Using Waterless Wash as Quick Detailer after ...

[Lexi65]

Traditional 2 bucket wash method... Helpful to avoid water spots, etc.

 

Feedback please. And no I won't clean my car with just waterless!

[egott_91]

If you're asking if you can use Waterless Wash as a drying aid instead of DS, then the answer is yes.

Edited September 18, 2013 by egott_91

[stirthepot]

i do. at one point Dylan had stated that it was a cheaper alternative and it provided more protection if you missed a spot during the wash.  

 

i still use detail spray after drying as well.

[THE Mook]

It all depends on which vehicle I am washing for what I am using as a Drying Agent.  I use Adam's WW as a Drying Agent for the wife's Mazda because of the soft finish.  I use Adam's Detail Spray for my TBSS.

[Team Adam's]

Short answer - yes. 

 

Longer answer - depends on what your goal is. 

 

The idea of using a drying agent has a few key pros:

1. It provides surface lubrication while you dry, which helps prevent swirls. It suspends any small particles that run out of your trim or panel gaps after a wash and makes them 'less dangerous'. It also helps suspend the minerals in your water to reduce or slow the formation of surface water spots.
2. From an aesthetic standpoint it can deposit (in the case of DS) a layer that gives you a freshly waxed look without having to do any additional steps other than washing and drying. Also in the case of DS it provides an additional layer of protection and helps preserve your wax or sealant coating. 
3. It makes drying easier. Both DS and WW repel water to some degree, which makes drying faster and easier as the amount of standing water is reduced. 

Now, depending on your goals, you have to decide what product makes more sense for you. Waterless will definitely provide more protection from swirls and the potential dragging of a small particle over your finish due to its better surface lubrication. On the other hand it does not provide any additional gloss or protection. Its purely cleaner, so theres no aesthetic or protective value. 

 

Personally I choose the product based on the situation... 

 

If its just a quick wash/dry and I don't plan to do any claying, polishing, or waxing I go with DS. 

If the vehicle is filthy, but otherwise flawless I might go WW to give me a little more insurance as far as potentially introducing damage, then follow with DS for the added gloss. 

 

If the vehicle will be getting clayed and/or polished anyways I usually go with WW... its cheaper per oz and I don't need the aesthetic or protection enhancement.