Why am I getting these water spots?

CR Spotless water system is what I have. I got it as a trade with someone I knew so my cost for it was very low. I tried the RV inline type filters in the past but honestly didnt see any difference in preventing water spots on dark color cars. I tried the pop up tent/canopy idea but it just took too much time to set up plus it was another item I had to haul from one place to the next.


I also live in relatively cool area where average temp is around 65. I think I am might be missing something here. Your soap is drying at 40-55 degrees ? May I ask what type of soap you are using and what is your dilution ratio?

You mentioned chasing your tail... what exactly do you mean? Could you elaborate?

I am in a water restricted state and I am also a one man team so I had to adjust my approach depending on where I am. One approach that I employed is to use the power washer to knock down all the big chunks with pre-treated water (usually with ONR) then I would proceed with a rinseless wash with 6 to 10 micro fiber towels in a bucket of a rinseless wash ( Meguiar's GL/Rinse Free Express WASH D114) solution. D114 has been discontinued but fortunately I went and bought a bunch prior. Instead of using a pump sprayer to get the rinseless wash solution to the panel, I used a pump foamer. D114 foam pretty well considering it being a rinseless wash. I do this to create an effect. Something about foam on a vehicle that makes people smile. I guess its the kool factor. LOL
 
I completely understand what you are saying about the canopy! I have a 10X15 and while I love it, it weighs 107 lbs. and takes up a lot of space in the bed of the pickup. Are you saying that I could stop using my canopy if I started doing a waterless wash? That would be great!

With regards to the soap drying quickly, it is not completely drying, but is drying to the point where water spots are starting to form on the glass and panels of the cars before I can give the panel a good wash with the wash mitt. At first I thought it was because a lot of the cars I am working on have been neglected (no regular waxing, running it through a carwash, etc.) but then I started noticing the same thing happening on cars that I knew had been more cared for. That got me looking into the water as the possible culprit.

As far as a dilution rate of soap (I have tried different brands like Chemical Guys, Meguiars, Turtle Wax, RainX, etc.) to water in a bucket, I was putting about 1-2 oz. of soap into 4 gal. of water. I had two buckets. One with just soap and water in it (wash bucket) and one with the grit guard/soap and water (the rinse bucket). I'm not sure if I am explaining this very well. :(

What I meant by "chasing my tail" is that I am running around the car like a mad man trying desperately to soak, wash, and dry the car before I get water spots. I must look like a crazy person! LOL

If you are saying that it is possible for me to just do waterless washes on most vehicles using a pump spray or foam gun, micro fiber towels in a bucket of a rinseless wash, and not have to haul a giant water tank, pressure washer, and canopy around, I will be purchasing these items tonight and doing this from now on! (please say it's true)

So do I understand correctly that a pump foamer and a pump sprayer are the same thing but the foamer just produces foam which "looks cooler" to the customer and the pump sprayer just dispenses waterless wash onto the car like a spray? :)

Am I also understanding that unless a car is extremely dirty (large chunks of mud/dirt/debri) then I can just wash a whole car just using a pump sprayer or foamer and not have to use a power washer or water buckets? I guess this is how detailers are able to just do one panel at a time and not get water or soap overspray on the adjacent panels that could then dry and cause water spots, correct?

I know I sound like a complete idiot with all of these questions, but I have always known car washes to be soap/water/power washers, etc.

Again, your time and expertise is much appreciated!
 
JJackson1313 said:
psnt1ol: Thanks for the info.

You mentioned that you have a water filter and softener. What ones do you use? I'm open to purchasing these in order to eliminate my water spot issue. It is really driving me crazy!

I would love to be able to reduce my water consumption, however, the quality of my work is more important to me, so however I can eliminate water spots I'm open to exploring. Now being a small business, I don't have much money to spend right now, so I can't go out and buy the best water filter and softener, but hope I can find something that is affordable and effective.

I have seen people online that are using RV water filters that they can hook up to the water hose. They are much more cost effective than the professional filters I am seeing for mobile car detailing. What are your thoughts about that? Would that be effective?

Also, I feel like an idiot asking about this, but I have also tried washing one panel at a time with my foam gun. I have also tried the two bucket method and am finding myself chasing my tail. As you mentioned, I am continuously spraying the car with water to keep it wet, I am working under a canopy and using canopy panels to block the sun from coming in from the side, but since I am the only one working on the vehicle, I am finding that the soapy water is till drying faster than I can get to it. Keep in mind the weather here is still very cool (between 40-55 degrees). When we start getting into the warmer weather, the soapy water will be drying even faster. UGH!

Thanks again for your help.
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Google Terry Love Water Filter Forum. Basically the AutoGeek of water filtration systems :)
 
JJackson1313 said:
I completely understand what you are saying about the canopy! I have a 10X15 and while I love it, it weighs 107 lbs. and takes up a lot of space in the bed of the pickup. Are you saying that I could stop using my canopy if I started doing a waterless wash? That would be great!

With regards to the soap drying quickly, it is not completely drying, but is drying to the point where water spots are starting to form on the glass and panels of the cars before I can give the panel a good wash with the wash mitt. At first I thought it was because a lot of the cars I am working on have been neglected (no regular waxing, running it through a carwash, etc.) but then I started noticing the same thing happening on cars that I knew had been more cared for. That got me looking into the water as the possible culprit.

As far as a dilution rate of soap (I have tried different brands like Chemical Guys, Meguiars, Turtle Wax, RainX, etc.) to water in a bucket, I was putting about 1-2 oz. of soap into 4 gal. of water. I had two buckets. One with just soap and water in it (wash bucket) and one with the grit guard/soap and water (the rinse bucket). I'm not sure if I am explaining this very well. :(

I Normally would have just clean water in the rinse bucket if I was to do a 2 bucket wash. I prefer soap that rinse clean with no residue. I like Ultimate car wash and Carpro Reset.

What I meant by "chasing my tail" is that I am running around the car like a mad man trying desperately to soak, wash, and dry the car before I get water spots. I must look like a crazy person! LOL

If you are saying that it is possible for me to just do waterless washes on most vehicles using a pump spray or foam gun, micro fiber towels in a bucket of a rinseless wash, and not have to haul a giant water tank, pressure washer, and canopy around, I will be purchasing these items tonight and doing this from now on! (please say it's true)

It is absolutely possible. Pick up a pump sprayer and try it before you buy a pump foamer. Some rinseless wash dont foam well at all. D114 is great but it has been discontinue for years. I horded as many as I could find but I am on my last gallon now.

Spray the panel down with rinseless wash... pick up one of the micro fiber towel from the rinseless wash bucket.... fold it in four so that you have 8 sides... Wipe down the panel with one side in one direction then turn the towel to a clean side and continue until all 8 sides has been used... after the entire panel has been wipe then use another clean towel to dry and lightly buff if needed.... move on to the next panel and continue the process.

So do I understand correctly that a pump foamer and a pump sprayer are the same thing but the foamer just produces foam which "looks cooler" to the customer and the pump sprayer just dispenses waterless wash onto the car like a spray? :)

YUP !!!

Am I also understanding that unless a car is extremely dirty (large chunks of mud/dirt/debri) then I can just wash a whole car just using a pump sprayer or foamer and not have to use a power washer or water buckets? I guess this is how detailers are able to just do one panel at a time and not get water or soap overspray on the adjacent panels that could then dry and cause water spots, correct?

I imagine very few cars will come to you with light dust. In general, I find myself using a power washer to blast out majority of dirt on the car prior to anything else especially wheels and wheel wells. Add ONR to your tank will minimize waterspotting. With practice and some basic strategy, you will find that you actually dont use that much water at all.

I know I sound like a complete idiot with all of these questions, but I have always known car washes to be soap/water/power washers, etc.

Again, your time and expertise is much appreciated!
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The detailing industry is ever so evolving. A forum such as Autogeek gives everyone a chance to share their thoughts and processes. Experiment with the ideas from the members here and see if you could incorporate them to your process. Remember this... sometimes what works for me might not work for you. Who knows... you might come up with some concepts and processes to share with us.
 
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