Hi everyone,

I've never been very good at car washing because of lack of experience (and skill). I would like to learn how to clean my car properly and eventually learn how to detail it.

I am going to buy some more car cleaning products as I only have a sponge and shampoo.

Do you have any tips for car cleaning?

Do you buying think a pressure washer would be a good idea?

Any help would be much appreiciated.

Many thanks

Chris

Detailingworld.com has enough information on all methods of cleaning to satisfy the most obsessive car cleaner

Thanks for that! I will have a look at it.

First tip would be to ditch the sponge for a microfibre mitt for washing & cloth for drying.

I was thinking of getting these things from Halfords;
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores...rCalculate

jules wrote:

If you love your car then wash it properly. I use the two bucket technique and wash and polish mits.

From Performance Motorcare http://www.performancemotorcare.com

Hints & Tips
One of the best things you can do to maintain the quality of your motors appearance is regular washing, removing loose dirt and road film from the top of your motors paint finish. The type of Cloth, Mitt, Blade, Shampoos etc you use to wash and dry your motor is of vital importance in this process as is the care of these materials.

- Use a wash tool that can hold a lot of soapy water - this is again important for lubrication, preventing dirt from scratching your paint.

- Use a tool that has a lot of fine fibres and can pick up and hold dirt particles more effectively - again removing them from the surface of the paint to prevent scratching.

- Use a tool that can be cleaned easily to remove the particle it has picked up.

However regular washing, if not done with the right tools can also damage your paint surface and its appearance. Even the mildest of soaps can remove the protection from your paint and detergents can dull the finish even faster. Therefore:

- Use a high-quality motor wash shampoo. A good shampoo will provide lubrication to help prevent scratching and uses conditioners to help maintain the shine of your paintwork.

- Do not use general household washing liquids.

Washing & Drying Tips

Use two buckets - one with shampoo and one with just clean water to regularly rinse your wash tools during the washing process.

Wash tyres and wheels first - do not use the same water for washing the paintwork after. Throw it away and rinse the bucket out before filling again for the paintwork.

Also use a separate wash tool than the ones you will use for the paintwork.

Wash your vehicle when it is cool and where possible wash in the shade to prevent water evaporating too quickly and causing water spots.

First wet the surface of your vehicle with a good spray of water to loosen surface dirt. For bikes avoid the use of a pressure washer or strong hose spray.

Apply lots of soapy water with a tool with lots of fine fibres to draw up the dirt. Sponges tend to drag the dirt along the surface increasing the risk of the dirt scratching.

Wash from the top of the motor down in straight lines, not a circular motion. For bikes start with the tank and windshield (where relevant). Rinse each section as you go to avoid chances of soapy films remaining on your paintwork.

Give the motor a final rinse with the hose - do not use spray attachment as you want the water to sheet off the motor taking any last particles and residues with it.

Dry motor using your chosen tool, i.e. as a Chamois, Microfibre Cloth or Hydra Blade, again working in straight lines from the top down. Don’t forget to check for grit on every pass. Leaf blowers or the compressed air cans used in cleaning computers are good tools for bikes.

Give your tyres and wheels a final dry - again try to avoid using the same drying cloth you would use on the paintwork.

Regular washing is important to maintaining your motors appearance as is using and looking after your quality wash and drying tools. After washing and drying your motor always wash your tools and store them in a dry, dirt free place.

Remember when washing Microfibre Cloths do NOT use bleach or fabric softener/conditioner as it will tend to fill the spaces within the fibres and reduce its effectiveness

Regards

Rob & Ali

Jules

BossBob wrote:

Detailingworld.com has enough information on all methods of cleaning to satisfy the most obsessive car cleaner

+ 1 here....

Terran Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club

I have used pure guard on 2 cars now, always been impressed with its shine and I do think it hepls protect the paint.

Just done today I have used auto glym alloy wheel protector to help with brake dust etc, will see how that goes.

Also put wonder wheels tyre sealer on my good years, brought them up like new (pimp my ride) it is supposed to keep dirt off as well, we will see how that does. The tin says it also does black trim like side strips and bumpers, might gove it a go on them.

Its not really cleaning but I intend to put a wax sealant on the underside when I get a chance, I have always used dinitrol, keeps the rust away a bit longer.

Thanks for the advice.

Do any of you think buying a pressure washer is a good idea?

I just got a cheap refurb nilfisk pressure washer from cleanstore, after it was recommended on detailingworld as being a bargain (only 30 quid or so). http://www.cleanstore.co.uk/products/Product.asp?ID=7646 (seem to be out of stock for now)

I got a snow foam lance as well, so I can do a quick foam pre-wash. Has been handy for washing alloys too.

I'm not sure how necessary all that is really, but foaming the car is a whole heap of fun  FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

Thanks for that! Is the pressure washer any good?

btw it's a bit of a dangerous pursuit (to your wallet) getting into the car cleaning thing! I've only just started and already spent a couple hundred...

Saying that I do find it very rewarding, helps me to get to know the FL too. FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

Yeah it seems pretty decent for light usage (car and maybe the occasional patio or wall clean). I hired one a few months back and it def doesn't pack as much punch as that one - but that one cost me more to rent for a weekend than to buy the nilfisk.

My thinking was try it as its so cheap, and see it it's handy to have a pressure washer and get something more powerful later if needed. FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

Here's the thread on detailingworld (19 pages of replies...)
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=295539 FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

I looked at Halfords and saw a Karcher mini pressure washer for £80. I didn't think it was a bad price (shame it's on offer though). I don't think £114 is too bad though. Thanks for your replies.