Optima Steamer

[vtec92civic]

holly crap man. haven't seen this thread for a while and stumbled on it today. that steamer is a beast. makes mr want asteamer. engine bays can be hard to clean. I've ever used a steamer but it sure looks interesting.

[Wolfs Chemicals]

I would consider using microfiber mitts to wipe off the residue instead of MF's. I still see a good bit of dirt on the car as you're wiping it and IMO a microfiber mitt would do a much better job at keeping that dirt away from the surface. Check out Wholesale - Buy China Wholesale Products from Chinese Wholesalers on DHgate.com for microfiber mitts. I'm sure you can buy a slew of them for about the same price you pay for a regular MF. Good luck with the endeavor and if you can get it down to being scratch-free, please keep us abreast!

[filipna]

did you run anymore tests on the exterior?

[filipna]

thanks man! Very good review!

[jpc]

hit it heavy with the steam and maybe optimum power clean brush it steam it then use a wet dry vac
pad it with a towel. Just a thought?

[Minicoop831]

These steamers are very good, they are slightly different then the vx500, in which the the use more pressure and more heat

From the standpoint of picking up the dirt left on the surface is fine, It will not scratch the surface anymore than the with the two bucket method, because you more drag dirt with whatever wash media you use(sponge, mitt)

The only problem with the steamers, is its not good for many people customers that have maintenance washes, because the heat from the steam will immediately remove any wax on the surface

[advs1]

damn after seeing the videos of how much steam that thing puts out, i bet you will have the cleanest facial pores in the world!!

but seriously i thought about buying one. a guy near me finances them and you have a bit of time to pay it off. he did the same thing and set up at a gas station and does like $300-$400 a day!!

i would love to have one of those and set up at a mall or similar local and just go to work!!

[filipna]

The machine really looks great! Hot damn! Im gonna buy one in the middle of august!

[WAGDOGG]

Godoman,
Im going to allow my modern human nature to take over and risk possibility of taking advantage of your kindness, lol.

I have read the comments from others discussing the damage this might do to paint.
i like your attitude and comments that you have made as to using the steamer where you can!

Here are some facts:
The detailing industry is full of people and people are flawed. They will cut you down in a heart beat to save themselves and their antiquated ways. You will find people that try to nock the other guy's methods in a split seconds time. I have watched and heard people say automated car washes hurt the paint and the car washes say detailers hurt the paint.

You have taken the step that others are scared to take, and for that i say congratulations.

Now for the abuse if you will let me!

I am curious as to ALL the uses for the machine.

Paint over spray?
can it remove paint over spray from a vehicle's painted surfaces.
claybars and chemicals damage paint and require polishing afterwards. I have charged over $1000.00 to remove paint over spray off of cars. I have had accounts with close to 200 cars to do. (Exterior painting on building with spray guns over sprayed an entire parking lot). $1300 on a Lexus that drove over a contractors paint hose and broke the hose. There was paint in the headlight pockets, that can't be clayed with out removal of the headlights.

If you barter with a junk yard for a hood or fender in exchange for a detail it wont cost you anything to test this. Grab a couple different types of paint and over spray them in a very secluded location (away from other cars, lol). Tape of the sections and let some sit for a day, week, and month. Try house paint, enamel, and anything else you can get your hands on.

If it works, then spend a day and drop of your brochure, card, or flyer to every construction company in town and tell them your here for them if they need you. All it takes is one careless employee and your pulling in some serious profit and the best part is they will thank you. Imagine, they thanked me at $200.00 per car (almost 200 cars). My problem was, i actually had to clay them.

Please think about trying this and let us know. i see so many uses, it cant be bad. i spent more on a sea-doo, and it doesnt make me $$$$$$$!!! Please try this!

[604_Snooze]

Hey marcus, have you try spraying onr to the car first, then steam clean the car?