Optimum No Rinse Review: A Rinseless Wash Must Try

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Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR)

ManufacturerOptimum Polymer Technologies
ProductNo Rinse Wash & Shine (ONR)
PurposeRinseless Wash
pH7
ColorBlue
SmellCherry, Fresh Scent

How To Use Optimum No Rinse Dilution Ratios

Use CaseDilutionDeliveryApplication
Rinseless Wash256:1BucketUltra Black Sponge
Waterless Wash16:1Trigger SprayerCreature Edgeless
Pre-Soak64:1Wand Sprayer
Clay Lube64:1Trigger SprayerClay Bar/Towel
Window Cleaner256:1Trigger SprayerWaffle Weave Towel
Interior Cleaner256:1Trigger SprayerGeneral Towel
Drying Aid16:1Trigger SprayerDrying Towel

My Thoughts

I’m a big fan of how many use cases a rinseless wash solution can solve for. All you have to do is pick an Optimum No Rinse dilution ratio and you’re getting a great outcome. It doesn’t matter what level of detailing you may be at; a rinseless wash is an extremely versatile solution. Of the three that I tried (ONR, P&S Absolute, McKee’s) I think ONR is the best rinseless wash solution. They all performed really well, but ONR felt more slick and smells better so it’s the one I’ve been using most often.

How to Use Optimum No Rinse

Rinseless Wash

ONR is my current rinseless wash solution. This is very useful for washing my cars when they’re not that dirty and I don’t have a lot of time. I like to pre-soak the car using an IK wand sprayer and ONR mixed 64:1. Then I two bucket wash my car with one bucket of ONR just over 256:1 (one capful per gallon plus an extra capful than needed) and an Ultra Black Sponge and another bucket of just water to rinse the sponge between sections.

Waterless Wash

A waterless wash is great for a quick dusting of a lightly dirty car. Mix ONR 16:1 (approximately 3 capfuls for a 32oz bottle) in a trigger sprayer bottle. Spray a section with the waterless solution and then wipe off with a microfiber towel.

Pre-Soak

ONR as a pre-soak is great for a normal soap wash or a rinseless wash. I like to mix ONR at 64:1 (4 capfuls per gallon or 1 capful for a 32oz bottle) and put into an IK wand sprayer to cover the entire car quickly.

Clay Lube

During a strip and decontamination process you can use ONR as a clay lube. Mix ONR 64:1 (1 capful in a 32oz bottle) in a trigger sprayer bottle. Spray a section (start with all of the glass) and clay the section using a fine grade clay bar, clay sponge, or clay towel.

Window Cleaner

If you’re into having the least amount of detailing chemicals then using ONR as a window cleaner is a great option. A bonus tip is to mix ONR with distilled water to make that streak free shine easier. Mix ONR and distilled water 256:1 (1/4 capful in a 32oz bottle) in a trigger sprayer bottle and follow your favorite window cleaning process.

Interior Cleaner

ONR is my favorite interior cleaner at the moment. I do frequent, quick interior wipe-downs so I’m never dealing really dirty interiors that need to be scrubbed. You can either mix ONR and water 256:1 (1/4 capful in a 32oz bottle) or what I do is dip an extra microfiber towel in your rinseless wash bucket and quickly wipe-down the interior before washing the exterior.

Drying Aid

If you need a drying aid to help your towel glide across the paint while drying after any washing process you can take advantage of ONR’s lubrication. Mix ONR 16:1 with water (about 3 capfuls for a 32oz bottle) and spray one section at a time before using your drying towel.