* The Car Cleaning Thread *

beachBOYken · 16 Mar 2020 at 10:14

Muska said:
it's a little more complicated than that.

Think of Wax or a Ceramic coating as your protective layer on top of nice clean paint, free from any contaminants. A clay bar will help remove some of those contaminants, such as tar, fallout or iron. They can make quite a surprising difference to paint clarity if you've never used one before, depending on the age of your car but be aware that depending on the clay you use, or the lubrication required, you could introduce some marring into your paint that would need to be machine polished out.

Detailing World is a great forum if you want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes

Oh yeah I understand that, I plan to polish first, I was just wondering about what to do when I feel the protective layer is pasted its best, as someone else mentioned just a wash should be enough to re-apply wax providing the paintwork is in good condition still.

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 11:54

Serious question:

Always get my car washed via mobile valet man. Not washed my car since I was a kid. I want to order the right stuff from Halfords today to wash my own Porsche but dont want to get carried away and buy to many/too expensive things which may only get used once.

Whats the basic essentials I should start with? I have a jet wash, a bucket and a wash mit already.

Meguires vs Auto finesse vs Auto glym. Does it really matter which one I get?!

LiE · 31 Mar 2020 at 12:01

Yucca said:
but dont want to get carried away and buy to many/too expensive things which may only get used once.

Good luck

Whats the basic essentials I should start with? I have a jet wash, a bucket and a wash mit already.

2 buckets really, one to wash the car, and one to clean the mit of any dirt between panels.

Meguires vs Auto finesse vs Auto glym. Does it really matter which one I get?!

I'd suggest having a look at https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/ or https://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/

If you do stick with Halfords, then you can't go wrong with the Autoglym stuff.

-Ad- · 31 Mar 2020 at 12:07

Yucca said:
to wash my own Porsche

Pics please

For Halfords, today:

Get 2 big buckets, ideally with grit guards at the bottom. One for your shampoo, one for rinsing out the sponge. Search for 2 bucket method.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...iars-rg203-5-gallon-yellow-bucket-512829.html - I use these.

- Meguiars gold class shampoo used to be good, but Autoglym or AF are similarly shampoos.
- A couple of plush drying towels.
- Noodle type mit and wheel brush - Both to do the wheels.

Some iron fallout remover.
- Whatever they have in halfords.

Some Bug & Tar remover.
- Whatever they have in halfords.

Get a clay bar and some spray lube (if it needs it). Get a quick detailer to use as lube, or use some shampoo and water in a sprayer (cheap garden sprayer).
- Bilt hamber soft clay is decent or whatever halfords has.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/clay-bars/farecla-g3-body-prep-clay-mitt-660104.html - The mitt works well!

A polish/glaze (all in one)
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...auto-finesse-tripple-polish-500ml-550332.html

Spray sealant.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/car-wax/turtle-wax-hybrid-sealant-wax-351462.html
I use Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer as it's the SHIZ but this TW stuff is supposed to be good!

The above should be your main kit to do a full on clean, decon, clean, polish, seal. I usually do this twice a year, then general washes in between I just do a wash and wipe down with a Spray Sealant.

Detailing is a bottomless rabbit hole, but doesn't need to be full of expensive products and eleventy million steps. I haven't even gone into machine polishing, but the likes of the AF Tripple will clear up a bit of swirling and fill the rest, giving a nice look without using a machine.

For me it's about doing the best you can, getting the best look and protection, for the least amount of time/effort. There's more important things in life than fapping over detailing every sunny day you get.

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 12:48

LiE said:
Good luck

2 buckets really, one to wash the car, and one to clean the mit of any dirt between panels.

I'd suggest having a look at https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/ or https://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/

If you do stick with Halfords, then you can't go wrong with the Autoglym stuff.

Any particular list of products you recommend from either of these suppliers to get me started? The reason why I was thinking of sticking to halfords is that they have LESS choice and I dont want to get too confused will 100 options.

What would you buy with a £60 budget to get you started from these sites?

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 12:50

-Ad- said:
Pics please

For Halfords, today:

Get 2 big buckets, ideally with grit guards at the bottom. One for your shampoo, one for rinsing out the sponge. Search for 2 bucket method.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...iars-rg203-5-gallon-yellow-bucket-512829.html - I use these.

- Meguiars gold class shampoo used to be good, but Autoglym or AF are similarly shampoos.
- A couple of plush drying towels.
- Noodle type mit and wheel brush - Both to do the wheels.

Some iron fallout remover.
- Whatever they have in halfords.

Some Bug & Tar remover.
- Whatever they have in halfords.

Get a clay bar and some spray lube (if it needs it). Get a quick detailer to use as lube, or use some shampoo and water in a sprayer (cheap garden sprayer).
- Bilt hamber soft clay is decent or whatever halfords has.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/clay-bars/farecla-g3-body-prep-clay-mitt-660104.html - The mitt works well!

A polish/glaze (all in one)
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...auto-finesse-tripple-polish-500ml-550332.html

Spray sealant.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/car-wax/turtle-wax-hybrid-sealant-wax-351462.html
I use Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer as it's the SHIZ but this TW stuff is supposed to be good!

The above should be your main kit to do a full on clean, decon, clean, polish, seal. I usually do this twice a year, then general washes in between I just do a wash and wipe down with a Spray Sealant.

Detailing is a bottomless rabbit hole, but doesn't need to be full of expensive products and eleventy million steps. I haven't even gone into machine polishing, but the likes of the AF Tripple will clear up a bit of swirling and fill the rest, giving a nice look without using a machine.

For me it's about doing the best you can, getting the best look and protection, for the least amount of time/effort. There's more important things in life than fapping over detailing every sunny day you get.

Thank you for your detailed reply AD but thats too much lol. I want a basic starting set up which I may/may not use again! Im sure clay bars and polish and sealants are a step to far for my first clean? What would you buy with a £60 budget to get started.

LiE · 31 Mar 2020 at 12:57

Yucca said:
Any particular list of products you recommend from either of these suppliers to get me started? The reason why I was thinking of sticking to halfords is that they have LESS choice and I dont want to get too confused will 100 options.

What would you buy with a £60 budget to get you started from these sites?

For simplicity and also because I'm a fan of their products, I use CarPro.

Shampoo - https://carpro.uk.com/products/reset500

Fallout remover (use on wheels to clean) - https://carpro.uk.com/collections/fallout-removers/products/iron-x-500ml

Protection - https://carpro.uk.com/collections/s...ro2-lite-ready-to-use-advanced-coating-1000ml
Simply spray on a wet car, a panel at a time and jet wash off. Use on wheels as well

Drying towel - https://carpro.uk.com/collections/buckets-mitts-drying-towels/products/dhydr8

That will see you to your 60 budget.

I personally use CarPro Rest and HydrO2 and they are fantastic. Iron X is very good. If you want to add in a tire dressing you can add Perl (https://carpro.uk.com/products/perl-plastic-engine-rubber-leather-500ml?variant=16722287751)

-Ad- · 31 Mar 2020 at 13:24

Yucca said:
Thank you for your detailed reply AD but thats too much lol. I want a basic starting set up which I may/may not use again! Im sure clay bars and polish and sealants are a step to far for my first clean? What would you buy with a £60 budget to get started.

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 13:52

LiE said:
For simplicity and also because I'm a fan of their products, I use CarPro.

Shampoo - https://carpro.uk.com/products/reset500

Fallout remover (use on wheels to clean) - https://carpro.uk.com/collections/fallout-removers/products/iron-x-500ml

Protection - https://carpro.uk.com/collections/s...ro2-lite-ready-to-use-advanced-coating-1000ml
Simply spray on a wet car, a panel at a time and jet wash off. Use on wheels as well

Drying towel - https://carpro.uk.com/collections/buckets-mitts-drying-towels/products/dhydr8

That will see you to your 60 budget.

I personally use CarPro Rest and HydrO2 and they are fantastic. Iron X is very good. If you want to add in a tire dressing you can add Perl (https://carpro.uk.com/products/perl-plastic-engine-rubber-leather-500ml?variant=16722287751)

Shampoo - Understood

Fallout remover - Is this the main product to clean the alloys with? I dont understand as the product details talk about paintwork not alloys?

Protection - Is this really needed for my first wash? Can this stage not be skipped for a beginner? What are the benefits vs not doing it?

Drying towel - Understood. Are the halfords microfibre clothes the same thing? https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...halfords-microfibre-cloths-5-pack-342227.html

Perl - This is an additional product for the actual rubber of the tyre right? Nothing to do with cleaning the alloys? If so, perhaps not needed for my first clean?

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 13:58

-Ad- said:
Fair enough, I'll keep it super simple.

1. Order what LiE has posted above, I use a number of CarPro things and they are the best. Although it's over £60, it's great stuff.
Then go to halfords and buy the follwoing to complete your washing kit:
£3. - Wheel Brush - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...s/halfords-alloy-wheel-brush-2020-294734.html
£20 (£10x2) - Wash buckets - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...iars-rg203-5-gallon-yellow-bucket-512829.html
£15 - Wash Mitt - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...ets/meguiars-lambs-wool-wash-mitt-289485.html
£3 - Microfibre cloths - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...halfords-microfibre-cloths-5-pack-342227.html

Total = £68 + Halfords = £109

2. If Halfords today:

Just seen this bundle!
£35 - Meguiars bundle - https://www.halfords.com/bundles/meguairs-car-cleaning-bucket-deal/
£10 - Spray Wax - use this after washing - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/car-wax/turtle-wax-hybrid-sealant-wax-351462.html
£3 - Wheel Brush - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...s/halfords-alloy-wheel-brush-2020-294734.html
£10 - Second bucket - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...iars-rg203-5-gallon-yellow-bucket-512829.html
£3 - Microfibre cloths - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...halfords-microfibre-cloths-5-pack-342227.html
£4 - Glass cleaner - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...ning/halfords-glass-cleaner-500ml-144116.html

Total = 65

Ok this is beginning to make sense now!

Is wheel brush needed over a big sponge?

Does the spray wax do the same job as the above suggested 'protection' product Hydor2 Light? And if so, is this required for first/beginner clean?

Whats so special about the 'glass cleaner' over the home stuff windolene?!

-Ad- · 31 Mar 2020 at 13:59

Yucca said:
Shampoo - Understood

Fallout remover - Is this the main product to clean the alloys with? I dont understand as the product details talk about paintwork not alloys?

Mainly used to get iron deposits off the paintwork, normally particles from the brake pads that get embedded in the paint/wheels.
- This stage doesn't need to be done that often (for me every 3months).

Protection - Is this really needed for my first wash? Can this stage not be skipped for a beginner? What are the benefits vs not doing it?

After getting the car clean this is the most important. It protects the paintwork and means it's easier to wash the next time around, plus makes the car look shiny and helps water bead up and flow off.

Drying towel - Understood. Are the halfords microfibre clothes the same thing? https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...halfords-microfibre-cloths-5-pack-342227.html

Microfibres are for applying products like spray sealant, quick detailer etc. Drying towels are for soaking up excess water after washing.

Yucca said:
Ok this is beginning to make sense now!

Is wheel brush needed over a big sponge?

Does the spray wax do the same job as the above suggested 'protection' product Hydor2 Light? And if so, is this required for first/beginner clean?

Whats so special about the 'glass cleaner' over the home stuff windolene?!

Helps to have a wheel brush to get right into the depths of the wheel. I usually use one of those cheap wash sponges that has noodles looking bits on it for the face of the wheel and spokes. Halfords sell those cheap.

Spray wax/sealant/Hydro2 etc are just a spray sealant. As I replied to the quoted further up, this is important to protect the car, make it easier to wash next time and make it look good

Nothing special about the glass cleaner, I actually use Nilglass as it comes in a 5L container and does all the cars, house windows and mirrors in the house. No 'car detailing' tax on it either.

There's a lot of 'tax' on some products out there, when they are not that revolutionary. It's good to spend the money on a few select products that are known to do a good job, like a sealant, decent shampoo, clay etc, but there are many cheaper and better household products that do the same thing in terms of cleaning.

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:06

-Ad- said:
Mainly used to get iron deposits off the paintwork, normally particles from the brake pads that get embedded in the paint/wheels.
- This stage doesn't need to be done that often (for me every 3months).

After getting the clean clean this is the most important. It protects the paintwork and means it's easier to wash the next time around, plus makes the car look shiny and helps water bead up and fow off.

Microfibres are for applying products like spray sealant, quick detailer etc. Drying towels are for soaking up excess water after washing.

Ref fallout remover - Ok so this is an extra thing that should be done sometimes. Which item on your list is for the general weekly alloy clean? Or isnt there one on your list? If not then I assume the Meguiars ultimate wheel cleaner which is part of their bundle is acceptable?

Ok so your protection product is more imporant for me to get for my first clean than the fallout remover then? In effect your saying the protection product and stage is vital to every clean?

Microfibres vs drying towels. Understood, thank you. So if I stick to Halfords then this one would be the halfords equivalent to your suggetsion right? https://www.halfords.com/motoring/c...-finesse-aqua-deluxe-drying-towel-841277.html

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:08

Thank you to both of you for all this advice. All serious questions! I am genuinly confused and overwhelmed. Last time I cleaned a car it was hose, cheap shampoo, sponge and old vets to dry lol!

-Ad- · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:13

Well, on the wheel weekly clean I usually just use the shampoo for the car (but I put it in a 3rd bucket as I don't want all the wheel crap off the sponge going on the paint). But my wheels are coated so really easy to clean and saves time.

Have a read through this rough guide to familiarise yourself with the full process:
https://www.autofinesse.com/en/blog/guides/12-steps-of-detailing

For a simpler weekly wash I'd do:

1. Wash wheels.
2. Wash car with shampoo and 2 bucket method (2BM).
3. Dry with a Towel or use a clean (car use only) leaf blower.
4. Spray with your spray sealant every other wash.
5. Clean windows.
6. Any interior hoovering etc.

On the drying towel, yes that link to Halfords is for a plush drying towel.

Yucca said:
Thank you to both of you for all this advice. All serious questions! I am genuinly confused and overwhelmed. Last time I cleaned a car it was hose, cheap shampoo, sponge and old vets to dry lol!

No problem. It's crazy these days, but the 2 bucket method is very important to reducing scratches whilst washing.

- One bucket with your shampoo, second bucket is your 'rinse-off' bucket.
- Use your wash mitt from bucket 1 (shampoo) and wash a panel.
- Rinse off the mitt in bucket 2 (rinse-off).
- Mitt into bucket 1 again and repeat.
* wash out the *rinse off* bucket if it looks dirty and refill during the wash if needed.

Muska · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:15

Looking forward to using these at some point this week, they seem to get good reviews (even though the bottles are comedy small!)

Also purchased some Carpro PERL

-Ad- · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:19

Virgin spandex clad angel, I can see the appeal

Yucca · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:29

OK great, think iv almost got my head around it all now lol. One more question if you dont mind:

All the family cars have been parked up for 2 weeks now. Went out today and had a good look and they seem to be covered in some type of ash or thick dust of some sort. Almost like a blanket of pollution from the air has settled all over the car.

Do I need to do anything special to get this crap off to avoid swirl marks before I wash it using the steps you outlined? Or just a jet wash will do?

Dis86 · 31 Mar 2020 at 14:35

Yucca said:
OK great, think iv almost got my head around it all now lol. One more question if you dont mind:

All the family cars have been parked up for 2 weeks now. Went out today and had a good look and they seem to be covered in some type of ash or thick dust of some sort. Almost like a blanket of pollution from the air has settled all over the car.

Do I need to do anything special to get this crap off to avoid swirl marks before I wash it using the steps you outlined? Or just a jet wash will do?

Jet wash should get rid.

beachBOYken · 1 Apr 2020 at 10:55

Can anyone recommend a product to protect/maintain the life of a ceramic sealant.

I have purchased some Gyeon can coat, although still need to apply it, wondering what I should do to maintain it and how often?

Muska · 1 Apr 2020 at 11:21

Carpro Reset seems to come well recommended on Detailing World.

I am using CanCoat on my car and I just clean as normal as it's performing very well. I bought the Polish Angel High Gloss as a ceramic 'topper'

I am expecting up to 6 months from Cancoat, although I have put 2 coats on so I would hope the higher end of the time if not a bit longer.

*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***

* The Car Cleaning Thread *