Help with OPTIMUM (O.P.T) products

[mg6045]

I'm having some issue with my dilutions i mixed up of my Optimum Opti-clean and Optimum Instant Detailer.

I have very little experience with these products.

But today I ONR'd my car, which went without a hitch. Although I was nervous in doing so, cause the car was slightly dirty with road film and splatter from snow on the lower panels. But the reality is that I had no choice. No running water that was not COMPLETELY frozen , anywhere ! and no hope for warmer weather anytime soon. so I just bit the bullet. I checked the car with the Brinkmann after, and it turned out 95% defect free. any little issue's should be no problem cleaning up with the polisher once the weather breaks. So I consider the ONR wash a success. (I used 1oz per gallon, as I was not so sure on the hardness of the water, and saw that dilution recommendation by OPT rep's on the forum for hard water).

But after the wash, I wanted to dry the car a little better, as I only blotted dry with WW towels after finishing the cleanup.

So I pulled out the OPTI-clean, and OPT Instant Detailer with the intentions on using either or. And thats where I ran into a small issue. Both worked well after spraying down for the final wipe, but it turned out they streaked a lot, causing me to do some things I did not want to. 1- was push harder than I wanted to , to make the product dissapear. 2 - rub and wipe in a couple direction, or one direction a LOT more than I wanted to as well.

I have a feeling it is because my mix's are too strong. I am thinking this because I have read on the forums to dilute more than what is recommended on the bottle, but considering its my first time using these products in a very careful manner, I decided to mix following the instructions on the 32oz bottle. 3:1. meaning that a 32oz bottle will make 1 complete gallon of product.

So, what are your suggestions for mixing up new dilutions, WHILE also keeping the products safe for there intended purpose. ie: to "lightly" clean and shine.

Hoping for some good feedback.

Thank you.

 

[Lasthope05]

I get the same problems with OID so I dilute it at 4:1 with distilled water. Still works just as well and does not streak. Another issue with people have with streaking is the use way too much product. One or two sprays per panel is more than enough.

Another thing I like about OID is it is a great clay lube at 8:1. Very very slick stuff.

 

[Old Tiger]

OID is known to streak. Go up to 4:1 using Distilled Water for best results. I havent had problems with OOC at 3:1 but try diluting it a little more too.

 

[Chris Thomas]

You can safely dilute either at 4:1 instead of the directed 3:1, but I think is has more to do with temperatures from your description. If you are only doing a wipedown, just dampen the towel instead of spraying the panel. One spray per panel is plenty. Most streaking is from over application...the weaker dilution is more to make up for overapplication, not because OID is prone to streak. All Optimum products are super concentrated and it seems hard for some to trust the product until they have used it for a bit.

 

[CEE DOG]

I get that streaking with OID as well. I don't spray to much and I have more passes with my towel to remove. I dont press harder though, just more passes. I actually only use my OID as an aid while drying a wet car anymore.

 

[builthatch]

4:1 with distilled water is a winner for me. no issues. and i spray it out of a megs instant detailer bottle - i like the super fine "forward" mist that it provides.

and i agree that if the surface temps are low, you will be prone to a few removal issues, etc.

 

[mg6045]

You can safely dilute either at 4:1 instead of the directed 3:1, but I think is has more to do with temperatures from your description. If you are only doing a wipedown, just dampen the towel instead of spraying the panel. One spray per panel is plenty. Most streaking is from over application...the weaker dilution is more to make up for overapplication, not because OID is prone to streak. All Optimum products are super concentrated and it seems hard for some to trust the product until they have used it for a bit.

thank you for the input.

yes, i did realize early on that overapplication was causing me quite an issue, so I did wind up going down to about 2 sprays per panel., and this did help in a big way.

I will also take into account the temp's as well, and try to get the garage up closer to 60 degree's next time.

Otherwise, i was happy with the results in the end. the car smells good, lol, and has a nice slick feeling to it. It also looks like it was waxed.

results : (no before's , sorry)

Fortunately I only mixed a 32oz sprayer, so I am going to remix up a 4:1 solution for both of the said products asap, for the next use.

I just want to be clear, that i'm 99% sure that my conditions on top of user error is to blame for this small mishap this afternoon. I got a lot of confidence that I will get everything tweaked correctly. thanks to the help of many on the forum. I've got confidence in the products as well.

ohh yah, the moral of the story is that detailing in the winter sucks as much as living in the northeast.

 

[mg6045]

I have another question that is off subject kind of.

I used ONR and the opti-mitt. 2 bucket method. This was very effective, and I would always suggest a 2nd bucket even with ONR from now on. after seeing green dirty water in the rinse bucket when all was said and done.

I was pre-spraying with ONR at QD dilution before the pass's with the opti-mitt. Should I be using this dilution or the regular carwash dilution ? ( i'm thinking using QD might have been a waste in the end)

I also want to add that the opti-mitt worked incredibly well. it cleaned on the first pass. I started off with 3 different mitts in the wash bucket and after the first panel the other 2 mitts (Groits garage MF chenille, and red LC sponge) were pulled and put to the side. The Opti-mitt is far superior. It picks up debris faster and easier, with less agitation, and also rinse's incredibly well. There was absolutely NO comparison to the other wash sponges. During the whole ONR process I was most impressed with the opti-mitt and felt very confident using it, considering I did not have to put hardly any pressure into it on the side panels. I did wind up using 6 gallons of water though, but like I said, I was being SUPER cautious , and at times was picking up water and squeezing it over the panel first.

 

[Chris Thomas]

Your prespray should be whatever gives you confidence. I personally use clay lube strength normally. When the car is very dirty, I will pressure rinse before ONR and sometime prespray with OptiClean instead of ONR. Keep a microfiber in the bucket with the OptiMitt to do under wipers, door handles, and the painted area of the arches.

 

[mg6045]

Your prespray should be whatever gives you confidence. I personally use clay lube strength normally. When the car is very dirty, I will pressure rinse before ONR and sometime prespray with OptiClean instead of ONR. Keep a microfiber in the bucket with the OptiMitt to do under wipers, door handles, and the painted area of the arches.

Chris,

do you guys have any further recommended dilution rates for the Power-clean besides whats on the bottle ?

say for light cleaning ? on the interior or exterior ? (to be used on a car that is already in good shape in and out)

 

[Chris Thomas]

You can basically tune it in to your needs. Common uses include: 1:1 for degreasing- 3:1 for wheel cleaning, LSP removal wash, tough interior grime- 5:1 lower panel presoak prior to wash, jambs, wells- 10:1 basic interior cleaner -20:1 carpet pretreating, window cleaning (do not on use on window film, though).

Those are just the one's I have used effectively in my experience. Hope this helps.

 

[Old Tiger]

You can basically tune it in to your needs. Common uses include: 1:1 for degreasing- 3:1 for wheel cleaning, LSP removal wash, tough interior grime- 5:1 lower panel presoak prior to wash, jambs, wells- 10:1 basic interior cleaner -20:1 carpet pretreating, window cleaning (do not on use on window film, though).

Those are just the one's I have used effectively in my experience. Hope this helps.

Chris, you are always a big help! Now tell us when the Spray Finishing Polish will be ready for release, please.

 

[mg6045]

You can basically tune it in to your needs. Common uses include: 1:1 for degreasing- 3:1 for wheel cleaning, LSP removal wash, tough interior grime- 5:1 lower panel presoak prior to wash, jambs, wells- 10:1 basic interior cleaner -20:1 carpet pretreating, window cleaning (do not on use on window film, though).

Those are just the one's I have used effectively in my experience. Hope this helps.

Yes, this does help for sure ! thank you. I'm glad you joined this thread and hope you dont mind me updating it every so often for more tips on using the products. I have got the entire line minus the polish's.

thanks chris.

 

[builthatch]

You can basically tune it in to your needs. Common uses include: 1:1 for degreasing- 3:1 for wheel cleaning, LSP removal wash, tough interior grime- 5:1 lower panel presoak prior to wash, jambs, wells- 10:1 basic interior cleaner -20:1 carpet pretreating, window cleaning (do not on use on window film, though).

Those are just the one's I have used effectively in my experience. Hope this helps.

this kind of mirrors my ratios.

i use 1:1 for horrible wheels/engines, 3:1 for most wheels/wells/normal bay cleaning/exhaust tips/undercarriage and 10:1 for interior/front fascia pre-treat/lower rocker.

 

[Chris Thomas]

Chris, you are always a big help! Now tell us when the Spray Finishing Polish will be ready for release, please.

You know me better than that. Loose lips sink ships. Who said there was even one in the works? (giggling)

Yes, this does help for sure ! thank you. I'm glad you joined this thread and hope you dont mind me updating it every so often for more tips on using the products. I have got the entire line minus the polish's.

thanks chris.

You're quite welcome. I subscribe to all the threads I post in but if I miss your question feel free to send me a link to the post via PM and I'll take a look.

 

[Kurt_s]

You can basically tune it in to your needs. Common uses include: 1:1 for degreasing- 3:1 for wheel cleaning, LSP removal wash, tough interior grime- 5:1 lower panel presoak prior to wash, jambs, wells- 10:1 basic interior cleaner -20:1 carpet pretreating, window cleaning (do not on use on window film, though).

Those are just the one's I have used effectively in my experience. Hope this helps.

Hey Chris,

I've never used OPC at 10:1 or 20:1. How well does OPC work as a carpet cleaner? What dilution do you use for leather?

I've been using OPC at 1:3 for interior cleaning, door jambs, engine hood and trunk rain gutters, rubber window trim, rubber rain gutters, tires and wheels, wheel wells, plastic trim and more.

 

[Chris Thomas]

Hey Chris,

I've never used OPC at 10:1 or 20:1. How well does OPC work as a carpet cleaner? What dilution do you use for leather?

It works well as a spotter but foams too much to use as the main event. Plus it needs to be rinsed so it you need to go over it with water. Leather dilution depends on how dirty the leather is. It's safe at 3:1 for sure or less if you test it and find it effective. Don't let it run though, mist it on and spread it quick then you can take your time brushing or wiping.

 

[Kurt_s]

It works well as a spotter but foams too much to use as the main event. Plus it needs to be rinsed so it you need to go over it with water. Leather dilution depends on how dirty the leather is. It's safe at 3:1 for sure or less if you test it and find it effective. Don't let it run though, mist it on and spread it quick then you can take your time brushing or wiping.

Well I guess I'll keep APC+ or 303 carpet and fabric cleaner around for carpet. Not a big issue as I keep finding new uses for OPC. OPC has become my go to APC as I try to reduce my product inventory and focus on my favs.

 

[mg6045]

Great news,

the 4:1 dilution has solved ALL of my issue's.

The Instant Detail is working wonders like this. I can overspray a bunch and still wipe up without issue.

 

[mg6045]

Chris, would you recommend I mix up the OPTI-clean at 4:1 as well ?

Or should I just give it another go at 3:1, and try not using it in the freezing cold ? lol

I'm thinking how nicely the I.D. is now at 4:1 , that it may work the same for the OPTI-clean. I just want to be sure that I'm still going to be using the product as intended.

what do you think ?