I've been hiding in a cave when it comes to washing a vehicle. This technique was invented in 1988 by some guy named Steve Leis. But became popular now a days. I called a mobile service to wash my car simple as that. He called me when he was done. I asked "where is the pool of water"? He explained what his used. A spray bottle and some solution. WOW! How in the hell? I wondered. The car was shiny and clean though.

Won't that scratch your car by wiping the dirt off? But yet I didn't see any scratches. Maybe the solution they use IS hiding the scratches. I'm a little afraid.

I will try this myself one of these days. I know I will use ALOT of microfiber towels.

 

Without and soap or water on the car I would think spraying directly over dirt and then wiping it would cause swirls and scratches in the paint.

 

I use Optimum No Rinse on 90% of the cars I work on. If you use the proper materials(wash mitt, grit guards, 2 buckets, microfiber drying towels, etc.) then you can wash the car without introducing swirls. It has its place, I have washed some pretty dirty cars with it, but Id only really recommend it if you wash your car decently often.

 

I've never even heard of washing a car without water...........

 

I doubt that method is safe on dry muddy cars though.

 

Sorry, I forgot there are a few different types of "waterless" car washes. Some are in a spray bottle like the OP mentioned, and although I have not used that method, I cannot imagine it would be good for your paint finish. But I have seen crazier things, so I cant say it doesnt work!

With that said, Optimum No Rinse is a solution that you put into a bucket of water and you wash your car with just a bucket of water, no rinsing the car with a hose or anything. I can vouch that this method does not scratch if done correctly. I love this product because it allows you to wash a car in your garage and get very minimal water on the ground. This is especially useful here in FL, where you cant even think about washing a car in the middle of the day. This product allows you to do that.

FWIW, I still wash the wheels the traditional way.