Cleaning your car - product recommendations

force_ten

neilmcl wrote: »

And as a general point I'd recommend the OP visit the detailingworld forums - http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/index.php

this is a moneysaving forum and you are suggesting that the OP visit detailing world ?

that site is guaranteed to empty your wallet in a flash, you go on there with the intention of spending a tenner and end up spending ten times that amount, and then a few days later the postie brings a big box of potions and lotions that will last the average weekend wash warrior for the rest of his life

neilmcl

force_ten wrote: »

this is a moneysaving forum and you are suggesting that the OP visit detailing world ?

that site is guaranteed to empty your wallet in a flash, you go on there with the intention of spending a tenner and end up spending ten times that amount, and then a few days later the postie brings a big box of potions and lotions that will last the average weekend wash warrior for the rest of his life

I should've really qualified my post a bit

bengalknights

Im a fan of meguiers, especially when they hand out free samples

pogofish

I'm another for Autoglym polish. Although it is expensive but all of my bottles have been paid by vouchers from surveys/offers. It doesn't need much effort to polish and one good polish will see you through several washes - which is important to someone with arthritic shoulders like me!

Last time I bought their trim/plastic cleaner/polish (bogoff!) and it is very nice indeed. keeps the finish well inside and out and with a light lemony scent. I had been a long-term user of Armor-All before that, also good

Shampoo - anything I can pick-up cheaply. I'm currently working through a 5l bottle of concentrate that I got very cheap somewhere but the label came-off long ago. Might have been Lidl? Its fine and at my wash-frequency, it has actually lasted longer than my last car - I don't change cars often either!

Similarly screen wash - Pick-up a big bottle or two at Lidl when it is on special. Its actually pretty good stuff.

Rain repellents - I got given a bottle a while back but again the label has peeled-off, so I can't remember the brand. It is good on side/rear windows and lasts through several washes, so you don't need to reaply often but I found it a tad to smeary for my liking on the windscreen - I like to see where I'm going in the wet!

Sponges - pound shop 3/4 for a pound, change every year and polishing cloths - a packet of microfiber dusters every so often. Got a new pack to go with my new car last week - two quid from the local home-stuff shop. Wash in a bucket of soapy water after each use to ensure nothing scratchy remains.

mutley74

20% off all Autoglym at Halfords

neilmcl

pogofish wrote: »

I'm another for Autoglym polish. Although it is expensive but all of my bottles have been paid by vouchers from surveys/offers. It doesn't need much effort to polish and one good polish will see you through several washes - which is important to someone with arthritic shoulders like me!

As long as you realise that AG SRP isn't a polish in it's true sense, it's more of a filler. Having said that, it still does it's job extremely well. I personally prefer Bilt Hamber cleanser polish.

Also, one way to save your money and time on polish is to get rid of your sponge and get a decent mitt or pad to clean your car, in fact I'd seriously have a look at your whole wash regime if you want to cut down on the risk of scratching your paintwork.

pogofish

neilmcl wrote: »

As long as you realise that AG SRP isn't a polish in it's true sense, it's more of a filler. Having said that, it still does it's job extremely well.

It leaves the car nice and shiny - That's a polish to me!

[Deleted User]

What about moss removal? That stuff that grows on seals, rubbers etc.

force_ten

slipd wrote: »

What about moss removal? That stuff that grows on seals, rubbers etc.

some APC (all purpose cleaner) diluted and brushed on to the seals and then rinsed off before it dries on the car do this before you wash the car

for APC you can use an dedicated auto apc or many just use a household product like Flash liquid or stardrops APC

household products are cheaper and do the job on window rubbers and door shuts

neilmcl

slipd wrote: »

What about moss removal? That stuff that grows on seals, rubbers etc.

Get yourself some detailing brushes - http://www.envyvaleting.co.uk/products-info.asp?id=151