Simple carwash filter (water spots)

I have a water spotting problem when I wash my car. So, I did a little search on the web and found this little hookup. Went to Home Depot and got all the parts and put it together, took about 5 min and total cost $38.00. Thought I'd post it, just in case anyone was interested.

How to: Add water filter to your garden hose (no more water spots!)

 

Great! Thanks for the idea. Those RV ones look like the way to go!

 

Thanks for posting.

Looks like they have solved the water pressure/supply problems in the Keys since my in-laws lived there years ago.

 

Haven't had any pressure problems since we've been here for over 2 years now, so, guess your right. Good thing about living on a boat, always have internal tanks and watermaker. Of course, not enough to wash the car! haha

 

The problem is the filter is too small it will only last about 5 washes. I use the Groits water filter it lasts about 1 1/2 years and cost 100.00

 

It suppose to last 6 mo. It's made for daily shower use, I figured it should last longer, I guess I'll find out.

 

Just thought I would update this thread for anyone who might want a good car washing system for cheap!

I've been using this setup for a couple of months and still working fine. Wash 2 vehicles every week with no degradation.

 

George,
Thank you for posting this information. I washed my 360 outdoors (first time washing a car outdoors) on Tuesday, because it was cloudy / overcast, but it was windy.

I use AIR to dry the car afterwards, and was only about 50% happy with the results this time. At least half of the car had water spots dried on. So, I finished it with a Grand Finale spray and all is well - no spots and a nice slick finish.

I have been considering adding a water filter to my car wash operation, and was debating the install. Then, I read this thread and found it to be very simple. I will go and buy the parts and put them in place before my next (last for the season) car wash. Thanks!

 

Do you use the filter for the entire wash or just final rinse?

 

Great thread. I have bad spotting problems with our water. I need to give this a try.

 

I think this will help you. When I found this idea, I was having a difficult time with water spots. I started using this and it really made a difference! I still dry the car with a drying towel but the spots were really minimized. The water here in the Keys is piped in from Miami, so, I always filter it, even for drinking. I'm glad I could help.

 

For the whole wash! made very little difference on the pressure, really can't tell a difference.

 

It was really cheap and I too had a big problem! For the price, you really can't go wrong. Let me know if you end up trying it and if it helps..

 

Looks like nice solution. I tried Mr. Clean and was not real happy with that. I do dry my cars and use the California Water Blade which speeds up the process. It's a hand held silicone squeegee that removes 85 percent of the water before you finish up with a towel. WARNING- always make sure it is perfectly clean. A small amount of grit can scratch the paint. Retails for $15-25.

 

I used to use the water blade on other non Ferrari cars I had. Actually, I use it on the Ferrari for only the windows / glass. Scratching the paint is the biggest reason why I use air to dry the car, rather than a waffle weave microfiber towel. The air works wonderfully.
Going to HD tomorrow to buy the filter supplies!

 

I've thought about using a squeegee before, might try that as well.

I don't have a compressor, so not an option but an excellent idea!

 

Soon will have a new garage. And will make sure the air compressor hose can reach the driveway. One benefit of the air hose is being able to blow water out of seams, vents, etc.

 

You can consider this instead of a compressor. I saw it on the Velocity Channel the other night. I know nothing about it, nor am I endorsing it. Perhaps others can comment.

https://www.metrovacworld.com/Air_Force_Master_Blaster_Car_Dryer_MB-3CD/overview

 

You are using the shower filter system, correct? Has anyone tried the RV filters? I was looking at those pretty close.

Also, what about this passage from the waterstick link in that thread? How do you know if you just need the "regular" filter resin or if you need the more expensive resin to remove all TDS?

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My professional detailer recommends using DI water. However, at my home, I'm not really prepared for that level of adventure. So, for now, I'm going to settle with the shower-style filter solution. I bought the parts today - hopefully it wasn't a waste of $30.

 

I have one. I bought it after watching the guy who detailed my car use one. You can shop around, but it will be about $200-230. The power of this unit is unbelievable. If I move the cars out of my garage, I can use this thing to clean the floor in about 2 minutes. It takes a couple times to get used to the way you'll get water out of crevices (light assemblies, trunk and hood lines, etc.) but the car gets completely dry without me ever touching it. There is a smaller version for about half the price, but that one won't knock over small children or change the course of passing aircraft, so I got the bigger one...

I was looking into a way to soften the hose water, and appreciate the thoughts on this thread. With my hard water, I do get some micro-spots after air drying. I use a Meguiar's quick detail spray with a microfiber towel to lift those away. Once this is done, the car looks like it never leaves the garage.

 

It truly helped me out. I still have to dry the car afterwards but it's not anything like it was before. After washing the car and during, I would have to keep the car wet or it would spot before I could even dry it off.