Review & How-To: Meguiar's Car Wash Plus

[Marc08EX]

Review & How-To: Meguiar's Car Wash Plus
Meguiars Car Wash Plus+

Description: (Taken from Autogeek)

No wash buckets needed!

Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ is an innovative new car wash product that eliminates the need for buckets – but it’s not a spray and wipe waterless wash! This super concentrated, lotion-like formula applies directly to your wash mitt and then to your paint! No mixing and repeated trips to your wash bucket – probably the easiest car wash you’ll ever do!

Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ is definitely a new take on car wash products. This 100% active formula removes not only dirt and grime, but also bugs, grease, light stains and light scuff marks as well! The super concentrated formula makes for maximum cleaning and a little bit goes a long way!

Many people are surprised to hear how long a standard car wash takes. When you add together all of the time spent filling your buckets, mixing your product at the correct temperature, and doing the actual wash itself, you’re looking at a good few hours of work. Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ cuts down on this working time by eliminating the need for buckets!

When used with a clean and plush microfiber or sheepskin wash mitt, Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ is a super safe, and super effective, way to get your paint clean of dirt, road grime, dust, and even light scuff marks – all without the use of wash buckets!


Price:

$9.99 for 24oz


Introduction:

For me, this product is one of the most controversial products that has been released recently. The first thing that went in my head was who in their right mind would use this product??? It seems so unsafe and it's probably guaranteed to scratch your paint LOL! I had my doubts about this product and to be frank, I was ready to bash it because it just seems counter intuitive.

The thoughts I encountered about this product reminded me when rinseless washing first came out. Never thought the product would work, unsafe, would cause scratching, etc.

I guess let's stop talking and put this product to the test!


Review:

Here's the description and directions of this product:

The subject vehicle had a good layer of dust. It hasn't been washed in 2 weeks. There hasn't been any rain so it's not overly dirty or muddy. Here are some close up shots showing how dusty the car is:

Here are some shots of bug guts that have been baking on the car:

The product description said that it could remove light scuff marks. So I wanted to put that claim to the test. Here are 2 sections of the vehicle where it has some scuff marks. These scuff marks have been on the vehicle for a while now and normal 2BM washing didn't even touch them.

(Please see the 2 horizontal lines just above the roof of the car in the reflection)

First step is to rinse the vehicle to remove loose dirt and debris:

Next, drench your wash mitt in water so that it's wet. Then apply the Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ soap directly on the wash mitt in a snake like pattern as shown:

Start washing a panel like normal:

Soap suds will materialize as you move the wash mitt around. Notice the insane amount of soap suds:

Rinse the panel you're working on:

Same procedure on a different panel. This time we're working on the hood. Again, wash the panel like normal after applying the Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ to your wash mitt:

Wash the entire panel and see the soap suds come out:

Rinse the panel you're working on:

I assume you continue doing this until you've washed the entire vehicle. But IMHO, this is what makes this product controversial, unsafe and guaranteed to scratch your paint. You will accumulate all the dirt and debris from previous panels you washed and introduce them to the succeeding panels you're washing.

But wait a minute!!! Let's apply some logic and figure out a way to make this wash method safe.

Introducing the Marc08EX tips and tricks to make this product work safely:

What if we introduce a bucket that just has water and a grit guard inside? Just like a rinse bucket in the traditional 2 bucket method! So what you do is in between panels or soap applications to the wash mitt, you just dunk your wash mitt in the rinse bucket like you do in a traditional 2 bucket method to remove the dirt and debris lodged in your wash mitt.

That's one way... But hey, you might say that the purpose of this product is to not use any buckets. Well, I have another solution for that! If you don't want to bring out any buckets because it's extra work and time consuming then what you do is just rinse your wash mitt with a strong stream of water in between panels or soap applications to the wash mitt. This will also help dislodge dirt and debris in your wash mitt from the recent panel you just washed.

Please excuse this picture. I wanted to take a picture of the mitt in my one hand and the hose nozzle on the other hand but I didn't have the time and patience to setup my stand, the camera timer and get the right shot.

These 2 rinsing methods are what I actually employ when I use my foam gun to wash the car.

Continue washing the vehicle. The entire driver side of the vehicle was washed with only 2 applications of the Meguiars Car Wash Plus+. It's crazy concentrated and one application in the wash mitt goes a very long way!

Rinse the car often and don't let the soap dry.

Remember the bug gut that was in the front bumper? Let's try to tackle that. First, wet the area to soften the bug gut:

Then just start washing the panel where the bug gut is. You may require to agitate this area more than normal to remove the baked on bug gut:

Here are some shots after washing the vehicle. As you can see, clean and shiny!

Bug guts gone!

Remember the 2 areas with scuff marks?? These areas literally required some elbow grease. So what I did was to wash the entire panel where the scuff marks are located then afterwards, I rinsed my wash mitt and re-applied some soap. Then I concentrated on the affected areas and applied some pressure as I was washing it. I actually washed it the same way as you'd polish scuff marks. Here are the results!! I was blown away that these scuff marks were removed. I honestly thought this car wash wouldn't even touch them. It's a car wash for crying out loud.

I originally thought that the bottle of Meguiars Car Wash Plus+ would only be able to wash a handful of cars. But boy I was wrong. Check out how much product I used after washing a Honda CR-V. I barely consumed anything! AMAZING!

Thoughts and Observations:

This product is very thick and viscous.

It has a very strong pleasant smell. I'd like to think it smells like an air freshener but I'm not exactly sure of the scent. I liked the scent a lot and it made washing the car a pleasure.

The product is highly concentrated. One application of the soap to the wash mitt can make you go at least 2 panels. I was able to wash 3 panels in one application but I didn't want to push it beyond that. I didn't want the dirt and debris to accumulate in my wash mitt.

As a result of the ultra high concentration - a bottle of this soap will be able to wash A LOT of cars.

The wash mitt needs to be drenched for this to work. If you wring out the wash mitt, the soap suds don't get activated as well as when the wash mitt is drenched.

When extra steps are added to ensure that the wash mitt is clean, then this is definitely a safe method of washing the car IMHO.

I tested it to remove some light scuff marks - VERY IMPRESSED.

It definitely saved me time washing the car compared to using the 2BM.


Conclusion:

I'm sure many of you had doubts about this product as well but as Meguiar's said - it's a new revolutionary concept in car washing. I thought I wouldn't like this product at all but I was pleasantly surprised on how much I liked it. Not only that but it worked effectively as well. It saved me time and removed some light scuff marks too. I highly recommend you give this product a chance and try it out. I hope you'll be equally impressed with it.

As always, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this review. Comments are appreciated.

 

[VISITOR]

nice review marc. do you think since it removes scuffs that it will marr/scratch any surface even if you don't plan to polish afterwards?

 

[Marc08EX]

nice review marc. do you think since it removes scuffs that it will marr/scratch any surface even if you don't plan to polish afterwards?

Thanks a lot VISITOR!

It's possible to marr/scratch the surface since you're adding pressure and moving the mitt over the affected area multiple times. The risk is even higher if you don't rinse your mitt often so it's very important to keep on rinsing your mitt. When I tried to remove the scuff marks, I washed the panel first then I rinsed the wash mitt and re-applied the soap before I concentrated on removing the scuff marks.

 

[VISITOR]

Thanks a lot VISITOR!

It's possible to marr/scratch the surface since you're adding pressure and moving the mitt over the affected area multiple times. The risk is even higher if you don't rinse your mitt often so it's very important to keep on rinsing your mitt. When I tried to remove the scuff marks, I washed the panel first then I rinsed the wash mitt and re-applied the soap before I concentrated on removing the scuff marks.

marc, i'm sorry for not being more clear, but if it polishes away scuff marks i wonder if it has some sort of abrasives in it to do so if that makes sense...

 

[Marc08EX]

marc, i'm sorry for not being more clear, but if it polishes away scuff marks i wonder if it has some sort of abrasives in it to do so if that makes sense...

Oh I see what you're asking. Yes it seems to have some micro abrasives. I read it somewhere but I can't find it LOL!

 

[fly07sti]

Very nice Marc. This has been on my radar and thought it may be good to decon with prior to buffing. Thanks for doing this.

 

[Marc08EX]

marc, i'm sorry for not being more clear, but if it polishes away scuff marks i wonder if it has some sort of abrasives in it to do so if that makes sense...

VISITOR, found it! Please see the description around the 0:33 second time stamp.

Very nice Marc. This has been on my radar and thought it may be good to decon with prior to buffing. Thanks for doing this.

Thanks a lot Don! Give it a shot and let me know how you like it.

 

[Sicoupe]

Outstanding review and pics my friend! Looks like a winner.

 

[Shortspark]

Very good review and the pictures helped a great deal. I ordered a bottle but since I have a brand new car I probably will only use this wash product prior to a full detail and when the car is fairly clean. I do not think it is good for a new car as a weekly maintenance wash because the "plus" part is the abrasive cleaner. This is not a chemical cleaner like P21S Paintwork Cleanser but seems to be more of a wash and polish.

There are reviews at other sites that feel the use of Wash Plus degrades the LSP. If this is accurate, it should be ideally suited to help strip the car of the last LSP prior to putting down a new wax or sealant and that is the only purpose for which I will use it. Also, I do think you risk scratching the car if you use it often on a very dirty car unless you are really careful and rinse out the mitt often, as you have pointed out. I think Wash Plus has a place in the detail arsenal but not as a normal, weekly wash shampoo.

 

[PA DETAILER]

That is a unique car wash product. Almost like a cleaner/polish. That would be my biggest concern of degrading your LSP by using it. But using it to strip/clean the paint before a new LSP is applied, here it could be great?

 

[h8dirtycars]

That's one way... But hey, you might say that the purpose of this product is to not use any buckets. Well, I have another solution for that! If you don't want to bring out any buckets because it's extra work and time consuming then what you do is just rinse your wash mitt with a strong stream of water in between panels or soap applications to the wash mitt. This will also help dislodge dirt and debris in your wash mitt from the recent panel you just washed.

First off, Happy Easter.

Second, thanks for this review, as this seems perfect for a few applications I have.

However, I have a question that I was going to post to a new thread, but you hit upon it in your review.
With the 2BW, wouldn't it make sense to ALWAYS rinse the mitt with a strong stream BEFORE putting it in the rinse bucket and rubbing it on the grit guard? Wouldn't that get rid of most of the contaminants, while the grit guard would clean the mitt further?
I don't recall seeing that step in any of the 2BW tutorials.

I did my mother in laws new civic which she hasn't washed since she got it last year. No tunnel washes either, which is good. This product, I feel, would have been good for that. I did the 2BW with the extra step of rinsing the wash mitt every time, and inspected closely before clay and wax, and didn't see any swirls.

Sorry for the seemingly dumb question, but wasn't sure if there was a detriment to that method, like possibly pushing debris deeper into the wash mitt with the stream of water.

Oh, last question. Do you think this is safe for a freshly painted new hood. My son's Dart had the hood replaced with a new one that the dealer painted in the last two weeks. Safe to use on that?

 

[Marc08EX]

Outstanding review and pics my friend! Looks like a winner.

Thank you so much for the kind words Kyle! I appreciate it.

Very good review and the pictures helped a great deal. I ordered a bottle but since I have a brand new car I probably will only use this wash product prior to a full detail and when the car is fairly clean. I do not think it is good for a new car as a weekly maintenance wash because the "plus" part is the abrasive cleaner. This is not a chemical cleaner like P21S Paintwork Cleanser but seems to be more of a wash and polish.

There are reviews at other sites that feel the use of Wash Plus degrades the LSP. If this is accurate, it should be ideally suited to help strip the car of the last LSP prior to putting down a new wax or sealant and that is the only purpose for which I will use it. Also, I do think you risk scratching the car if you use it often on a very dirty car unless you are really careful and rinse out the mitt often, as you have pointed out. I think Wash Plus has a place in the detail arsenal but not as a normal, weekly wash shampoo.

Thanks a lot Shortspark!

I already asked the degradation of LSP question to the folks over at MOL - will report back what they say. IMHO, I wouldn`t think it would degrade the LSP much if you`re just using it as a normal car wash, meaning by just washing your paint gently. But on the areas where you`re agitating the surface vigorously to remove bugs, tar and scuff marks then I would agree that it might remove LSP.

Can you please PM me the links to the reviews on the other sites? I'm curious and want to read them.

That is a unique car wash product. Almost like a cleaner/polish. That would be my biggest concern of degrading your LSP by using it. But using it to strip/clean the paint before a new LSP is applied, here it could be great?

Please see my response above to shortspark. I will clarify this over at MOL and report back what they say.

If it does strip/clean the paint then it's definitely a great product prior to doing a full detail.

First off, Happy Easter.

Second, thanks for this review, as this seems perfect for a few applications I have.

However, I have a question that I was going to post to a new thread, but you hit upon it in your review.
With the 2BW, wouldn't it make sense to ALWAYS rinse the mitt with a strong stream BEFORE putting it in the rinse bucket and rubbing it on the grit guard? Wouldn't that get rid of most of the contaminants, while the grit guard would clean the mitt further?
I don't recall seeing that step in any of the 2BW tutorials.

I did my mother in laws new civic which she hasn't washed since she got it last year. No tunnel washes either, which is good. This product, I feel, would have been good for that. I did the 2BW with the extra step of rinsing the wash mitt every time, and inspected closely before clay and wax, and didn't see any swirls.

Sorry for the seemingly dumb question, but wasn't sure if there was a detriment to that method, like possibly pushing debris deeper into the wash mitt with the stream of water.

Oh, last question. Do you think this is safe for a freshly painted new hood. My son's Dart had the hood replaced with a new one that the dealer painted in the last two weeks. Safe to use on that?

Happy Easter to you and yours h8dirtycars!

Thank you so much for the kind words!

It would totally make sense rinsing off your wash mitt before dunking it in the rinse bucket. I do this myself when I pick up some heavy grit and debris especially from the lower panels. But I think people don't talk about this extra step because that's what the rinse bucket with the grit guard is for. Any dirt/debris that your wash mitt picks up will get washed off in the rinse bucket and settle down below the grit guard. But it definitely wouldn't hurt it to be EXTRA SAFE. Most people here are looking for efficiency especially professionals. So I think that's why. But if you have the time and want to be EXTRA SAFE, you can add this extra step of rinsing your wash mitt by all means before dunking it in the rinse bucket.

Hey, there are no dumb questions here. You had a very logical question and I'm glad you pointed it out. I think it's a great and safe extra step to add. I think it's more of just the time and efficiency. And the rinse bucket is really there to remove the dirt and debris. So why do a similar step twice.

This is definitely safe for a freshly painted hood as it doesn't leave any LSP protection behind. The only thing you're concerned about on fresh paint is wax/sealants/LSPs. You're not supposed to add any wax/sealant/LSPs because you want the paint to outgas and fully cure. The wax/sealants/LSPs will prevent that from happening. Just take the extra precautionary steps to make the use of this product safer on your son's new hood to avoid adding swirls.

If you decide to purchase this product and use it on your vehicles or your mother in law's, please let us know what you think of it.

Hope this helps!

 

[h8dirtycars]

Thanks, Marc! I will definitely post if I try it out.

How long to let the paint cure before any wax/sealant/LSPs, or machine polishing? And what can I put on it to protect until then?

Thanks.

 

[Marc08EX]

Thanks, Marc! I will definitely post if I try it out.

How long to let the paint cure before any wax/sealant/LSPs, or machine polishing? And what can I put on it to protect until then?

Thanks.

You can polish or apply LSP immediately after washing.

 

[h8dirtycars]

The only thing you're concerned about on fresh paint is wax/sealants/LSPs. You're not supposed to add any wax/sealant/LSPs because you want the paint to outgas and fully cure. The wax/sealants/LSPs will prevent that from happening.

What about this? I meant how long to wait for paint to cure and outgas?

Thanks

 

[Marc08EX]

What about this? I meant how long to wait for paint to cure and outgas?

Thanks

Typically 90 days but that depends on the paint used and painter. Ask your painter to be sure.

Baking accelerates this process.

 

[Heisenberg]

This looks like a great "intensive wash" product to use prior to paint correction. I didn't really see the appeal at first for it, but after seeing what it did to those scuff marks I can tell there is some micro abrasive wizardry going on. Thank you for the review.

There's ta 2016 thread over at MOL where someone from Megs says

Great point. There are many variables, but in general one application will not completely remove for example a polymer based wax like our Ultimate Wax, but it will knock it down pretty well, so yes, it would be recommended to follow with one of our protectants after an application.

 

[Marc08EX]

This looks like a great "intensive wash" product to use prior to paint correction. I didn't really see the appeal at first for it, but after seeing what it did to those scuff marks I can tell there is some micro abrasive wizardry going on. Thank you for the review.

There's ta 2016 thread over at MOL where someone from Megs says

Thanks for that quote from MOL! That answers that question.

Check out this video (at around the 33 second time stamp) where it shows that this product has micro abrasives in it:

 

[PaulMys]

Another winner, Marc. You ever think of doing reviews for a living and ditching the electrical work?? Lol


How do you think this product/method stacks up to a RW time-wise?

 

[Shortspark]

Marc, there are a couple links I can give you where I saw the reviews. One of course you are aware of as you posted there at Autopia - Review & How-To: Meguiar`s Car Wash Plus - Page 2

Another I read is at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G25...1492387482&sr=8-1&keywords=meguiars+wash+plus

There are several threads at the Meguiars forum as well. All these review sites indicate that use of this product could degrade the LSP. That is a bad thing if you consider this a weekly maintenance wash, or a good thing if you consider it similar to a paint prep prior to LSP. As I said before, it certainly can have a place in a
detailer's repertoire, but what that place should be is dependent on how closely it resembles a polish, rather than how close it resembles a traditional shampoo.