as bird shit removal I use a few ounces mixed with water in a spray bottle. It works great as clay lube as well. I'm not sure it would use the spray method to clean large portions of my car especially if it was dusty though...I think that would be asking for it.

[XenaBimmer]

I've tried Chemical Guys Ecosmart waterless wash a few times this month on my arctic white and black sapphire f30's, and it did an amazing job on both with no scratches or swirls to speak of

[Mobster1983]

I got some waterless wash for my black sapphire metallic 335i about a month ago. side after a wash, it is fine and enhances the shine. Also, if your car is clean, and it rains a bit, it is good to touch up the spots from the rain. However, if your car is dirty, there is a good chance you will leave swirls in the paint. I cleaned mine when it was relatively dirty, and it did a pretty good job. My main issue was I only had a couple microfiber towels with me. If you change out the towel (or use a clean section) with each panel, it is much better.

So, yes, for very light touch ups, like wiping the dust off your car or light rain spots, it is fine. Do not use it to wash your car if it is dirty. Mine now has some very light scratches. They are not very apparent, but I can see them.

[335i_4D]

I do use Optimum also, but only for clay and detailing.
I'm old school, prefer to rinse out the dirt before, and use water/foamy soap.

As you can see in my signature, mostly black cars.

[XenaBimmer]

The key is to use multiple microfibers and switch sides when it gets dirty. Also, spray a good amount of the product on the paint first, then wipe it off using the mf with light pressure and only wipe in one direction using a snake pattern. Next, after the dirt is removed, use a separate mf to lightly buff the area
This video shows this in kind of the extreme version, ie, a very dirty car

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

I use Garry Dean’s “Infinite Use Detail Juice” as-per his method/instructions. I do cheat a bit… I wash my wheels (with SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner) at the local coin-operated DIY car wash. After I’m done using the pressure washer to rinse off the wheels, I rinse down the paint thoroughly before driving her home soaking wet.

[35mmSummicron]

I use Optimum No Rinse on my Black Sapphire Metallic F30. Works really well. Just use *LOTS* of clean MF towels (like 1 per panel) and make sure the car and towels are thoroughly soaked with No Rinse. Wipe gently and you shouldn't have a problem.

Optimum No Rinse is also great as a clay lube, and as a quick detailer. Big fan of this product.

[dmath]

I recently put Sonax Polymer Net Shield on my car (amazing stuff - photos soon) and plan to use Sonax Brilliant Shine detail spray (when Detailers Domain gets it back in stock). Can I use Brilliant Shine as a waterless, touch up wash as well? If not, is there something I can use for spot cleaning that won't interfere with using Brilliant Shine as a detail spray?

[reedo302]

I use the Griot's Garage waterless car wash and it works very well. No scratches or left behind residue if you do it correctly. Invest in lots of microfiber towels if you decide to do it.

If your car gets dusty or lightly dirty, just use a detailing spray at regular intervals. If it doesn't rain, I can go a couple weeks between washes by just using detail spray. Except the wheels....damn BMW brake dust.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by reedo302

If your car gets dusty or lightly dirty, just use a detailing spray at regular intervals. If it doesn't rain, I can go a couple weeks between washes by just using detail spray. Except the wheels....damn BMW brake dust.

I have one of those 5 gallon buckets with the screw-on lid that I keep the microfiber wash towels soaking in the waterless wash solution. When I want to touch up the car, I just bring the bucket out and I'm done in no time. Not really much more involved than just using detail spray, and I feel like it's safer.
Like you said; it's the wheels that take most of the time and effort.

[AweSam8]

Are you guys saying to just "quick detail" the car without washing it before??? Or are we still talking about waterless washes here?

[claussman]

I've used waterless washes on my Black Sapphire 335 for both in between wash touch ups and as a "complete wash" with great results. I've also used it after a quick rinse with my drying towels. Leaves the car with a great shine with no averse effects on the paint. Full Disclosure, I live in San Francisco so the car never really gets too dirty in the first place.