46 Minute Rinseless Wash & Wax

[CharlesW]

When there was some discussion about how long it takes people to wash their car, I really had no idea, but....
Today, I happened to notice the time when I started and was able to track things a little.
I used a rinseless wash product, two bucket method.
I had the wash solution mixed and ready to use. My time started when I first dipped my wash sponge in the wash solution.
I wash a fairly large section at a time. 1/2 the roof, windshield, back window, side windows and painted portion above the body molding on one side of the car.
I then make a first pass with my damp MF over that same area.
I then spray some Duragloss AW on that area and make my final drying pass.
The exterior body except for wheels and tires took 34 minutes to wash and spray wax.
The wheels, tires, wheel wells, took an additional 12 minutes to clean and dress.
I did wipe down the trunk, engine compartment and door jambs.
I didn't need to do the interior since I had done it a day ago before the car was rained on. Vacuuming and doing the interior glass, dash, door panels and seats would likely add another 20 to 30 minutes.
I don't work fast, but I do work steady. No breaks or messing with a radio.
I'm guessing I could cut 10 to 15 minutes off the total time, but that would turn into work and I rather enjoy the washing process.
My hat is off to you guys that can do the full exterior, interior and windows in 30 minutes or less.

[bigron62]

i bet you do a much better job

[Bunky]

From start to finish, rinseless is faster for me since I have less to do. You do not have to deal with the hose or all the rinsing and when you finish the last panel you are done.

Originally Posted by CharlesW

I wash a fairly large section at a time. 1/2 the roof, windshield, back window, side windows and painted portion above the body molding on one side of the car.

I have noticed that many tout the 2 bucket method but when I see the videos of experts using the method I do not see how they really benefit from it.

I see them wash large sections of the vehicles at one time (the roof, the hood, 1/2 the side of the car, etc) so they may not dip the mitt in the rinse bucket as required by 2BM dogma but a few times! So, where is the real benefit.

I think this a major factor on the amount of time it takes to wash either with the rinseless method or traditional method.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Bunky

From start to finish, rinseless is faster for me since I have less to do. You do not have to deal with the hose or all the rinsing and when you finish the last panel you are done.

Since I have never timed myself doing a conventional wash, I can't say for sure, but I would guess the time is close to the same for me. My hose/hose reel is next to the driveway and all I need to do is unwind some hose and turn on the water.

Originally Posted by Bunky

I have noticed that many tout the 2 bucket method but when I see the videos of experts using the method I do not see how they really benefit from it.

My two bucket method is actually a double bucket method.


I put 1 gallon of wash solution in one side and one gallon of rinse solution in the other side. I do use the product at 1/2 the normal wash ratio in the rinse side to reduce the dilution of the wash solution with plain water from the rinse side.

Originally Posted by Bunky

I see them wash large sections of the vehicles at one time (the roof, the hood, 1/2 the side of the car, etc) so they may not dip the mitt in the rinse bucket as required by 2BM dogma but a few times! So, where is the real benefit.

I think this a major factor on the amount of time it takes to wash either with the rinseless method or traditional method.

I do dip the wash media in the rinse bucket, wring it out and then dip it in the wash solution after each panel. 1/2 hood, 1/2 roof, fender, etc. I don't start my drying process until I have washed at least a couple of panels. I'm not sure it is necessary, but I feel comfortable doing it that way.
It does add some time to the process, but I'm not on a tight schedule and that doesn't bother me.
As I have said before, the major benefit of rinseless washing for me is being able to do it in the garage year round. No worries about the weather.
I have even washed a vehicle while it was raining outside and had it clean for the next day.

[Bunky]

Charles, you seem to work in smaller sections that what I see in the expert videos.

My point is that if someone works in large sections using the 2BM they are basically spreading dirty soap and mitt on paint potentially doing more harm than a 1BM washer who works in smaller sections and rinses out the mitt a lot more often.

BTW, I just did a car this AM and it took me around 45 min to just ONR the paint, jambs, and wheels. The bad news is I discovered some clear coat failure starting on this 9 year old car on the trunk.

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[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Bunky

Charles, you seem to work in smaller sections that what I see in the expert videos.

That's easy. I'm not an expert and I'm not smart enough to know you can cover that much area with one mitt full of wash solution.

Originally Posted by Bunky

My point is that if someone works in large sections using the 2BM they are basically spreading dirty soap and mitt on paint potentially doing more harm than a 1BM washer who works in smaller sections and rinses out the mitt a lot more often.

Seems logical, but I really don't know how much benefit there is to the two bucket method anyway. Like you said, regular rinsing of the mitt seems to work pretty good, even with just one bucket.

Originally Posted by Bunky

BTW, I just did a car this AM and it took me around 45 min to just ONR the paint, jambs, and wheels. The bad news is I discovered some clear coat failure starting on this 9 year old car on the trunk.

Your time makes me think I'm not too far off. The CC failure bothers me since our GTP has passed it's 9th birthday. No signs yet.

[sal329]

I was the entire roof, one pass with MF drying towel, DG AW or OCW, then final pass with a shag rag, then proceed the same manner from front to rear working from top to bottom. I use the last of what is in my buckets for wheels and tires. Taking my time not rushing one bit takes 45-60 minutes.