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How do YOU wash your car?

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Posted by: KD00LS

I usually just went with the one bucket method, sheepskin wash mitt and used a dryblade and some towels to clean my car. I'm thinking about buying a foam lance, and I've recently stepped it up to the two bucket method. Just curious to see how the rest of you make them shine.

Posted by: eastcoastLS

these products and water. use the spray-on wax every other time or so and usually buy a different brand every time. prolong use of the spray on wax seems to actually make a difference

Posted by: lseguy

The California Water blade has been the best change I've made in years. Dries the car FAST, and eliminates 90% of the swirls/scratches I used to get when just drying with the Absorber. still use the absorbrer, but just for the cracks/crevices the blade doesnt get.

Posted by: KD00LS

Gold class is supposed to be one of the best shampoos out there... and it foams up well for the foam gun I might get. Here's a link...
http://www.autogeek.net/foam-gun.html

Posted by: chriswells78

bucket, what ever car wash solution is cheap, city water, a car wash mitt and a good old sheep skin shamoi.

Polish with Liquid Glass

Detail with Back to Black, Rain X and Tire wet.

Once a year, Usually the first time, I use good old dawn to wash it to cut the winter crud, old polish and other oils and what not off of it, then polish immediately afterwards.

Posted by: 97stscaddy

I do the one bucket wash, but I rinse the car thoroughly beforehand. If its really dirty (mud, gravel dust, salt, bird crap) I rinse the mit between panels to keep the bucket water cleaner.
Dry it down with the California Water Blade (best detailing invention EVER IMO), then spot dry with a shammy. I wax with Meguiars Gold Class, which is the best wax ive ever used. I have used many waxes at work (im a detailer) and Gold Class is by far the best. Eagle One Nano-wax, and even Meguiars NXT dont hold a candle to it.
If its too hot out I use Presta brand Fast-Wax. Middle of summer, 105 degees out, direct sunlight, on a black car, and it wipes right off. NO streaks. It doesnt last long, but its VERY easy to use.

I wipe my interior with Granitize Mink Oil. Its easy, it protects, it leaves a fresh scent in the car (not like that stank @$$ armor-all) it doesnt make the dash/panels glare in the sun, and it leaves the leather soft as butter.

Posted by: chriswells78

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97stscaddy

I wipe my interior with Granitize Mink Oil. Its easy, it protects, it leaves a fresh scent in the car (not like that stank @$$ armor-all) it doesnt make the dash/panels glare in the sun, and it leaves the leather soft as butter.

Does the mink oil make the the leather slippery? It drives me crazy when I'm driving and I hit the brakes the first time, you damn near slide into the pedals.

Posted by: nickandersonLS01

How is that Liquid Glass? I saw the commercial for it but I like to hear hands-on experience. I currently use Zymol which was recommended to me by my cousin, I'd recommend it to anyone, it's very nice to get rid of those swirls.

Posted by: ToddG

For wash, I use Meguiar's NXT car wash, one bucket with a grit guard (www.gritguard.com), and a soft brush. I also use a 2-inch paintbrush to get into hard-to-reach areas. I used to use mitts, but over the years I've found that a soft brush does a better job of cleaning cracks and crevices. The brushes have frayed tips and are quite soft, so they do not leave scratches.

Wheels and tires get tire cleaner (Westley's Bleche-Wite), followed by wheel cleaner (currently Meguiar's All-Wheel cleaner) with a soft brush. Interior gets a good vacuuming and a wipedown with Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer and a microfiber towel. The Interior Detailer is great for polishing the wood trim and my LCD display. It does a great job of removing fingerprints and brightening interior chrome. Highly recommended.

Posted by: DarkMansLSEV8

Well right now for us Floridians its kinda tuff to wash our cars. They've passed a law that you can only wash your cars either on sunday mornings before 8:00 or on wednsdays, because Lake Okeechobees water level is the lowest that its ever been. On normal circumstances, id grab my bucket a sponge, some car wash with wax from discount auto parts and my shamie, oh and some tire wet, LOL, but for now its the local car wash, or the car wash at the Mobil gas station by my house.

Posted by: Eliot_Ness_Ls

I got a good self wash in my area with some hot water. I use lots of quarters, rinse well before hand, use more quarters, high pressure soap, more quaters, than the final hot rinse. The hot rinse helps dry it faster and gets rid of water spots on the wheel pretty good. I dont have a house so I cant just wash it in my driveway, i either wax or use a spray detail affterwards so any water spots arent a issue for me along with the hot water.

This woks realy good and you dont risk a sponge scratching the paint with any left over debris after the first rinse. It just takes alot of quarters.

Posted by: tyler1313

1. Mothers Pre Wax Cleaner

2. McGuires Deep Crystal Polish

3. Mothers Reflection Wax

The reflections wax is really expensive though. It is around $17 for a 16 oz. You could use any other wax but that one is my favorite.

Posted by: beechcraft11

Waterway; Represent!

Posted by: Eliot_Ness_Ls

Quote:

Originally Posted by beechcraft11

Waterway; Represent!

Is that a theme park?

Posted by: TheBigL'sLS

Someone asked me a question once, so I had a summary of my routine in my sent messages. Here it is:

Step 1: Hand wash
I used "Flynn's Carnauba Wash," but I don't think it is available to the public. Meguiars Gold Class also works very well and is very available. I always use a microfiber mit to wash cars. Hand dry to avoid spots ("the Absorber" works very well for drying and is available at most stores). Also, remove any bugs or tar with a bug sponge and bug/tar remover prior to washing.

Step 2: Clay Bar
Meguiars and Mothers have clay bar kits in Autozone, Auto Advantage, etc. They are essentially the same thing: Clay bar, Lube (usually instant detailer), and a sample of wax. Once the car is dry, clay it. Here is a great article explaining this step: http://www.autogeek.net/detailing-clay-bar.html The clay lube can just be polished with a microfiber towel in a circular motion. This alone will have your car looking good but ALWAYS FOLLOW WITH A WAX (Step 4).

Step 3: Polish
I usually use an orbital buffer, but the battery died halfway through. I use "Meguiar's Color X." It is a great product and is a polish/wax blend. You basically apply it, let it dry, and buff it off. An orbital buffer is definitely worth the money ($30 or less at Home Depot). Don't use a rotary buffer. It can be done by hand, but takes longer and usually results in swirl marks. With the orbital buffer, use one bonnet for application and one for buffing (you'll need a total of 4 (2 polish, and 2 wax)). The buffer should come with directions.

Step 4: Wax
You have many, many choices when it comes to wax: Liquid, paste, and even spray. Because Meguiar's Color X Polish has wax in it, you would be safe using a spray wax. They work well, but don't last as long. Try Eagle One Nanowax-it's incredible. On my car, I used a private detailing brand called "Majestic Cherry Wet Wax." My buffer had died by this point, so I did it by hand. If I were you, I would use the Nanowax spray-on. Very easy and does not require much time. For a non-spray wax, see this article http://www.eagleone.com/pages/carcar...step.asp?sid=5

Step 5: Gloss
Once again, I used a private detailing brand. This step is optional. You can use any "Quick Detailer" spray (i.e. Eagle One "Wipe and Shine"). Always use microfiber towels!

And of course there's tire wet, metal polish, etc.

As for the inside, I use a warm water extractor (the absolute BEST way to clean carpet or upholstery). Meguiar's Gold Class leather wipes are excelent for the leather, and Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer works on basically everything else.

Hope this helps-
If you have any questions, pm me.

Posted by: KD00LS

BigL, seems like you got a nice setup that car really shines. Do the orbital buffers just oscellate rather than turn?

I also have the California Water Blade and I definately recommend it, it cuts the drying time down and the amount of chamois/towels/etc. you use down.

Todd, I heard of that gritguard, a lot of the guys with Zymol buckets are using them, does it work well?

I've also heard to stay away from Turtle Ice Wax or Quick detailer, it leaves a good shine but supposedly the silicone in it can turn clear coat yellow over time.

Posted by: Eliot_Ness_Ls

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD00LS

BigL, seems like you got a nice setup that car really shines. Do the orbital buffers just oscellate rather than turn?

I also have the California Water Blade and I definately recommend it, it cuts the drying time down and the amount of chamois/towels/etc. you use down.

Todd, I heard of that gritguard, a lot of the guys with Zymol buckets are using them, does it work well?

I've also heard to stay away from Turtle Ice Wax or Quick detailer, it leaves a good shine but supposedly the silicone in it can turn clear coat yellow over time.

I have heard of turtle wax Ice doing so but I have been useing it for a very long time and I never had this happen, now the Turtle Wax Ice Clay bar that stuff sucks.

Posted by: ToddG

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD00LS

Todd, I heard of that gritguard, a lot of the guys with Zymol buckets are using them, does it work well?

Honestly, its hard to say. I think if your car is really dirty and you end up with a lot of dirt in your water, it does help by not swirling up the big dirt particles, at least at the bottom of the bucket. But if your car is fairly clean to begin with (e.g., only dusty or with normal road grime after a week or so), I can't see it doing much good.

I only got the grit guard. The site sells buckets too, but they're insanely expensive. The guard fits a $5 paint bucket that you can get at Home Depot.

Posted by: KD00LS

What do you think about the foam gun? You're supposed to foam the car up, wait 5 minutes, then rinse, foam again and wash with a mitt.

Posted by: ToddG

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD00LS

What do you think about the foam gun? You're supposed to foam the car up, wait 5 minutes, then rinse, foam again and wash with a mitt.

Sorry, who are you asking? I've not used that device.

Posted by: KD00LS

Check out the link I posted up a couple.

Posted by: 97stscaddy

Quote:

Does the mink oil make the the leather slippery? It drives me crazy when I'm driving and I hit the brakes the first time, you damn near slide into the pedals.

Nope. Leather is a bit slick as it is, which is why I try to stay away from greasy protectants or dressings. I like my leather to feel CLEAN, not like the bottom of a McDonalds bag. The mink oil does leave a small amount of residue after it dries, it soaks into the leather after a day or so, but it doesn't make it feel greasy or anything. It also helps keep the leather from "talking" when you sit down. You know that annoying sound that leather makes sometimes when you move around on it? (sounds like someone rippin @$$) This stuff will help keep the leather soft, so it doesn't make noise.

Posted by: ToddG

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD00LS

Check out the link I posted up a couple.

Looks like an unnecessary uni-takser gizmo. I'll stick to a soft brush and bucket, thanks.

Posted by: chriswells78

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickandersonLS01

How is that Liquid Glass? I saw the commercial for it but I like to hear hands-on experience. I currently use Zymol which was recommended to me by my cousin, I'd recommend it to anyone, it's very nice to get rid of those swirls.

My dad has been using it for years, like any good son, I tried 50,000 other products before I used what he used

It works great. I have not yet waxed the LS this year so the last time I did it was like late October, early November. Even with a crappy snow/salt filled Ohio winter, It still beads water like I did it yesterday.

Posted by: nickandersonLS01

Nice, I'll probably use that. Like a good son the first time I waxed the LS I used my dads expensive IBIZ stuff he uses on the beamer. When my Zymol runs out I'm definately going to try that, and claybar for that matter.

Posted by: MsM8tress

I don't wash him anymore not since I found Malco products, their showroom shine, lots and lots of microfiber towels and when he needs it, a good clay job. Interior, Malco's Perfect 10, just spray, sit, and wipe (smells sexy too, kinda like a mans cologne but not pungent). I wont switch. When I detail friends cars, they freak out. I did a friends black Mark VIII 3 months ago, still callin me saying thanks and tellin me about how everyone asked em if they got a new car!

Posted by: my04lincoln

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD00LS

Gold class is supposed to be one of the best shampoos out there... and it foams up well for the foam gun I might get. Here's a link...
http://www.autogeek.net/foam-gun.html

Gold class in a foam gun sucks unless you are using a pressure washer. Get the DP Extreme soap. Just look on the Autogeek site and get on there forum and you will learn alot of stuff from what to get and not to get. Thats where I get all my stuff from. There customer service is the best in the business.

Posted by: camthman

Clay bar is what makes or breaks it. It makes SUCH a huge difference.

-- My family owns a detailing product company and Ive used ALOT of different stuff. Basically I have found the best to be clay,polish, wax (the brand does matter)

. Im thinking about becoming a vendor on this site to sell our stuff. Also to help people out with how to do everything. Im going to be selling a "All in one kit"

Posted by: MsM8tress

Which clay do you prefer? I like the Mothers. Makes your finish feel like satin....I love it.

The perfect 10 release spray is awesome for the interior, no film or grease feeling, just soft leather and smooth clean dash. /The scent is to die for too!

MsM8

Posted by: camthman

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsM8tress

Which clay do you prefer? I like the Mothers. Makes your finish feel like satin....I love it.

The perfect 10 release spray is awesome for the interior, no film or grease feeling, just soft leather and smooth clean dash. /The scent is to die for too!

MsM8

Well, I use our own brand of clay bar. The key to making clay bar work is the lubricant you use. Alot of people dont realize that you NEEEEEED lube. It has a sort of solvent in it. Any highend clay bar will work. For the name brands, I do prefer mothers.

-- As far as interior goes, I LOVE our stuff because it is water-based. <<< Doesn't attract dirt and doesn't leave it slippery as HELL >>>

Posted by: MsM8tress

Quote:

Originally Posted by camthman

Exactly on target about the lubricant! I'd love to try yours especially if you feel it tops mothers - but the key is the lub no doubt, combined with an properly applied even stroke with precise balanced pressure on the clay. I had my Opalescent (sp?) Mark so clean it was soft to the touch!!!!

Make sure you let me know if you decide to start selling yours!

MsM8

Posted by: camthman

Sure will.

Posted by: Tricky-Dick

One bucket with Chamois Mit, Blue Coral Additive, Cold Water / Cold Car in the Shade.

Dry using a Chamois.

Polish with Meguire's #26 Yellow Carnuba.

Posted by: MsM8tress

Hi Tricky - Welcome to LVC !

I just don't get him wet with that crappy car wash water - if he does get wet with rain, I pull him in the garage, wipe him down (use about 10-15 microfibers, never using the same side twice) but even when he isnt wet, I just spray the showroom shine on, wait a minute for it to release the grime. longer if necessary and wipe it off.

I must admit, when caught in winter storms where salt is involved, I spray him like a mad woman, then dry every inch...for days.

Intersting to hear all the products we use. I use one spray bottle for the exterior, one aerosol for the interior and under the hood, tire n wheel cleaner n shiner, that is it.

MsM8

Posted by: lseguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD00LS

I usually just went with the one bucket method, sheepskin wash mitt and used a dryblade and some towels to clean my car. I'm thinking about buying a foam lance, and I've recently stepped it up to the two bucket method. Just curious to see how the rest of you make them shine.

Same method, but instead of towels, I finish up the nooks and crannies with the Absorber. I dry the hood, trunk, and roof in front/back strokes only. Doors, Fenders, and quarterpanels I dry top to ground. I never use swirl motions except when waxing. as a result, I have minimial fine scratches. The ones that are there, are almost imperceptible to the eye because of the direction that they flow. Swirl fine clearcoat scratches are a LOT easier for the human eye to see than straight fine clearcoat scratches

Posted by: camthman

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsM8tress

Hi Tricky - Welcome to LVC !

I just don't get him wet with that crappy car wash water - if he does get wet with rain, I pull him in the garage, wipe him down (use about 10-15 microfibers, never using the same side twice) but even when he isnt wet, I just spray the showroom shine on, wait a minute for it to release the grime. longer if necessary and wipe it off.

I must admit, when caught in winter storms where salt is involved, I spray him like a mad woman, then dry every inch...for days.

Intersting to hear all the products we use. I use one spray bottle for the exterior, one aerosol for the interior and under the hood, tire n wheel cleaner n shiner, that is it.

MsM8

haha... I took me awhile to figure out who "him" was... lol

also everyone, try not to ever use a DRY towel. Microfiber is fine, but not a dry old towel you use to shower with.

Posted by: LEOV5

Wash my own car!! You guys must be crazy, I don't have time to do it myself. With Honey do's, kids in sports, my sorry golf game and bowling. Who's got time to spend 3 hrs cleaning the car. I go to this little hand car wash, pay the $11.00 + $2.00 tip and its done in about 1/2 hr., I drive off.

Posted by: HyeLifeLS

I wash mine maybe few times a year, but I do detail inside more often myself. As for weekly washing I take it to the best carwash in Long Beach, they do complete hand wash and really take their time with it.

Posted by: JattGary

I use mothers clay bar once a year it really makes a huge difference

Posted by: camthman

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyeLifeLS

I wash mine maybe few times a year, but I do detail inside more often myself. As for weekly washing I take it to the best carwash in Long Beach, they do complete hand wash and really take their time with it.

Which one? I think I might have been there. You ever been to the one in Newport next to the Ferrari dealership on the PCH?

Posted by: MsM8tress

I couldn't imagine anyone else touching him! Are you guys kidding me!!! I look forward to caressing every sleek line of his body, getting in the tiny little ticklie spots like the trunk groves and door hinges, massaging his dash, using q-tips to get in itty bit interior spots and don't get me started on the leather!!!!....I love cleaning him! speaking of....I've been gone all week and I think someone needs some TLC....tehehe, gotta go

Smooches!
MsM8

Posted by: jk52781

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsM8tress

I couldn't imagine anyone else touching him! Are you guys kidding me!!! I look forward to caressing every sleek line of his body, getting in the tiny little ticklie spots like the trunk groves and door hinges, massaging his dash, using q-tips to get in itty bit interior spots and don't get me started on the leather!!!!....I love cleaning him! speaking of....I've been gone all week and I think someone needs some TLC....tehehe, gotta go

Smooches!
MsM8

Sounds like quite a washing experience.

Posted by: MsM8tress

It is....but I think I enjoy more than he does! lol one thing for sure is he knows when he is blingin' - he drives even better, Weird, all of my Marks have been like that...hummm maybe it's me....naaaaa - lol
MsM8

Posted by: pepperman

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsM8tress

It is....but I think I enjoy more than he does! lol one thing for sure is he knows when he is blingin' - he drives even better, Weird, all of my Marks have been like that...hummm maybe it's me....naaaaa - lol
MsM8

It is an experience i have seen the way Debi Rubs TUX down.