Softened water streaks when drying

[Tecumseh TJ]

Is there any way to eliminate drying streaks without having to use QD all the time after a wash?

I'm on a city well, which is treated. The water is hard (19 Grains). I've installed a softener and inline particle and carbon filters, which has done wonders, but now I still get spots and streaks. Is it just salty residue I'm getting?

I'm using a Water Magnet also, if it makes a difference.

Thanks

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

There's a number of solutions ranging from the expensive (CRS Spotless System) to the cheap (Mr. AutoDry). I use a Mr. AutoDry on my final rinse and only for my final rinse. The device has a setting for deionized water and comes with a replaceable cartridge ($5-$6 at WalMart). It does a decent job of softening up the water.

I have also been looking into getting a battery operated spraying system (BOSS for short) which run about $100 at the low end: Hudson NeverPump Bak-Pak DC Pump Sprayer With water restrictions set to start July for San Diego, I figure I can use this device if I purchase my own deionized water to fill the Hudson Neverpump.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

I use Optimum No Rinse and dry each section as I go. Probably the cheapest way.

[C30-Mike]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

"Water softner " does not result in spotless wash. For that you need a deionizer water filter.

[sleepy]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

I too have a water softener and have all sorts of problems. I, after washing, wet the car down again, not thoroughly, and then start drying it. By the end I have taken the water spots off and am ready to clay bar. Hope this helps!

[Tecumseh TJ]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

I too have a water softener and have all sorts of problems. I, after washing, wet the car down again, not thoroughly, and then start drying it. By the end I have taken the water spots off and am ready to clay bar. Hope this helps!

I have done this as well, but by the time I get done drying, all I've done is smear the water spots into water streaks, if that makes any sense. I might just try the Mr. Clean setup, and/or get more than 1 drying towel.

Thanks for the responses!

[Details]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

i purchased deionizer tanks, 4 of them for $365... together they are good for 15,000 gallons. Im a mobile detailer and this lasts me for almost a year at five cars per day/ 15 gallons per car... if you purchased this it would last you the rest of you life... you can also buy just two of them for $182.5 here in florida... P.S. i dont even dry cars anymore : ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you washed 2 of your cars every weekend and used 15 gallons per car these would last you 9.6 years for $365 or 4.8 years for $182.5!!!!! that beats anything else!!!!! oh yeah and here its only 45 dollars to recharge those tanks when they run out

[Nappers]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

Have you tried flood rinsing yet? take your nozzle off and let the hose run over the car and flood rinse it, I have cut down the water spots to almost Nill!

[MyFirstES300]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

I turn off my Dad's water softener when I wash cars. Even though the water is hard, I always immediately dry the car after washing. Also, washing your car in the shade helps with spotting problems too.

I have had many different colors and paint types in the past, and unless I didn't dry the car after a wash, I never had a problem with spotting.

FWIW, even with the water softener on, I still had no problems with spotting. Then again, it's a "whole house" system so I don't know if there's a major difference from those vs. the kind sold for conditioning/softening water for car washing.

[ShinyChevy]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

i purchased deionizer tanks, 4 of them for $365... together they are good for 15,000 gallons. Im a mobile detailer and this lasts me for almost a year at five cars per day/ 15 gallons per car... if you purchased this it would last you the rest of you life... you can also buy just two of them for $182.5 here in florida... P.S. i dont even dry cars anymore : ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you washed 2 of your cars every weekend and used 15 gallons per car these would last you 9.6 years for $365 or 4.8 years for $182.5!!!!! that beats anything else!!!!! oh yeah and here its only 45 dollars to recharge those tanks when they run out

That makes alot of sense. Where did you get the DI tanks?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Softened water streaks when drying

Using a traditional wash I use a super Suede drying cloth to quickly go over an area, and then follow it up immediately with a pass using a Waffle Weave towel. I keep repeating this, working from the top down.

Pull the car into shade if possible. Also wash either in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harshest heat and sun.