Washing

[5Hondas]

Thanks for your input! I think I will start to use the 2 bucket method.

I'll need to order the Grit Guards, I could not find them any where this past weekend. I'll just order them from ADS. Home Depot sells 5 Gallon buckets, and they sell lids. So, I'll buy a couple buckets and lids so I can store my brushes.

Now, since this thread is about washing in general, does anyone have any other tips for washing??

I used to just use a MF towel, but I recently got a couple Gold Class Wash Mitts, so I'll start using those now.

I'm always interested in hearing how some of the more experienced people on this board do things; even the simple things like washing cars.

Thanks again for the input!!!

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by 5Hondas
I'm always interested in hearing how some of the more experienced people on this board do things; even the simple things like washing cars...

Heh heh, IMO washing without marring the finish isn't all that simple

Some ideas: test your wash media (wet with shampoo solution) on the data-side of a CD, which is probably softer than your paint. See if it mars it, and use stuff that *doesn't* mar.

Try dunking your mitt in the wash solution cuff-up. Fill the mitt with solution and hold it shut at the cuff. Gently whisk it across the paint while the solution seeps out of the mitt (providing lubrication and flushing). Try *not* to "scrub". The idea is to *not* press the dirt against the paint but to gently dislodge it and flush it away.

[Deaner5]

Originally posted by Accumulator
Try *not* to "scrub". The idea is to *not* press the dirt against the paint but to gently dislodge it and flush it away.

That makes so much sense, yet have never thought of it. Thanks!!!!!

[Magic]

I actually do both!

I rinse my mitt with water first, then I put it in my clean water bucket (Grit Guards in both buckets). Just a little extra step that insures I'm not putting anymore swirls back onto my finish..

Another way to avoid swirls, that most people overlook is your drying towels. 2 Huge defects happen in most users drying process: Swirls and Water spots.
I use Meguiars Water Magnets..

I use 2 at a time to dry my truck. These towels when kept clean, will not scratch your finish, and with the 2 towel drying method, no water spots. I use 1 towel to knock off any bulk water that is left over on my finish. I then use the second towel to dry my finish Water Spot Free (Kinda like the Wax On Wax Off Method). One towel behind the other. As with most chamois and even the water magnets, my truck will be left with streaks. I would have to dry my car, and then go back over it with Quik Detailer to get rid of the streaks. When I started using the 2 towels, I was not having to go back over it again with the QD

[5Hondas]

Originally posted by Accumulator
Try dunking your mitt in the wash solution cuff-up. Fill the mitt with solution and hold it shut at the cuff. Gently whisk it across the paint while the solution seeps out of the mitt (providing lubrication and flushing). Try *not* to "scrub". The idea is to *not* press the dirt against the paint but to gently dislodge it and flush it away.

So, you're saying that when I was the car, I should not put my hand in the mit, but actually fill it up with the wash solution??

I never thought about doing it that way, I guess that would work better. Thanks!!

Originally posted by Magic
I use 2 at a time to dry my truck. These towels when kept clean, will not scratch your finish, and with the 2 towel drying method, no water spots. I use 1 towel to knock off any bulk water that is left over on my finish. I then use the second towel to dry my finish Water Spot Free (Kinda like the Wax On Wax Off Method). One towel behind the other. As with most chamois and even the water magnets, my truck will be left with streaks. I would have to dry my car, and then go back over it with Quik Detailer to get rid of the streaks. When I started using the 2 towels, I was not having to go back over it again with the QD

I've heard that you want to blot the water dry, rather than rub it off -- this is after using the shetting method. Which I gather is a lot of water, under little pressure, and you try to wash off as much water as possible.

I guess with the two towel method you could still blot with the one towel to get the majority of the water off, and then use the second towel for the rest.

I'm going to have to buy the water magnets, I've heard those work great!!

[Murr1525]

Swing past autodetailingsolutions.com for your microfiber towel needs.. they have some good sales at the moment on 3-packs of Water Magnets and Supreme Shines.

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by 5Hondas
So, you're saying that when I was the car, I should not put my hand in the mit, but actually fill it up with the wash solution??

Yeah, that's the idea. It's all about being as gentle as possible and letting the wash solution provide some extra flushing in addition to its normal cleaning duties.

Note that this works best with light dirt on a healthy LSP. It'll be too gentle for caked-on dirt that's firmly adhered, so don't let things get too bad between washes.