Convenience In The Palm of Your Hand: Mr. Clean No Spot Car Wash.
Written: Jun 27 '04 (Updated May 28 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: No bucket of soap needed, unit is self contained, easy to use. No spots.
Cons: Cost of filter and soap over time, does not wash/wax the car for you.
The Bottom Line: This is a convenience item that will make washing your car a little easier. But it can be expensive over time.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System |
This is a great tool to clean your car. This device gives you a spot free car wash with minimal hassle. It works and is a great idea. Sadly there are still a couple of design flaws.
Set up
All you do is remove the plastic from the filter and insert it into the plastic nozzle unit. The pour the soap solution into the nozzle unit (a different compartment of course.) Then connect it to your hose, put the correct setting on, and turn on the hose. You are good to go.
How it works.
The device has three settings. The first is a water feed straight from your water source. I did not notice any difference in water pressure or decreased performance. The spray pattern was normal and I found no problems with it.
The second setting is the soapy water. The water pressure was slightly decreased and it did not seem to have enough soap. But after getting used to it, the amount of soap did seem sufficient. Occasionally I would fill up the sponge by pressing it against the nozzle and that seemed to help in dirtier situations.
The third setting is the filter. The first time you use it you will notice the filter filling up before it expels the water. The water pressure is very low, almost annoyingly so. So you will take your time using this setting. What I did notice from the water is that it beaded up differently than normal. The water also left a beautiful rainbow glow, kind of a cool effect.
The procedure
The steps are a no brainer. Anyone can do it.
-First, hose down the vehicle with normal water.
-Second, hose down the vehicle (or parts if it is hot out) with soapy water.
-Third, Scrub the vehicle down with a sponge.
-Fourth, wash the vehicle down with regular water to get rid of the soap.
-Fifth, wash the vehicle down with filtered water.
-Sixth, clean the windows and watch the car dry spot free.
If it does not dry spot free, replace filter and go back to step one, or sit on your porch and cry.
The idea behind filtered water
Water is called the universal solvent. This is because a lot of the substances we deal with dissolve in water (any polar substance, ex. Salt, sugar). When the water evaporates it leaves the solvents behind. In the case of washing your car, these deposits stay on your car as spots.
I have been told that detailing shops collect rain water for this very purpose. Other shops that do not receive much rain (like where I live) would have to use an elaborate filtration system or dry the cars really fast by hand.
What is included
You get a plastic nozzle (a large one), a starter filter, and a container of soap solution. The instructions are also very clear, but the device is so simple you really do not need them.
Construction & Durability
The overall construction of the unit seems sound and well constructed. The nozzle hardly leaks water when pressure is applied. The overall feel is good, it is not too awkward and anyone can use this device.
As far as predicting its life expectance is concerned, I will give mine 4 years. If you are really careful with your gear then you can expect it to last longer (if you have read any of my other reviews then you know how badly I abuse my gear.) The reason I do not expect it to last beyond that is because it is made entirely out of plastic and it feels flimsy (but 4 years is still good for a $10 product.) The rubber plug is also not very well designed (see below on “it leaked”) If I had a choice in buying a higher quality model I would.
You can read my update on the bottom but the durability has been very good
My first use
This first time I used this unit I did a very quick wash on a very dirty truck. The process was straightforward and I only glanced at the instructions to see what the symbols meant. During the soap stage I quickly wiped the surface of my truck because I was in a rush. After it dried I noticed some dirt streaks on the truck, but as far as water droplets was concerned I did not see them. But the windows needed to be windexed or something. The plastic cladding came clean with no noticeable markings.
The second time
The second time I cleaned a very dirty Saturn SL2. I took more time to wash this vehicle that I did with the Avalanche and made sure I used the sponge more liberally. The car came very clean without the dirt streaks I had on the truck. The windows did need to be cleaned though.
What I realize is the only real convenience, besides being spot free, is this product eliminates the need for a bucket of soapy water. I enjoy the fact that I do not have to waste time going back and fourth to moisten my sponge every 5 minutes or so.
The third time
Still works with no problems. The truck looks good and is still spot free. Unlike what the commercial says, it does not work as well on windows as I would like.
4th, 5th, and 6th wash
Same results as above. By the sixth wash I can see minor spotting and will replace the filter.
Effectiveness summary
It works like I expected. It cleans the car like normal and does not leave any spots. The windows do need to be windexed.
Number of uses for the filter
6 washes is good
About their soap
You need to use their soap in this product. If you do not you risk clogging up their system. Most car wash soaps will have too great a viscosity. I think one solution to this would be to find a very thin viscosity style car soap, but I do not know if one exists yet. The other option is to water down the car soap but I also have not tried that as of yet.
I have heard stories of other people that use a generic car wash detergent and got their unit clogged up. But they called a hotline and the company showed them how to clean it out properly.
Refill costs
The refill cost are pretty high. The following is a list price, you should be able to find them for a few bucks less.
-Soap- $8.99
-Filter- $9.99
It leaked out soap
The plug for the soap hole is very cheap and not very secure. I made the mistake of setting it on its head in my carpeted living room. Big mistake because some soap leaked out the side and some got onto my carpet. Nothing a carpet machine can’t take care of but it is still annoying and a bad design flaw.
Who is this for?
-Someone that is picky about having a spot free car.
-Anyone that does not want to or cannot use a bucket. (college students?)
-Someone that wants to shave a few minutes off washing their car.
-Anyone that displays their car.
-Anyone into convenience.
Update, May 28, 2005
I left this unit outside all winter long. During all that time there has been no noticeable weathering on the unit at all. The only issue is the plastic plug that holds in the soap. It is not very secure and the soap seemed to have evaporated out of the unit. When I stored the unit on the other side the soap actually leaked out of the unit. I know they used that plug to save money but in my view it was not a good decision. Hopefully they will fix that design flaw before I need to buy another one in 2-3 years.
I am very pleased with the durability and expect it to last longer than I my previous prediction of 3 years. Only time will tell.
Summary:
This is a well design product, just not made with the best materials. It is designed to add a little bit of convenience and make our lives a little easier. And it does that well. You still need to do all of the work involved in washing your car and you also need to spend money buying their soap and filters. It is a worthwhile product that I am happy I bought; I just hope it holds up to my abuse.
Other reviews for home products.
Dyson Vacuum
Clorox Bathwand, tub and sink cleaner.
Jack Lalanne Juicer
Recommended:
Yes
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