It seems like when i was my car at my house which has hard water the car seem cleaner...anyone have any thoughs about this

 

hard...........water? Don't know, I washed my car recently with regular hose water (for the first time at home, always b4 at car wash) but the car wash still cleans it better.

 

Yes, hard water makes a difference, but not in "quality" of washing, but in the amount of residue left on the car after it dried. That residue is the chemicals that make the water "hard". As for perceived quality, IMHO the other factors are more important that the water per ce, such as shampoo used, outside temperature, the temperature of the car's body, was it polished/waxed recently (smooth surface will make washing easier and more efficient) and amount of elements, of cource.

On last "pass", I always add just a drop of (your faforite) car shampoo to lessen this effect. I use only 3M products and DON"T use a hose for last pass.

Use dampen cloth or anything soft, like an thick old towel, to collect the water after washing.

Go in PARALLEL to the car, from top to bottom. NEVER use circular motion - not in polishing, waxing, nor when washing.

Hope it helps,
Eugene