Pippi
Member
Registered: 07/23/09
Posts: 9
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| | 04/10/10 at 11:27 AM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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dear all,
I have been having trouble with rubber mat cleaning and would appreciate any ideas. We use the "waterless" model and therefore have no water run-off. Our mobile units have been designed to fit in the back of a very small car and we carry only the necessary equipment and products.
Using these the waterless products on rubber mats doesn't always work very well on all types. Dirty mats with a tight pattern can take way too long to get clean and I need to find a way to get great results as well as cut down this unnecessary time. We currently use the "waterless" product for dirt removal, and then go over with another rubber restoration product to bring the mat back to life.
We could carry a small amount of water and use this and a brush to get the dirt out of the corners, but I want 0% run off if possible. Would steam be effective here? I haven't tried it yet, but would like to know what others are doing.
Thanks
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Relaited
Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 951
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| | 04/10/10 at 02:50 PM | Reply with quote | #2 |
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Where do you work? I am in So Cal, don't think we see many rubber mats.
Steam would be very effective, but now you are into space and energy concerns based on the very small footprint you have achieved.
Do you use a brush now?
How does your "waterless" perform as an All Purpose Cleaner?
I don't focus as much on the drips of the "waterless" as most are biodegradable, any I would use would be, so a couple drops is not my focus, the pollution element is. Could you have a small wash mat that you roll out, so you can get a little sloppy, gain speed, yet retain any discharge?
It isn't a big piece of our business, so I have not given it much thought ... we get plastic covers on some of the Mercedes mats ...
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Pippi
Member
Registered: 07/23/09
Posts: 9
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| | 04/11/10 at 12:37 PM | Reply with quote | #3 |
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We are based in Northern Europe and these rubber mats are in 90% of cars.
The "waterless" works well as an initial cleaner, but is only the first step, the tyre shine/bumper restoration/mat cleaner goes on after. The small wash mat could be a solution, I will try steam as well. Thanks.
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JimmyBuffit
Junior Member
Registered: 10/07/04
Posts: 362
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| | 04/11/10 at 11:31 PM | Reply with quote | #4 |
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The use of a high end steamer (with brush) would be practical and useful.
Please note that the steamers require substantial power/wattage, which may be an issue for mobile detailing.
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Relaited
Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 951
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| | 04/12/10 at 08:26 AM | Reply with quote | #5 |
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Pippi ...
Hope you find a solution ... typically it is around tires, not mats that someone seeks a solution.
Out of curiosity ... why use this model? Water consumption concerns? Run Off & Water Quality? Convenience and quality outcomes?
The reason I ask is , here in the US, with all the water issues, and demonstration f a lower cost of entry, speed, quality, etc ... very hard to break old habits.
Most here think it is a Constitutional right to use a bunch of water and pollute.
And I have not seen many in your neck of the woods adopt this model.
So, just curious as to the why?
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Pippi
Member
Registered: 07/23/09
Posts: 9
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| | 04/13/10 at 02:15 PM | Reply with quote | #6 |
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Relaited,
The reasons for adopting the waterless method are many. Convenience, quality, environmnental responsibility to name a few.
Fortunately here we suffer from too much water, so saving isn't really the main factor (although saving clean drinking water and the energy and chemicals involved in the process is a plus).
Water run off is our main problem. Domestic drive way washing accounts for 2/3rds of all washing and is a serious problem which is being highlighted by the municipalities. As a business, we would be closed down very quickly if we had any untreated water run-off.
Many people are environmentally conscious (politically, the greens have been influential since the 80's) but it is convenience that is the main reason for adopting this model.
This "unorthadox" method that actually works is a great way to get publicity and focus.
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Relaited
Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 951
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| | 04/13/10 at 07:38 PM | Reply with quote | #7 |
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Best of luck, please let me know if I Can help. |
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