what type of materials do u guys/girls use to clean your car from washing to drying to waxing i mean EVERYTHING jw what has worked best for u i am specially looking for something that drys without streaks and water spots thx

 

With regards to washing and waxing, buy a few packs of real microfiber towels. I think you can get them at local shops (i.e., Autozone). The people on Autopia.org seem to prefer mail-ordering Pak Shak microfibers. I think the Zaino guy sells microfiber towels as well.

I like to dry my cars with the California Water Blade (not to be confused with the fluffy California Duster). The CWB gets most of the water off. I finish with a chamois. Do NOT be fooled by imitations. I saw a few phony water blades at Autozone that looked pretty flimsy.

 

I use only White Egyptian Cotton towels which have never had fabric softener on them. Microfibers are alright, but 100% cotten is cheaper. I use a Cali Water Blade too... LOVE THAT THING.

Rest of my car care is purely Zaino.

 

Hey guys,

for those of you using a water blade....how do they work? I've never used one but and interested. Is it like a big car skweegie? Wouldn't that scratch the finish?

 

what chamois would u use and yes how does the water blade work as well as the chamois

 

Water blade works just like a windshield wiper blade, except your arm is the power. It really works well, but as I mentioned in another thread, if you aren't using a sponge to clean your car (ie power washer) I wouldn't use a chaimos or a water blade.

Trust me, I'm the biggest skeptic and thought this thing was a joke when a buddy of mine mentioned it. Then I used it and was shocked at how well it works. So I bought one.

 

what is power washing?

 

Well, if you believe the hype on the California Water Blade packaging, they claim that the type of plastic used in the squeegee portion is many times softer than the softest drying towel or chamois. In any case, I have not seen a scratch from using the CWB and will continue.

I suppose if you do a crappy job washing the car, the CWB could pick up some loose grit and scrape it around your paint job. I think a towel would do the same thing.

 

i've just made the switch from meguiars wax over the klasse wax... i can't believe how much eaiser it is to use. anyhow, i have about 20 microfiber towels. if you have a costco card, i recommend you head over to your nearest costco.. they have microfiber towels for cheap

 

Klasse and microfiber towels and pads.

If your washing your car at home you don't need the water blade.

When your rinsing off your car turn the water pressure down low so it only trickles out constantly. Then rinse the car with that and you should be able to sheet it almost all of. Leaving barely anything for the waterblade. I tried it and it only squeaked all the way down the car since there was barely any water.

microfiber towelshttp://www.premiumautocare.com/mictow.html

 

My little process (that needs to be done once the car is repaired + 30days):

1) Wash with Zaino Z-7 and JCPenney $2 towel.

2) Rinse, repeat. Use Cali Water Blade ($12 at Costco) to squeegee off 95% of water. Use JCPenney towel to dry off left overs.

*Note: I use a separate towel to clean wheel rims and never use it elsewhere. Brake dust and dirt do nasty things to paint.

2a) Use clay bar to spot remove anything the washing did not get.

3) Apply Zaino Z-2 + ZFX to car. Waiting until is wipes off clean.

4) While waiting, I start on the inside (see below).

5) Wipe off Zaino with JCPenney towel.

6) Apply Z-6 "Quick Detailer" for shine. Wipe off.

7) Repeat 3-6 until the car is so shiny your eyes hurt (total of 2 coats is minimum, 3 is optimal, extra is gravy).

8) Do windows

Inside:

- Windows = Invisible Glass + Rain-X
- Leather + Vinyl = Leather moisturizer w/ UV.
- Upper "Rough" Dash = I use the Leather...all it is moisture infusers and UV protectant.
- Center stack, etc. = wet cloth.

Other tools used:

- 6 JCPenney All-Cotton White Made in USA Bath-sized Towels
- Cali Water Blade
- Zaino Z-2, Z-6, Z-7, ZFX, Clay Bar, Leather protectant
- Invisible Glass
- Rain-X (microfiber works well here if you need)
- Misc. applicator pads (round foam with cloth overlay)
- Paper towels (for glass) or Cheap microfiber.