Anyone do strictly waterless/ steam washing

Airforce1

Airforce1

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So Im doing some research to start a mobile detailing business. Im currently deployed and spend my free time researching the ups and downs to industry. Now.. Im' throwing around the idea of possibly beeing completly waterless. Stricktley using waterless wash and steam. Im throwing around this idea just because I know there is allot of folks who do not like the big water mess in their driveways and the fact of throwing down a a wash mat for water containment sounds like a pain in the butt... not to mention the cost of one of those things. I have seen all the threads regarding waterless washes and read about all the yay and nay sayers about the product but i want to know if there are any of you who are strictly waterless / and or steam only deatailers and what are your success stories .. and have you ever had to turn down work due to vehicles being "too dirty" for these washing methods.
 
My friend purchased the optima unit. It was cool for a couple months. The main issue was no product support in the states. Offered it to me for half what he paid thankfully I passed. Your local wastewater treatment coordinator should be able to steer you in correct direction you are concerned with epa fines etc. Around here for mobile detailers you are allowed like under 5000 gallons per month without any special permit. Epa will make you fill sand bag tubes to catch run off water and then have you vaccum it and dump it in the grass. I thought they were kidding. I only know this because of the many hoops Jumped thru in dealing with a local beach community city hall.I have used the a steamer to clean my clean vehicle before. Would not use on a paying customers car though.
 
Im wondering about this more for the ease of washing. I know i would hate having puddles in my drive way. I know more upscale folks definetly would not like this. OUt of all the videos ive see about steam cleaning and waterless wash it looks safe but at the same i have nevr seen a high end car or a "Very Dirty" getting cleand with these methods!
 
Would be much, much easier & cheaper to Shop-Vac up or use a leaf blower to get rid of some puddles of water in the driveway.
 
It was a few years ago maybe better now. There were little things that could easily be fixed. Having warranty work done and not having a back up could be an issue unless they give you a loaner.The concept is awesome just not practical being mobile in my opinion
 
Are you serious about people hating puddles in their drive way? That seems ridiculous.

I am in the Midwest so my drive is soaked on a regular basis. However, it dries out really quick if the sun is out.
 
Airforce1 said:
waterless / and or steam only deatailers...

and have you ever had to turn down work due to
vehicles being "too dirty" for these washing methods.
Click to expand...
^^^That would mean turning down quite a bit of Business opportunities in some markets.^^^





Bob
 
hogie said:
Are you serious about people hating puddles in their drive way? That seems ridiculous.

I am in the Midwest so my drive is soaked on a regular basis. However, it dries out really quick if the sun is out.
Click to expand...

I have never done it myself as I am still in the researching phase.. but I'm only thinking about every possible way people would not do business.
 
Doggone I wish I had 6k lying around. Guess I'll just settle with my pressure washer and a tornador for interiors


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I've been recently thinking about this myself. I will be getting my tax refund and hoping to use some of that money to start something like this. I thought about using the steam idea but what worried me was the 300 and something degrees used.

I'm not sure of the best route to go; any ideas on other methods of starting a mobile wash business? I would need a water supply, generator and more and I'm not sure how well that would work with my Explorer or the cost.

Thanks :)
 
UpstateNYBiz said:
I've been recently thinking about this myself. I will be getting my tax refund and hoping to use some of that money to start something like this. I thought about using the steam idea but what worried me was the 300 and something degrees used.

I'm not sure of the best route to go; any ideas on other methods of starting a mobile wash business? I would need a water supply, generator and more and I'm not sure how well that would work with my Explorer or the cost.

Thanks :)
Click to expand...


here is your answer for SUV set up...
 
A company out there called Rightlook sells this unit and they also hava a low pressure skid that i am personally considering buying or building something like it.
 
Yes, I was looking at their website and I was looking at their trailer setup but I figure two things: 1.) they probably don't ship those kind of things and 2.) if they did I would imagine shipping charges to be a bundle.

I hope getting a trailer and assembling one together won't be too much of a challenge because this would be my best option as of right now. I'm getting about 7k with taxes and would some left over from getting this started.... i hope :)
 
In my opinion i think the best route would be to buy the water reclamation matt with the vacuum. That seems to be cheaper than the expensive steamers. I've seen ones for as low as $500 and I've seen people make their own for less than 100.(I don't recommend the self made ones, unless it's your only option.)

That being said there is a niche market for eco friendly waterless details and depending on the people in your community and how "green" they are it could be beneficial.

Good Luck and thanks for your service
 
First off you say your deployed? Thank you for serving this great Country that allows all of us to be self employed doing what we love! On the steamer, having been in business for over 20 years detailing everywhere including people's driveway's. Nothing will ever replace WATER! I have watched many videos on steamers but with my experience no thanks. Water containment is not a big deal. If you have sand tubes and a 20 gallon wet vac your all set. Good luck and once agin thank you for serving!
 
Thank you guys for your input. the more i hear about it the more i head towards the traditional water method!
 
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