Cleaning new car
Discussion
I used to do 2 bucket but now I have my own “5 mitt/1 bucket method” ha. One big pot of suds and loads of mitts. Do a bit, ditch the mitt then grab a fresh one from the suds 
I spray my car to soak, wash my wheels first with ph neutral wheel cleaner, then wash the car with megs shampoo and my 5 wash mitts. I use old micro fibre towels for anything along sills and wheel arches. Then rinse and dry off with micro fibre towels. I then use a MF towel to apply quick detailer or spray wax. Every month in the winter I jack up each corner and do the inside arches. Also clean out the inside arch lips. After cleaning I touch up any gravel rash from behind the wheels that’s left bare paint.
I’ve not yet started clay barring (that’s a method to get rid of bits like road tar that washing won’t get off) as don’t trust myself not to marr the paint so I’m going to get a detailing mate to do all that malarkey as a yearly treat.
My advice is be wary of going down the rabbit warren too far (reading the forum detailing world has you viewing car paint like it’s driving a fine art canvas down the road in the rain) .
The ocd that detailing inspires can encourage a bit of anxiety, a wince at every “tink” sound from stones, deathly horror at “swirl marks”. It’s a mean machine that, not a Worcester vase so keep it fresh, sod the stone chips and take her for a thorough exercise so the tyres smell and it’s panting it’s knackers off.
Products wise I can vouch for
Meguiars shampoo I use. Pretty happy with that.
Meguiars detailing spray. Excellent to keep in the motor with a spare rag to get bird bombs off!
Angel wax bilberry wheel wax. A bit snake oily as it does naff all I reckon to protect but makes the wheels shiny for a day or two so happy with that!
Naviwax. For the body. Dead easy to apply.
Autoglym. Been doing it years. Pretty good stuff and cheap.
Halfrauds sell quite a few detailing things now from people like Meguiars. I found when you add P and P it was easier just to pop down to them rather than online.
I spray my car to soak, wash my wheels first with ph neutral wheel cleaner, then wash the car with megs shampoo and my 5 wash mitts. I use old micro fibre towels for anything along sills and wheel arches. Then rinse and dry off with micro fibre towels. I then use a MF towel to apply quick detailer or spray wax. Every month in the winter I jack up each corner and do the inside arches. Also clean out the inside arch lips. After cleaning I touch up any gravel rash from behind the wheels that’s left bare paint.
I’ve not yet started clay barring (that’s a method to get rid of bits like road tar that washing won’t get off) as don’t trust myself not to marr the paint so I’m going to get a detailing mate to do all that malarkey as a yearly treat.
My advice is be wary of going down the rabbit warren too far (reading the forum detailing world has you viewing car paint like it’s driving a fine art canvas down the road in the rain) .
The ocd that detailing inspires can encourage a bit of anxiety, a wince at every “tink” sound from stones, deathly horror at “swirl marks”. It’s a mean machine that, not a Worcester vase so keep it fresh, sod the stone chips and take her for a thorough exercise so the tyres smell and it’s panting it’s knackers off.
Products wise I can vouch for
Meguiars shampoo I use. Pretty happy with that.
Meguiars detailing spray. Excellent to keep in the motor with a spare rag to get bird bombs off!
Angel wax bilberry wheel wax. A bit snake oily as it does naff all I reckon to protect but makes the wheels shiny for a day or two so happy with that!
Naviwax. For the body. Dead easy to apply.
Autoglym. Been doing it years. Pretty good stuff and cheap.
Halfrauds sell quite a few detailing things now from people like Meguiars. I found when you add P and P it was easier just to pop down to them rather than online.
Edited by Buggyjam on Monday 11th June 23:42
Edited by Buggyjam on Monday 11th June 23:53
I got mine ceramic coated. So washing it is just a jet wash, shampoo then jet wash. Never actually needed to touch the car with a sponge / mitt / cloth. The coating means the dirt falls off with a simple jet washing. Even the bugs squashed on the front fall off.
I'm OCD when it comes to washing, and have two buckets and all the gear, but to be honest I've not needed any of it due to the coating. No polishing or anything. Cost £400 for the coating, but for me its kept the car looking like it did in the showroom.
I've just come back from a two week trip in the Alps and Corsica - one jet wash at home and its back to new.
I'm OCD when it comes to washing, and have two buckets and all the gear, but to be honest I've not needed any of it due to the coating. No polishing or anything. Cost £400 for the coating, but for me its kept the car looking like it did in the showroom.
I've just come back from a two week trip in the Alps and Corsica - one jet wash at home and its back to new.
AinsleyB said:
I got mine ceramic coated. So washing it is just a jet wash, shampoo then jet wash. Never actually needed to touch the car with a sponge / mitt / cloth. The coating means the dirt falls off with a simple jet washing. Even the bugs squashed on the front fall off.
I'm OCD when it comes to washing, and have two buckets and all the gear, but to be honest I've not needed any of it due to the coating. No polishing or anything. Cost £400 for the coating, but for me its kept the car looking like it did in the showroom.
I've just come back from a two week trip in the Alps and Corsica - one jet wash at home and its back to new.
I thought ceramic coatings were a bit Emperor’s new clothes. But seem there’s something in it to aid cleaning. I have read reports almost the opposite of your experienceI'm OCD when it comes to washing, and have two buckets and all the gear, but to be honest I've not needed any of it due to the coating. No polishing or anything. Cost £400 for the coating, but for me its kept the car looking like it did in the showroom.
I've just come back from a two week trip in the Alps and Corsica - one jet wash at home and its back to new.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I guess it’s subjective to variables of what’s put on, how well and the products. Perhaps doing it from new some of the benefit is the new paint which is always easier to clean?
Friend of mine swears by them. Mines an older car so would need serious prep. If they lasted a few years and worked as you find I’d be up for it as cleaning with buckets makes my dodgy disc in my back give me agro.
Weekly wash and monthly seal for me.
2 bucket wash using grit guards and lambswool mit, soft microfiber wheelcleaning thing.
Order is
Rinse - high pressure from pressure washer
Snowfoam
10 mins dwell
rinse low pressure
2 bucket wash starting at top, separate mitt for cills etc, door shuts done with a damp microfiber cloth
dry
monthly - seal with spray sealant that goes on quickly
Total job takes just under an hour.
Materials
Obsession Wax Blizzard Snowfoam
Built Hamber auto shampoo
Mequiers lambs wool mits
Mequires water magnet drying cloths
Gtechniq C2v3 sealant
Gtechniq microfiber cloth (the one recommended for C2V3)
Autoglym wheel wax
Can't remember the make but I also use a protector on rubber seals every month
Zaino leather cleaner for inside
2 bucket wash using grit guards and lambswool mit, soft microfiber wheelcleaning thing.
Order is
Rinse - high pressure from pressure washer
Snowfoam
10 mins dwell
rinse low pressure
2 bucket wash starting at top, separate mitt for cills etc, door shuts done with a damp microfiber cloth
dry
monthly - seal with spray sealant that goes on quickly
Total job takes just under an hour.
Materials
Obsession Wax Blizzard Snowfoam
Built Hamber auto shampoo
Mequiers lambs wool mits
Mequires water magnet drying cloths
Gtechniq C2v3 sealant
Gtechniq microfiber cloth (the one recommended for C2V3)
Autoglym wheel wax
Can't remember the make but I also use a protector on rubber seals every month
Zaino leather cleaner for inside
Adams Polishes wash mitt and the ones from polished bliss get my vote.
Gtechniq c5 wheel sealant is brilliant stuff. My car has a Gtechniq coating and whilst it makes cleaning a breeze, I miss waxing and sealing my paintwork as the shine isn't the same even after using a quick detail spray.
I used FK1000P sealant on my last white car with great results and it's good for wheels.
Polished bliss have a new car detail guide which is an excellent starting point for someone wanting to look after their car.
Gtechniq c5 wheel sealant is brilliant stuff. My car has a Gtechniq coating and whilst it makes cleaning a breeze, I miss waxing and sealing my paintwork as the shine isn't the same even after using a quick detail spray.
I used FK1000P sealant on my last white car with great results and it's good for wheels.
Polished bliss have a new car detail guide which is an excellent starting point for someone wanting to look after their car.
Blink982 said:
Adams Polishes wash mitt and the ones from polished bliss get my vote.
Gtechniq c5 wheel sealant is brilliant stuff. My car has a Gtechniq coating and whilst it makes cleaning a breeze, I miss waxing and sealing my paintwork as the shine isn't the same even after using a quick detail spray.
I used FK1000P sealant on my last white car with great results and it's good for wheels.
Polished bliss have a new car detail guide which is an excellent starting point for someone wanting to look after their car.
Pretty sure you can wax on top of gtehniqGtechniq c5 wheel sealant is brilliant stuff. My car has a Gtechniq coating and whilst it makes cleaning a breeze, I miss waxing and sealing my paintwork as the shine isn't the same even after using a quick detail spray.
I used FK1000P sealant on my last white car with great results and it's good for wheels.
Polished bliss have a new car detail guide which is an excellent starting point for someone wanting to look after their car.
Daz23, when you say "detergent" for the wheels, don't use washing up liquid! It's full of salt and too harsh. Try something like Bilberry wheel cleaner, or one from Bilt Hamber (all their stuff is good, I think). Oh, and steer well clear of acid-based wheel cleaners.
I really like Autoglym interior shampoo for the, er, interior. Smells lovely and works well. For leather seats it has to be Gliptone.
I really like Autoglym interior shampoo for the, er, interior. Smells lovely and works well. For leather seats it has to be Gliptone.
Daz23 said:
Great comments thank you
Will have a look at the above and go to halfords.
Basically weekly wash with wool mits, and monthly polish
What about detergent on the wheels? OPC said use water and soap only.
Yep. You can use the same shampoo you use on the body. Takes a little more effort getting the dust off but perfectly doable. To make it easier you can use wheel cleaners. You dilute them into a spray bottle. Spray on, wait a minute then agitate with a brush and rinse. You want PH neutral stuff. Non acidic or alkaline. Wheel cleaners are harsher than shampo but easier. Will have a look at the above and go to halfords.
Basically weekly wash with wool mits, and monthly polish
What about detergent on the wheels? OPC said use water and soap only.
Get a mitt - micro fibre or lambswool if feeling posh
Couple of buckets
Grit guards that fit the buckets
Get a few large deep pile quality detailing microfibre towels for drying off
Decent shampoo
Wheel cleaner if you fancy
Quick detailing spray
The rest you can always pick up as you go. Folks have mentioned some really good final stage products which I might try too. I find quick detailer a master tool. Loads of companies make it. Spray and wipe. Great as a lubricant for removing marks, tree sap or bird s
t. I use it after drying as a rinse aid. Leaves a mark free shiny surface.For interiors you can’t go wrong with a damp clean rag. The less products leaving residue the better. Vinyls and interior coatings are notoriously fickle and don’t react well with silicones etc which can cause cracking over time. There’s plenty of good safe products but I’ve had a couple of bad experiences. Some folk have mentioned some on here I might try myself. If using anything new always try on a section that’s out of view.
Couple of tips I’ve picked up.
1/ Two bucket method. Essentially a bucket of suds and a bucket for rinsing the mitt
2/ don’t put the two grit guards in both buckets. Put both grit guards in the rinsing bucket, one on top of the other. Make sure water covers them. The more water the better
3/ rinsing the wash mitt. Before putting it in the rinse bucket, wring it out. Then put it in the bucket and rub it against the grit guard to agitate out any grit. Remove and wring out again. Then back in the clean suds bucket
4/ If cleaning car on a hot day try and pick a shaded area or wait until the sun is lower. Avoid letting the “soap” drying onl it leaves marks which are a pain in the arse to get off.
5/ When rinsing car use the water on a low pressure hose pipe setting to sheet it off. Limits droplets forming which can dry leaving water marks caused by calcium deposits etc, falls under the “pain in the arse category”
6/ After cleaning always keep your wash mitts and nice towels seperate from the wheel or arch towels. I have a bag of “good rags” and a bag of “bad rags”
Edited by Buggyjam on Tuesday 12th June 23:47
My outside hose tap is a dog wash tap also. It's fed by a thermostatically controlled "hand hot" mixer and a water softener to remove hardness and calcium deposits. Who washes with cold water?
I use AG Shampoo Conditioner on body and wheels. Then AG Aquawax. Look this up on YouTube, It's been a revelation for me. So easy to dry, wax, and shine the car every wash time.
When washing, spray the mitt with the hot water while agitating so as to remove dirt straight to the drain. No second bucket needed this way.
I use AG Shampoo Conditioner on body and wheels. Then AG Aquawax. Look this up on YouTube, It's been a revelation for me. So easy to dry, wax, and shine the car every wash time.
When washing, spray the mitt with the hot water while agitating so as to remove dirt straight to the drain. No second bucket needed this way.
Daz23 said:
Hi guys, ive just punched a new 911 GTS, im looking for recommendations for cleaning products, and methods.
What is the 2 bucket method?
Would you recommend polishing frequently
Colour is Carrera white
Many thanks
Replace the word polish with wax, you only use polish to try to correct paint defects (on which a new car will be many) - your best option is to get a local pro detailer to correct the paint and then take you through basic maintenance.What is the 2 bucket method?
Would you recommend polishing frequently
Colour is Carrera white
Many thanks
There is an alternative, as you will learn the hard way whatever you do the car will get swirls/contamination. At first you enjoy keeping it clean but eventually you end up paying a pro or accepting life and take it to the Turks at the local Esso.
I'm pretty new to this also, but here's my kit list:
Karcher Jetwash
Clean & Shiny after market snow foam lance
Auto Finesse drying towels (x2)
Meguiars wash mitt
Meguiars bucket and grit guard
Various other microfibre cloths, towels and mitts
Bilt Hamber auto foam (Snow foam)
Gyeon Bath+ (Shampoo)
Gyeon Iron or Bilt Hamber Korrosol (Iron/Fallout remover)
Gyeon Wet Coat (Spray on sealant/wax)
Fusso Coat
Various other wax/back-to-black/polishing products that I don't use a huge amount.
This is just a growing list of products but the stuff I use most. Wash weekly, wet coat and iron out every couple of washes.
Except the wheels (white wheels), which I have been iron out-ing every wash to remove brake dust etc – is this a bad habit?
Karcher Jetwash
Clean & Shiny after market snow foam lance
Auto Finesse drying towels (x2)
Meguiars wash mitt
Meguiars bucket and grit guard
Various other microfibre cloths, towels and mitts
Bilt Hamber auto foam (Snow foam)
Gyeon Bath+ (Shampoo)
Gyeon Iron or Bilt Hamber Korrosol (Iron/Fallout remover)
Gyeon Wet Coat (Spray on sealant/wax)
Fusso Coat
Various other wax/back-to-black/polishing products that I don't use a huge amount.
This is just a growing list of products but the stuff I use most. Wash weekly, wet coat and iron out every couple of washes.
Except the wheels (white wheels), which I have been iron out-ing every wash to remove brake dust etc – is this a bad habit?
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