After discovering Optimum NRWS last year (thanks to this forum), I'm on year two of having the cleanest car all winter long, while everyone else has salt on their car

Just got a new camera and I washed the car today, so here are the pics...

What I had to work with (luckily, I have a portable heater in the garage)



Ok, starting with a capful for the sprayer, and two caps for the bucket, and a half a cap in my large bucket with the grit guard:





Here's half the door sprayed:







Before & Afters...

 

Oh
My
Gawd......
Steve, is that a one gal or 1/2 gal sprayer?
NRWS has to be one of the top 5 products within the last few years....For those of you who havent used it, your sorely missing out!

 

omg... i really need to get one of those...

 

isnt that a little to dirty for NRWS...i think id be to scared to wash with just NRWS.

did you check your work after?

 

Thats the extreme. But with pre treating, you lessen the chances of marring considerably. The dirtier, the more gentle you have to be. It CAN be done safely at this level.

 

Thanks Pat, it's a 1 gal from Home Depot that I picked up last year for about $10 - $15 I believe. You're completely right - especially for those in cold climates that can't wash via traditional methods, this is a great alternative!

Even if you're not in a crappy winter state, I still used it occasionally in the summer for a quick wash. At $15 / quart, it's really worth it!

I did this all last winter with no problems. The pre-spray method that Pat devised really helps a ton, at least it's not a wet mit wiping across a thick salt on the paint, it loosens it up first (there's a full review / procedure written up somewhere, but the search function isn't working on here for me). I also still do my quarterly polish (Optimum Polish) and sealant (FSUPP).

 

Wow.

Always been skeptical of this product.

Helps to see the before and afters.

So you still use a wash mit and everything huh?

 

Yeah, basically the same set-up (2 buckets, one with grit guard), wash mit, 2 full size waffle weave towels for drying (it seems you get more water than a traditional wash, b/c you can't really use the 'sheeting method').

I've posted before and afters on the Honda Pilot and my TL last year...I'm trying to find the thread...the search isn't working now. If I find it, I'll post a link to it so you can see more.

{EDIT} Here's the Honda Pilot before & Afters, Here is the same TL as this post, and here's the original thread

 

Very nice!!!

I have a bottle of NRWS that I have not even opened yet. Once I get a place with a garage (hopefully soon) I will give it a try. I can't wait.....

 

Thanks steve9207 or Steve for posting those links and that information.

Appreciate it.

 

Too dirty for my comfort.

 

pat, im still confuse on how you use it.. cuz i got the sample from you but no direction
From the name, you just spray it on and wipe it?

 

nvm i just seen the video
ok another question..
whats better way of doing it
using the sprayer then dry wipe or using microtowel to wash and dry wipe?

 

You're best bet is to apply/pre-soak with the sprayer, wash with a sponge or mitt and two bucket method, and dry with a waffle-weave microfiber towel. That is probably the BEST approach with ONR.

 

Agreed, that would be the best if you have all those items at hand. Add a Grit Guard and your even a step ahead of that! However.....
Pretreat with the sprayer after you have divided the car into sections. I usually do the roof and abc pillars (1), hood and all areas infront of the windshield (2), doors (3), and rear sections (4). Spritz one area at a time, give it a minute to dwell and help presoften/encapsulate.

(You can also play around with presoaking at this time. If its cool but humid out, presoak two sections, then wash section 1. After washing section one, spray section 3 for presoaking, and wash section 2. Weather permitting, spray one panel ahead of your work. This way the NRWS has a good opportunity to soften and encapsulate.
The majority of the time, my normal routine is to wash with a sheepskin washmit. And your not actually washing? But more like wiping the surface. Return the sheepskin to the washbucket, rinse, move/repeat to next section. Once you can afford to dry a section without fear of getting your washed panel wet with the sprayer, dry away! I usually dry each section before moving on to the next.

 

I should have mentioned that 8oz's of NRWS is available with both 1/2 gal and 1 gal sprayers with a savings.

 

Got it!

 

Since when?

Ahh...when I ordered last week there was only a one gallon deal.

 

Ive always had the 1Gal, 1/2 Gal with 32oz NRWS kits available. The 8oz was just added.....

 

Steve,

I've also been a victim of the snows/sleet/ice around us and my 09 TSX looks pretty much the same as your before pics. When can I come over for a quarterly detail?

I acutally was looking forward to using ONR this winter but time and weather have not been on my side. I've been using touchless car washes to get most of the nasty stuff but they leave alot to be desired. I'm just afraid of the chemicals they use will reduce the longevity of the FSUPP. I last applied it mid September and after today's rain, I'm relieved to see it holding up pretty well and beading the water nicely.

 

What western suburb are you in? I'm in Darien.

If you have a garage, the weather is really not a factor (I do run this small little portable heater, but I question how much it really does once it reaches a certain tempature), but I can only think of 1 or 2 times that it was too cold even inside the garage to get it done (the time it was, it froze before I could dry ).

How about after last nights 50 degree rain, turn 8 degree morning - hopefully you are garaged and didn't have a solid sheet of ice to battle.

 

What are the last 2 digits of your order?

 

Yeah...last three digits are: 807

You said two...but three is better than two.

 

Just like 32 is better then 8!!

 

Steve, im in Carol Stream. I'm still bumming off the parents and we only have a 1 car garage which is occupied by my dad's car and brother's motorcycle. Yup I was a victim of the sheet of ice. My wipers were frozen to the windshield and i had to get some water to help it thaw out.

 

Why did you ask me what my last two digits were?

 

Dang I am going to need some of this stuff for the winter. i am going to be taking trips snowboarding so I think it would be a good investment. How much is it exactly? (forgive me for being lazy)

 

Patrick, I asked my girlfriend for some NRWS for the holidays. She got it for me and I used it today. Really nice stuff! Quick, clean and easy to use. My question for you is...what do you suggest using AFTER the NRWS as a sealant and protectant?

 

Damn Patrick!

My girlfriend Janis was holding out on one of my Xmas gifts...

I just got the chance to open it!

You two tricked me! HA HA

Man....and I was all bummed out that I didn't get the 1 gallon kit w/ NRWS...ha ha...good shit!!!

I kept thinking about it...ha ha

 

I have quite a few clients in Nor Cal.....? Or it was all part of my evil trickery to throw you off?
Around $15.00 per Qt, $40.00 per Gal.
She's EVIL!!! She made you wait two days?? OMG!
It was all her evil doing

Steve, as with every wash, at a minimum use a quick detailer you bring some slickness back. But once a month replace the detailer with a spray wax. The Spray Wax will enhance/protect your base coat. The quick detailer is a very temporary enhancement, expect 10-14 days additional slickness & protection from something like Optimum ID&GE, or Surf City Garage's Hot Rod Protective Detailer

 

Ha ha...it worked!

Nice job!

 

My hats off to your GF!

 

Thanks Patrick, which one do you recommend for a Anthricite Silver Metallic finish on a Type S that is driven every day?

 

While I know I'm not Patrick, I'll step in to speak for him, hehe.

I believe Patrick will recommend UPP or even DG 105. Those really are the best sealants out there. Also, Optimum Opti-Seal is worth a mention as well. These three are by far my favorite sealants.

 

Thanks Denzil. By the way, I second the quote under your name.

 

Steve......Denzil hit the nail right on the head.....(If your thinking of a base sealant, 105/111, UPP or Optiseal.)
As for a monthly spray wax, DG 951, Optimum SW, Four Star Spray Wax are hard to beat.

 

Hi Steve and Patrick, I just wonder how do you take care of the chassis. I am just worrying that while the exterior of the car is being taken care of, the chassis is definitely salty! Just wonder what you usually do with the chassis.

 

Thats a great question, and never addressed! I defer to the snow exposed individuals (anywhere but Calif and Arizona). I would imagine a rinse with fresh water as a first would be appropriate?

 

Seeing as the snow and resulting salt is what brought me to NRWS, I'd probably qualify for a snow exposed individual

Anyway, here's what I usually do...at the end of my soak & after I do the wheels, whatever I have left in my 1 gal sprayer full of NRWS (ratio = 1 capful to 1 gal of water for the pre-treat solution), I use for the chassis. I don't actually scrub away or anything, but something has to be better than nothing, right?