A perfect solution? Not in my book with Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System.
Written: Dec 10 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It works when the sun isn't shining.
Cons: Availability and price of replacement soap and filter.
The Bottom Line: This is a great idea, and works well on a dull day. We have problems living in sunny Florida. Still get some 'spotting' on the cars.
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| Susie-34668's Full Review: Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Wash System |
Len is the one in our household that cleans both cars. Living in Florida, and especially in July and August, this is a very tiring job to perform. About a month ago, when we were in Wal-Mart, yes the place I frequent the most, Len picked up the Mr Clean AutoDry Car Wash System. Boy, what a mouthful. He had seen it advertised and just had to have it. Well, this is much cheaper than most of the big boy toys he buys. It cost $16.95.
Len's car first. He set up this green and blue machine. I say green and blue, but the main structure is blue, with bright green knobs and nozzles. The filter is inserted into the unit, and then pour in the soap solution.
After attaching the garden hose to the gadget it is ready to use. Firstly the car has to be rinsed off with just plain water. Next step is to use the spray with the soap and water combination. Then the elbow grease comes in. The vehicle has to be sponged to ensure the soap covers the car. Next step is to rinse the car again, by just hosing it down. The final procedure is the rinse with the filtered water.
Then wait and see what happens to your car. The first time Len did it the sun came out and it left water spots and streaks. He then went out and wiped it down manually. So we put this down to the Florida sun. Then it was my car's turn. Oh, I forgot to tell you both cars are black, and show every spot. I stood and watched Len as he sprayed the car, then followed with step 2, being the soap. By the time he had the sponge out and gone over the entire car, I am thinking, is this any better than a regular car wash. Again a rinse with clean water, and then the final magical one.
Len's car stays in our garage and mine goes under a car port. We watched and waited, then went back outside, and I had some water spots. Only in a few places, so it wasn't perfect. Len has washed his car a couple of times since and still not a hundred percent. So today, as I was leaving for work, he decided to have another go at it. I can't wait to get home to see whether we have a perfect car. Being that we only purchased it a few months back, we thought that Mr Clean would be a perfect solution to keeping it showroom clean.
I had to smile when I read on the unit itself, "Water spots will occur when filter is exhausted". I don't think any of us would assume it would last forever.
Well I am happy to say that 95% of the car was spot free. Again the sun managed to get on the boot (trunk) of the car, and there were just a few water marks. Len went out towards dusk and polished them off. I really don't think the makers of this product realized how hard it is to clean a vehicle in the Florida summer. Unless we get up as the sun rises and wash it, or when the sun goes down, it is almost impossible to get the "perfect" clean.
Can you believe we have just received in the mail a $3 off coupon for the starter kit. No good to us, but I will pass it on to anyone who is thinking of purchasing this product. Just let me know. It does say on the postcard with the offer, "If you are unsatisfied with Mr. Clean AutoDry's spot-free shine, call for a full refund within year of purchase. Return of original purchase receipt and Mr Clean AutoDry device are required. Does not cover user damage of device. 1-800-208-0172 or www.mrclean.com
Tested and approved by the experts at Motor Trend magazine."
Another couple of months have passed by, and we have continued to use this product. Both the soap and filter products have run out. We headed up to Wal-Mart to purchase them. They had the soap in stock for $5 and change, but were out of stock of the filter. This is by far the most important item to use, as it prevents the 'spots'. We even asked an employee if they had any in the warehouse. Basically the unit is useless until we get refills.
Would I recommend it. Yes, the system is good. No, the cost of the product is too high, and you still have to lather up the car.
This is review number 300, and I would just like to thank everyone who, over the years, have read my reviews, and left wonderful comments.
Susie
Recommended:
Yes
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