stingray72

Hey guys,. the search ain't working to great. I was wonder what you guys/gals used to wash your cars?

I've read all about drying (I like the leaf blower idea) and zainoing, but haven't found where anyone has said what type of material they actually wash the car with? and what product also?

I've read where Dawn will take old wax off. Don't think I"ll be using that too often

Thanks

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Viking 100% cotton wash mitt. It's gotta say 100% cotton. They make two version, 1 is synthetic/cotton blend, one is 100% cotton.

Homer2

ive heard the mitt is now very hard to find . . . nearly impossible in Canada

anyways - you can also get some Royal Velvet Towels - white ones, cut the edges and banding off (sew them back over with 100% cotton thread if you want) and use them -

remember - whatever you use

you are not trying to RUB the dirt off - go easy and "save the swirl"

lotza water, and a good wash soap - circular motions

work from the top down -

maybe even use the two mitt idea, as well as the two bucket idea (one for rinsing, one for soaping up))

i do use a 100% sheepskin mitt - holds a truck load of water and i like it . ..

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

It was, then they caught wind that everyone wanted the 100% cotton. Now they are manufacturing a ton of them. Not sure about Canada.

www.partsamerica.com has them.

Red Rider

Maguires gold car wash is what i use. I dry with the Absorber and micro towels.

Homer2

cool - thanks for the tip . . .

Smitty

Don't use Dawn unless you want to strip your wax.. nor laundry soap.. the Acidity content in both of those products is high... Mothers has a nice car wash... that is if your looking for alot of bubbles and something right off the store shelf..

Smitty

EricL

If you don't use the Zaino stuff, get a "quality" car wash from Meqiar's, P21, etc...

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...golclassh.html
http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...odconsham.html

I use the Zaino Z7 car wash on the my Zaino'd cars, but the Meguiar's (my #2) and P21 (my #3) car washes seem to work pretty well...

I got some of these and use one for the top, surfaces (with two buckets -- one bucket with soapy solution, the other has clean water for "rinsing").

100% cotton chenille wash pads




I use a mitt for the upper sides and use a "sea sponge" for the bottom of the car.


http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...atwasbrus.html (OXY)
http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/na-spg.html (Sea Sponge)

(Or hit Griot's for some very expensive boar hair brushes...)

Whatever you use -- move from top to bottom and look for bits of "crud" that collects in the pads or mitts (even the microfiber stuff can collect a bit of hardened gum or tar and it can scratch the finish if it is big enough).


The big microfiber towels and/oe P21 synthetic absorber along with a cali water blade (when used carefully) can get the water off fast enough to avoid most spots. (I may move to a GIANT shop vac for blow drying... )

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/p21-168.html


(The microfiber towels are also great for "cleaning" the intererior of the car...)


Anybody know where there are more of these:

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motor...ludryint1.html

??????

EricL

After looking at the difference in the two "mitts" and two bucket, vs. a "buddies" one bucket/one mitt treatment, I sprung for the 2nd $1.99 wash bucket (for rinse water) and think an extra mitt, pad, brush, or sponge couldn't hurt (it's so bad around the wheels that some disposable cotton work wipes are required for the inside of the wheel wells...)

At least around my area, they are doing street work, and the stuff that comes off the "bottom" panels (rocker, etc) is really nasty stuff...

I think there are some "city workers", in my area, that drop, glass, sand, bubble gum, tar, rocks, and other goo around the street construction/renovation areas...

made2nv

I agree with RED RIDER, I use the exact same thing he does. I even use 2 mittens while I'm washing my car. Always remember to wash your car under the shade, dont want those nasty waterspots on the car. And then I use detailing spray, of course after the car is dried.

Smitty02CLs

99 cent sponge will work fine, just don't rub hard

Homer2

smitty . .

black and .99 cent sponges dont mix well my friend . . .

take heed from those that been there - done that . . .

KCPreki11

Eric, this guy sells great MF towels and has big Waffle Weave towels which help absorb water, they work wonders, I have 2 of them and 10 of his mint green micro touch towels. He has awesome reviews on Autopia and is awesome to work with. Email him for a price list at jtintern@yahoo.com

joshuak32

iono wut u guys r thinkin using dishwash and laundry detergent on ur cars. that messes up ur paint theres too much acid for it, it strips more than just ur wax its screws up the paint. stick to regular car wash soap and use a clay bar to strip all the dirt off ur car and use some good wax. ur car will come out lookin great if u know how to wax.