knavinusa

It sounds like a very simple task, but how do you usually mix your car wash soap to get the right dilution? I find if I just add the soap to a dry bucket there's too much foam and the soap ends up being too concentrated. Adding some water first before mixing in the soap helps, but the mixture still doesn't feel quite right.

TWiSDiT

iTrader: (4)

I like a lot of suds when washing my car, to me it shows the soap is actually working and doing its job..

washing a car without seeing the sud looks feels like im washing the car with just water

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Suds are the foundation of washing.
it acts as a lubricant.

08TList

iTrader: (-1)

i rinse the bucket then pour the soap in the bottom and then blast it with the jet wash hose setting to get those nice foamy suds

SweetJazz

As far as amount of soap to add, the instructions should tell you the proper concentration (i.e. 4oz/gallon). I bought some cheap 1oz measuring cups on the web. I will add the soap to the wash bucket after filling 1/2 with warm water. Suds should not be problem if you use a sponge. I use an Ultimit and the act of wringing out the sponge creates alot of suds. To me, the most important aspect of your wash solution is that it acts as lubricant while washing.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I really enjoy Optimum Car Wash.

TOGWT

[Suds are the foundation of washing.it acts as a lubricant.]

Suds are aerated soap, and has no affect on its cleaning ability. Surfactants and surface lubrication are the most important constituents of car wash soap

Jesstzn

One thing suds do is help isolate the crud from the paint and carry it away ..

TOGWT

One thing surfactants do is help isolate the crud from the paint and carry it away ..that's how products like ONR work without suds

Jesstzn

Yeep ... I wasn't arguing ... I was adding that suds do serve a purpose.

csmeance

IF your soap is say 2 oz per gallon , fill your bucket up close to 3/4 way to your desired # of gallons and then pour in soap and then on the JET function spray into the side of the bucket at an angle to get the water swirling. When it's close to you desired amount stop!

The nice thing about this method is that you get the water swirling so it's not making that much suds and as well you still have some suds from the water lightly hitting the side of the bucket.

stogie1020

I just use baby wipes. Not good?

csmeance

good for babies, bad for cars...

McCollins23

I mix ONR with unicorn tears. My paint has never gleamed so much!

maxpsi

lol

genokan

Wait, you are supposed to mix the soap with water..?

WTF Learn something new everyday.

ohsixMTee

iTrader: (2)

I've never been a fan of hand washing my previous cars and probably never will with the TL either. Something about swirling bugs/dirt/grime around even if it is with a soft sponge or whatever....

I just hit the car wash, use the pressure wand only (brush is BAAAD), park it in the shade, clean windows, wheels, jams, engine and Quick Detail the exterior.

I do realize how pressure washing effects wax/polish/etc. but it's just how I prefer to do things.

MaxMike93

I have a hose nozzle that has a canister for you to pour soap in. Turn the valve, and it mixes the soap with the water as it sprays out. I think my dad got it at Harbor Freight. Also, my dad said he heard it from detailers to always have the sponge glide along the paint with plenty of suds underneath. That way, you won't scratch anything.