How do you wash yours?
Discussion
So, I'm interested to hear others' modus operandi for car washing. Few questions
1) what is your car?
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter?
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc
4) what's your method? (briefly)
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash?
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about
7) any other tips etc.
1) what is your car?
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter?
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc
4) what's your method? (briefly)
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash?
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about
7) any other tips etc.
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter? - Summer Weekly, Winter once or twice a month (I suffer more in Winter than I ever used to)
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc Driveway
4) what's your method? (briefly) - wheel rinse and clean, pre rinse body with citrus product to remove top layer of drit, jet down, snow foam, rinse, 2BM, rinse, open hose rinse and pat dry. Tyres dressed, Glass Cleaned etc. For me Gyeon Wet Coat is my go to Winter product as it can provide protection with just spraying on a hitting it with a pressure washer (Summer completely different with claying, polishing, waxing)
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash? No.
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about
7) any other tips etc.
In my view think of detailing in the context of removing grim layer by layer gently. For me the citrus products are a massive time saver removing that top layer of grime without removing protection. Then you can get on with your cleaning more easily.
Pre rinse with hose if available.
2 buckets, one with the shampoo and one to rinse the sheepskin mitt between dips into the shampoo solution.
Wash gently- no heavy rubbing, no circular motions.
Rinse with buckets and mitt, or with hose if available.
Dry with microfibre cloths-GENTLY- a new bit of grit may have arrived post rinse!
Above whenever I can park in road near enough to house.
Never allow anyone else, or a car wash, near it with washing equipment. (although I forgot to ask garage not to wash it at last service)
Proper polish- very occasional. Annual?
It's a Mustang.
2 buckets, one with the shampoo and one to rinse the sheepskin mitt between dips into the shampoo solution.
Wash gently- no heavy rubbing, no circular motions.
Rinse with buckets and mitt, or with hose if available.
Dry with microfibre cloths-GENTLY- a new bit of grit may have arrived post rinse!
Above whenever I can park in road near enough to house.
Never allow anyone else, or a car wash, near it with washing equipment. (although I forgot to ask garage not to wash it at last service)
Proper polish- very occasional. Annual?
It's a Mustang.
Edited by mac96 on Friday 15th February 14:44
1) what is your car?
Merc C350 CDI estate = dirty rear end!
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter?
Summer, once a fortnight
Winter, meh... once a month depending on weather. I always make sure the paint is protected before the weather gets cold and roads are at their worst.
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc
Drive.
4) what's your method? (briefly)
Depends on what is needed. Basic:
Wheel cleaner applied first, scrubbed then power washed off
Snow foam
Rinse with power washer
two bucket method
rinse
apply drying aid
Dry with microfiber towels
(Wax if needing topped up)
Yearly I take a day off work for a full decontamination, clay, machine polish (1 step) and wax
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash?
Never.
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about
Don't jet wash them directly.
7) any other tips etc.
The internet has plenty of resources and tips, everyone has an opinion so just go with what works for you and use products that suit your method and budget. I for example like Auto Glym HD wax but a lot of people sneer at AG products! :-s
Merc C350 CDI estate = dirty rear end!
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter?
Summer, once a fortnight
Winter, meh... once a month depending on weather. I always make sure the paint is protected before the weather gets cold and roads are at their worst.
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc
Drive.
4) what's your method? (briefly)
Depends on what is needed. Basic:
Wheel cleaner applied first, scrubbed then power washed off
Snow foam
Rinse with power washer
two bucket method
rinse
apply drying aid
Dry with microfiber towels
(Wax if needing topped up)
Yearly I take a day off work for a full decontamination, clay, machine polish (1 step) and wax
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash?
Never.
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about
Don't jet wash them directly.
7) any other tips etc.
The internet has plenty of resources and tips, everyone has an opinion so just go with what works for you and use products that suit your method and budget. I for example like Auto Glym HD wax but a lot of people sneer at AG products! :-s
mac96 said:
Pre rinse with hose if available.
2 buckets, one with the shampoo and one to rinse the sheepskin mitt between dips into the shampoo solution.
Wash gently- no heavy rubbing, no circular motions.
Rinse with buckets and mitt, or with hose if available.
Above whenever I can park in road near enough to house.
Never allow anyone else, or a car wash, near it with washing equipment. (although I forgot to ask garage not to wash it at last service)
Proper polish- very occasional. Annual?
It's a Mustang.
Are you not pretty worried to do any of the other steps without a good hard pressure spray? You just rub extra gentle (ha) right? 2 buckets, one with the shampoo and one to rinse the sheepskin mitt between dips into the shampoo solution.
Wash gently- no heavy rubbing, no circular motions.
Rinse with buckets and mitt, or with hose if available.
Above whenever I can park in road near enough to house.
Never allow anyone else, or a car wash, near it with washing equipment. (although I forgot to ask garage not to wash it at last service)
Proper polish- very occasional. Annual?
It's a Mustang.
When i had my dc5-
1) integra dc5
2) weekly
3) car park at home
4) 2 buckets, neutral car shampoo that won't strip wax, leafblower to dry.
5) NEVER EVER EVER EVER
6) see number 5
7) if you wash car in a hard water area, never wash the car in direct sunlight, always dry thoroughly, try to minimise contact with the car...foam lance to wash, leafblower to dry etc.
Now i've got a less pristine car i am less precious, however i still 2 bucket wash with good quality product, wax regularly, and clean any winter debris off the car on a weekly basis,.
1) integra dc5
2) weekly
3) car park at home
4) 2 buckets, neutral car shampoo that won't strip wax, leafblower to dry.
5) NEVER EVER EVER EVER
6) see number 5
7) if you wash car in a hard water area, never wash the car in direct sunlight, always dry thoroughly, try to minimise contact with the car...foam lance to wash, leafblower to dry etc.
Now i've got a less pristine car i am less precious, however i still 2 bucket wash with good quality product, wax regularly, and clean any winter debris off the car on a weekly basis,.
1) what is your car?
BMW 520d Touring
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter?
Once a month. Not unless I need to (ferrying clients, etc)
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc
On my drive
4) what's your method? (briefly)
Clean wheels with washmitt
Karcher body
Washmitt body with Dodo Juice shampoo
Dry with microfibres
Clean glass
Tyre shine
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash?
No
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about
Just don't. If you're in a hurry or can't be bothered, just use a cheap hand car wash.
7) any other tips etc.
If you're wheels are super dirty, Bilt & Hamber wheel cleaner is the best out there.
markyb_lcy said:
So, I'm interested to hear others' modus operandi for car washing. Few questions
1) what is your car? - Megane RS250.
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter? - Summer, once a week/fortnight depending on use/dirt level. Winter the same, weather permitting.
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc - Drive.
4) what's your method? (briefly) rinse wheels, clean, rinse, fallout the wheels, snow foam, let sit, rinse, wash car, rinse, dry. hoover and clean interior.
Once every 2/3 cleans cover in a coat of wax. (Generally Soft99 King of Gloss)
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash? No
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about - Keep car switched off, but unlocked. Research and find a method you're happy with.
7) any other tips etc.
You'll get loads of people say "do it this way, you're in idiot if you don't" etc. Ignore, them a method that suits you. The fact after snow foaming I rinse from bottom up baffle most people, but it works for me and I have my reasons why I prefer it. 1) what is your car? - Megane RS250.
2) how often do you wash it? Do you do this more in winter? - Summer, once a week/fortnight depending on use/dirt level. Winter the same, weather permitting.
3) where do you wash it? drive / street / service station etc - Drive.
4) what's your method? (briefly) rinse wheels, clean, rinse, fallout the wheels, snow foam, let sit, rinse, wash car, rinse, dry. hoover and clean interior.
Once every 2/3 cleans cover in a coat of wax. (Generally Soft99 King of Gloss)
5) do you use/ever use the automated carwash? No
6) if yes to 5, what tips for minimising issues? I have front assist, electric wingmirrors and rain-sensing wipers to think about - Keep car switched off, but unlocked. Research and find a method you're happy with.
7) any other tips etc.
Research. Watch detailing videos on youtube and the like.
In my car, diesel Civic it's about once a month at the local hand car wash for £6 in the summer. In the winter.... erm well lets just say I haven't washed my car since November.
Motorbike which is used daily for the commute gets washed exclusively by the dealer when it goes in for a service
If I get a nice car (Lotus or similar) then I will wash it myself as I have the equipment to do so but with a low value car I don't have the inclination to actually do it.
Motorbike which is used daily for the commute gets washed exclusively by the dealer when it goes in for a service
If I get a nice car (Lotus or similar) then I will wash it myself as I have the equipment to do so but with a low value car I don't have the inclination to actually do it.
markyb_lcy said:
mac96 said:
Pre rinse with hose if available.
2 buckets, one with the shampoo and one to rinse the sheepskin mitt between dips into the shampoo solution.
Wash gently- no heavy rubbing, no circular motions.
Rinse with buckets and mitt, or with hose if available.
Above whenever I can park in road near enough to house.
Never allow anyone else, or a car wash, near it with washing equipment. (although I forgot to ask garage not to wash it at last service)
Proper polish- very occasional. Annual?
It's a Mustang.
Are you not pretty worried to do any of the other steps without a good hard pressure spray? You just rub extra gentle (ha) right? 2 buckets, one with the shampoo and one to rinse the sheepskin mitt between dips into the shampoo solution.
Wash gently- no heavy rubbing, no circular motions.
Rinse with buckets and mitt, or with hose if available.
Above whenever I can park in road near enough to house.
Never allow anyone else, or a car wash, near it with washing equipment. (although I forgot to ask garage not to wash it at last service)
Proper polish- very occasional. Annual?
It's a Mustang.
Intent is to wash and rinse reasonably gently then if there is anything left (oily marks etc) that haven't come off, have a final go at them at the end when there is definitely no grit and a firmer touch can be applied. Perhaps it's not ideal, but it's the best I can do in the circs.
1) Focus ST170 (Same wash applies to all my cars though)
2) Once a month in the cold, once every 2 weeks when it's warmer
3) Just outside the garage on the street where I can walk around it fully
4) Jetwash, snowfoam, jetwash, wheels, jetwash, bodywork with 2 buckets and a lambswool wash mit, jetwash, dry with 2 microfibre towels, wax the bodywork, clean the glass and slight dressing on the tyres.
5) Never have, likely never will.
6) Interior: Quick vac with Henry, then Autoglym Interior Shampoo on the carpets and fabric, then vac again, AG Leather Cleaner on the leather, followed by AG Leather Balm (Once every season), then Stain Valet on the headliner, AG Interior Shampoo on the dash and plastics with a detailing brush and dried off with a microfibre, finish with the glass, then some sprays with Chemical Guys New Car Smell and Cherry Blast to replicate the original smell of the car. A few before and after pics of the car if it's particularly dirty (I never let the interior get dirty).
Some cars require more (Mondeo, Alhambra, Impreza) and others require no more than a vac (Fabia). I can deal with the exterior being pretty dirty, but I can't have the interior being bad.
2) Once a month in the cold, once every 2 weeks when it's warmer
3) Just outside the garage on the street where I can walk around it fully
4) Jetwash, snowfoam, jetwash, wheels, jetwash, bodywork with 2 buckets and a lambswool wash mit, jetwash, dry with 2 microfibre towels, wax the bodywork, clean the glass and slight dressing on the tyres.
5) Never have, likely never will.
6) Interior: Quick vac with Henry, then Autoglym Interior Shampoo on the carpets and fabric, then vac again, AG Leather Cleaner on the leather, followed by AG Leather Balm (Once every season), then Stain Valet on the headliner, AG Interior Shampoo on the dash and plastics with a detailing brush and dried off with a microfibre, finish with the glass, then some sprays with Chemical Guys New Car Smell and Cherry Blast to replicate the original smell of the car. A few before and after pics of the car if it's particularly dirty (I never let the interior get dirty).
Some cars require more (Mondeo, Alhambra, Impreza) and others require no more than a vac (Fabia). I can deal with the exterior being pretty dirty, but I can't have the interior being bad.
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