car washing routine?

[TheFactor]

Not a super huge fan of those dust mops on paint. Used to use them on previous cars and they left swirls. I will use the smaller ones on glass and interior panels. Have not gotten any scratches from using waterless wash yet, but then I also have a white car so it hides it well.

Yeah the trick is just let the tips touch since there coated in oil and lifts the dirt . I’ve used them for many years with no issues even with sandy conditions . I’ve not used it when I was lazy and just waterless cleaner and got scratches on previous cars . Also use a quality one not a knock off .also you need to blow them off with an air hose periodically or you will accumulate dirt and you will have better Chance of scratching.
EDIT: To be noted I only use it for a day or two after a ride prior to it being washed. I wouldn’t use it if your car is extremely dirty it’s made for dust not grime. Which is the same as far as how I use “waterless” cleaner I would never use it on a dirty car. That’s my secret to success of no scratches

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[TheFactor]

Rinseless doesn't aim to dissolve it FYI.

But hey you know, people do what they do for their own personal reasons. Granted I'm just a hobbyist detailer but I'm settled on a method I know doesn't cause my car swirls even under an inspection light.

And no, I guarantee I wouldn't.

You have to use what works best for you and makes you happy

 

[jdezee]

Get the vehicle paint corrected then ceramic or graphene coated. Helps the vehicle stay cleaner for longer and allows for better result on true touch less washes. Much more cost-effective than PPF.

Get a good a pressure washer, foam cannon and good soap. (that's a whole debate on its own). Watch imjoshv or pan the organizer on you tube. Great car detailer creators. The house of rags is a good online detail supply site.

Timing depends on how dirty it gets. Usually once a month full maintenance wash with contact wash.

I try to do it late in the evening or just before rain (car lives in the garage), just anytime it's not in direct sun.

I spray the wheels with sonax wheel cleaner and let them cook while i get the foam cannon ready. I then spray a thick layer of foam over the whole car and let it dwell for 5 mins or so. I then rinse the car with the pressure washer and white nozzle. I then lay another round of foam and prepare my contact wash bucket which has a grit guard in it. I then start with my contact wash with a microfiber mitt. Little to no pressure on the mitt and rinse and rub the mitt against the grit guard every few strokes on the car. Rinse with the pressure washer and white nozzle again fully. If needed I will then spray a wet coat of ceramic detailer if needed (quiver hot coat is new and works great). Then I rinse the wet coat on the vehicle to spread it.

To dry, I pull the car into the garage if not enough shade outside. I use a blower to get as much water off as possible. The use a high quality drying towel to finish the drying up. Ryobi has a compact blower that works amazing for the money.

Once it's dried, if needed I use a ceramic quick detailer (quivr hot coat again) and apply it with new microfiber towels.

I finish with cleaning wheels and windows. I prefer aerosol glass cleaners (meguiars and invisible glass are good).

I used to wash my microfiber towels but have just moved to throwing them away after use. I get them a BJ's cheap enough it's just not worth trying to wash and maintain them.

Everyone does it there own way but important thing likes others have said is limit contact as much as possible. If the car isn't to bad, I will do all the above minus the contact wash and ceramic quick detailer. I love when I do a true contactless wash and blow dry and I barely get any towels wet to finish the dry.

I just washed my type r this evening so I have a Pic below

 

[TheFactor]

Here’s mine after following my normal routine

 

[TheFactor]

@jdezee Great break down and solid advice on your maintenance program looks beautiful and excellent choice of color on your FL5

 

[jdezee]

@jdezee Great break down and solid advice on your maintenance program looks beautiful and excellent choice of color on your FL5

Your FL5 is looking great also! Great minds think alike on the correct color choice!!

 

[TheFactor]

Your FL5 is looking great also! Great minds think alike on the correct color choice!!

Thank you and couldn’t agree more SPG FTW ))

 

[Nothing]

I used to wash every month when I had more time, 2 bucket method, and wax every other - clay and light polish once a year or so.

Then I got a white car and have less time . So it is just dirty all the time. As soon as I clean it, it rains just so lightly... or there is an irrigation leak on the street and I can't avoid driving over it, etc.

My recommendation is get it very clean, prepped, and ceramic coat it. Then at least it'll be easier to clean. Maybe a foam cannon and pressure rinse will get it clean enough + leaf blower with a small nozzle will keep swirling low. Full wash it when you can. If you aren't an aggressive driver, ceramic pads can help keep the dust lower. Finally, park in garages as much as possible.

The cleanest cars don't get driven, so take a picture after you clean it, and look at that when you are sad. Then look at your dirty car and rest well knowing you can enjoy driving your daily.

 

[TheFactor]

I used to wash every month when I had more time, 2 bucket method, and wax every other - clay and light polish once a year or so.

Then I got a white car and have less time . So it is just dirty all the time. As soon as I clean it, it rains just so lightly... or there is an irrigation leak on the street and I can't avoid driving over it, etc.

My recommendation is get it very clean, prepped, and ceramic coat it. Then at least it'll be easier to clean. Maybe a foam cannon and pressure rinse will get it clean enough + leaf blower with a small nozzle will keep swirling low. Full wash it when you can. If you aren't an aggressive driver, ceramic pads can help keep the dust lower. Finally, park in garages as much as possible.

The cleanest cars don't get driven, so take a picture after you clean it, and look at that when you are sad. Then look at your dirty car and rest well knowing you can enjoy driving your daily.

Whites the best color in a dry dusty hot environment as it doesn’t show the dust and also reflects the heat instead of absorbing. There was a time when white was the only color I would own for the above reason. Then I moved to a state many years ago that rained 90% of the time and that’s when I realized white is the worst color in wet conditions. Fortunately now I’m in So cal now and it rarely rains so I can have the color of my choice within reason.

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