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Washing with Water Restrictions

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  • Washing with Water Restrictions

    Don't know if this is in the right category but I'll start here anyway.

    So I live in the LA area and beginning this month (June 1st) we now have to really conserve the way we all use our water. Information found here. They are being very strict now to a point where we are not even allowed to water our lawns with the sprinklers except on Mondays and Thursdays.

    Anyway, so I began to do some research on how we can still wash our cars and not use as much water. One of the first interesting links I found was of course something by Meguiars. Meguiars Waterless Car Wash. Although these products aren't available in the US, I think it might be cool to have it since water isn't only an issue in LA.

    I was able to find some pretty interesting information on the Australia's website for water saving tips when washing your car. I have been trying to save water when washing for a few years now and since my house has 4 cars, when I do wash a car, i try to wash all of it in one day. I also love Meguiar's quick detailer since using that every few days has saved me from washing again a lot without sacrificing my car's looks.

    It also got me thinking if there are members on this forum who is at least somewhat eco conscious, what kind of things have you been doing to save water?
    i.m. skeptical... of everything.

  • #2
    Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

    Optimum No Rinse
    Or in Australia There is the Waterless Wash. Basically a California Duster, UQD.
    Joel
    Firefighter/EMT-B
    Rejuvenation Auto Detailing
    "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Dirt Back!!!"
    '99 F-150

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

      I just wash mine in my lawn. I can't find anything saying that's against the rules. You still can't wash it between 10am and 6pm but I highly doubt a cop is going to drive down my street.

      Considering I wash almost every one of my neighbors cars at some point or another, I'm not worried about them complaining about it either.

      Just continue on as normal I say, there is always the ocean.

      Ryan
      Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway.

      This is your life. Choose to live it to the fullest.

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      • #4
        Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

        Optimum No Rinse is the way to go
        AeroCleanse, LLC
        Wisconsin's Elite Detailing Service
        www.aerocleanse.com

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        • #5
          Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

          ^ ONR Same Here. Read Many Great Reviews, but havent tried it yet

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

            Originally posted by Ryan L. View Post
            You still can't wash it between 10am and 6pm but I highly doubt a cop is going to drive down my street.
            I haven't read anything about not being able to wash. The only thing it says about car washes specifically that is illegal is to "Allow for the washing of a vehicle without using a hose with a self-closing, shut-off device".

            HOwever, depending on where you live and how many people are in your house hold, you have a given amount of water you can use and if you go over that amount, then you have to pay a hefty fee. Since I like to wash cars often, thats probably where i use water the most so I'm just looking for other options in the mean time. But i'm sure with how my family is, we probably use a lot less water than most people in our neighborhood or even most houses in general.
            i.m. skeptical... of everything.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

              Another thumbs-up for Optimum No-Rinse. Two gallons of water and one ounce of ONR will take care of your car. If the car is real dirty, you might need to empty the bucket and add another two gallons of water plus ONR. Definitely give it a try.

              Check out this video made by MOL member Scottwax:




              Swirls hide in the black molecular depths, only waiting for the right time to emerge and destroy your sanity.
              --Al Kimel

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              • #8
                Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                In my part of Florida, We are in phase 4 of the watering restrictions which is basically no watering at all. So I went with onr. Fill up the bucket in the house, add the onr, wash vehicle, I am a happy camper. It really is a great product.
                quality creates its own demand

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                • #9
                  Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                  I love ONR!
                  I recently was converted.
                  At first I thought it was stupid.
                  Then I tried it and fell in love!
                  I actually don't like using the hose and making a big mess.
                  ONR is a CLEANER product then the hose.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                    Originally posted by J. A. Michaels View Post
                    In my part of Florida, We are in phase 4 of the watering restrictions which is basically no watering at all. So I went with onr. Fill up the bucket in the house, add the onr, wash vehicle, I am a happy camper. It really is a great product.
                    J.A. not sure where you are, but here's what it says for my area (Clearwater):

                    Car Washing. Residential car washing and charity car washes are no longer allowed. Commercial car washes and mobile detailing are allowed. However, cars for sale/lease may only be washed immediately prior to sale or lease.


                    Since I'm now licensed I wonder if this means I can wash my own vehicle at home? If I charge myself I should be ok, right? I just finished fabricating my own water reclamation system / wet-dry vac too, so I can catch and reuse what little water I use when doing mobile service if it becomes necessary or the client prefers. I use ONR too and can wash my entire truck (extended cab 4x4 with topper) using only 5 gallons. Most evaporates before it reaches the end of my driveway.

                    If your address (house number) ends in...
                    ...Letters “A” through “M,” water only on Saturday
                    ...Letters “N” through “Z,” water only on Sunday
                    ...Even numbers, water only on Saturday
                    ...Odd numbers, water only on Sunday
                    ...Mixed or no address, water only on Sunday

                    *New Hours*
                    • In-ground irrigation system (rotor and spray sprinkler heads):
                      • Properties less than one acre - Midnight to 4 a.m.
                      • Properties more than one acre - Midnight to 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight

                    • Sprinkling cans, hand-held hose equipped with automatic shut-off nozzle, or using a hose equipped with a portable sprinkler
                      • Properties of any size – 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.


                    Note: The same area may not be watered by multiple means; in other words, persons may not use an irrigation system and a hand-held hose to water the same area twice on their designated watering day.

                    The current watering restrictions remain in effect until further notice
                    for use of water from public and private utilities, wells, lakes or ponds. All observed violations will be issued a citation.


                    And it goes on, of course about watering plants, reclamation water usage, etc. All info found here: http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/pwa/public_utils/divisions/water/water_restrictions.asp



                    My neighbor waters his yard with a hose every few days in direct sun. (idiot) I'm not calling on him though since I wouldn't want him calling on me for washing my own vehicles or working on my race car making all kinds of noise. The lady behind me uses her sprinklers from midnight to 9am every weekend instead of the allowed 12am-4am. I'm surrounded by people that could not care less about our environment or their part in destroying it!


                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                      ONR is mentioned frequently but another very good rinseless wash is QEW (Quick & Easy Wash) from Protect All. It's available from places that sell RV supplies and also online. It's been around longer than ONR and has very good record.

                      Tom

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                      • #12
                        Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                        I'd use ONR.

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                        • #13
                          Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                          That is the restrictions for Pinellas county.

                          We can only wash cars if we are on a private well.

                          We are limited to one day a week for lawn watering. Unless again you have a private well.

                          No charity or fund raising car washing.

                          You can go to commercial car washes.

                          These are just some of the restrictions we are under. Our county commissioners are waiting to see if we continue in the recent wet weather pattern we have been in to ease the restrictions.

                          I am not aware of how thew restrictions deal with mobile detailers in our county.
                          quality creates its own demand

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                          • #14
                            Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                            Same problem here. I try to buy from ADS, so I e-mailed them yesterday about carrying ONR and was told they will soon have it in stock.

                            Great service. Really great service.

                            Going to get a grit guard and a sheepskin wash mitt [I think I read here that it will give more lubricity? (oils?)]

                            Wish there was a "waterless" forum with some tips on how a professional would go "waterless". Seems like it might become a future market.
                            Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
                            by John Wooden

                            '88 Honda

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                            • #15
                              Re: Washing with Water Restrictions

                              I am another ONR user. It is a great product. In addition to being environment-friendly, I find washing my car takes quite a bit less time when I do an ONR wash. It also contains polymers so it will give your wax a little boost every time you wash! Is there such a thing as a win-win-win situation? Yes! It's called ONR!

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