How do you clean a really dirty car?
Discussion
I've just spent all afternoon trying to clean a RenaultScenic. This one is navy blue, non metallic paint, (sigh, regrets...). anyhow, the problem is that it has a full two years worth of road grime/bug splat/tar/diesel/kids snot/bubblegum/tree sap/pollen/old car wax/ear wax on the paintwork, and no matter what i use, i can't seem to really cut through the last layer of detritas and really shift it. I've tried Hot (very) Jet Wash, Zymol (crap). and umpteen different potions from Halfrauds, an electric buffer and it's It's just still covered in a manky goo and is driving me nuts, the Mrs is not bothered as it's just the daily battlebus, bought to be driven and eventually thrown away, but I want it clean this time, gleaming clean. Does anyone have any trade tips?, what about 'Cardealer', his motors must be all clean and shiny. Short of Napalming it, i'm at a loss.
Have you tried giving it a wipe over with petrol?
No, seriously. Petrol was actually originally used as a cleaner before people discovered they could use it to run those new fangled internal combustion engines.
Worth trying a petrol soaked cloth on a small area. Wear rubber gloves and no smoking obviously.
Alternatively there's T-Cut, but that's going to be a lot of hard work.
No, seriously. Petrol was actually originally used as a cleaner before people discovered they could use it to run those new fangled internal combustion engines.
Worth trying a petrol soaked cloth on a small area. Wear rubber gloves and no smoking obviously.
Alternatively there's T-Cut, but that's going to be a lot of hard work.
White wine vinegar. May sound strange but is is used in the car trade (so I have been told) to strip old wax, tar, crap off cars prior to a complete body polish and wax.
Never tried it myself and I would imagine it would smell like a pickled onion, but the theory is sound as it is mildly acidic and it breaks down grease/wax compounds.
I have also been told tnat for stubbon blobs of tar etc, yiou should soak a rag in said cleaner and place it over the offending area and leave to soak for 30-60mins, this should soften the item so it can be removed.
David
Never tried it myself and I would imagine it would smell like a pickled onion, but the theory is sound as it is mildly acidic and it breaks down grease/wax compounds.
I have also been told tnat for stubbon blobs of tar etc, yiou should soak a rag in said cleaner and place it over the offending area and leave to soak for 30-60mins, this should soften the item so it can be removed.
David
Frik said:
Autoglym Super Resin has always served me well
...and their Intensive Tar Remover!
Their 'Paint Renovator' cream is also very good, more abrasive than Super Resin.
People have also told me that the products from 'Mr Polish', including the clay stuff to remove the crap before polishing, are supposed to be very good.
Gassing Station | Bodywork & Detailing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff