Do spot-free car soaps work?

[Tantalus]

Hello,

There are several brands of car wash soaps that say they have enough water softener in them so that you don't have to towel-dry the car after it's washed in order to get a spot-free finish, if anyone knows if these actually work like they say please reply.

 

[Mike-in-Orange]

It kind of depends on how hard your water is to start with. When I lived in Orange, CA our water was unbelievably hard and would leave the most horrific spots. Here in Trabuco Canyon (South OC) the water isn't nearly as hard.

The only system I've really heard much about is the Mr. Clean system, and I've not heard much good about it. From all the really critical users who's opinions I value and trust, it tends to leave a film on the surface that makes waxing the car a real pain. I'd rather use something like Meguiar's NXT soap (which has some mild softening agents), wash in the shade, take the nozzle off the hose and give a final rinse with just a steady stream of water (this causes all those little water beads to run together and sheet off the car - works best with a well waxed surface), and then dry what's left with a couple of good waffle weave microfibers.

 

[daemonite]

goto your local walmart and head for the RV section, and buy an inline water filter. I use that and it gives me a spot free rinse =)

 

[Timothy Ferguson]

www-clear-rinse.com I have and all I have to say is holy cow.

 

[GMBoy]

Clear rinse sounds like what I'm looking for. I am so tired of washing and then having to hurry up to dry before spots form - which always beat me anyway. When washing I even keep the already washed parts wet, still spots. I have seen similiar devices, but they cost a lot more. The website says the avg use is 15 car washes. Sounds expensive to use and I guess I'd have to only hook it up when washing or rinsing. How long do these filters last for you, Timothy Ferguson??

 

[GMBoy]

Forgot - daemomite - how much do these RV filters cost? I may even put one on my RV too.

 

[daemonite]

about 17 bucks, works well and you can even drink the water out of the hose if you get thirsty =)

 

[Lazerred1]

It also helps to sheet flow the rinse. Take the nozzel off the hose and start at the top and just flood the car when rinsing.