California water blade

[VersaMG08]

Spring is almost here and will arrive March 20th, the weather gets nicer and people start detailing their vehicles more.

I like to keep my ride clean, and when the weather is nice, I tend to wash it every 2 weeks or a month depending on how long the nice weather lasts, sometimes at home, other times at the car wash. After I wash the car, it's takes time to dry it off with terry towels and microfibers so water spots don't show up.

I noticed some people use the California water blade and say it works great. Obviously, you have to clean it off before used or it could scratch the paint. I bought one off Amazon today and can't wait to try it out. Does anyone in here like detailing their V and anyone used it before?

Here's an image:

[blindsnyper]

i clean my car every weekend when weather allows, in winter every 3 weeks if not more often.

[BlueMango]

I like to keep mine clean as well. I try to clean it every 2 weeks depending on the weather.

I've used the water blade before and really liked it. I was thinking about getting one as well to keep my towel washing to a minimum. It really starts to eat away at my laundry money after awhile. :P

Anyone ever used the Armor-All car wash soap before? How'd you like it? Have a soap you really like?

I used it the last time I washed my car and felt like it left a weird film behind. I had to wash it again a couple days later because everything was sticking to it and it looked like it hadn't been washed in weeks. Ugh. Back to the generic stuff I guess.

[matt_a]

I use one everytime I wash my cars. Mine looks slightly different from your picture but it is a "California Water Blade". I guess maybe they've changed them somewhat (I've had mine for about 4 years now). Anyhow, I really like it a lot. It makes drying the car a lot faster. You'll still need to use a microfiber cloth or shammy for certain areas, but the blade will get 95% of it for you. Just, as you said, make sure the car is TOTALLY clean first.

[VersaMG08]

I use one everytime I wash my cars. Mine looks slightly different from your picture but it is a "California Water Blade". I guess maybe they've changed them somewhat (I've had mine for about 4 years now). Anyhow, I really like it a lot. It makes drying the car a lot faster. You'll still need to use a microfiber cloth or shammy for certain areas, but the blade will get 95% of it for you. Just, as you said, make sure the car is TOTALLY clean first.

The aqua colored water blade is slightly longer 14". The purple one is the original 12" blade and can still be purchased.

[S133P3R]

it also works great for getting that morning dew off all your windows with no hassles, a good buy!

[matt_a]

The aqua colored water blade is slightly longer 14". The purple one is the original 12" blade and can still be purchased.

Ah....that must be it. You're gonna like it.

[feloniousmonk]

I think it's a lot of marketing voodoo. Dragging anything hard across the paint is just a bad idea (fine on glass). You don't see professional detailers using this. Quality microfiber towels are still the way to go.

[VersaMG08]

I'll wash my car throughly and going to CLEAN the blade off before I use it. I won't scratch the paint.

[matt_a]

I think it's a lot of marketing voodoo. Dragging anything hard across the paint is just a bad idea (fine on glass). You don't see professional detailers using this. Quality microfiber towels are still the way to go.

It's not "hard". The blade is a soft and pliable silicone. The blade isn't going to do any damage. And as far as dragging grit or anything, you'd have the same problem with a towel.

[Knightro2]

As crazy as it sounds...I really like the Mr. Clean Auto Carwash.The filtered water spray part that you do in the end is awesome. Completely eliminates water spots. One of the few items I've ever bought that does exactly what it says.

[matt_a]

As crazy as it sounds...I really like the Mr. Clean Auto Carwash.The filtered water spray part that you do in the end is awesome. Completely eliminates water spots. One of the few items I've ever bought that does exactly what it says.

I've heard other people say that the Mr. Clean system works great too. How much do the filters cost and how long do they last?

[Knightro2]

A filter costs around $8.00. It says it is good for 10 car washes but I normally get about 8 out of it. I think it mainly has to do with the crappy water we have in Central Florida (hard and a lot of sulfur).

It's nice to have because you don't have to lug a bucket around. Everything is self contained (ie, water, filter, soap). You just spray the car down, switch the nozzle to soap. Soap the car up and scrub. Switch the nozzle back to rinse and then switch it to filtered for one last rinse. That's it. No shammy/towel needed.

[matt_a]

A filter costs around $8.00. It says it is good for 10 car washes but I normally get about 8 out of it. I think it mainly has to do with the crappy water we have in Central Florida (hard and a lot of sulfur).

It's nice to have because you don't have to lug a bucket around. Everything is self contained (ie, water, filter, soap). You just spray the car down, switch the nozzle to soap. Soap the car up and scrub. Switch the nozzle back to rinse and then switch it to filtered for one last rinse. That's it. No shammy/towel needed.

That sounds pretty cool. So a buck a wash. I wash two cars almost every weekend when the weather is nice so it be about $8 a month. That's not too bad if it works as well as you say. Can you use any car soap in it or do you have to buy special Mr. Clean stuff?

[Knightro2]

I've just always used their soap. I was thinking about using someone elses but I figured their soap was designed to be sprayed and might have something to with the spot free finish. So I've never tried.

It also says only to use theirs...but that could just be a marketing ploy.

[1_Sleek_Versa]

I never tried the California Blade.

I've always owned dark colored cars, wich are are pain for waterspots.

I use The Absorber. It's like a synthetic chamois. Works like a charm and your not using a hard surface on your paint.

You can completely dry your car in 5 minutes no water left. Got it for 17$ at WalMart.

You guys should try it.

[Sonofasailor]

I've used a California water Blade for the last 2 years, they work great. Contrary to the naysayers they do not scratch you vehicle as long as you ensure that the vehicle is clean. Start at the top and work you way down.

I discovered the CWB while working at a BMW dealership. From what I saw they wouldn't be using them if they scratched. Let common sense prevail.

[iluvmyVersa08]

I like to clean my car too, it's fun. I haven't washed it all winter yet :S I hate auto car washes and it's been too cold to wash it at home. I have never seen that water blade you are talking about. Let us know how it works

[keanucosmo]

I think it's a lot of marketing voodoo. Dragging anything hard across the paint is just a bad idea (fine on glass). You don't see professional detailers using this. Quality microfiber towels are still the way to go.

It's not hard. It's flexible silicon. As long as you wash the car properly, there won't be any scratches. I've been using it for years on my Vette. My Vette has black stripes and I can tell you I see more scratches in the stripes with a micro fiber towel than with the water blade.

I tried the Mr. Clean system and did not like it. The rinse through the filter part was way to slow. I can rinse, blade it and finish with a mf towel faster than using Mr. Clean. I threw it away.

[brainguyus]

As crazy as it sounds...I really like the Mr. Clean Auto Carwash.The filtered water spray part that you do in the end is awesome. Completely eliminates water spots. One of the few items I've ever bought that does exactly what it says.

Ditto!

Best car wash product available!

[VersaMG08]

I'm using this car wash stuff when I wash my car at home. Mix in about 2 oz with a bucket of water and you're good to go.