Looking for a new Waterless Wash

pheerix

pheerix

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So I've been using Opti-Clean for the past couple months and the more I use it the more I dislike it. It cleans well (even dirty wheels) and so far has kept the marring down to almost nil but it streaks like a mofo and requires too much pressure and buffing for my comfort. A big PITA on glass. I always have to follow up with a QD to remove the residue which doubles both the time and number of towels to do a quick wash. Also the dilution ratio isn't great at 1:3 and the smell is borderline unpleasant.

So my requirements are:
1. Spray and wipe off with almost no buffing required.
2. Good cleaning ability even on wheels.
3. I am looking for some protection left behind so it saves having to apply a QD or LSP afterwards.
4. Economic dilution ratio.
5. Can be applied in a pinch (i.e. warm body panels, direct sunlight)
6. Smells good.
7. Compatible with ONRWW and OCW because I have gallons of both.

So far I've narrowed my choices down to a few but would like some input from people who've used these products personally:
1. Megs D115 - Generally good reviews. The price and dilution ratio is what's holding me back. Is it just as safe to use a lower ratio like 1:8 or 1:10?
2. Pinnacle - I like that it has carnuba in it. I use OCW and I love the combination of polymer protection and carnuba glow. My hesitation with this one is that it might require a lot of buffing?
3. UWW+ - Very popular but somehow to me the dilution ratio seems almost too low to be a safe waterless wash and effective cleaner?

Any comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.
 
Just out of curiosity, do you have the original version of Opti-Clean, or the second version? I agree it's very pricey, I got a quart of the original version on closeout for a good deal, and I hated it at first for the reasons you mentioned, but lately it's grown on me (maybe it gets better with age? lol).

I haven't used the Pinnacle but I don't think you can go wrong with the UWW+.
 
I use Chemical Guys EcoSmart, the newer reversion. I love how it cleans and the shine it leaves behind. It's not super expensive @ 16:1 dilution. Blackfire Waterless can be diluted @ 48:1, and I've read Meg's D114 can be diluted @ 128:1, which is just crazy! But D114 doesn't have leave any protection, which is good for some. But you mentioned wanting it. I've never used BF, but I think it has some sort of polymers, if I'm wrong someone will correct me here. EcoSmart has Carnuba.

The other WW I've seen that have Carnuba, or some sort of polymers are usually in the 4:1-8:1 ratio. IMHO for price vs what you get EcoSmart is a decent choice. I do want to try the BF though, 48:1's pretty sick!

I took the free class @ Meguiar's HQ, and Michael Stoops himself told me D115 can be diluted @ 8:1 just fine, I know the bottle says 4:1, but he said other wise. And frankly I'll listen to him since he knows his sh*t. Also with the EcoSmart I don't have to buff at all really, one MF to wipe it off then another to buff. I apply no more pressure than when I'm wiping it off. Also I love the smell, it reminds me of an apple candy, it's definitely easy on the nose. I haven't smelt D115 but usually Meguiar's is really on point with the scent so it probably smells really good.

If you wanna try D115 and have a Pep Boys around, right now they have it 2 bottles for $10, it's the Meg's Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere, which is identical to D115 just in a RTU bottle which you can't delute, although Mike did say 8:1, so I'd imagine the RTU bottles should be dilutable 1:2 more. Anyone want to chime in here?
 
I have tried multiple waterless wash products and if I had to only purchase one product from now on I would choose the new formula Blackfire Waterless Wash. It cleans great, wipes off easy, and has a great dilution rate at 1:48.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Just out of curiosity, do you have the original version of Opti-Clean, or the second version? I agree it's very pricey, I got a quart of the original version on closeout for a good deal, and I hated it at first for the reasons you mentioned, but lately it's grown on me (maybe it gets better with age? lol).

I haven't used the Pinnacle but I don't think you can go wrong with the UWW+.
Click to expand...

It's the second version I think. Just bought it a few months ago.
 
I personally like to use D115 for WW when I want something that cleans and leaves behind some protection/gloss enhancing. I've used it at 1:4, 1:8, 1:15. Recommend trying at different ratios to suit your needs. Also, it works great in direct sun light.
 
I would highly suggest both UWW+ and D115. I love them both.
 
pheerix said:
1. Megs D115 - Generally good reviews. The price and dilution ratio is what's holding me back. Is it just as safe to use a lower ratio like 1:8 or 1:10?
Click to expand...
Yes it is;
but it's still up to you to determine just how
dirty...is too dirty for you...to use a RW/WW.

pheerix said:
3. UWW+ - Very popular but somehow to me the dilution ratio seems almost too low to be a safe waterless wash and effective cleaner?
Click to expand...
IMO:
No need to worry about the dilution ratios
of this or other RW/WW products: They have
already been thoroughly tested and put through
the wringers by the formulators and the untold
numbers of end-users.

In fact, at least to me, UWW+'s dilution ratios seems
rather conservative when compared to D114's, which
I use it @ 1:128, and 1:256.


Bob
 
Opti-clean is my go-to waterless wash when it comes to cleaning and protection. The dilution can be adjusted for your liking since the 1:3 ratio is a bit strong for most scenarios. I usually use it at more of a 1:4-1:5 ratio and apply it with a wet microfiber to make it go even further. I use it for everything from WW to clay lube to interior cleaner/protectant. I don't feel that the other WWs that have higher recommended dilution ratios are as versatile nor offer as much protection. That said, if you are only using a WW on very light dirt and wanting a cheaper alternative, then I would go with UWW+. It was my go-to until I found Opti-Clean but, I still keep both on hand.
 
ShaunD said:
Opti-clean is my go-to waterless wash when it comes to cleaning and protection. The dilution can be adjusted for your liking since the 1:3 ratio is a bit strong for most scenarios. I usually use it at more of a 1:4-1:5 ratio.
Click to expand...

Well, that's pretty interesting.
 
UWW+ will always be a great produt, but I have switched my WW and RW over to Shine Supply Eco-Shine and it is fantatic. Cleans well, buffs off easy, and gives an increase in gloss.
 
I have both d115 and UWW on my shelves.... They both clean and shine great on a waxed or sealed car, but I'm gonna be going strictly with UWW from now on for its versatility, cost and none carnuba-ness look
 
I personally have blackfire ww and D115. Honestly I can't tell you which one I like the best. Both perform very well, but when it comes down to cost, I'd have to give the upper hand to meguiars.
 
ShaunD said:
Opti-clean is my go-to waterless wash when it comes to cleaning and protection. The dilution can be adjusted for your liking since the 1:3 ratio is a bit strong for most scenarios. I usually use it at more of a 1:4-1:5 ratio and apply it with a wet microfiber to make it go even further. I use it for everything from WW to clay lube to interior cleaner/protectant. I don't feel that the other WWs that have higher recommended dilution ratios are as versatile nor offer as much protection. That said, if you are only using a WW on very light dirt and wanting a cheaper alternative, then I would go with UWW+. It was my go-to until I found Opti-Clean but, I still keep both on hand.
Click to expand...

I'll give 1:4 to 1:5 dilution a try. 1:3 is probably too strong plus I use a lot of product.
No one seems to use Pinnacle? The fact that it has carnuba appeals to me but doesn't seem widely used here on AG.
 
pheerix said:
3. I am looking for some protection left behind
so it saves having to apply a QD or LSP afterwards.
Click to expand...
I'm sure you've heard that:
Meguiar's D114 "leaves nothing behind"...

Well...I've also noticed that it also:
'takes nothing away'---i.e.:

Takes nothing away
From the vehicle's LSP;
No need, afterwards:
For any QD.


Bob
 
Yea I've heard great things about D114. It certainly is the most economical choice. I feel like D115 would be even better since it's designed to be primarily a waterless wash and the slickness and glossary behind sound to be impressive for a standalone product. I think I'm leaning towards D115 right now.
 
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