Steam to wash paint/entire car? What say you?

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Antihero47

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Go to 6:30 to watch him clean the paint.

Personally from my limited experience I would be skeptical as he's using what appears to be a pretty short nap microfiber and is the dirt really being lifted just because of heat and steam? Seems like he's lightly dampening the car and then wiping the dirt with the microfiber. How can that not cause scratches?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bXmxRjjAw8]Detail Your Car - With Steam! - Jay Leno's Garage - YouTube[/video]
 
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I saw a video of another person who cleaned a vehicle using steam and I have the same swirl concern with that approach.
 
I think it's dumb and expensive. Steam is just condensing on the paint, so you're basically just washing your car with water. Steamers are great, just not for this.
 
Its been proven not to, you are washing away the dirt and the towel behind is drying. You do have to have a powerful enough steamer to do this and the Optima steamer shown is. You can adjust how much moisture comes out with the steam.
 
I just think there are much more practical methods. You can argue that you are putting an extremely minimal amount of water on the vehicle, which is great for classic cars, etc. But, at the same time, you now run the risk of heat damage. If you don't believe steam can damage trim, single stage paints, certain clear coats, etc, you're nuts.

I would opt for rinseless washing which also uses minimal water and adds lubrication. Water, imo, doesn't encapsulate dirty particles enough to prevent micro marring. . .proven or not.
 
Interested to see this method on a DD covered in bugs and tar!!!
 
statusdetailing said:
I just think there are much more practical methods. You can argue that you are putting an extremely minimal amount of water on the vehicle, which is great for classic cars, etc. But, at the same time, you now run the risk of heat damage. If you don't believe steam can damage trim, single stage paints, certain clear coats, etc, you're nuts.

I would opt for rinseless washing which also uses minimal water and adds lubrication. Water, imo, doesn't encapsulate dirty particles enough to prevent micro marring. . .proven or not.
Click to expand...
What's your thoughts on detailers using the:
"Steam/MF-toweling method"...to clean vehicles' cabin-materials?
Materials such as:
Leather ("protected/unprotected"), vinyl/vinyl trim, fabrics of various make-up, etc.

Should a "rinseless-washing method" be used on these cabin-materials
instead of any "steaming-method"?


Just curious.

:)

Bob
 
I have used this machine its a great product and it doesn't scratch the paint the biggest problem is price about 5-6k.
 
statusdetailing said:
I just think there are much more practical methods. You can argue that you are putting an extremely minimal amount of water on the vehicle, which is great for classic cars, etc. But, at the same time, you now run the risk of heat damage. If you don't believe steam can damage trim, single stage paints, certain clear coats, etc, you're nuts.

I would opt for rinseless washing which also uses minimal water and adds lubrication. Water, imo, doesn't encapsulate dirty particles enough to prevent micro marring. . .proven or not.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. I think there is a place for steam even steam cleaning an exterior but just not that practical. Can't really see how it would enhance value to be reflected in prices to make a profit. I give the kid credit it does make him different. I don't usually use 7 gallons of water on a car unless it's really really dirty, but I will use more chemicals than him.
 
FUNX725 said:
What's your thoughts on detailers using the:
"Steam/MF-toweling method"...to clean vehicles' cabin-materials?
Materials such as:
Leather ("protected/unprotected"), vinyl/vinyl trim, fabrics of various make-up, etc.

Should a "rinseless-washing method" be used on these cabin-materials
instead of any "steaming-method"?


Just curious.

:)

Bob
Click to expand...


Haha Don't get me wrong, I'm ad advocate of steam. I use a vapormaster 3000 on most soft interior surfaces. I have damaged hard interior surfaces with steam and have since, discontinued that practice unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. I also, use the diapering method 99% of the time to dissipate the steam and to avoid direct contact of the steam with the surface I'm cleaning.

I'm telling you guys from experience. Steam will damage hard materials. It may be rare, but it will eventually happen. Black plastic will turn white. Even a hair to much steam will remove dye from leather. Too much steam will delaminate headliners, carpet, etc.

Used carefully, steam is a miracle, but using it on classic cars...I wouldn't do it unless absolutely necessary.


I love my steamer. It's my best friend, but used incorrectly it can be your worst enemy.
 
Pureshine said:
I have used this machine its a great product and it doesn't scratch the paint the biggest problem is price about 5-6k.
Click to expand...


Yeah, 5-6k in an industry where profit margin isn't always the greatest maybe isn't the best investment.
 
Using steam to clean the exterior is not as efficient IMO as a water wash or rinseless wash. But, when its raining or cold, it can be a nice touch up if the car is not too dirty.
 
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