Car washing 'n' stuff
Discussion
Hi all,
I just replaced my 07 plate Saab with a 13 plate Mercedes C250 estate. I am determined not to completely ignore washing the beast this time. Life basically got in the way with Saab and consequently even though it was serviced and maintained regularly it didn't get much washing love.
Anyway, I want to avoid the local car wash both mechanical and human variants. I have read a number of threads and watched a view videos but I am still confused.
So any tips on developing a car washing regime/process would be much appreciated.
Some specific questions;
Is it worth getting a jet washer? For wheels and engine bay?
What is this snow foam witchcraft? Do I need it?
How many buckets do I need (2 or 20)?
What is the best-est sponge?
Clay you say, on a car? Do I need it?
Best wax?
Some stuff for windscreen, any tips?
Outdoor vacuums, any recommendations, or just bring 'Henry' out of the house?
As you can tell, I am a washing noob, and I shouldn't be at over 40!! Help me...
I just replaced my 07 plate Saab with a 13 plate Mercedes C250 estate. I am determined not to completely ignore washing the beast this time. Life basically got in the way with Saab and consequently even though it was serviced and maintained regularly it didn't get much washing love.
Anyway, I want to avoid the local car wash both mechanical and human variants. I have read a number of threads and watched a view videos but I am still confused.
So any tips on developing a car washing regime/process would be much appreciated.
Some specific questions;
Is it worth getting a jet washer? For wheels and engine bay?
What is this snow foam witchcraft? Do I need it?
How many buckets do I need (2 or 20)?
What is the best-est sponge?
Clay you say, on a car? Do I need it?
Best wax?
Some stuff for windscreen, any tips?
Outdoor vacuums, any recommendations, or just bring 'Henry' out of the house?
As you can tell, I am a washing noob, and I shouldn't be at over 40!! Help me...
rosscouk said:
Hi all,
I just replaced my 07 plate Saab with a 13 plate Mercedes C250 estate. I am determined not to completely ignore washing the beast this time. Life basically got in the way with Saab and consequently even though it was serviced and maintained regularly it didn't get much washing love.
Anyway, I want to avoid the local car wash both mechanical and human variants. I have read a number of threads and watched a view videos but I am still confused.
So any tips on developing a car washing regime/process would be much appreciated.
Some specific questions;
Is it worth getting a jet washer? For wheels and engine bay?
What is this snow foam witchcraft? Do I need it?
How many buckets do I need (2 or 20)?
What is the best-est sponge?
Clay you say, on a car? Do I need it?
Best wax?
Some stuff for windscreen, any tips?
Outdoor vacuums, any recommendations, or just bring 'Henry' out of the house?
As you can tell, I am a washing noob, and I shouldn't be at over 40!! Help me...
If you dont want to go too far down the rabbit hole, I would start with this.I just replaced my 07 plate Saab with a 13 plate Mercedes C250 estate. I am determined not to completely ignore washing the beast this time. Life basically got in the way with Saab and consequently even though it was serviced and maintained regularly it didn't get much washing love.
Anyway, I want to avoid the local car wash both mechanical and human variants. I have read a number of threads and watched a view videos but I am still confused.
So any tips on developing a car washing regime/process would be much appreciated.
Some specific questions;
Is it worth getting a jet washer? For wheels and engine bay?
What is this snow foam witchcraft? Do I need it?
How many buckets do I need (2 or 20)?
What is the best-est sponge?
Clay you say, on a car? Do I need it?
Best wax?
Some stuff for windscreen, any tips?
Outdoor vacuums, any recommendations, or just bring 'Henry' out of the house?
As you can tell, I am a washing noob, and I shouldn't be at over 40!! Help me...
1 bucket with a grit guard
Pressure washer (Karcher or Nilfisk are ok)
Snow foam if you want (but it doesnt really clean that well)
Wash mitt (microfibre or lambs wool)
Clay if you want (at most twice a year).
Autoglym Super Resin Polish
Search eBay for Fusso 99. It's a synthetic wax that will give a good 6 months protection
Windolene for the windows
Henry for the vacuuming
There are much better products out there, but unless you want to get really serious, that lot should start you off nicely.
rosscouk said:
Hi all,
I just replaced my 07 plate Saab with a 13 plate Mercedes C250 estate. I am determined not to completely ignore washing the beast this time. Life basically got in the way with Saab and consequently even though it was serviced and maintained regularly it didn't get much washing love.
Anyway, I want to avoid the local car wash both mechanical and human variants. I have read a number of threads and watched a view videos but I am still confused.
So any tips on developing a car washing regime/process would be much appreciated.
Some specific questions;
Is it worth getting a jet washer? For wheels and engine bay? Yes, for cleaning dried on dirt and grime off the bodywork during prewash and rinsing the shampoo off post wash. You'll also need one and a suitable foam Lance to get the best out of snow foam. Not so sure about using a pressure washer on the engine bay though. Too much potential for water ingress into vital electronics. You don't need to spend £100's. Something like a Karcher K2 with car cleaning kit should be fine for a beginner.
What is this snow foam witchcraft? Do I need it? Up to your personal preference. Can be a bit of a gimmick depending on which brand you buy. In theory it's application as a pre-wash removes any surface contamination prior to physical washing. Some people use a hand pumped garden pressurised sprayer to apply directly to the body work rather than via a pressure washer and foam Lance.
How many buckets do I need (2 or 20)? 2 with grit guards. One for your clean water and shampoo mix and one for clean water only for the periodic cleaning of the wash mitt to remove crud that builds up during use. When washing I tend to start from the top of the car and work my way down using features such as swage lines as boundaries. Split each panel in two and use one side of the mitt for each half and then wash the mitt in the clean water before dunking in the shampoo mix. Repeat for whole car. Clean wheels last unless you buy a wash mitt dedicated to wheel washing. You don't want the brake dust being wiped over your paintwork.
What is the best-est sponge? My personal preference is a lambs wool style wash mitt. Google it. Sponges are best used as knee protection when kneeling to wash wheels.
Clay you say, on a car? Do I need it? Not particularly, unless you can feel or see contaminants such as dried tree sap, tar or paint overspray on the paint.
Best wax? Something like Poorboy's sealant. Wax is a pain in the arse. I've had good results using spray waxes/ detail sprays such as Sonax BSD. Application is much easier than conventional Wax and will last just as long.
Some stuff for windscreen, any tips?
Outdoor vacuums, any recommendations, or just bring 'Henry' out of the house? Get Henry out. May be worth buying an extended hose.
As you can tell, I am a washing noob, and I shouldn't be at over 40!! Help me...
Answers above.I just replaced my 07 plate Saab with a 13 plate Mercedes C250 estate. I am determined not to completely ignore washing the beast this time. Life basically got in the way with Saab and consequently even though it was serviced and maintained regularly it didn't get much washing love.
Anyway, I want to avoid the local car wash both mechanical and human variants. I have read a number of threads and watched a view videos but I am still confused.
So any tips on developing a car washing regime/process would be much appreciated.
Some specific questions;
Is it worth getting a jet washer? For wheels and engine bay? Yes, for cleaning dried on dirt and grime off the bodywork during prewash and rinsing the shampoo off post wash. You'll also need one and a suitable foam Lance to get the best out of snow foam. Not so sure about using a pressure washer on the engine bay though. Too much potential for water ingress into vital electronics. You don't need to spend £100's. Something like a Karcher K2 with car cleaning kit should be fine for a beginner.
What is this snow foam witchcraft? Do I need it? Up to your personal preference. Can be a bit of a gimmick depending on which brand you buy. In theory it's application as a pre-wash removes any surface contamination prior to physical washing. Some people use a hand pumped garden pressurised sprayer to apply directly to the body work rather than via a pressure washer and foam Lance.
How many buckets do I need (2 or 20)? 2 with grit guards. One for your clean water and shampoo mix and one for clean water only for the periodic cleaning of the wash mitt to remove crud that builds up during use. When washing I tend to start from the top of the car and work my way down using features such as swage lines as boundaries. Split each panel in two and use one side of the mitt for each half and then wash the mitt in the clean water before dunking in the shampoo mix. Repeat for whole car. Clean wheels last unless you buy a wash mitt dedicated to wheel washing. You don't want the brake dust being wiped over your paintwork.
What is the best-est sponge? My personal preference is a lambs wool style wash mitt. Google it. Sponges are best used as knee protection when kneeling to wash wheels.
Clay you say, on a car? Do I need it? Not particularly, unless you can feel or see contaminants such as dried tree sap, tar or paint overspray on the paint.
Best wax? Something like Poorboy's sealant. Wax is a pain in the arse. I've had good results using spray waxes/ detail sprays such as Sonax BSD. Application is much easier than conventional Wax and will last just as long.
Some stuff for windscreen, any tips?
Outdoor vacuums, any recommendations, or just bring 'Henry' out of the house? Get Henry out. May be worth buying an extended hose.
As you can tell, I am a washing noob, and I shouldn't be at over 40!! Help me...
This can all be done on a budget. Don't be tempted by £100 per tub show waxes.
Search YouTube for Ammo NYC. He has a videos devoted to developing a maintenance wash regime which may be exactly what your after.
Google ONR
30 mins and whole car should be done inc wheels (as long as wheels arnt that bad).
You can do this with a single bucket or if you want two.
To give you a basic idea:
Pre-spray (using a pump sprayer) with ONR, leave for around 5 mins.
Wash using one (or two buckets) using ONR with a sponge or mf's (best google that bit as well)
Dry with a single spray of opti-seal on each panel (two for roof for instance) and a drying towel.
Done.
If your wheels are really bad then best use a wheel cleaner, pw etc, seal and then you can use onr or shampoo to keep on top of them.
30 mins and whole car should be done inc wheels (as long as wheels arnt that bad).
You can do this with a single bucket or if you want two.
To give you a basic idea:
Pre-spray (using a pump sprayer) with ONR, leave for around 5 mins.
Wash using one (or two buckets) using ONR with a sponge or mf's (best google that bit as well)
Dry with a single spray of opti-seal on each panel (two for roof for instance) and a drying towel.
Done.
If your wheels are really bad then best use a wheel cleaner, pw etc, seal and then you can use onr or shampoo to keep on top of them.
I recently bought some detailing products after working my way through the autoglym Christmas gifts!
I highly recommend the Bilt Hamber Iron Fallout wheel cleaner and one of those little brushes that is typically used for cleaning the bolt holes and multi spoke wheels. I use this brush to do pretty much the whole wheel except the barrel where I'll use a longer reaching brush.
Of all the stuff I've bought, these 2 things have saved me a huge amount of time cleaning my wheels.
I recommend washing it down with a hose though. The cleaner turns red as it reacts with contaminants and a hose helps massively to get rid of the cleaner.
I highly recommend the Bilt Hamber Iron Fallout wheel cleaner and one of those little brushes that is typically used for cleaning the bolt holes and multi spoke wheels. I use this brush to do pretty much the whole wheel except the barrel where I'll use a longer reaching brush.
Of all the stuff I've bought, these 2 things have saved me a huge amount of time cleaning my wheels.
I recommend washing it down with a hose though. The cleaner turns red as it reacts with contaminants and a hose helps massively to get rid of the cleaner.
I do my similar size car in about 10mins
Bucket, Sponge, Brush for the Wheels (Hand-Brush will do if you haven't got a proper Car Wash one) and a Watering Can
Any old Wash & Wax, poured onto the sponge, not into the Bucket
Green kitchen scourer for the Flies on the Windscreen
Rinse with the Watering Can
Optional Squeegee the windows and wipe the last bits of moisture from the glass with a Teacloth
Don't do it on a very hot sunny day if possible, 'specially if its a dark colour
Bucket, Sponge, Brush for the Wheels (Hand-Brush will do if you haven't got a proper Car Wash one) and a Watering Can
Any old Wash & Wax, poured onto the sponge, not into the Bucket
Green kitchen scourer for the Flies on the Windscreen
Rinse with the Watering Can
Optional Squeegee the windows and wipe the last bits of moisture from the glass with a Teacloth
Don't do it on a very hot sunny day if possible, 'specially if its a dark colour
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