Car washing for a beginner

[Boom78]

Hi guys,
I’ve had a good look on this section to get answers but it all seems pretty advance for my level of car cleaning.

I’m picking up new car tomorrow and wouldn’t mind cleaning it myself rather than using local handwash. From what I can gather a basic process could be:

Hose all crap/dust off
Wheels - ph neutral cleaner and wheel brush
2 bucket wash - something like meguiars ultimate wash and wax with microfibre mit
Microfibre towel to dry
Detailing/wax spray with microfibre
Interior vacuum, spray, wipe
Glass cleaner

Does this sound right? Not sure about the detailing/wax spay, there seems to be so many finishing type sprays. Not sure about all this pre wash and foam stuff either, just want a simple process. Things now are very different from the old days of a single bucket of fairy and old sponge/chamois

Ta
B78

[fourstardan]

1. Snowfoam and get some detailing brushes to get in between seals/tight areas.
2. Then what about doing a sealant and not bothering with the wax steps every time? Fusso99 will give you 9-12 months.

[PHZero]

Boom78 said:

Hi guys,
I’ve had a good look on this section to get answers but it all seems pretty advance for my level of car cleaning.

I’m picking up new car tomorrow and wouldn’t mind cleaning it myself rather than using local handwash. From what I can gather a basic process could be:

Hose all crap/dust off
Wheels - ph neutral cleaner and wheel brush
2 bucket wash - something like meguiars ultimate wash and wax with microfibre mit
Microfibre towel to dry
Detailing/wax spray with microfibre
Interior vacuum, spray, wipe
Glass cleaner

Does this sound right? Not sure about the detailing/wax spay, there seems to be so many finishing type sprays. Not sure about all this pre wash and foam stuff either, just want a simple process. Things now are very different from the old days of a single bucket of fairy and old sponge/chamois

Ta
B78

Get a half decent pressure washer for the first pass, if you can, and also clean underneath the car with it (avoiding underneath the engine bay) to remove any salt deposits. Tar remover can be very useful, as can T-Cut and super resin polish if you encounter scratches etc.

Even with microfibre mitts you can still mess the paint up.

I've used a few spray on ceramic coatings in the past and I think they help to reduce the amount of elbow grease required to stay on top of things.

Best of luck!

[Alfa Pete]

Turtle wax hydrophobic sealant is cheap , easy and provides good protection if you want a simple to use product .

[steveo3002]

Alfa Pete said:

Turtle wax hydrophobic sealant is cheap , easy and provides good protection if you want a simple to use product .

agree its great for what it costs

dont skimp on cheap cloths , wash them after each use

when drying use some sort of qd spray or the turtle wax to mist on as you dry , this helps lube the surface so less chance or marks from drying

personally i rotate an "extra" job each wash....so one week the wheel will get a thorough deep clean , next time more attention to the door jambs etc

[Belle427]

Sounds pretty good, a large drying towel is useful but not essential.
Pressure washer is better I find, I never use foam but two I would recommend are bilt hamber touchless and garage therapy snow foam.

[steveo3002]

for wheels , use some some protection on them from new , you should find a weekly wash with soapy water will keep them nice

i dont like using harsh chemicals when not needed

[Boom78]

steveo3002 said:

Alfa Pete said:

Turtle wax hydrophobic sealant is cheap , easy and provides good protection if you want a simple to use product .

agree its great for what it costs

dont skimp on cheap cloths , wash them after each use

when drying use some sort of qd spray or the turtle wax to mist on as you dry , this helps lube the surface so less chance or marks from drying

personally i rotate an "extra" job each wash....so one week the wheel will get a thorough deep clean , next time more attention to the door jambs etc

thanks guys, this is exactly the sort of stuff I wanted to know more about, after watching vids of the TW sealant it fits the bill perfectly.

[Mr Squarekins]

i'd add that you wash from the top down. It sounds obvious, but you didn't mention it.

Shocks me when I see people washing bumpers and cills, then doing bonnet and roof

Edited by Mr Squarekins on Saturday 25th June 19:45

[Boom78]

Mr Squarekins said:

i'd add that you wash top the top down. It sounds obvious, but you didn't mention it.

Shocks me when I see people washing bumpers and cills, then doing bonnet and roof

That’s another great point, thanks mate

[hairy v]

Mr Squarekins said:

i'd add that you wash top the top down. It sounds obvious, but you didn't mention it.

Shocks me when I see people washing bumpers and cills, then doing bonnet and roof

I wouldn't wash with the top down but I knew what you meant

[Mr Squarekins]

Mr Squarekins said:

i'd add that you wash from the top down. It sounds obvious, but you didn't mention it.

Shocks me when I see people washing bumpers and cills, then doing bonnet and roof

Edited by Mr Squarekins on Saturday 25th June 19:45

- fixed my terrible typing.