[thinkxingu]

Hi All,
I see a lot of detail-oriented posts here, but if someone has a moment, would he/she post a list of simple items and tips that would do a good job? I don't want to spend a ton of time (or money) cleaning my 2013 convertible, but I do want it to be clean (and I haven't hand washed a vehicle in...ten years or more!).

Thanks!

 

[Beechkid]

IMHO......

The absolute best washing device known to man is a long boar hair brush....yeah it's stiff when dry but when wet, it is softer than any cotton towel you could find & because of the tips only touching the paint, the swirl marks are almost 100% eliminated. Available at griots garage or Erie Brush & Manufacturing Corp, 860 W. Fletcher, Chicago (but you need to have a company name to purchase, no individual sales) .

The next best option, 100% cotton diaper (Babies r' us has em- about $20 for a bag). Doubled or tripled up, wash them 2-3 times with fabric softener before using them for washing & drying. For washing, without contact dirt on the vehicle, use the open butt of a garden hose, on low to apply water just ahead of the wash diaper....it almost makes the towel float and the remaining dirt float off the paint without touching.

Soap...I recommend: No7 Car Wash Concentrate
Available at Amazon, any True Value Hardware; Mfg by RainDance/ArmorAll Corp. It has been around for 40+ years, is a powder, very inexpensive and us about 1 tablespoon per 3 gallons. It also has anti-water spotting agents which until you try it the first time, you would not believe the advantage of drying a black car. (Note- BAF has a liquid car soap that many swear by as well including anti-water spotting agents- but I have not used this personally)

The one item to remember, although the boars hair brush is absolutely the softest, effective washing device IMHO, you still must periodically wash by hand as nothing replacing the cleaning of hand washing.

 

[thinkxingu]

Thanks, beechkid--are there any other brushes that might work, so's I can reach the top and bottom without throwin' my back out?! Also, those diapers are for washing and drying? What ever happened to shammies?!

 

[jpplaw]

Do a 2 bucket wash - 1 for soap, 1 for rinsing the wash mitt. Use quality car wash soap, like Meguiars. and a microfiber wash mitt. You can get those at Wallymart. Boars hair brushes are expensive but they do work great. Flood the car after you rinse off the soap - that means take the nozzle off the hose and just run a weak stream all over the car. You'll be surprised how many water drops come off when you do this, leaving very little to dry. To dry, use a leaf blower or a dedicated microfiber drying towel. You can get the towels at www.autogeek.net. They have everything that you will need and more.

 

[Beechkid]

Thanks, beechkid--are there any other brushes that might work, so's I can reach the top and bottom without throwin' my back out?! Also, those diapers are for washing and drying? What ever happened to shammies?!

These brushes can be purchased with a "pole" that is about 4-5' long....and you can also hook the garden hose up to it. An optional brush head protector can also be purchase (highly recommended).

With regards to the diapers...yes, both washing & drying......I have found that 100% cloth diapers (24" x 24") doubled up are the best for washing/drying....not only in terms of price/longevity but the paint feels like it's been polished each time. FYI- the diapers must be flat fold (meaning no seams) and washed 3 times (typically) to ensure softness and absorbsion.

Real Chamois (shammy), unless they come from Europe they are almost impossible to find in the US.....and the ones we have here, well, they are fine for commercial applications (heavy equipment/aircraft/etc.) but I would not use these on most anything else IMHO....except for maybe patio furniture, bicycles, etc.

 

[jth877]

Two bucket method. MF waffle for drying (guzzler or similar). A lot of autogeek guys are using grout sponges. Chenille/MF mitts are good too.

Flood method for rinsing works great. A drying aid (detailer, UWW+) is also a good idea. This is mist on after the "flood". It lubes the drying towel.

 

[thinkxingu]

Heading out to pick up my supplies tomorrow--thoughts on what to use on silver/chrome wheels?

 

[ccarney]

I don't typically use wheel cleaner, I seal my wheels - soap and water gets them clean. If I do have to use wheel cleaner on a car I like Meguiars D140 Wheel Brightener. Do not use it on polished aluminum or anodized wheels.

 

[Beechkid]

and for wheels...I use 409 on the tires when needed & 50/50 mix of simple green for tires & wheels.......

 

[jth877]

The wheels you should only have to get really clean once, then seal. I use UWW+ or a detailer on them with a dedicated MF towel during regular washes or a rinseless wash.

I love waterless washes. It's great if you car is garage kept and stays out of the rain for the most part. Any road film build up would make me do a traditional two bucket wash.