Washing the Car

Bunter_2

I live in a seaside town. Sea-gull poo is incessant during the summer.

For the first time I have got myself prepared. Bought a garden pressure spray (1 Litre) for £1.49 and a cheapo paint brush. (3 for £1).

Spray water over; then brush; wash off with water; then spray the brush.

Gets rid of the mess easily and cleans the brush without getting hands dirty.

hethmar

Interesting about the sponge thing - didnt know that. I got a new car 7 months ago and I got so sick of the smells of the different lotions and potions for different bits of the car I bought some Proshine, which says you dont even need water to clean the car - including the glass. It was advertised on a shopping channel. HOWEVER OH says to me its basically petroleum based and not good for the car. Ive noticed a couple of swirls on the roof so now Im a bit sickened that Ive used it.

I did used to use drive thru for my old car but noticed lots of swirly scratches on the doors once.

Hmm, so its back to autoglym shampoo and then wax I suppose but with a mitt instead of the giant sponge?

thescouselander

hethmar wrote: »

Interesting about the sponge thing - didnt know that. I got a new car 7 months ago and I got so sick of the smells of the different lotions and potions for different bits of the car I bought some Proshine, which says you dont even need water to clean the car - including the glass. It was advertised on a shopping channel. HOWEVER OH says to me its basically petroleum based and not good for the car. Ive noticed a couple of swirls on the roof so now Im a bit sickened that Ive used it.

I did used to use drive thru for my old car but noticed lots of swirly scratches on the doors once.

Hmm, so its back to autoglym shampoo and then wax I suppose but with a mitt instead of the giant sponge?

Yes, a sheap skin mit is better than a sponge but the method is equally as important. Google the two bucket method and use that when washing the car.

mickeypops

I always polish using a Carnauba wax product. Someone recommended it to me a couple of years ago and I would never switch back to an ordinary wax.

There's plenty of suitable products on ebay Not cheap, but the best, IMO.

Lincoln_Imp

I use my local Polish cummunity cleaners
Loads round our way ranging from a fiver to 7 quid

Followed a Aston DB9 in the other day ..good enough for him its good enough for my Civic

C_Mababejive

First...

rinse it down using clean water from a hose pipe.

This mobilises all the dirt and helps it float away rather than creating micro scratches.

If car is very dirt,use car shampoo (not wash/wax) in a bucket of warm>hot water and wash car down to remove dirt.

Rinse off with hose pipe.

Wash down again using good quality liquid wash/wax such as simoniz,in a bucket of warm water. Use a wash mit http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/203838/car_wash_aids.html

rinse off with hose pipe.

Towel dry with the wash mit.

neilmcl

If you have a pressure washer I'd recommend getting a foam lance and using a mixture of Snow Foam and a good shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes and simply rinse off.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/super-snow-foam-5-litre/prod_370.html

vansboy

vikingaero wrote: »

. On the company car I virtually exclusively use a nice car wash - because after 3 years who cares.

The OP - would - 'cos his is just 3 years old!!

Agree with pretty much all, except the drying aspect.

Use a blade like this...


& then do this ....

& use this ....

Meguiars products are my choice, but Halfords have 3for2 on all cleaning chemicals just now, so you can buy some quality products & save a few £$£ too!

VB

Kilty_2

Lincoln_Imp wrote: »

I use my local Polish cummunity cleaners
Loads round our way ranging from a fiver to 7 quid

Followed a Aston DB9 in the other day ..good enough for him its good enough for my Civic

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

mark5

I dont have time or the interest to spend hours cleaning my car but I do like to keep them looking clean and well maintained. The first few times you wash a car it will probably look terrible until you find a method that suits you while learning by your mistakes. My method is as follows.

1. Hose car down
2. Wash with shampoo and warm water while rinsing the car down using a watering can as I go around each area. For example I wash the boot then rinse it before moving on to the next area. (start at the top, finish at the bottom)
3. Repeat step 2 going around the car a 2nd time, you always miss a few areas otherwise.
4. Drive car around the block to dry it off
5. Wash alloys and rinse
6. Pull car forward slightly and again wash the wheels doing the bits I missed.

I use autoglym to polish the car a couple of times a year

Interior.

Brush down dashboard, vents etc with a clean paint brush,
Remove floor mats,
Hoover interior and mats
(Occasionally power wash the rubber mats)
Return floor mats

I have a set of snap on seat covers on my front seats which help a lot.