How To Perform a Rinseless Car Wash with ONR

Ever heard about those guys who perform rinseless washes on their mobile detailing jobs? They make it sound so easy and they don’t even use a pressure washer! It can make you feel like you’ve been doing it wrong the whole time.

You probably heard them talk about using ONR – or Optimum No Rinse. It’s a beloved product amongst auto detailers because it’s affordable, effective, and produces a fantastic end result.

We’re going to demystify ONR and rinseless washes, so you can decide if you want to start performing them on cars. It’s especially helpful during the colder months! Nobody wants to rinse a car when it’s freezing outside!

Where Can You Buy Optimum No Rinse?

Unfortunately, ONR must be bought online. For some reason, you can’t find it in local stores. You can ask around, but none of the major auto part stores carry it. Walmart has it available for order, but not in-store and not for pickup.

How To Perform a Rinseless Car Wash with ONR

Optimum No Rinse (ONR) is a versatile rinseless car wash product that allows you to clean your vehicle without the need for a traditional hose and bucket wash. Here are the steps to properly use ONR for a rinseless car wash:

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need two buckets – one for the ONR wash solution and one for rinsing your wash mitt. Also have on-hand quality microfiber towels, a wash mitt, and a good spray bottle.

Mix the ONR Solution

Add 1-2 ounces of ONR per 2 gallons of water in your wash bucket. Stir to combine. It sounds crazy, but that’s all it takes to make 2 gallons of washing fluid. This stuff is potent! It can be diluted for interior cleaning as well, learn more about the ONR Dilution Ratios.

Pre-Treat the Vehicle

Use the ONR spray bottle to lightly mist the entire surface of the car. This helps lubricate the paint and loosen dirt.

Wash One Panel at a Time

Dip your wash mitt into the ONR solution, gently wipe down a small section, then dry it immediately with a clean microfiber towel. Avoid scrubbing or going over the same area multiple times.

Rinse Your Wash Mitt Frequently

Dip the mitt back into the rinse bucket and agitate it against the grit guard to remove any collected dirt before moving to the next panel. Remember, you must be extra careful since you’re performing a rinseless wash. Be mindful of any dirt picked up on your wash mitt.

Dry the Vehicle

Use high-quality microfiber drying towels to blot and lift the water from the surface. You can also use a spray-on drying aid like ONR to help the drying process. In fact, we recommend lightly spraying ONR on the area you’re about to dry.

Inspect and Touch Up

Look over the vehicle and use a quick detailer spray to wipe down any missed spots or areas that need extra attention. The key to a successful ONR rinseless wash is using the two-bucket method, pre-treating the surface, and drying each panel immediately after washing. This technique allows you to safely and efficiently clean your car without the need for a traditional water-intensive wash.