Car washes, Jet washes and Hand Car washes

[ScottD3]

I am unable to use the method that is encouraged when cleaning a car and due where I live, I'm limited to normal car wash, jet wash or a hand wash.
My understand is that none of theses are very good for the paint work, rubbers or plastics but I don't really have any other option.
Which is the better option out of the 3?
Are they really that bad?

 

[StateOfPlay]

Jet wash, purely because you have more control.

You only need a bucket of warm water and soap, followed by another bucket of cold water to rinse in order to wash a car.

 

[ScottD3]

Jet wash, purely because you have more control.

I'm torn between the jet wash and hand wash.
Jet wash, like you say more control but I'm worried about the brushes being to harsh.
Hand wash is cheaper (which helps at the moment) and they use what looks like mits but i'm worried about the chemicals they use being to acidic.

You only need a bucket of warm water and soap, followed by another bucket of cold water to rinse in order to wash a car.

If access was easier to my car I would.
But at the moment its a PITA with buckets of water, that should change for soon.

 

[rockape]

If it were me I would take a look at this until you get water access. Alot of people swear buy it and it doesn't inflict any damage to your paint work. I'm thinking of trying it myself for when I'm strapped for time. Once you have your water supply then switch to this (is this the method you are refering to?). Once you start getting into detailing though it becomes very addictive. I sometimes wish I was still oblivious to all the little imperfections I now find in my paint.

 

[tdia4]

Use the jetwash bud but take your own washmitt and bucket or buckets if doing a 2 bucket method wash, along with the shampoo of your choice, should work out cheaper because your not using the jetwash for shampoo etc.

 

[John @ PB]

Avoid the handwash. If you're really stuck, use the jet wash.

I have a few customers who don't have access to a hose or pressure washer - some of them use the local jet wash with just water to blast as much dirt off the car as possible, then, on returning home, use a watering can to rinse the car again, then a careful 2 bucket wash, then a rinse from the watering can.

Not ideal but it guarantees that the hand wash aspect is good whilst the jet wash blasts as much grime off as possible.