How I wash vehicles (Time-Saving)

justin_murphy

justin_murphy

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After being asked by some forum members on how I wash and how to save time doing it, here is what I do.
(this was also posted in texasTBs thread about water filters.)

I'm saving 10-15 minutes easy by doing it this way. It does take some time to get it down, but when you do, you will love this method!

I'm also assuming that if you are reading this, you know how to wash a vehicle with a rinseless technique. Search "rinseless wash" to learn more.

  1. Spray wheels, tires, and wells with degreaser. Also the lower body panels and front bumper if needed.
  2. Pressure wash entire car making sure to clean the wheels, tires, and wells thoroughly.
  3. Using DP's 4-in-1 rinseless wash (or Optimum's No-Rinse), start at the driver's side roof. Do half. Then onto the front door and window. Open the door and do the interior front window (half) and interior driver's window. Go around the entire vehicle using this method. You can even wipe down the interior panels and dash area with 4-in-1 making your job even more efficient!
  4. When you get around to the hood, do the hood one half at a time. After the front bumper, you should be done.
  5. Dress tires and wells. They should be dry by now. I've actually done this step first on the last 4 vehicles I've washed. I just have to dry them manually. The good thing is that any overspray will get cleaned up while washing.
  6. Vacuum the interior. I'm even now considering vacuuming the same area that I have just washed. Should save more time. I'll let you all know.
  7. Dress interior. No, I do not do this every time I maintain a vehicle. Depends on the situation. If I've used DP's Interior Protectant before, I only reapply it once a month giving me one session free of dressing the interior.
  8. DONE!
*The key here is not having to stop and go to pick up bottles of cleaners. This time adds up to an easy 10-15 minutes per vehicle.
**You are saving even more water by not having to rinse off soap. This also keeps water spots and dried soap from forming.


Depending on the vehicle's condition, you may not even have to use a pressure washer at all! This will save another 10-15 minutes easily.

Time spent examples:
2006 GMC 2500 Truck.....
(Covered in mud.)
65 minutes.

2003 Ford Ranger....
(My truck. Well maintained.)
27 minutes.
 
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Thank you for the tip Justin, I'm going to have to purchase some 4 in 1. I can see how it will speed things along. I like your method because I can see how you can avoid any water residue.

Thank you for sharing buddy.
 
Justin Thanks for this post. :applause:
I love efficiency. As I was reading this I found myself reading faster and faster. OMG it's contagious.
 
Hey justin you didn't mention anything about drying the car. I use ONR right now so I know what to do but others who haven't used a rinseless wash might not. just thought that you would want to know.

Thanks for the step they will help me with my time.
 
I was hoping most would know how to wash a car using the rinseless techinique.
 
As I get more efficient with 4-in-1 I can do my car faster. I had my car done in about 25-30 mins a few nights ago. That included spraying down the lower panels with a pretreat solution to take off some extra crud.
 
Great plan of attack... what if you dont have a pressure washerwould a regular hose work?
 
Video. Video. Video. You need to make a video of the stuff you do.;)
 
Sounds like a good system based on the condition of the vehicle. If you use a pressure washer how do you get the excess water out of the crevices, or is this not an issue?
 
Great tips! I need to get a pressure washer as well.

I washed my Titan today with ONR. Pre-treated lower areas and fender wells with ONR in a pesticide sprayer to get the little rocks to fall off.

It takes me longer to wash with microfibers and ONR because I try to be extra careful not to scratch up my truck. I love using less water though!
 
GREAT Write-Up Justin! The BMW dealer I do the cars for poo-poo'd the ONR at first, but after seeing it in action, requests it now.

You're 100% correct about working a section at a time and finishing that section before moving on. I found this method to be a big time saver when I compound + glaze + polish a car. Because I'm in a shop environment with 2 sets of halogens + extension cords + work cart, I was moving everything a bunch by going around and around the car for each step. Now, I take a panel and merely have to change pads on the rotary or Festool to complete that portion.

Nice tip sir...congrat's for the info posting

Toto
 
I just edited this post and added more info.
 
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I like the idea of doing the windows as you do the doors. I've messed with that before but not since using ONR. I'm also looking into a long enough hose to set my vacuum by the rear bumper and reach the whole car. Need a remote controled vacuum and generator then you could save wear and tear on it. I could put a clapper on the vacuum lol. Clap on, clap off. Should save me enough in gas to pay for itself in a week.
 
what are you using for the interior windows and dssh? A Mf ?

and for the exterior just a mitt right?
 
lol, yea, am i not supposed to post on old threads?
I didn't want to get burned for posting a new thread if the info was already on here, it seemed like a good system I wanna give it a try!
 
Flip said:
lol, yea, am i not supposed to post on old threads?
I didn't want to get burned for posting a new thread if the info was already on here, it seemed like a good system I wanna give it a try!
Click to expand...

No problem with it, but when the last post was from '07, people come and go, and you are not guaranteed to get a response from the original poster.

IMO after a year of inactivity, post a new thread.
 
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