Anyone save rainwater for washing their car?

[jdbillin]

I want to start saving some rain water to wash vehicles that way I don't have to worry about water spots. I've got a clear tote that i'm going to be keeping it in. When it gets filled up its going to have to be outside but once its full my plan is to move in inside to keep the sun from getting to it. My question is what is the best thing to put in the water to keep it clean? I was just gonna dump some bleach in there but figured id ask and see what other people are using first.

Thanks
Jordan

[Dmb5450]

First, is the perceived prevention of water spots the sole purpose of collecting rain water?

My thoughts: I would pick tap water over acid rain any day. Rain where I am at causes water spots, if my car is perfectly clean and it rains, I still see the effects.

If you do give this a try, I would never add anything to the water,especially bleach to clean it. To me it seems like using hose water is less of a hassle.


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline

[Route246]

Not sure where you live but rain where I live in NorCal is pretty impure and contains a lot of minerals and spots horribly on a car.

[FUNX650]

Algae loves Sunlight.

Accordingly...
As to your "Clear Tote":
Paint it black!




Bob

[Octopiston]

I collect rain water, but I use it for my orchids.

Dark barrels don't grow algae, so I'd do what Fun suggested.

[jdbillin]

First, is the perceived prevention of water spots the sole purpose of collecting rain water?

My thoughts: I would pick tap water over acid rain any day. Rain where I am at causes water spots, if my car is perfectly clean and it rains, I still see the effects.

If you do give this a try, I would never add anything to the water,especially bleach to clean it. To me it seems like using hose water is less of a hassle.


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline

The reason i'm wanting to collect it is because the only other water source at the location is just straight well water. I don't plan on washing any customers vehicles with it mostly just my pick-up and farm equipment.

Not sure where you live but rain where I live in NorCal is pretty impure and contains a lot of minerals and spots horribly on a car.

I'm in central Ohio I've never noticed any problems with water spots from the rain water, I know one other guy that does it and it works great for him but he's able to keep his tank inside all the time.

Algae loves Sunlight.

Accordingly...
As to your "Clear Tote":
Paint it black!




Bob

Haha the thought has crossed my mind I know its not gonna hurt anything I also debated on just making a small plywood box to cover the tank.

I know our city water here has a strong chlorine smell to it so that why I was thinking about putting something in the water to help keep it clean, I just need to figure out what is best as how much to put in.

[jdbillin]

Either way I'm going to put a filter in the system to catch any big particles, I know there are many different types of water filters out there i'm curious as to what other guys are running. I doubt i'm the only one thats doing this to wash there vehicles

[Detailsbydaniel]

I wouldn't add bleach to it myself. My buddy does this for his tractors and dump trucks but he isn't worried about a spotless finish either with them. Like mentioned before acid rain would be a terrible thing. I would paint it black as well. Also leave the top loose they suck in big time during temp changes

[jdbillin]

Maybe I won't put anything in it and see how long it takes for me to go though it or how long it takes for algae to start growing in it. As of now this is the only option I have besides bucket washing and that's not very practical when everything is covered in mud.

[chet31]

Why would washing your car with acid rain be any more harmful than driving around all day in acid rain? I'd be more worried about particulates in the rain water - roof debris, etc, you wouldn't want scraping on your car. The big stuff would settle to the bottom, maybe make sure you give it a day or two to settle after a rain, then draw from the top? A crude filter would be even better. The rain water would be softer than hard well water, less chance of spotting. Maybe wash your car with the well water, then rinse with rain water? I'd be interested in what you figure out.