What is our Eco-Wash???

Detailing uses a lot of different soaps and chemicals. From wheel cleaners to degreasers, iron remover, multiple different soaps and pre-washes, we end up using a dozen or more different products just on an exterior detail. Just check out our double foam wash method to get an in depth idea of what all goes into it.

However, here in Seaside we have both the Pacific Ocean and the Necanicum River going through town. In Astoria we also have the Columbia River. I have developed an alternative method to washing your vehicle that you can opt for if you choose! It uses way less water and only about 5 oz of chemical which has been designed to have a minimal environmental impact. If you are worried about the ecological consequences of washing your car then just let me know when you book a mobile detail that you’d like the eco-wash option!

What exactly is the eco-wash?

This method uses a rinseless wash product called Optimum No-Rinse (ONR). Instead of pre-treating the vehicle with foam, rinsing, and then doing another layer of foam (among other pre-treatment chemicals), we treat the exterior to a coat of ONR. The product works to loosen and emulsify dirt and grime before we come in with the contact wash, again with ONR. There is no need to rinse the car off after the wash. All that’s left to do is dry the car! We also use ONR for the wheels and door jambs, and as a clay bar lubricant. The process results in minimal chemical runoff while maintaining a safe and effective wash!

Is it as good as our normal wash method?

The eco wash is a safe, scratch free method with a minimal impact on the environment, but there is a small tradeoff. Some of the things that we miss using this method include,

  • Wheels and wheel wells are not cleaned as effectively

  • We cannot use use deep cleaning products like an iron remover

  • Cracks, crevices, and emblems cannot be detailed as thoroughly

  • Not 100% effective on extremely dirty vehicles

I use this method on my own car regularly, but I also don’t let my car get very dirty. It is cleaned regularly because I am a perfectionist. My car also has a ceramic coating, which lets me go longer between washes and minimizes the amount of buildup that accumulates on the vehicle. For this reason you could actually make a case that ceramic coatings are more eco-friendly in the long run. The coating is extremely hydrophobic, meaning the water beads/sheets like crazy and it makes the rinseless wash so so easy and quick. One of the many advantages of a good coating!

Feel free to ask any other questions you have when you book your detail. I am a detailing nerd and love talking about this stuff, hence why I have a blog where I can go into deep detail with this stuff.

We offer mobile detailling to the entire North coast region of Oregon, including Seaside, Cannon Beach, Gearhart, Warrenton, Astoria, and everywhere else! Click the contact page and give me a call/text to get on the schedule!

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