This is a step-by-step guide on how to use Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) with the latest Optimum Opti-Mitt. There is also a section at the end on the proper use of Optimum Opti-Seal.
The Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM) is one of the latest products to be released by Optimum Polymer Technologies. The OOM is specially designed for use with Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) and Optimum Car Wash (OWSH).
According to Optimum Polymer Technologies:
Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM) is made of high density polyurethane foam that is very soft, highly absorbent, and very durable. It is specifically designed to work with Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) and Optimum Car Wash (OWSH) to make the process of washing cars safer and easier. The waffle design creates a much larger surface area for removing all the dirt and grime from teh surface safely and effectively.
For the complete step-by-step guide for ONR and the full review of the Optimum Opti-Mitt, click on the link below:
Fill a bucket with approximately 1/4 full of water.
Put 2-3 caps of ONR into the water. (The exact recommendation is for 30 ml of ONR into 7.5 liters of water.)
The recommended washing medium for use with ONR is either a MicroFiber (MF) towel or the new Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM). The use of a MF towel is recommended as ONR has polymers which encapsulate the dirt and pulls them into the MF towels to prevent scratching of the paint. ONR will also lay down a protective polymer layer on the paint to further reduce the chance of scratching and will also leave behind a nice shine after drying.
In this case we will be trying out the new Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM) which was specially designed by Optimum Polymer Technologies for use with ONR.
According to OPT:
Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM) provides a great wash medium for Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) and Optimum Car Wash (OWSH). The 85-90 pores per square inch allows for the wash solution to flow to the surface and add great lubricity during the wash to protect all automotive surfaces from marring. Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM) is also very absorbent and can pull all the dirt and grime safely and effectively. The yellow backing of Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM) is much coarser and is designed to be used as a bug sponge or cleaning wheels. So in essence, you will get two wash mitts in one with Optimum Opti-Mitt (OOM).
Let's see how well it works.
After mixing the ONR, soak the MF towel or OOM into the bucket.
The material in the OOM holds a lot of water and it is best to allow the excess water to drain out of the OOM first before using.
The OOM also has an opening which allows your hand to be inserted into the OOM to make it easier to handle. (Note that I have inserted the string into the opening as well to prevent it from flying all over the place.) The yellow portion on top is made of the coarser foam material which is ideal for washing off stubborn contaminants or wheels.
The underside of the OOM is waffled which allows for a more even release of the ONR when in use as the peaks get compressed first and release a portion of the ONR first.
A close-up of the special foam that is used for the OOM. The foam allows dirt to be picked up and trapped within the pores while still allowing the dirt to be easily released when washing the OOM.
After soaking the OOM into the ONR, simply wipe it on the surface with just a little pressure to clean. Note the streams of ONR solution being released from the OOM. Typically, there is no need to wet or spray the surface first before using ONR unless the surface is caked in mud or sand whereby it may be more prudent to hose of the heavy contaminants before washing with ONR.
A 50/50 of a panel washed with ONR. All of the dirt has been effectively removed with just one pass of the OOM. Note the level of dirt and surface contamination that can safely be removed by ONR and the OOM.
Soak and agitate the OOM into the ONR solution again when required to remove any excess dirt that has been picked up by the OOM before moving onto the next section. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient ONR solution being released by the OOM when washing a panel.
A close-up of some of the contaminants released by the OOM.
Another panel being washed with the OOM.
A 50/50 showing half of the hood washed with ONR and the OOM.
Just to illustrate how effective the ONR and OOM combination is at picking up dirt, one pass was made on the dirty side of the panel.
Note the amount of ONR solution left behind by the OOM which helps to prevent scratching while washing with the OOM.
After washing the entire panel, the next step is to simply wipe it dry with another MF towel.
Done.
Washing your car with ONR is as simple as wiping the dirt off and wiping it dry. NO RINSING REQUIRED BEFORE OR AFTER ONR.
ONR is also designed NOT to remove any protective layers of wax or sealants that have been applied to the paint. A side benefit of using ONR is that it leaves behind a fantastic shine after drying thanks to the protective polymer layer.
ONR shine.
The ONR solution after completing the entire car.
Contaminants from the OOM.
NOTE: Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) is designed to be a maintenance wash that is carried out regularly and does not remove any protective layer of wax or sealants previously applied. If there are more severe stains which have been baked in to the paint on surfaces which are exposed to harsh environments of have not be regularly washed, Optimum Power Clean (OPC) may be required to remove more stubborn stains. However, OPC will also remove any protective layers of wax or sealants which will have to be reapplied after OPC.
OPTIMUM OPTI-MITT (OOM):
The OOM certainly feels like it was designed to be used with ONR. It is much easier to use with ONR than a MF towel as the foam holds it shape and retains water within the foam itself thereby increasing lubricity when it is pressed against the surface. The waffle design on the bottom surface helps with the gradual release of the ONR solution while also providing the cleaning ability from the pores in its surface.
The OOM feels like it is more effective at picking up and holding dirt within its pores than a MF towel and often one pass with the OOM is enough to clean the surface. The foam in the OOM also releases the dirt trapped within it more easily than a MF towel which should reduce the chance of scratching even further.
As a result of the foam holding more ONR solution and also the waffled design, I felt that the OOM releases much more ONR solution while washing a panel compared with a MF towel. While this means that more ONR solution is used to clean a vehicle, this can only be a good thing as the additional ONR solution released will further help to prevent scratching of the paint.
The OOM is also much easier to clean due to it being foam rather than a MF design. It certainly does complement ONR and makes cleaning your car faster and safer.
HOW TO USE OPTIMUM OPTI-SEAL (OOS):
Optimum Opti-Seal is a revolutionary paint protection formula with unmatched slickness and gloss. It is designed as a WOWA (Wipe On Walk Away) product which protects paint by forming behind a polymer film. It is safe to use on ALL surfaces including glass, plastic and rubber and has great water beading capabilities. VERY LITTLE OOS is required to protect an entire vehicle and it is VERY EASY to use.
Just squirt the OOS on the foam applicator pad and wipe it on the surface. OOS is designed to be applied very thinly and will flash off on its own and no buffing off is required.
The OOS was applied on glass to show how little is required. As long as the foam applicator pad is still moist and leaves behind some even streaks of OOS as below, there is no need to spray on any more OOS. Typically one panel can be covered with 1 squirt of OOS.
Just wipe on the OOS on the surface and you are done. It will flash off on its own leaving behind a streak free glossy surface with great water beading.
For more information on ONR and OOM please visit:
http://www.detailien.com/p/clean.html
For more information on OOS please visit:
http://www.detailien.com/p/protect_05.html
No comments:
Post a Comment