Water restricted washing?

[CharlesW]

How many of the members in the critical water shortage areas have gone to waterless of low water usage products to clean vehicles?
Is there any leeway granted to those that wash vehicles for their livelihood?

For those of you having to try this process for the first time, what are some of your thoughts?

Once you overcome the natural concern of not having the vehicle drenched from a hose, it's not too bad, is it?

Charles

[Squirtgun]

I wash small fleet of personal vehicles every friday and small truck fleet monthly,but until yesterday my business was not effected by restrictions(exempted under level 2).However,with yesterdays decision by the state of Ga. to raise water restrictions to level 4 from level 2 I don't know what will happen.I sent an email to our states governors office this morning trying to see how deeply this may hit our checking account.
The last 24hrs have been very unsettling.

[CalgaryDetail]

here in calgary we are not aloud to put saop down the drains, its very simila to having a pipe ban, since we cant wash out cars like normal.

I have come to relly on onr, it takes some getting used to, and some practive to get it right but once ytou do its great.

For those on a water ban I would recomend lookin into onr.

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[JaredPointer]

It's on the news and in the paper here that we will be getting cut off as well. No outside usage (watering, washing, etc.) from what I can tell. Good thing I have a small reserve or PB's S&W as well as QEW on hand.

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[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by JaredPointer

It's on the news and in the paper here that we will be getting cut off as well. No outside usage (watering, washing, etc.) from what I can tell. Good thing I have a small reserve or PB's S&W as well as QEW on hand.

It seems like I read about someone using bottled water with their rinseless wash. Seems like that would meet the restrictions. I would make sure to keep the jug and the sales receipt in case someone checks you.
Since about 90% of my washing is either Spray & Wipe or DP 4 in 1, it wouldn't be a big problem.

Charles

	Poorboys World Products Poorboy’s has made a name around the show circuit for fantastic products at great prices! Its ever-growing popularity is due to word-of-mouth testimonies from novice detailers through auto enthusiasts about the brilliant results no matter what your level of expertise. You’re going to love Poorboy’s!

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by CalgaryDetail

here in calgary we are not aloud to put saop down the drains, its very simila to having a pipe ban, since we cant wash out cars like normal.

Actually, I think the federal Clean Water Act prohibits this in the U.S.
I don't think it is enforced in most areas, but I do think some cities are very strict about it.
Some form of water containment or recovery is needed in those areas.
Some of the pros have probably been working with this for a few years.

Charles

[southerndetail]

I am in the process of offering the optimum rinse less wash "going green" to my menu for an up charge of $10-$20 we are still in stage 3, if I'm not mistaken stage 4 affects businesses.

[Beemerboy]

Charles

We have been asked to cut back on water, here in Sonoma County...I still use the water for my detail customers, but for my own cars its S&W mostly unless I want to clean the BD from the rims, then that's the only place I use the water

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by southerndetail

I am in the process of offering the optimum rinse less wash "going green" to my menu for an up charge of $10-$20 we are still in stage 3, if I'm not mistaken stage 4 affects businesses.

The up charge is great if you can get it, but do you think using a rinseless or waterless wash will actually cost you more?
Being a hobby detailer, I have never really compared any of the different wash costs. Doing 2 or 3 a week, it has never been a big deal. Doing several a day might cause me to look at it differently.

Charles

[southerndetail]

Not only more time consuming but more expensive, if I am forced to buy bottled water.

[Squirtgun]

I don't think the S&W is a cost effective solution for a fleet of 2 1/2 ton box trucks,but for my car washing account it would work.Well at least for 4 of the 5.One of them is 2500 chevy 4x4 used on a plantation.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by southerndetail

Not only more time consuming but more expensive, if I am forced to buy bottled water.

It might not take much more if any time once you get used to it.
The bottled water is something I didn't take into account.
I happen to use 2 gallons of water per wash. One for the wash water, one for rinsing the washing tool. Many people are able to use just one bucket which would be just one gallon of bottled water.
It is obviously going to be a challenge for the professional.

Charles

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Squirtgun

I don't think the S&W is a cost effective solution for a fleet of 2 1/2 ton box trucks,but for my car washing account it would work.Well at least for 4 of the 5.One of them is 2500 chevy 4x4 used on a plantation.

It would take a lot of S&W, but two things about it.
1. You should be able to get a better price from Poorboy in large quantities.
2. While it would take more S&W for the larger and dirtier vehicles, you are probably charging more for those larger and dirtier vehicles.
It has to be pretty hard to beat a pressure washer for large truck washing.
Like I said, a real challenge for the professional.

Charles

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by Squirtgun

I don't think the S&W is a cost effective solution for a fleet of 2 1/2 ton box trucks,but for my car washing account it would work.Well at least for 4 of the 5.One of them is 2500 chevy 4x4 used on a plantation.

actually S&W can be extremely cost effective if used correctly. We worked it out to be about .50-$1.00 per car when bought in bulk and even cheaper when bought by shops and Professionals like yourself.
As for the trucks, I would put it in a portable back pack sprayer and have a good size stock of towels, whether microfiber or not.

[cwcad]

Since I am a hobbiest I have never worked out a cost for S&W. What I can say is that many times I have been forced to use S&W if I wanted a clean truck. Many times, when I was in Alaska, I just did not have access to water. So I went to using S&W with a lot of towels. And I do mean a lot of towels. If one takes the time to do it correctly you can get an awfully clean truck with minimal marring. Time was not really an issue with me. Unless you take into consideration the time it takes to wash and dry the towels. At least that is the way it is for me.