I enjoyed Joel™s post on self serve car washes. He described bucket washing and his techniques.
I like his quote on bucket washing signs Normally, car wash bays have signs that say, No hand washing. Ignore these.; Sounds familiar? He instructs to stay away from soaps at the washes, I guess to save money in the bay? He also says Don™t use the hot wax or Triple conditioner or any of that other upsold crap. Not sure if he has ever used these products, it would save him some time and money on the other products he purchases. I think he would be quite impressed with the chemicals. But it is definitely not a hand wax which he recommends.
I also enjoyed the comment about the brushes: If you don™t have an extra sponge, you can consider using that brush on the wall to shine up your wheels and tires. This being the only time you should ever use that brush, unless you™re attacked in the car wash bay. It is then permitted to use it as a weapon.
Not sure how a $5 mitt is better than a $50 hogs hair brush? I have to try and convince everyone that believes they are poor quality. I had a guy use his own nylon brush because my brush was bad. They should talk to the Erie brush people maybe they could change their mind?
What is funny is his superstitions about self serve chemicals but used the spot-free rinse? I guess this is the only good stuff worth paying for? Which is good because ro equipment is expensive and I am glad someone appraises it.
You should read his post it is informative about how customers perceive the self serve industry.