There was a bunch of dirt on my car though I had nothing to wipe it off (was not at home) with so I used a hose and rinsed the whole car down and then used my hand to loosen all of the dirt and rinsed it off. Is this a bad idea?

 

Ummmmm.........
Yeah.
If your ever in a position like that again, just hit it with the hose and take 'er home....Dont rub any part of the car unless theres a lubricant between you and the car....Your hand at surface level has no "give" like a sheepskin or other wash media would....

 

I feel so STUPID for doing that. I do not know why I did it. I'm really hoping my potentially abrasive hand did not cause any damage. I did apply Mothers Reflections Polymer about 1.5 months ago, I'm hoping that provided some protection. I will have to check it in the sunlight tomorrow. I did it just when the sun was going down tonight. I see no sleep in my future tonight.

 

Scratches:
Before deciding upon treatment, you should first access how deep the scratch is and how badly the paint film surface is compromised. A surface scratch that will `catch' your fingernail is approximately 0.004" deep will usually require either a high-speed rotary polisher or wet-sanding and refinishing (best undertaken by a professional or an experienced detailer) most polishes will state the level of scratch removed by stating a grit number

Most common causes of scratches to a paint film surface are:
•Using an automated car wash or using an unsuitable brush to clean the vehicle or remove snow etc
•Placing or dragging an object across the trunk lid
•Using too much pressure with a car duster on a dusty / dirty surface
•Pulling a car-cover over a very dusty / dirty vehicle or dirt /grit on the inside of the cover
•Wiping a dry surface with a dry cloth
•Infrequent rinsing of brush or wash mitt when washing vehicle
•Using a dirty towel (dirt / grit trapped in fibres) or towels and / or applicators that contain polyester (plastic) threads
•Using a towel or cloth that is unsuitable for paint film surfaces
•Not thoroughly rinsing road grime before drying
•Using a car wash concentrate that doesn’t suspend grit / dirt before it gets rinsed away
•Improper use of a water-blade (i.e. not rinsing blade surface after each pass)
•Wiping a spot of dirt / dust with your hands to maintain a ‘pristine’ look
•Using insufficient lubrication when using automotive detailer’s clay
•Improper methodology / tools used when washing paint surface. This is the most common cause of surface scratching / marring)

 

Sorry, but

 

I keep a small bit of steel wool in the glove box to get the really tough dirt off when I am away from home. Works great on bugs, too.

 

 

 

Steel wool; is this a new brand of Microfiber?

Com'on you have got to be kidding!

 

I'm pretty sure he forgot to use the red text.

 

+10000000

 

Whenever I see a mound of dirt on my hood I remove it old fashioned way...... A nice "Dukes of Hazard" slide right over the hood. Gets it everytime!

 

 

Poor Stan, his old post was brought back from the dead for nothing more than ridicule. ha ha

 

Bump...........

 

Steel wool, thats the trick eh? I hated having to deal with the love bugs on my front bumper up in gainesville, i will def have to try this today

 

Salt in a wound.......