*DISCLAIMER: The products I mention below are what I use and recommend. But I can assure you they aren't the only things out there that work. I have tried a ton of products that do just as good or better of a job. What I use now is either my "flavor of the weeK' or something I just prefer to use. Be careful reading sites like Autopia or Detail City because you'll talk yourself in to spending more than you wanted.........it happened to me and now I'm hooked.
Mitt: Sheepskin / Lambswool Mitt Only
Wash: Meguiars Gold Class car shampoo (normal bucket/hose wash) but usually Optimum No Rinse (Only requires two buckets and no hose).
Drying: Right now I'm using some big blue plus microfiber towels that dry well. If not those, ALWAYS a waffle weave microfiber. Never....ever....a drying blade.
Wheels / Tires: Microfiber towel in wash solution for cleaning. Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel for a nice matte sheen after they are dry.
Wax: Duragloss Aquawax after each wash. Only a nice microfiber towel to wipe off. I also used this on my wheels since they are painted. Helps a lot when it is time to clean the wheels. Dirt/dust comes right off. If you aren't up for applying a spray wax once a week, I suggest finding another product that you can get away with applying once every few months. There have been a bunch already mentioned in this thread. I would only recommend Aquawax if you are applying it at least every couple weeks.
Polish: Optimum Opti-Seal for light correction or Optimum Polish II if correction is needed. Applied with Porter Cable 7424 Dual Action Polisher.
Dust: California Car Duster. Only use this for a light dust from dry weather or light pollen. Road dust, heavy dusting, or heavy pollen should be removed with a proper wash. Also, if it rains do not use the CCD until the car has been washed.
Quick Detailer: I'll either use the aquawax or a mixture of Optimum No Rinse and water in a spray bottle.
Interior: Aerospace 303 on vinyl/plastic surfaces. Love the product because it doesn't leave that greasy feeling like Armor All and has a new look to it as opposed to a fake shiny look. Meguiars Natural Shine is another product like Aerospace 303 that you can find locally. For leather I will use Lexol.
Windows: Stoners Invisible Glass and a microfiber towel. I use this stuff in my home too. :worship
Under the Hood: A good spray down after making sure any electrical components are covered up. No high pressure....just let the water fall out of the hose. FOllow up with some Aerospace 303 to bring that new black look back.
Other Tips:
- Get good wash mitts and microfiber towels. This, coupled with a good washing process, will ensure they don't cause swirls/scratches. Wash them separate from other clothes to keep lint away. Use a little woolite. Dry on low or hang dry.
- Stick to a process to wash your vehicle that will avoid scratching a swirls. Use a gritt guard. Use plenty of soap. Start from the top and go down. Use an old microfiber towel to do tires. Rinse mitts good between panels.
- Use a claybar once a year before waxing/polishing.
- Wash your car at least once a week. This will make washing it simple since your car won't be caked in dirt/mud/grime. Plus it'll help with keeping dirt from getting embedded in your paint so claybaring will go fast.
- Keep a good coat of wax on it. I use spray wax each week because it is easy to apply and the paint always feels like a babys butt. Plus with a nice coat of wax, it is easier to remove dirt/grime when washing.
If you pick up some good products, have a good washing process, and wash once a week, chances are your car will look new for years to come.