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View Full Version : Anyone do strictly waterless/ steam washing



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Airforce1
01-13-2014, 04:29 PM
So Im doing some research to start a mobile detailing business. Im currently deployed and spend my free time researching the ups and downs to industry. Now.. Im' throwing around the idea of possibly beeing completly waterless. Stricktley using waterless wash and steam. Im throwing around this idea just because I know there is allot of folks who do not like the big water mess in their driveways and the fact of throwing down a a wash mat for water containment sounds like a pain in the butt... not to mention the cost of one of those things. I have seen all the threads regarding waterless washes and read about all the yay and nay sayers about the product but i want to know if there are any of you who are strictly waterless / and or steam only deatailers and what are your success stories .. and have you ever had to turn down work due to vehicles being "too dirty" for these washing methods.

AeroCleanse
01-13-2014, 04:36 PM
I'd like to but don't have $6,000 for a steamer that can do it.

STPETEDALE
01-13-2014, 05:49 PM
My friend purchased the optima unit. It was cool for a couple months. The main issue was no product support in the states. Offered it to me for half what he paid thankfully I passed. Your local wastewater treatment coordinator should be able to steer you in correct direction you are concerned with epa fines etc. Around here for mobile detailers you are allowed like under 5000 gallons per month without any special permit. Epa will make you fill sand bag tubes to catch run off water and then have you vaccum it and dump it in the grass. I thought they were kidding. I only know this because of the many hoops Jumped thru in dealing with a local beach community city hall.I have used the a steamer to clean my clean vehicle before. Would not use on a paying customers car though.

Airforce1
01-13-2014, 06:00 PM
Im wondering about this more for the ease of washing. I know i would hate having puddles in my drive way. I know more upscale folks definetly would not like this. OUt of all the videos ive see about steam cleaning and waterless wash it looks safe but at the same i have nevr seen a high end car or a "Very Dirty" getting cleand with these methods!

AeroCleanse
01-13-2014, 06:03 PM
No product support for Optima? Sure there is - Steamericas, Inc. | Optima Steam Car Wash Machine (http://www.steamericas.com/)

allenk4
01-13-2014, 06:05 PM
Would be much, much easier & cheaper to Shop-Vac up or use a leaf blower to get rid of some puddles of water in the driveway.

STPETEDALE
01-13-2014, 06:16 PM
It was a few years ago maybe better now. There were little things that could easily be fixed. Having warranty work done and not having a back up could be an issue unless they give you a loaner.The concept is awesome just not practical being mobile in my opinion

hogie
01-13-2014, 06:23 PM
Are you serious about people hating puddles in their drive way? That seems ridiculous.

I am in the Midwest so my drive is soaked on a regular basis. However, it dries out really quick if the sun is out.

FUNX650
01-13-2014, 07:51 PM
waterless / and or steam only deatailers...

and have you ever had to turn down work due to
vehicles being "too dirty" for these washing methods.
^^^That would mean turning down quite a bit of Business opportunities in some markets.^^^

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Steam_Mobile.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/70396)



Bob

Airforce1
01-13-2014, 08:30 PM
Are you serious about people hating puddles in their drive way? That seems ridiculous.

I am in the Midwest so my drive is soaked on a regular basis. However, it dries out really quick if the sun is out.

I have never done it myself as I am still in the researching phase.. but I'm only thinking about every possible way people would not do business.

Airforce1
01-13-2014, 08:33 PM
^^^That would mean turning down quite a bit of Business opportunities in some markets.^^^

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Steam_Mobile.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/70396)



Bob


Totally understand what you mean! I'm not about loosing work!

A2D Signature
01-13-2014, 10:42 PM
Doggone I wish I had 6k lying around. Guess I'll just settle with my pressure washer and a tornador for interiors


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

UpstateNYBiz
01-15-2014, 05:31 PM
I've been recently thinking about this myself. I will be getting my tax refund and hoping to use some of that money to start something like this. I thought about using the steam idea but what worried me was the 300 and something degrees used.

I'm not sure of the best route to go; any ideas on other methods of starting a mobile wash business? I would need a water supply, generator and more and I'm not sure how well that would work with my Explorer or the cost.

Thanks :)

Airforce1
01-16-2014, 09:59 AM
I've been recently thinking about this myself. I will be getting my tax refund and hoping to use some of that money to start something like this. I thought about using the steam idea but what worried me was the 300 and something degrees used.

I'm not sure of the best route to go; any ideas on other methods of starting a mobile wash business? I would need a water supply, generator and more and I'm not sure how well that would work with my Explorer or the cost.

Thanks :)


here is your answer for SUV set up...

UpstateNYBiz
01-16-2014, 03:22 PM
here is your answer for SUV set up...

thanks AirForce1 :)