California Water blade.

[yearoftherat]

Saw these @ CT and wondering if anyone has used one..good/bad?

http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/products/images/Automotive/CarCleanUp/WashMittsSponges/0398101_450_CC_c249.jpg

[Wild Weasel]

I've been using one for years now. So long as you ensure it never touches dirt (if you drop it or something, be sure to clean it properly) it works like a charm.

I highly recommend. It really reduces drying time and lets you use one towel instead of 2 or 3.

[mleblond]

For windows only? or are you gonna use that on your paint?

[Wild Weasel]

Yep. Paint and windows.

[Thrice08]

Works great but because the rubber is so soft it will pick up small debris. So you must clean it well.

[mleblond]

Price? I am looking for an alternative drying solution...

[yearoftherat]

Using 3 microfibre towels just to dry off the car is getting to be a PITA so I just might try one.

There are 2 sizes available @ 19.99 and 29.99

[mleblond]

wow I hope it doesn't wear off at that price!

Will do a trip to CT tonight :)

[Scottobot]

I've used them for ages and my father swears by them. Although they're not supposed to scratch paint and neither of us has had an issue, my wife managed to find a way to scratch with it.
Just go slow and easy, keep it clean and they work really well.

[queens49]

Should try the drying cloth called Absorber. It's about $19.99 at CT, and it works amazing.

[theurgy]

I prefer either the Waffle Weave Meg's or Dehydrator towels.

[TheProfessor]

I used one for years and it was really great. It seriously reduces drying time and never scratched or damaged the paint. It did eventually wear out on me though (rubber began to get stiff, discoloured). Still though, $20 over five years isn't bad.

[Flagrum_3]

Seen the guys at the dealer use these, personally I wouldn't use one, micro fibre drying towels only for me...

A few responses here mentioned having alot of water left over after washing! Can I make a suggestion/tip? ... When completely finished washing the vehicle, do the final rinse using only the hose with low pressure, with no gun....you'll be amazed how little water is left to dry off after doing it this way....try it :)


_3

[Gizzmo_jr]

When completely finished washing the vehicle, do the final rinse using only the hose with low pressure, with no gun....you'll be amazed how little water is left to dry off after doing it this way

"Flooding the paint", and your right. When I learned this last year it makes a world of a difference.

[Wild Weasel]

I used one for years and it was really great. It seriously reduces drying time and never scratched or damaged the paint. It did eventually wear out on me though (rubber began to get stiff, discoloured). Still though, $20 over five years isn't bad.

Been using mine longer than that and no problems yet. Did you leave it in the sun or something? :D I put mine back in the package after each use and store it away with my other car cleaning stuff.

[SonicBoy]

Flood coating the car works best.

So does using your leaf blower to get out all the water trapped in the front grill area, mirrors and door handles. Man is there a lot of water held in the rear 3rd brake light!

[theurgy]

Be careful with that... as a leafe blower has no input filter and could basically blow rocks or hard drive right at your car (basically like sandblasting)... then again you get the same treatment driving...LOL

I use an air compressor at times.

[kaval]

I'd stay away from the waterblade unless you keep your car polished up and smooth as glass all the time. One little contaminant in your paint getting caught in that blade and you're left with some deep scratches.

Pick up a waffle weave microfiber towel. Reduce the potential to instill paint defects by being as least invasive as possible.

[theurgy]

Spoken like a pro...LOL

[Flagrum_3]

"Flooding the paint", and your right. When I learned this last year it makes a world of a difference.

Actually its called "sheeting", I couldn't remember the term when I wrote my post but just got it off one of Kaval's posts :)

Anyways when I "sheet rinse" my car it leaves so little water that it takes only a couple of minutes of light passes to dry it with a towel......least evasive method right?!


_3

[TheProfessor]

Been using mine longer than that and no problems yet. Did you leave it in the sun or something? :D I put mine back in the package after each use and store it away with my other car cleaning stuff.

No, it probably actually never even saw sunlight (always wash and park my cars underground). Not sure what happened then, but it was used a minimum of twice per week for about five years.

[Fobio]

$4.99 @ Princess Auto FTW!

[yearoftherat]

I prefer either the Waffle Weave Meg's or Dehydrator towels.

I've seen the Absorber @ CT but haven't seen the Waffle Weave Meg's or the Dehydrator...

[kaval]

I've seen the Absorber @ CT but haven't seen the Waffle Weave Meg's or the Dehydrator...

You can get the Meg's drying towel at NAPA or Carquest, but you'll pay a ridiculous price. You can buy one for MUCH less from eShine.

[oni]

$4.99 @ Princess Auto FTW!

wot...great price!

[kaval]

Princess Auto is my second home. Love that place!!!!!

[oni]

too bad its only in sauga!

[Dan Da Man]

ive been using the waterblade for more then 6 years, ive had no problems, ive dropped it many a times and i just give it a rinse and a wipe before every use. mines still in good shape after all these years.

[aylkoo]

I also have just started using the waterblade, and it works very well. Leaves very little water on the car and so very little chance of getting waterspots after a wash. But I was use the water gun to spray the blade first, just to make sure nothing is attached to it ... haven't had any problems with scratches ... touch wood

[kaval]

I also have just started using the waterblade, and it works very well. Leaves very little water on the car and so very little chance of getting waterspots after a wash. But I was use the water gun to spray the blade first, just to make sure nothing is attached to it ... haven't had any problems with scratches ... touch wood

The scratches can also come from dirt being embedded in the paint.

[aylkoo]

Very true, that's why I try to use my pressure washer to spray down the car before my wash. I am guessing that the waterblade is being used after the wash. Anyhow, there is always the risk of that happening I guess ... Maybe try to use the waterblade sparingly, on 3 or 4 panels, after that, the microfibre cloth will pick up the rest of the leftover water very quickly ...

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah, you only use the waterblade after the car is clean and rinsed. It's part of the drying process, not the washing process.

[JiNuWiNe]

Hmmm. I just called the Newmarket store and they said they don't have them.... help anyone?

[aylkoo]

just got mine at the one on Sheppard between bayview and Leslie, and they had quite a few ... might be a bit far for you though ...

[theurgy]

You guys are honestly better off flooding the paint with water when rinsing and using proper waffle weave towels.
Does a much cleaner and easier job... it only takes that one time when you drag a rock from that blade across your paint, then you'll be realizing you should have done it right the first time.

[kaval]

^zing!

Group buy on Waffle Weave Microfiber Drying towels anyone?