Car washes
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 25
From: Maine
I suspect in much of the USA non-hazmat environmentally safe soaps and waxes are a requirement.
The touchless car wash in my area uses non-hazmat car wash soap and car wax products.
There are no swirl marks as nothing touches your car except high pressure water/soap and wax if you pay extra.
The manager will tell you exactly what they are using if you ask him.
It's not always the same as they do change products when distributors/costs/supply varies.
They can only use environmentally approved soaps and waxes that can be safely drained into the city sewer system that feeds into the treatment plant.
The volume of their wastewater would sound alarms at the treatment plant if the pH levels were not acceptable.
I know this because I managed the acid wash tank for spray painting of a snowplow manufacturer (they do powder coating now).
The only real issue I ever have is getting close enough to the credit card scanner without getting out of the vehicle
The touchless car wash in my area uses non-hazmat car wash soap and car wax products.
There are no swirl marks as nothing touches your car except high pressure water/soap and wax if you pay extra.
The manager will tell you exactly what they are using if you ask him.
It's not always the same as they do change products when distributors/costs/supply varies.
They can only use environmentally approved soaps and waxes that can be safely drained into the city sewer system that feeds into the treatment plant.
The volume of their wastewater would sound alarms at the treatment plant if the pH levels were not acceptable.
I know this because I managed the acid wash tank for spray painting of a snowplow manufacturer (they do powder coating now).
The only real issue I ever have is getting close enough to the credit card scanner without getting out of the vehicle
Last edited by Lobstah; Jun 20, 2022 at 07:36 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 10,515
Likes: 216
From: Northern California
There is way more to it than you would think unless you are in the business and must get the city you are operating in permits.
Just because you assume most products are accepted environmentally safe, they are not always and stretch the limits of acceptance. Some because of their ingredients don't even have a classification so are not considered at all when operating permits are given and the EPA watch dogs. , there are guidelines and you would be surprised what is allowed to down the gutter and collect.
Touchless wash ......DOES cause swirl and scratches DONT FOOL YOURSELF IT SIMPLE LOGIC.
Just because you assume most products are accepted environmentally safe, they are not always and stretch the limits of acceptance. Some because of their ingredients don't even have a classification so are not considered at all when operating permits are given and the EPA watch dogs. , there are guidelines and you would be surprised what is allowed to down the gutter and collect.
Touchless wash ......DOES cause swirl and scratches DONT FOOL YOURSELF IT SIMPLE LOGIC.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 25
From: Maine
You have your logic I have my opinion and physics.
Having worked in biotech for many years, I am well versed and certified in bio and chemical Hazmat, OSHA rules and regulations, SDS and the like.
And yes, there are all kinds of people who break rules and regulations and some who will dump anything down the drain.
I'll take a touchless car wash over a mechanical or hands on one.
Just like I'd take a touchless flogging over one with an actual whip, but then again, I'm not into that sort of thing.
Having worked in biotech for many years, I am well versed and certified in bio and chemical Hazmat, OSHA rules and regulations, SDS and the like.
And yes, there are all kinds of people who break rules and regulations and some who will dump anything down the drain.
I'll take a touchless car wash over a mechanical or hands on one.
Just like I'd take a touchless flogging over one with an actual whip, but then again, I'm not into that sort of thing.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: VA Beach
My last several cars I have not bothered to wash them at home and use a monthly subscription for a touchless wash- None of them seemed to have any damage and all were able to bead water even though I never waxed them- So for now- I will continue doing the same 
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: USA
I suspect in much of the USA non-hazmat environmentally safe soaps and waxes are a requirement.
The touchless car wash in my area uses non-hazmat car wash soap and car wax products.
There are no swirl marks as nothing touches your car except high pressure water/soap and wax if you pay extra.
The manager will tell you exactly what they are using if you ask him.
It's not always the same as they do change products when distributors/costs/supply varies.
They can only use environmentally approved soaps and waxes that can be safely drained into the city sewer system that feeds into the treatment plant.
The volume of their wastewater would sound alarms at the treatment plant if the pH levels were not acceptable.
I know this because I managed the acid wash tank for spray painting of a snowplow manufacturer (they do powder coating now).
The only real issue I ever have is getting close enough to the credit card scanner without getting out of the vehicle
The touchless car wash in my area uses non-hazmat car wash soap and car wax products.
There are no swirl marks as nothing touches your car except high pressure water/soap and wax if you pay extra.
The manager will tell you exactly what they are using if you ask him.
It's not always the same as they do change products when distributors/costs/supply varies.
They can only use environmentally approved soaps and waxes that can be safely drained into the city sewer system that feeds into the treatment plant.
The volume of their wastewater would sound alarms at the treatment plant if the pH levels were not acceptable.
I know this because I managed the acid wash tank for spray painting of a snowplow manufacturer (they do powder coating now).
The only real issue I ever have is getting close enough to the credit card scanner without getting out of the vehicle
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Hanover Pa
Get it ceramic coated
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: DK
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 10,515
Likes: 216
From: Northern California
BWJ not bad dude, that info has some pretty good information! Most is why I always recommend never use either of those type of car washes. Except for a rental car or truck hahaha
Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Denver
A decent (you get what you pay for) professional ceramic coating job is going to cost $1,500 - $2,000. Just my opinion but, I can't see dumping that kind of money on a Mazda paint job.