Any tips for removing water spots?
GT Member
Joined: December 26, 2010
Posts: 181
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From: Lone Star State
Or something like this during your rinse...http://www.detailedimage.com/CRSpotl...FWQKRQodlGb7Uw
Post *****
Joined: December 14, 2007
Posts: 19,953
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From: State of Jefferson Mountains USA
I soap a section or two, then rinse so neither the soap or standing water starts to dry. Then I soap another few sections and rinse those areas as well as the previous rinsed areas so that there is no standing water for more than a few to 5 mins.
Then micro fiber dry immediately starting with top areas where water is standing (hood, roof, trunk). If I get interrupted I keep spraying rinse water every few minutes. No standing water longer than 5 mins! Comes out great with no water spots.
Why? I learned the hard way. I have well water that has some calcium or lime in it. When I first got Bullitt I came home one night late after driving through a bunch of bugs. Thinking I was doing good, I hosed off the bugs on the front and went to bed.
The next day when I washed I had HUGE water spots from hell! Would not come off after several washings and different methods. Took back to Dealer and they had to do an 'acid wash' to remove them. I had paid for the fancy dealer polymer treatment and it included a guarantee against water spots. So the acid wash and reapply were N/C but taught me a lesson right away. So I researched and have used this method successfully ever since. Still has deep shine and water beads great. I've never waxed it - just the polymer treatment.
Last edited by cdynaco; Apr 13, 2013 at 02:22 PM.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: July 7, 2012
Posts: 4,421
Likes: 21
From: Indianapolis
I completely agree. Though I wash in shade, during summer the air is hot and dry and soap dries quickly as does standing water.
I soap a section or two, then rinse so neither the soap or standing water starts to dry. Then I soap another few sections and rinse those areas as well as the previous rinsed areas so that there is no standing water for more than a few to 5 mins.
Then micro fiber dry immediately starting with top areas where water is standing (hood, roof, trunk). If I get interrupted I keep spraying rinse water every few minutes. No standing water longer than 5 mins! Comes out great with no water spots.
Why? I learned the hard way. I have well water that has some calcium or lime in it. When I first got Bullitt I came home one night late after driving through a bunch of bugs. Thinking I was doing good, I hosed off the bugs on the front and went to bed.
The next day when I washed I had HUGE water spots from hell! Would not come off after several washings and different methods. Took back to Dealer and they had to do an 'acid wash' to remove them. I had paid for the fancy dealer polymer treatment and it included a guarantee against water spots. So the acid wash and reapply were N/C but taught me a lesson right away. So I researched and have used this method successfully ever since. Still has deep shine and water beads great. I've never waxed it - just the polymer treatment.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 13, 2013
Posts: 696
Likes: 2
From: Seattle Washington
Well the way I do it it works for me as well as the other methods work for other people. So we can conclude that it may be the soap one uses more than the way we wash our cars. A good wax will help prevent water spots more than anything. I also keep mine wet because I use a spray wax that I apply before I dry because it prolongs the wax job I currently have.
If you want expert opinions try this link. They only make and sell car care products and they have videos as well as a link to ask questions. If you live in the area they will even do demos.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/
If you want expert opinions try this link. They only make and sell car care products and they have videos as well as a link to ask questions. If you live in the area they will even do demos.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: August 7, 2006
Posts: 16,113
Likes: 789
From: In Boredom
you can use vinegar on the windows to remove the spots. I use the meguires clay bar along with their detailing spray. I am also a big fan of the waterless wash products out there, never any spots. as stated above by someone else I spray some megs utilmate wax on the micro fiber when drying after a water wash. More than one way to wash a car.
GT Member
Joined: August 20, 2012
Posts: 143
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From: Pensacola, FL
I have been using Chemical Guys products and have found nothing is as good as their products. I am finally going to break down and have my Kona blue 5.0 "professionally" done this coming Tuesday. The guy used to work for Barret-Jackson and he told me he ONLY uses Chemical Guys stuff. Look it up...it had helped me win three 1st places, one 2nd place, and 1 "Best of Show" so far this year.
Last edited by Music man in Pcola; Apr 13, 2013 at 05:00 PM. Reason: mispelled word
GT Member
Joined: October 7, 2012
Posts: 198
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From: Clermont, FL
I still say don't rinse as you go. But if you can keep the car wet then more power to you. The soap will not harm the paint. I know it looks scary because its filmy... Seriously leave it alone until the final rinse.
The final light rinse and the "sheet" rinse really is best. No need to debate. I got enough worries with these black cars.
The final light rinse and the "sheet" rinse really is best. No need to debate. I got enough worries with these black cars.
I use a waterless wash with my black car, The only way I can get it clean and looking good.
Meguiars waterless car wash.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: September 6, 2011
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 56
From: Kansas City, MO
I have a simple solution - use a squeegee on the windows rather than any kind of cloth to dry it. Gets it pretty darn close and is all you need unless you're getting ready for a show.
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Joined: March 9, 2011
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Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: July 7, 2012
Posts: 4,421
Likes: 21
From: Indianapolis
Why do neighbors always stare and comment when you detail your cars? Never fails always got some jackhole that walks over and tells you it's pointless and that it's "just gonna get dirty again."
I think it just psychologically reminds them that they need to get their fat butts moving and do the same for their cars.
I think it just psychologically reminds them that they need to get their fat butts moving and do the same for their cars.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
I completely agree. Though I wash in shade, during summer the air is hot and dry and soap dries quickly as does standing water.
I soap a section or two, then rinse so neither the soap or standing water starts to dry. Then I soap another few sections and rinse those areas as well as the previous rinsed areas so that there is no standing water for more than a few to 5 mins.
Then micro fiber dry immediately starting with top areas where water is standing (hood, roof, trunk). If I get interrupted I keep spraying rinse water every few minutes. No standing water longer than 5 mins! Comes out great with no water spots.
Why? I learned the hard way. I have well water that has some calcium or lime in it. When I first got Bullitt I came home one night late after driving through a bunch of bugs. Thinking I was doing good, I hosed off the bugs on the front and went to bed.
The next day when I washed I had HUGE water spots from hell! Would not come off after several washings and different methods. Took back to Dealer and they had to do an 'acid wash' to remove them. I had paid for the fancy dealer polymer treatment and it included a guarantee against water spots. So the acid wash and reapply were N/C but taught me a lesson right away. So I researched and have used this method successfully ever since. Still has deep shine and water beads great. I've never waxed it - just the polymer treatment.
I soap a section or two, then rinse so neither the soap or standing water starts to dry. Then I soap another few sections and rinse those areas as well as the previous rinsed areas so that there is no standing water for more than a few to 5 mins.
Then micro fiber dry immediately starting with top areas where water is standing (hood, roof, trunk). If I get interrupted I keep spraying rinse water every few minutes. No standing water longer than 5 mins! Comes out great with no water spots.
Why? I learned the hard way. I have well water that has some calcium or lime in it. When I first got Bullitt I came home one night late after driving through a bunch of bugs. Thinking I was doing good, I hosed off the bugs on the front and went to bed.
The next day when I washed I had HUGE water spots from hell! Would not come off after several washings and different methods. Took back to Dealer and they had to do an 'acid wash' to remove them. I had paid for the fancy dealer polymer treatment and it included a guarantee against water spots. So the acid wash and reapply were N/C but taught me a lesson right away. So I researched and have used this method successfully ever since. Still has deep shine and water beads great. I've never waxed it - just the polymer treatment.
In the shade , wash one or two section at a time, hose off, and keep going like this by always keeping the car wet.
Don't have a polymer treatment, but i usually wax the car with "Auto Glym " twice in a 6 month period since it is stored for most part of the winter.
Member
Joined: February 18, 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
you can use vinegar on the windows to remove the spots. I use the meguires clay bar along with their detailing spray. I am also a big fan of the waterless wash products out there, never any spots. as stated above by someone else I spray some megs utilmate wax on the micro fiber when drying after a water wash. More than one way to wash a car.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 3,738
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
Best way to do it is if you clay bar it, then wax the window. This will prevent spots from reappearing.