Eliminating post-wash water streaking from mirrors and door handles

[ClearlyCoated]

Another low cost, low-tech car washing (actually car drying) technique that I've been using that may be of help to others on MOL. :D

When I joined MOL, one of my first questions was how to eliminate water streaking on door panels from door mirrors and handles after drying your car. I received a lot of good advice, and even incorporated the use of a leaf blower to blast out the last traces of water from the crevasses, nooks, and crannies inherent to car door handles and side mirrors. But every time I thought I had succeeded, I would still find water streaks on my doors after driving the car following a wash.

So I started using sham wow (or a close knock-off) material cut into small squares to absorb the remnant water.


http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss117/johndesd/ShamwowDoor.jpg

I cut 8 small pieces about 2" square and insert them into the door handle latches. I leave them there as I start drying the rest of the car or attending to the side mirrors. By the time I'm done, these little squares have effectively absorbed the last traces of water from the handles.

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss117/johndesd/ShamwowMirror01.jpg

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss117/johndesd/ShamwowMirror02.jpg

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss117/johndesd/ShamwowMirror03.jpg

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss117/johndesd/ShamwowMirror04.jpg

I use a larger piece (about 8" square) and rotate the mirror. I don't rotate the mirror with the sham-wow cloth in the swivel joint, but rather rotate the mirror first and then insert the cloth into the swivel joint and leave it for a few seconds before removing the cloth and moving the mirror to it's next position..


http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss117/johndesd/ShamwowMirror05.jpg

Finally, I use another 2" piece of cloth and insert it between the mirror lens and the mirror housing and gently run the cloth around the circumference of the lens.

The overall results are very effective. Even after using a leaf blower and seeming removing all traces of water from the mirrors and door handles, the sham-wow cloth still picks moisture using the methods above (you can feel the dampness of the cloths). Since I started using this, I've had no problems with water streaking.

[Michael Stoops]

It's interesting to see how different vehicles hold water in all sorts of strange places, and the amount of water they can sometimes hold!! Nice tip, John!

[ColonelCash]

Don't know if this happens everywhere, but one of our malls has those kiosk stands that always give out these little pieces of sham for free. I always get one, now I have another use for them!

Great tip!

[andyo]

with the side view mirror you can drill a small hole in the lowest part and the water will drain out. the hinge you can do what you do with the sham wow, that works great!!!!

[Jossy92]

This will save me a lot of frustration

[JimboB5]

Been wondering what to do with my sham-knock-off; thanks for the tips.

[xantonin]

Very interesting. I would consider the same except I find using a rinseless wash I get less of this problem.


with the side view mirror you can drill a small hole in the lowest part and the water will drain out.
My side mirrors are actually designed this way, it's not as clever as you'd think. They still leak LONG after you're driving and there's no way I can block it.