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Car washing essentials
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:48 am
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 on 5/11/18 at 6:51 am to Sandtrap
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 on 5/11/18 at 6:55 am to Sandtrap
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 on 5/11/18 at 6:56 am to Sandtrap
Use Brillo pads to get off birdshit and bug guts. Wire brush works well too.
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:57 am to Sandtrap
Make sure you get the door panels really clean.
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:59 am to Sandtrap
I always use suave conditioner on mine after washing. I let it sit about 30 minutes before washing for that streak free shine
Posted on 5/11/18 at 6:59 am to Sandtrap
Thanks Obama.
Edit: speedy beat me to it!
This post was edited on 5/11/18 at 7:01 am
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:01 am to Sandtrap
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 on 5/11/18 at 7:02 am to Sandtrap
quote:
Anyone have any products/essentials that they use and like??
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:03 am to Sandtrap
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.
I use car washing time as therapy so it’s a little bit of a production when I do it.
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:06 am to Sandtrap
Shine Supply. Look them up. Ton of good products.
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:09 am to Sandtrap
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:10 am to Sandtrap
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
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 on 5/11/18 at 7:11 am to Sandtrap
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.
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 on 5/11/18 at 7:18 am to Sandtrap
Foam gun
Good wash mitt
Bucket with grit guard
Dry with blower
Quick detailer after with a good towel
Good wash mitt
Bucket with grit guard
Dry with blower
Quick detailer after with a good towel
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:33 am to Sandtrap
If you do take it to a car wash just be careful.
Posted on 5/11/18 at 7:38 am to Sandtrap
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/
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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