Wash and Wax?

Buggy Bath

Buggy Bath

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Are Wash and Wax products a sales gimmick or backed by real science?

If wax creates surface tension on the surface of the vehicle than how is the water and soap supposed to do its job?

I have not spoken to any chemists on this but it just seems that the wax and wash would be working against each other. What you think?

Mitchell
 
I believe the ultimate goal is to leave something behinds that adds slickness, gloss, and beading so the car looks better. I have not seen anyone try to review the protection you actually get. I look at them more a wash and detailer combo than "wax".
 
In my: 'Layman's understanding':

There is a diverse category/'family' of organic compounds called :Lipids...And,
They're related by the fact they're generally insoluble in water, but soluble in non-polar organic solvents (like acetone, benzene, etc.).

Some examples of the lipid family that may have bearing on your inquiry are:
-Fatty acids; soaps and detergents; waxes.

1.) Fatty Acids:
It takes using some fatty acids, such as carbolic acid, to react with some bases (sometimes ammonia, for example) to form ionic salts...salts which, then, become more water soluble.

2. Soaps and Detergents:
-By using certain carboxylic acids/alkylene-salts chain lengths, it creats traits of being both hydrophilic and hydrophobic on the same acid/alkyl molecule. These molecules are called amphiphilc molecules, which are insoluble in water and "float"-to/spread-upon the water surface...with the carboxyl-acid [hydrophilic (head)] part of the molecule bonding to the water...the alkyl [hydrophobic (tail) away from the water.
-Put enough of these molecules into water and it changes water's surface characteristics (such as surface tension)...and you've got yourself some surfactants! Surfactants, then, penetrate the water and "wets" many different materials .
-The correct amount/type of surfactants in water then form micelles. These micelles are resonsible for surrounding/capturing dirt, grease, and other contaminates...which are then able to be flushed away.

3.) Waxes:
-Waxes are esters of fatty acids and at times hydrocarbons. Wax emulsions are usually what we deal with.


So...
-In theory, being that soaps/detergents/waxes are: "All in the Family"...IMO...It seems it would be/is possible to 'mix up' a solution containing a: Washing-product with a wax emulsion.

-Now...How the wax is 'removed' from this solution; and, after evaportation of water, carrier systems; it will 'remain' on vehicle's panels, glass areas, rubber/plastic, etc....is a conundrum to me...

-And, as such...I am more than satisfied to:
a. Permit the Real Chemists to explain this puzzler, if they would be so kind to do so.
b. Not use these 2-N-1'ers myself. (I've seen a haze-like film appear, or so it seems to me, upon painted surfaces with their continual usage)
c. May be used in situations where one has time restraints, for example.
d. Be corrected, if/where necessary, in my above 'understandings'.


Don't know if this will help, or not...

:)

Bob
 
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We use it at work but I won't use it on my own.

PLUS, I think the wax makes the floor slippery.

Hopefully we can get some other responses.
 
Buggy Bath said:
1.)We use it at work but I won't use it on my own.

2.)PLUS, I think the wax makes the floor slippery.

3.)Hopefully we can get some other responses.
Click to expand...

1.) Would you please explain why...For both scenarios? Thanks.

2.) So if you are saying that you believe "wash-n-wax" products do in fact contain enough wax to cause a floor to become slippery...Why would you not also believe a vehicle shouldn't enjoy the same 'slippery-ness' from a good dousing of a similar wash-n-wax product? (Is this contrary, to what I perceived, you stated in your OP?) Thanks, again.

NOTE: I personally would think if there is any wax remaining on a vehicle, after using a wash-n-wax product, there surely must be some of the soap/detergent/wax emulsion-solution remaining: amid/amongst/co-mingled with the wax...Or...Has everything, but the wax-faction been: "Miscilled"?!?


3.) :iagree:

:)

Bob
 
FUNX725 said:
1.) Would you please explain why...For both scenarios? Thanks.

2.) So if you are saying that you believe "wash-n-wax" products do in fact contain enough wax to cause a floor to become slippery...Why would you not also believe a vehicle shouldn't enjoy the same 'slippery-ness' from a good dousing of a similar wash-n-wax product? (Is this contrary, to what I perceived, you stated in your OP?) Thanks, again.

NOTE: I personally would think if there is any wax remaining on a vehicle, after using a wash-n-wax product, there surely must be some of the soap/detergent/wax emulsion-solution remaining: amid/amongst/co-mingled with the wax...Or...Has everything, but the wax-faction been: "Miscilled"?!?


3.) :iagree:

:)

Bob
Click to expand...

1) I work at a dealership and that is what they buy.

2) I just don't see how you can get a good clean on the paint when you have wax forcing the water and suds away from it.

I think that washing should happen then wax, separately.
 
Buggy Bath said:
We use it at work but I won't use it on my own.
Click to expand...

:iagree:

But customers love it...especially on a $120 Wash 'n Shine on one of these...


showimagerv.jpg
 
I've never really "felt" or seen the difference between just a wash and a wash with wax product. Maybe it is just marketing BS.
 
:grouphug:wash n wax doesn't get that soapy and in hot weather it will film the hell out of your car make sure to have water ready, you can be enclosed and it will film, but you can tell something is on the car, i think it helps with water spotting also.IMO
 
try lxr i have been using it for 5 years on my jeeps just rinse it no drying required just the glass,it seems to bond to the paint,i traded my 04 overland and got top dollar on it .
 
Wash + Wax combo = CRAP

Treat your auto right...wash, dry, then pamper with wax!
 
LuxuryAutoSpa said:
:grouphug:wash n wax doesn't get that soapy and in hot weather it will film the hell out of your car make sure to have water ready, you can be enclosed and it will film, but you can tell something is on the car, i think it helps with water spotting also.IMO
Click to expand...

:iagree: with :whs:
 
^ I think it's against forum rules to post links to products that are not sold by Autogeek.
 
Conan said:
Care to explain why?
Click to expand...

I sure would. As the adage goes..."find something you like and use it often"..I found that product from a jobber for an Atlanta based company whose colors are royal blue and yellow, yeah... that one.
I've seen first hand what their wash/wax combo shampoo produces...and the customer satisfaction - especially on a faded oxidized toy hauler or rv.

If you happen to look closely at class 8 fleet vehicles (2500-3000 miles per week) and notice a deep shine with high gloss then maybe you'll uderstand that these vehicles almost never see any other product other than wash/wax combo.

LuxuryAutoSpa said:
:grouphug:wash n wax doesn't get that soapy and in hot weather it will film the hell out of your car make sure to have water ready, you can be enclosed and it will film, but you can tell something is on the car, i think it helps with water spotting also.IMO
Click to expand...

I disagree on the soapy part, unless it's a petroleum based shine product like petrolaudem (sp?)
I do agree with streaking if not dried immediately - never witnessed a film.
 
I just bought some to try out and never use it before, But the reason I bought it was not for the wax but was for maybe to make a regular wash better for my customers. If it helps make it look shiny and better than regular soap then I hope it will make my customers happy.. If they are happy I am happy and they will come back. So I will find out with this stuff tomorrow because I just got mine in today.

Shawn
 
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