Does Rinseless Car Washing Scratch Your Paint?

In today video, we answer an important question! Does rinseless washing scratch your paintwork? Levi Gates tests out KCX Rapid Rinseless Wash on some dirty (yet corrected) Black Volvo Paint. Enjoy!
For years we’ve had people questioning the safety of rinseless washing. Does it scratch? Where does the dirt go? How dirty is too dirty? So our goal was to address some questions and explain how rinseless actually works. There’s many skeptics, but the truth is…this is a safe alternative to soap with less water usage.
Koch Chemie released RRW this year and it’s been a hit! We’re living in the golden age of rinseless, and we have several amazing options on the market. Rinseless washing isn’t Magic, but it is science based. The goal is to safely remove the dirt without damage, and have no product to rinse off in the end.
What is your favorite rinseless? Do you believe in it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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00:00 Introduction
00:11 The Public Opinion Of Rinseless
00:43 The 3 Properties Of Rinseless
02:14 Disclaimer For Heavily Soiled Vehicles
02:41 Scratch Testing
07:48 Test Results
09:37 Outro

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

I am a mobile detailer in Texas. Texans don't believe garages are for cars so I have to do most cars in the blazing sun. Rinseless is the only way to go and it DOES NOT scratch paint. I repeat RINSELESS DOES NOT SCRATCH PAINT.

[@UndressforAndres]

Which Rinseless works for you in that Texas climate?

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@UndressforAndres Work in small sections, or for best results shade (large umbrella is a surprisingly good option).

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

@UndressforAndres I use DIY rinseless but I have tried all the main brands and everything works great

[@ShelterDogs]

I didn't think Texans drove cars anymore. It seems they're all monster trucks out that way.

[@britishrocklovingyank3491]

@@ShelterDogs Hahaha! Truer than I want to admit. Every time a big truck is a gig I get sad. They are a pain in the ass and the owners always try to argue price.

[@jbrown7403]

I’ve been using rinseless car wash for years on my M4. I do it once a week in my garage and I am done in 20 - 30 minutes. Love the efficiency, speed, economy and results! I also keep a small spray bottle with rinseless and microfiber in my trunk at all times to quickly remove any bird droppings! 👍

[@masanta]

Great video. I'm a huge rinseless fan and use it quite often. The only part I disagree on is pressure washing the muddy vehicle with just water and pressure washer. That doesn't feel safe to me. Spray a prewash product to break down the dirt and mud before hitting it with pressure washer

[@aldaley3537]

Haven’t scratched my ceramic coated car yet. Have been using rinse less and water less washes for years. Recent favorites are DIY Rinse Less, ADS Hero, and Phoenix EOD Hydra.

[@douglasclark3428]

I live in Florida and always clean my own cars plus an occasional detail on the side. After many years of foaming and 2 buckets in the blazing heat, I wish I would’ve tried rinseless sooner. Quicker and way less stress on my body. I started using ONR and liked the results. I paired it with some new TRC towels and mitts, fantastic.

[@RuneJuulJensen]

Been using rinseless wash ONR since 2014 and completely agree with Levi in this informative video 😊 It is a skillset but once you get in down there is no looking back💪 On really dirty cars I presoak with a dedicated prewash or Optimum Power Clean. It works great 😁👍

[@nomad509]

I very rarely use soaps anymore because I maintain my cars so well with Rinseless washes. It does come with some limitations such as wheel and tire cleaning since I prefer to keep them thoroughly scrubbed with suds and water so I've made the compromise and do soap baths on the weekends and Rinseless during the week when it is way more convenient. Plus I use multiple towels that never revisit the bucket so I can use the same three gallons for three washes and then wash my towels at the end of the week!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Nothing like Rinseless. I have been using it for over 14 years.

[@matsudakodo]

I started rinseless washing recently and it has been a great addition to my process. It doesn't completely replace the foam cannon, though. The pressure washer is still needed for a more thorough clean-rinseless only gets the exterior panels and not wheels, wheel wells, under the car, etc, and doesn't get into crevices as easily. But I predict that if you try it, you're going to replace all the glass cleaner in the house with rinseless wash, too. Or more. It's just better than what we've been using all these years.

[@saviordream]

I did a rinseless wash for the first time this past weekend. I had picked up some P&S Absolute months ago with the intention of trying it out but never got around to it. Finally figured I'd give it a shot as it's been blisteringly hot and I didn't feel like bringing the car out of the garage and dragging out the pressure washer, foam cannon, etc. Granted, I only washed my MX-5, which isn't a daily, but I as still pretty impressed with the results. There was a lot of bug splatter on the front end and the rinseless took care of all of it without too much hassle. Really impressed, and while I still like the traditional method, I'll definitely be adding this technique to my arsenal.

[@alexpope5327]

LOVE RRW, it is definitely in my arsenal, as is Absolute and ONR, among others 😁😁.

[@elonsus9747]

Yvan Lacroix said the only time he had soap at his detail shop was when one of his employees bought him it as a joke. He did purely rinse less washes. If a car was too dirty or muddy they’d rinse it off before hand.

[@jeffc6832]

Yep. If you've got a quality APC and a mineral remover, there's no need for soap and you can do everything else you need with rinseless.

[@whitegoodman7465]

He did only rinseless cause it was quicker than doing a traditional wash..his shops #1 goal was getting the cars in and out, not about paint safety.

[@OddlyHuman]

@@whitegoodman7465It's still safe watch the video

[@elonsus9747]

Rinse less is safe for paint. Perhaps more so than car soap itself. People just can’t understand the concept behind it or don’t want to believe it. It’s a new concept for people that use traditional bucket and soap methods. But that’s not a bad thing, either process can scratch paint, especially if you use it wrong. I still use soap on occasion because it’s fun.

[@border056]

@@whitegoodman7465 If they were known for scratching up people's paint they wouldn't have any business. That's silly. Rinseless is a fast and save wash method if done properly.

[@walterhahn4130]

I typically maintenance wash my car with rinseless weekly. Since it’s coated, it’s almost a no brainer. I used to drag out the pressure washer, set everything up, and foam. I realized after rinsing, the car barely had any dirt left. Bucket wash seemed a waste of time. I saw Eddie Colon do a hybrid wash video, and my washing methods have totally changed. Maybe only once a month I’ll drag out the PW, and foam it up with Gyeon Foam, or Griots Surface wash. Rinseless after that, and done. I even started doing my wheels rinseless. Probably cut a third of my washing time or more. If you’re coated, and still using the Foaming, and two bucket, you are working too hard, and wasting time. A good pump sprayer, sponge, a grit guard, and a good drying towel.

[@jeffc6832]

Rrw is amazing stuff, definitely in my top 3!

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Other 2?

[@DasJav]

I just don't enjoy doing a rinseless wash. I will do rinseless wash when I'm limited on time and my vehicle isn't really dirty. Like the ShoeDoc says.. "When I see the foam, I'm in my zone!"

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Rinseless weekly and you'll rarely be too dirty to need more. But yeah, foam is fun and makes the process an event.

[@ril850_1]

I just gave rinse-less another try from the conventional wash with pressure washer and soap buckets. I don’t think the rinse-less scratches but it’s just not as thorough. For me especially on my truck they’re just too many areas it doesn’t have the cleaning power of a pressure washer.

[@JWL-UK]

I only use soap once a year in preparation for a polishing session as I don't have to worry about scratching the paint. Every other wash, is rinseless. About 80 times a year.

[@user-wx1xc3gh3z]

It took me a couple of times to get it. A quality drying towel is a must.

[@border056]

I don't think people realize that you can rinse your car with a hose or pressure washer when doing a rineselss wash. In fact, it's recommended if your car is heavily soiled. Pre-treat with rinseless, rinse, and then do a contact rinseless wash. The rinseless wash saves you the final rinse step, you can go straight into drying. It's a massive time save when you don't have to worry about getting all of your wash soap out of every crack and crevice. The first rinse can be a super quick one. Hit all panels with the pressure washer and go into your contact wash.

[@paulallenpierceandpierce]

It always depends. The Rinseless-Wash product was never the problem. The main difference ist the procedure before the contact wash. With some waterpressure and good chemicals you start with a much cleaner surface. And to be honest... rinseless is no fun, i use it, but i love soap.

[@stephenmoxley3004]

I've been using the P & S Absolute rinse less wash for several years now. I also use the special sponge shown in the video and the results are amazing. A smooth, slick surface with no scratches. I do my car once a week and it always looks clean and glossy.

[@robertk3673]

Great information, very informative. Than you

[@detailgrandma22]

Ah the psychology of soap bubbles. More suds, the cleaner. No suds, no clean. Psychology is a fascinating thing. 😂

[@Eric-fz7on]

Haha THANK YOU 🙏. I saw my name in the pop-ups

[@user-yb2tp4qf1r]

I use both, soap and Rinseless, and they all have a place. Most Rinseless leave something on the paint so if I am about to use some sealant I use soap, if the car is just dusty and I want a quick was, I use Rinseless. Can Rinseless Scratch Your Paint? yes it can, it all depend on how you use it and how dirty the car is. But I have to say, soap is just more fun to use and alot more slicker. I have to try the USS.

[@compuwiz1937]

Is it not better to only move the sponge in one direction and scoop? I’ve been doing rinseless for a few months now with towels and the instructions I watched said to scoop and not go back and forth. Do the slits in the sponge negate the need for that? If so and the paint won’t be damaged, the sponge should be much faster.

[@MyGuyKirby]

Foam is for the fun, rinse less method is for the money.

[@taylorwatson5020]

I do the Gary Dean wash method with my ONR and microfibre towels.

[@davidboyce6427]

👀👍. No drinking Levi. I got my eye on you. I bet it taste like tea, maybe lemon tea🤫

[@MasterOfShine]

HAHAHAHA!

[@PixelVogue]

Ask any detailer. Any real detailing. ONR is must in every arsenal 😂

[@daarionaharis3675]

Does all the dirt get released from the sponge when you dunk it back in the bucket and wring it out? Or does some dirt get embedded in it?

[@engineered11]

Agree that rinse less washing works well. I have been using it for five or six years regularly , while not exclusively. I disagree with much of your explanation and reasoning. It does not break down sand grain size. It does not pull dirt to the bottom of the bucket, gravity does.

[@eeldude]

How effective is rinseless on treesap? Does it loosen it up and "encapsulate" or do you pretreat sap with a different product?

[@theragcompany]

On misted tree sap rinseless can have an affect on breaking down the contamination however if the tree sap is more like a pine tar drop you will need to incorporate hot water into the rinseless to soften the sap especially on delicate areas such as PPF or Vinyl however on paintwork you can use hand sanitizer or a product like Eulex from KCX to remove pine tar sap.

[@jasonwalker2639]

I'm convinced! But, question - is there any impact to your drying towels when soaking up the RRW as you dry? Meaning will it change the absorption properties of the towels over time since they get loaded with Rinseless Product?

[@theragcompany]

There is no affect on absorption when drying with just a rinseless wash however if you dry with a sealant as a drying aid that can clog the towel and affect the absorption.

[@david243121]

@@theragcompany this is good to know. What is your recommendation then for a good procedure to keep your towels in good shape? Do you just dedicate some of your towels for dry agents/sealant sprays?

[@jordanlogsdon3079]

Question if I have a 10 year ceramic coating on my car and it’s mainly garage kept this seems perfect for wash due to hardly any dirt. However will rapid rinse less wash ruin my coating ?

[@Apexmissed]

Does it leave anything on the surface or could you apply wax/sealant/ceramic right after without panel wipe?

[@theragcompany]

You do still need to panel wipe the surface before applying your protection for the best bond to your paint

[@KramSacul]

Looks like a useful way to clean your car if it’s mildly dirty. Otherwise, no.

[@darthnatas953]

OK, so it works. I just fail to see what is the magic purpose to not using a hose?

[@border056]

You can use a hose. If your car is dirty you can pre-treat the car with rinseless, rinse with a hose, and then do a rinseless wash. The rinseless saves you from doing a final rinse. You can go straight into drying.

[@MasterOfShine]

@@border056 Exactly!

[@darthnatas953]

@@border056 Why not wet the car, soap it and rinse? You are trying to save 20 or 30 gallons of the final rinse so you save $1 or something?

[@tonydetailing08]

Hello sir, I have a new batch of polishing machines recently. Would you be interested in helping me test them？

[@edgarm8933]

It would be a better example if on the other side of the panel you washed it with just water. Same procedure but just water and see if it scratches like that. If did then Rinse-less is great and If it didnt then….

[@jeffc6832]

I've done that. Water scratches, rinseless does not. Feel free to try it for yourself!

[@edgarm8933]

@@jeffc6832I’m ok that’s why we have KZbin stars to proof their point. I detail and I’m pretty sure water scratches . But many ppl watching might not be detailers and are just normal ppl who might have that same question

[@stephan2357]

9:56 😱

[@Bull1the1Great]

Disclaimer : as alluring as it it, don't drink it 😂

[@MasterOfShine]

😝

[@gunsmokezz]

Panel was never dirty to start

[@Matt_justlikethat]

Not if you use McKees rinseless car wash. Sooooo concentrated must follow the dilution rate on the side of the bottle and also use the sponge made by same for the wash process. The sponge itself traps dirt away from the surface. Thanks

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

Levi, you said to power wash a very dirty car before you do a rinseless, but many experts say never power wash heavily soiled vehicle because it could scratch the surface?

[@whitegoodman7465]

So many ppl use the term "encapsulation" even with soap, such a loose term that has no meaning.

[@rdefiori]

Yes, the car detailing KZbin parrots unite. Terms like decontamination, contact wash, paint correction, encapsulation… it’s become ridiculous.

[@ihatemacs9]

You can actually witness encapsulation in progress when you use a rinseless wash. When I get bird droppings on my car, i take a spray bottle with the standard dilution ratio of ONR and spritz directly on the droppings. In about a minute you can see the doo doo start to fall apart. Then right after that you'll see the larger ONR droplets surround the doo doo like a force field, and the smaller fecal matter will slowly migrate to the middle of the droplets. A lot of other things are happening, as the surface tension has changed too, but I was not sold on rinseless until I saw this happen in real time on my car.

[@in4chandru]

no foam, no fun, period!

[@jeffc6832]

I often like to foam for prewash, then rinse it off and pull it into the shade of my garage to do a relaxing rinseless contact wash without having to stress about hard water spots. Best of both worlds.

[@MasterOfShine]

@@jeffc6832 SAME. FOAM is for the Honeys, Rinseless is for the Money!

[@MasterOfShine]

Foam for the honeys, Rinseless for the money!

[@J1Z06]

Nope 😃

[@jdg6026]

😂

[@JohnnyReno71]

Cars not even dirty

[@ihatemacs9]

he said they specifically corrected 1 panel in order to show the before and after. you have to start with a control