Car cleaning and valeting discussion

[Zorro]

I've been using Wonder Wheels over the last few years, and found it to be really good and very good value for money, £6.50 from WILKO.
As for the shampoo, I've returned to using Maguire's Gold Class, which again is really good with lots of suds. This is a bargain as it's almost two litres and cost £13.95 from Amazon. I found it much better than Auto Glym bodywork shampoo conditioner, which I was disappointed with, due to the lack of suds.

[sinlessUK]

Doh, after the big build up I knew I forgot something



There’s loads out there at varying prices but ‘most’ are the same just rebranded.

This one was mentioned in a few YouTube videos so thought it worth a punt…….it’s so good I almost want to buy another just for the sake of it.

Depending on what sealant/drying aid etc I’m using, I’ll be relegating other drying towels accordingly.

Purchased & awaiting delivery

[sinlessUK]

Deep Cleaning Alloy Wheels Safely with Fallout Remover

[Deleted User 1393]

Should be getting my Puma next week, so obviously I'll be giving it a full detail on arrival since dealers usually mess the paint up. Its Solar Silver, which seems like a slightly dark almost burnt silver.

I have so much gear ive been looking at whats suitable. After any correction I'll likely use CarPro Essence Plus on it. Its a non-abrasive polish/filler product used to maintain and repair ceramic coatings, but used on its own it gives a great shine and has filler properties, like SRP, but much better over all. Just on its own it leaves a deep shine that lasts months. Its not cheap, but its worth it.

On top of that Im undecided but I'll probably dig out the FK1000P synthetic wax since it can be used on wheels and metal trim as well. It works brilliantly on light metallics, lasts ages and has very tight beading. Its hard to find now, but its very well regarded. I'll see how that looks before spending out on yet more products, you never know what a product will look like until you try, what works on one paint may not work so well on another.

[AMS1969]

Doh, after the big build up I knew I forgot something



There’s loads out there at varying prices but ‘most’ are the same just rebranded.

This one was mentioned in a few YouTube videos so thought it worth a punt…….it’s so good I almost want to buy another just for the sake of it.

Depending on what sealant/drying aid etc I’m using, I’ll be relegating other drying towels accordingly.
[/quote, just wanted to say thanks for the tip. As it’s a Sunday morning just cleaned the Puma and used this for the first time and it’s brilliant. The only downside to it is that people walking past think I’m drying the car with a bath towel!! Excellent purchase and has changed my love of chamois forever

[Wowzz]

After 40+ years of company cars, I have either used a mechanical car wash, or a local carwash centre, or, at the last resort, Turtle Wax, a hose and sponge.
So, with a brand spanking new Puma, can I have some basic advice please.
What shampoo do I use, what do I use to clean the body work, and can I use an old bath towel to dry the car?
I'm not looking to enter the car for "Best in Show", but would welcome advice as to the best way to keep up that brand new appearance.

[Vendee]

Regardless of what products you chose to use, the key to keeping your paintwork in excellent condition is to minimise the damage caused when washing your car. So you remove as much dirt before you put a wash mitt near the the paint. Then when washing, use one bucket with water/shampoo and another with just clean water. Put wash mitt or wash pad in the shampoo bucket, wash the panel then put into clean water to rinse any dirt out then back into shampoo bucket for next panel. A good quality microfibre drying towel will dry the car without scratching the paint work.

[Wowzz]

Regardless of what products you chose to use, the key to keeping your paintwork in excellent condition is to minimise the damage caused when washing your car. So you remove as much dirt before you put a wash mitt near the the paint. Then when washing, use one bucket with water/shampoo and another with just clean water. Put wash mitt or wash pad in the shampoo bucket, wash the panel then put into clean water to rinse any dirt out then back into shampoo bucket for next panel. A good quality microfibre drying towel will dry the car without scratching the paint work.

Thank you. I never knew about the two bucket technique. (Shows what having company cars does!)

[Rizmo]

Loads of videos on Youtube.

[Deleted User 1393]

Modern products are so good that the investment you used to need isnt really necessary any more. Getting older is a pain, and constant detailing hurts lol

I found that as long as you have a good base product then car washes are fine, but only jet washes, I wouldnt use an automatic one. One tip is to use a waterless wash as a quick detailer. They contain a lot of fillers so hide swirl marks really well. You dont need to be quite so fussy then, and you only need to polish maybe once a year.