Review-Optimum No Rinse

[CEE DOG]

This product really needs no introduction and probably doesn't need a review either but I told David Ghodoussi of Optimum that I was going to try it and write a review. I never thought I would use this product as a no rinse wash as I have access to a hose and driveway. I especially thought I would never wash Sky with it. However, when I was talking with David at Detail Fest he convinced me of it's safety. Today I tried it for the first time and am looking forward to writing this. See "Method of Application and noted Observations" for details.

Note 1: This is the ONR sold in 2009 (Not the new formula)
Note 2: ONR is all I ever use as a clay lube (It's perfect for this) and I usually put a bit in my wash water when I do a regular wash.

Product(s) used previously:
1.-N/A

Initial Product Observations:
1.- Manufacturer Claims: True
2.- Packaging: Clear plastic bottle with screw off cap and 13/16" opening
3.- Label: Functional and instructive (yellow/blue 180 degree wrap)
4.- Directions: Clear and concise (directions for all 3 of it's recommended uses)
5.- Consistency: A thin liquid with a fluidity just barely thicker then water
6.- Color: Blue (If using as a QD or Clay lube it turns a very light pink if mixed with water and allowed to sit for awhile. Don't worry it still works fine. Only the color has changed)
7.- Scent: Fresh soapy scent
8.- Size: 32 oz.
9.- Regular Price: 15.99$
10.-Price Per oz: $0.50 (based on 32 oz. bottle)
11.-Price Per App (After dilution based on 32 oz. price):
11A.- 1$ per bucket for rinseless wash
11B.- 1$ per gallon for clay lube
11C.- 4$ per gallon for quick detailer
12.-Additional sizes available: 8 oz. (7.99) 128 oz. (39.99)
13.-Manufacturer: Optimum Polymer Technologies, Inc.
14.-Made in: USA

Ingredients posted on label of bottle:
1.-N/A

Additional products used for prep, during application, or removal:
1.- (2) waffle weave MF towels
2.- Wash mitt (MF towel worked better then Mitt)
3.- (1) 5 gallon bucket with NO grit guard
4.- (1) 5 gallon bucket with (2) grit guards

Method of Prep:
1.- Rinse bucket: Place 2 clean grit guards in a clean 5 gallon bucket and fill with 3.7 gallons of water.
2.- Wash Solution: Fill other bucket up to the 2 gallon line and mix 2 oz of ONR with the 2 gallons of water.

Method of Application and noted Observations:
I actually started by taking a permanent marker and marking off lines in one of my buckets to signify the depths at 1, 2, 3, and 4 gallons. Mike Phillips mentions this in an article and I appreciate the tip. I won't have to measure the bucket next time Probably the best thing about ONR is the amount of time it saves throughout your process starting from the very beginning. I did not have to pull my car out of the garage, or setup up my shade canopy, etc.

I did not wash the fabric top of my convertible so I started on the hood. I took a folded MF waffle weave towel and soaked it in the wash bucket for a moment. Then I placed the towel on the top of my hood and just ran it back and forth a couple times. The weight of the soaked towel is more then enough so I didn't add pressure. Then I flipped the towel and did a little more. One of the benefits of using a towel is that you can refold the towel to a fresh face every few swipes and complete the full hood panel with an extra precaution in place. After I had wiped the entire hood I dropped the wash towel in the rinse bucket and pulled out my drying WW. Threw it across the hood from the drivers side and slowly dragged it back towards me. Then I folded the towel and finished off by lightly wiping the rest of the hood. Next I rinsed the wash towel and repeated the process doing the upper portion of the drivers side of the car. Wash, dry, rinse, repeat. The entire process was very simple and not at all messy.

I had read this article http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23602-how-dirty-too-dirty-safely-use-rinseless-wash.html by Mike Phillips. Wait! Finish my review before you ckick that In this article one of the things Mike discusses is the wash media. Optimum instructs that you use a high quality MF towel. I went back and forth at first between using a wash mitt and using the towel. In the end I tried both but I preferred the towel and so only used the mitt around the bottom of the car. One benefit of the Mitt is you can rinse it in the bucket easier. A couple benefits of the towel is you can refold it as you are doing a panel and can also easily see when there is an accumulation of dirt on it. I'd love to hear David G. explain the finer points of why the instructions specify using a towel.

After I finished the paint I poured the remainder (about 1 gallon) of wash water into my tires and wheels bucket and used my wheel mitt to wash the rims and dry them with a dedicated wheel towel (1) at a time. Please see the pictures below and then continue on to the remainder of the review. The before pictures really don't look like the car was dirty but look at the wash towel picture.




Before

Bucket Setup

Washing the Lid

Told you it was dirty
(this is from about a 1' x 3' area before I refolded)

Gallon mark lines in bucket

Poured remainder of ONR mix into wheel bucket

No scratches

After

Pros:
1.- Faster then a normal wash
2.- Easier then a normal wash
3.- No water spots with less effort
4.- Scratch safe
5.- Smooth and glossy finish
6.- Saves water
7.- Obviously ONR is a versatile product

Cons:
1.- No good for cleaning fabric tops (not that I tried)

???
1.- Why didn't I try this sooner?
2.- I have to go ONR my dog now (j/k)

Additional Observations and/or Summary:
I'm pretty sure if you're reading this you care a bit more about your car then whether or not you get a little car soap in the storm drains but as I mentioned earlier this product certainly has it's place even for people who have the option. It saves a ton of time. This will become part of my regular schedule. Previous to this experience I washed basically every other week. From now on I plan to use my regular wash once a month and use this system in between. 2 weeks-regular wash, 2 weeks ONR etc.

Obviously as has been noted by others you wouldn't use this product after you just went mudding. However this product definitely has it's place and is the best option if you want to save time with a car that is lightly soiled. Now go back and click that link I left earlier.


Here is a little of the manufacturer info from Autogeek:
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine is a true breakthrough in car care. It’s a multi-purpose product that serves as a rinseless wash, a quick detailer, and a clay lubricant, depending on how much water you add. You don’t have to be a chemist to formulate your own excellent car care products; just follow the directions on the bottle! Plus, this product does not require rinsing. You can conserve water and still get your vehicle beautifully clean!

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine just makes good sense! It’s safe and effective on your vehicle, safe for the environment, and easier on your wallet than buying multiple car care products. For a clean, shiny vehicle, No Rinse Wash & Shine is all you need!

_______________________________




And the link: http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.htmlhttp://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-bond-tire-gel-32oz.htmlhttp://www.autogeek.net/1z-einszett-leather-care.html

 

[cooksnj]

great review as always. i use the onr because i live in the country and are well water sucks! it's hard, leaves spots in like seconds, and the pressure is low. Since i started using onr, (originally for the winter months) i have never washed any other way. i love it.

 

[Jenn1270]

great review. I always hit the laser wash before I ONR just to get the big crud off. The one near me doesn't seem to diminish the duration of my sealant with them.

Jenn

 

[DARK HORSE]

As always Corey GREAT review, thanks for taking the time to do it for us.

 

[Donald Greco]

I also have hard well water and have been using ONR for a couple years now. Keeps the spots off and it's all I use for my clay lube also. Very detailed and informative review. Keep up the good work.

 

[A4 1.8tqm]

Another great review! I'm surprised you hadn't already tried an ONR wash, great stuff huh?

 

[CEE DOG]

great review as always.

Thanks Jason

great review. Jenn

Thanks Jenn

As always Corey GREAT review, thanks for taking the time to do it for us.

Thanks Tad, it was my pleasure. HT Crimson pad is next.

Very detailed and informative review. Keep up the good work.

Thank you :xyxthumbs:

Another great review! I'm surprised you hadn't already tried an ONR wash, great stuff huh?

Thank you David! Me too, definetly a wonderfull product.

 

[ScottB]

The one thing I have always liked about ONR besides its many different uses, is that adding it to a bucket of your favorite soap seems to help with cleaning and leaves less marring.

 

[spike]

I was really skeptical of using ONR at first, but now I see how safe it is, and I LOVE it! What a time-saver! And sometimes in the summer here in NC they will have water restrictions on car washing with a hose, so I can always wash the car with ONR and my 2 buckets with no problem! I'm glad to see someone as experienced as you are showed clearly that the ONR is not scratching your paint. Now others will believe that it doesn't too!

I too found it to be a great clay lube. The other lubes just seem too messy for some reason to me...

Thanks for the awesome write-up! :dblthumb2:

 

[christian900se]

That is exactly what I see when I use ONR, great review Corey! It has really changed the way I can take care of cars especially because of the lack of a need for running water and runoff. I find it interesting you used WW towels for the wash procedure though, I feel that would leave you more open to marring due to the lack of weaves a plush towel or chenille mitt would provide but WW should be ok for light dust.

 

[Jenn1270]

What wash media do most folks use? Microfiber mitt? Microfiber cloth? Sponge?

Jenn

 

[christian900se]

It really depends on what feels best to you. The biggest factor in reducing the chance of marring when using a rinseless wash is to take shorter passes if the car is dirtier and then rinse the wash media off so that dirt particles do not accumulate enough to cause marring. I prefer microfiber chenille mitts and the Cobra Bone personally because they offer a bit more cushion but I have also used Grout sponges with great effect. There are many options, try out a plush microfiber towel and see how that works for you since that is probably a media you have readily available.

I can say however that sheepskin mitts are not well suited for ONR in my experience, but that is the only real wash media I didn't like with rinseless washing.

 

[BimmerFerret]

Ever since I've used ONR. I haven't really used my hose since. The only disadvantage of ONR IMO is using it on engine bays. Haven't seen any threads of that being attempted yet.

 

[Rob T]

I had the same reservations as you when I first used ONR. Now it is pretty much all I use to wash my cars unless they get really dirty.

The biggest advantage to me (I have easy access to a hose etc.) is being able to wash in the garage, a section at a time, in order to avoid any possibility of water spots.

It was 108 degrees here yesterday. I could wash with ONR in the garage and not worry about water spots.

I just got the new version. Initial observation is positive.

 

[Sludge]

Cee Dog,

I've been washing the fabric top on my 06 MX5 (Miata) for a couple years with ONR. I use a microfiber towel to wash and dry with a waffle weave. I think it works great. Give it a try next time.

 

[CEE DOG]

Cee Dog,

I've been washing the fabric top on my 06 MX5 (Miata) for a couple years with ONR. I use a microfiber towel to wash and dry with a waffle weave. I think it works great. Give it a try next time.

Thanks for the tip. Thats a vinyl top right? I have canvas top on my Sky.

I used the MF Mitt last time I used ONR and I definitely prefer the towel as well.

 

[Old Tiger]

I have tried many, Mainly because I do an ONR wash of all but wheels 3 times more than a traditional wash. Best is the infamous Shamrock MF. You cant get plusher and if yours lints (mine dont) it doesnt at this stage. #2 is an Armor All (dont laugh) Chenille sponge I got at Big Lots for $4. It is well made and is about the size of the Cobra Bone. Next is the Pinnacle mitt but the nap is a little short. The Bone is great too! What sucked was the Cobra Chenille mitt. It is small and the elastic is rough and too snug for my large but not huge hands, I ended up cutting off the elastic and it works better but is still small. IMO it isnt up to Cobra Standards and should be revamped or canned. Its junk IME! LC Garage Sponges work OK too! I still wash my wheels the traditional way and do them first.

 

[Sludge]

Thanks for the tip. Thats a vinyl top right? I have canvas top on my Sky.

I used the MF Mitt last time I used ONR and I definitely prefer the towel as well.

CEE DOG, nope it is a canvas top. The GT has a fabric (canvas) top, all the other models have a vinyl top.

 

[Da Fats]

I use Cobra 530's for wash media for ONR washes I like the plusher MF's for this they feel safer I will use 4 -5 a wash always flipping and folding the dirt into the towel.

ONR is designed to bind up your dirt into your wash media so rinsing tends not to release much of the dirt like with normal washes and is why I do not use sponges or mitts with ONR washes

Hope this helps

 

[pfix]

What wash media do most folks use? Microfiber mitt? Microfiber cloth? Sponge?

Jenn

I have been using a grout sponge on my new black car for ONR with no problems. I have ONR'd it at least 2x per week for several months, it looks better than when I took delivery.