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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs > Drying after washing
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      06-18-2012, 11:43 AM   #1
Scudder
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Drying after washing

What is the best way to dry the car after washing it? I tried using a chamois and it worked quite well although it was a bit tedious. However, I found the groove above the rear bumper was hard to dry (and collects all the drops from above if they are not perfectly dry) so the next day my bumper looked terrible. The water that was there was dirty and had dried, necessitating a re-wash of that area and a more thorough drying.

I'm looking for a quick/easy method. I won't die if there are a couple of little dirt spots on the car. Just don't want a bumper that looks like it was off-roading while the rest of the car is clean.
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      06-19-2012, 10:04 AM   #2
bananachipz
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You could get a blower, but that may be overkill. A good waffle weave drying towel works wonders
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      06-20-2012, 01:02 AM   #3
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What I used to do with my prior ride was dry the car as completely as I could and then drive the car around the block...if possible with a little speed. I woud then clean up whatever got blown out of the nooks and crannies where water tends to collect and/or eventually drip onto the clean car. Mirrors are notorious for this. Unfortunately, my current home is situated in an area where this is not possible. I would if I could.
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      06-20-2012, 08:50 AM   #4
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Saw another 328i in a parking lot yesterday and it had the same issue I did with dirt on top of the bumper. I think the suggestion of driving before final drying is probably the only way to avoid it. I think all the water from the top of the car near the trunk filters down and collects near there, then spills out when you drive.
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      06-20-2012, 08:57 AM   #5
bananachipz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scudder View Post
Saw another 328i in a parking lot yesterday and it had the same issue I did with dirt on top of the bumper. I think the suggestion of driving before final drying is probably the only way to avoid it. I think all the water from the top of the car near the trunk filters down and collects near there, then spills out when you drive.
You're still going to get spots..

two things you can do: Do a god job drying. i.e: open the trunk, wipe the edges and the rubber seals etc

or

Get a blower to dry it out.
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      06-20-2012, 04:01 PM   #6
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What kind of blower do you recommend?
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      06-20-2012, 07:12 PM   #7
bananachipz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scudder View Post
What kind of blower do you recommend?
Metro vac n blo is a good vac/blower combination. You can also buy a purpose built blower (metro makes them as well), but they can be pricey.
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      06-20-2012, 07:15 PM   #8
bananachipz
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Here are their products http://www.metrovacworld.com/Metro%20Car%20Products

They are highly regarded by detailing folks. I'm probably going to pick up a vac n blo myself
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      07-15-2012, 05:18 PM   #9
gicode0823
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Some people use quick detailer spray to prevent the water from drying. I'm thinking about buying the metro blower soon to test it out.
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      07-20-2012, 09:33 AM   #10
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The Metro Vacs are nice, but if you don't want to spend the money, just wash in the shade, sheet the car with the final rinse, use a good waffle weave or two, I use a small one to get the majority of remaining puddles and another to lightly blot the remaining water, no actual rubbing, and use a quick detailer to clean up anything that might dry before you get to it.
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      07-31-2012, 12:40 PM   #11
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can we use a leaf blower to dry?
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      08-06-2012, 01:40 PM   #12
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i used an electric leafblower before which i used solely for my black clk then wiped the remaining down with microfiber. it worked great and did not get any swirl marks but it got tiring after a few years and I never bought a black car again after that.
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      02-03-2023, 08:48 AM   #13
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Since the only way to prevent water spotting is to dry the car with a microfiber towel use this, rather than traditional methods.
https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-NR201...s%2C103&sr=8-5

I start with a towel to wash, a towel to dry, doing a panel at a time. When the wash towel is fully dirty I swap it out, using the dry towel as the wash towel, and a fresh towel to dry. That way I can do the entire car with three or four towels. The only time I pre-rinse the car is when there's winter road salt and sand build up.
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