DO's and DONT's of Car Washing / Techniques

[CarCareProducts]

DO's and DONT's of Car Washing / Techniques

Thought we could start a thread with the simple do's and simple dont's of how to wash and not wash your car including detailing.

Why? Simply as some of us (including myself) didn't know, or just don't know know!

Say NO TO THE SPONGE!

What is wrong with a sponge to wash your car with?

Imagine your paint with dirt/sand and other type of particles stuck on the surface that you are about to wash off to make your car clean and shiny again.

Because the Sponge is synthetic foam, the dirt particles sit on the surface of the sponge when you wipe so you are dragging the dirt over, and simply moving it around over the paint work. The dirt has no where to go but be stuck on the surface of the sponge and scratch the paints surface.

Common “spider webbing” and light scratches are caused by washing a car with a Sponge.

Spider web mark shown below;


Take note, a Sea Sponge however does not do this as it is natural pore structure allows the dirt to float into the centre and not on the surface which.

These days most of us now use Microfibre Wash Mitts and Lambswool Wash Mitts. Reason this is as above the dirt particles float into the centre of the fibres of the microfibre or lambswool trapping it and not allowing it to sit on the surface and scratch or damage your paint.

Combine your wash with a 2 bucket system and you are almost 100% scratch free!*.

[Stalker]

My 2 cents...

- Microfibre wash mitts (If you drop it, bin it - or wash thoroughly and keep it for your wheels)
- 2 buckets
- Waffle weave drying towels (chamios run the risk of dragging bits of dirt that blow on to your car post wash across your paintwork)
- Wax regularly to provide an extra layer of protection
- Strongly consider a professional detail every 1-2 years with either a hand or machine polish depending on the condition of your paint. DIY if you are handy and have the time.
- Has already been covered on this forum, but never let the dealer / mechanic wash your car!

[fuzion]

My 2 cents...

- Microfibre wash mitts (If you drop it, bin it - or wash thoroughly and keep it for your wheels)
- 2 buckets
- Waffle weave drying towels (chamios run the risk of dragging bits of dirt that blow on to your car post wash across your paintwork)
- Wax regularly to provide an extra layer of protection
- Strongly consider a professional detail every 1-2 years with either a hand or machine polish depending on the condition of your paint. DIY if you are handy and have the time.
- Has already been covered on this forum, but never let the dealer / mechanic wash your car!

Has already been covered on this forum, but never let the dealer / mechanic wash your car

Definitely!

[technopato]

This reminds me.... need to get the car detailed i think!

[reinaldo]

These are pretty helpful tips. I think this car wash method is really effective and adding some star brite after it will make the car looks shiny.
_______________________________
car part online.com

[Motor32race]

Please explain the 2 bucket system. Never heard if it before.

[Stalker]

One for suds, one for just water. Dunk in suds, wash panel of car, rinse in water, squeeze excess water on lawn, and repeat......

Helps keep any crap that comes off your car and sticks to the mitt from contaminating the suds or staying on the mitt only to be rubbed all over your paintwork.

[Motor32race]

Thanks. It makes sense.

[CarCareProducts]

My 2 cents...

- Microfibre wash mitts (If you drop it, bin it - or wash thoroughly and keep it for your wheels)
- 2 buckets
- Waffle weave drying towels (chamios run the risk of dragging bits of dirt that blow on to your car post wash across your paintwork)
- Wax regularly to provide an extra layer of protection
- Strongly consider a professional detail every 1-2 years with either a hand or machine polish depending on the condition of your paint. DIY if you are handy and have the time.
- Has already been covered on this forum, but never let the dealer / mechanic wash your car!

Very well said.

Waxes however last 2/3 months on a Daily Driver. A hybrid wax with synthetic sealant maybe 4/5 months, however a Polymer up to 12, and a Nanotechnology Based 12+ months.

Whats the different realistically? A wax you create more depth into the paint, where for a Synthetic you will have more reflectivity and a wet look. Some prefer one to another due too time restraints, and even looks.

[mudfudpacker]

Ive been rather neglectful of my car. Had it for 4 years and never polished or waxed.
I do wash it every couple of weeks (although perhaps not the correct way after reading these posts) but thats it.

What would you recommend?
I was thinking a professional polish and wax.
Would this be the place to start?

You guys actually do detailing or just sell the products?
Can you let me know what youd recommend and how much its going to cost me, thanks.