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Car washing essentials

Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:48 am
Posted by Sandtrap
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2006
2374 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:48 am
Admittedly I have never really been one to wash my car except for a few times here and there. I’ve always taken the lazy route and gone through the wash. Going to try to start washing myself. Anyone have any products/essentials that they use and like??
Posted by Areddishfish
The Wild West
Member since Oct 2015
6284 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:51 am to
Meh, just continue using the $3 wash. Unless you have some collector vehicle or wash it every other day, your labor and material won't be worth it.
Posted by pioneerbasketball
Team Bunchie
Member since Oct 2005
132551 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:52 am to
Must use water
Posted by Athis
Member since Aug 2016
11709 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:55 am to
Find some type of car wash mop. It makes it a lot faster and easier. I had a Shiwala mop that was great but it seems they changed the style and people don't like the change.
Posted by TheFonz
Somewhere in Louisiana
Member since Jul 2016
20472 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:56 am to
Use Brillo pads to get off birdshit and bug guts. Wire brush works well too.
Posted by SECdragonmaster
Order of the Dragons
Member since Dec 2013
16245 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:57 am to
Make sure you get the door panels really clean.

Posted by SPEEDY
2005 Tiger Smack Poster of the Year
Member since Dec 2003
83405 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:59 am to
Posted by el Gaucho
He/They
Member since Dec 2010
53122 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:59 am to
I always use suave conditioner on mine after washing. I let it sit about 30 minutes before washing for that streak free shine
Posted by SECdragonmaster
Order of the Dragons
Member since Dec 2013
16245 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:59 am to


Thanks Obama.

Edit: speedy beat me to it!
This post was edited on 5/11/18 at 7:01 am
Posted by GetCocky11
Calgary, AB
Member since Oct 2012
51387 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:01 am to
quote:

Going to try to start washing myself


Meh. I know it is a waste of money, but I'll just keep taking it through the drive-thru car wash.
Posted by SPEEDY
2005 Tiger Smack Poster of the Year
Member since Dec 2003
83405 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:02 am to
quote:

Anyone have any products/essentials that they use and like??



Posted by The Korean
Denham Springs, LA
Member since May 2008
1615 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:03 am to
Depends how hardcore you want to go. Check out autogeek.com they have everything you need. I’d suggest the bucket grid and two bucket method. I have one of the foam blasters that attaches to hose and it feels like it takes some of the chore out of the job. Get a good foamy soap and good mitts and keep them clean.

I use car washing time as therapy so it’s a little bit of a production when I do it.
Posted by Taxing Tiger
Member since Mar 2013
635 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:06 am to
Shine Supply. Look them up. Ton of good products.
Posted by Pepe Lepew
Looney tuned .....
Member since Oct 2008
36178 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:09 am to
41/2 inch side grinder
Posted by BrownEyedSquirrels
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2018
113 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:09 am to
Zaino products have never let me down.

LINK
Posted by pwejr88
Red Stick
Member since Apr 2007
36204 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:10 am to
Black magic for tires
Rain-X for windshield
Windex for windows
Armor-all wipes for interior
Tuff-stuff for stains
And when washing use a sponge not a washcloth or towel
Posted by Ebrow21
Lutcher, La.
Member since Apr 2015
45 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:11 am to
The best products are whatever products you actually use.

Personally, I think the method is as important as the product.

2 buckets, one with soap and one to rinse the wash rag before you re-dip. Microfibers are cheap in bulk at Costco

1 Drying towel

Product wise, I use a soap concentrate (chemical guys stuff is pretty popular). I also use a capful of waterless wash (duragloss, etc) in the water. It helps with water spots.

Good Detailer spray. I premix my own stuff from either Ultima or Optimum. Spray the detailer while you dry the car.

Tires and trim - I use Carpro Perl.

Interior - Meguiars isnt bad for dash/interior cleaner. I prefer the non shiny look. I use their all purpose cleaner for rubber floor mats and such. Sonax Dash cleaner.

Leather - Lexol or Smartleather

Carpet that the Meguiars APC cant get - Ultima has a good spray in cleaner.

I also use a microfiber specific soap in the washer, and wash it all in a specific load. Dry on low heat or it kills the absorbency of the towels.


Edit: Almost forgot. Sonax Full Effect for wheels/Brake dust. Touch free product most of the time. Wash wheels by hand with throw away cotton towels every third time or so. Great for wheels, but try to avoid concentrate contact with skin.
This post was edited on 5/11/18 at 7:14 am
Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7386 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:18 am to
Foam gun
Good wash mitt
Bucket with grit guard
Dry with blower
Quick detailer after with a good towel
Posted by JackieTreehorn
Malibu
Member since Sep 2013
29185 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:33 am to
If you do take it to a car wash just be careful.
Posted by PrimeTime Money
Houston, Texas, USA
Member since Nov 2012
27325 posts
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:38 am to
If you’re just looking to wash your car and not be a detail pro, the absolute essentials are:

1. A pack of microfiber towels. You can get them at Walmart. Use them as all-purpose towels to dry the car and clean various things.

2. Car wash shampoo. I like Meguiar’s Gold Class. You can get a big jug of it at Walmart.

3. Wax. Many options here. I like Meguiar’s NXT tech wax. Waxes from companies like Meguiar’s, Mother’s, Zaino, etc. are all good. Stay away from Turtle Wax, Armor All, etc.

4. Wash mit and bucket. Easily found at Walmart. People recommend using two buckets... one with plain water to rinse out your mitt of dirt each time before you stick it in the soapy water bucket. It’s up to you if you care about reducing the possibility of scratching your paint to that level.

5. A brush to clean in between the spokes of your rims. It’s hard to get in there without a specialized brush.

6. Tire shine. I’d go for a tire shine with a bit of sheen instead of a high gloss. High gloss looks tacky. I’d stick with Meguiar’s brand. As far as off the shelf stuff Meguiar’s is very good.


If you want to learn more about all kinds of auto detail stuff, this site is one of the best with helpful guides. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know right here:

https://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/
This post was edited on 5/11/18 at 7:45 am
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