2 Bucket System Explained?

[jmitch8011]

I read one of Mike's responses and he said he used the two bucket system. I try to search the site but it pulled up several post. I read some other sites explaining the method but I would like to hear it from Mike if possible or anyone else who has used it.

[BlueZero]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

Check this out... How to Wash Your Car (Showcar style!)

Should explain everything.

[jmitch8011]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

Thanks.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

It's simple, soapy water in one bucket, clear water in the other bucket.

Start with gathering soapy water into your mitt and wash a panel. Now instead of transferring all the dirt off this first panel into your soapy water bucket first rinse the mitt in the fresh water bucket and try to leave as much dirt in this bucket as you can.

Now remove the mitt from the fresh water bucket, wring it out a little as now it's full of fresh water and won't absorb more water, (the soapy water).

Now gather some more soapy water and move onto the next panel.

Simple Simon

[jmitch8011]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

By doing this method do you end up rinsing the car sooner because of the pause between panels? I also would like to know what's the best way to do the lower portion of the vehicle. I usually use a different wash mit for the lower portion of the vehicle but I always worry about getting something in the mit that will not come out. What are your thoughts on this as well?

[Murr1525]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

Well, sometimes I can do an entire car without rinsing at all, sometimes it needs rinsed 2 or 3 or 4 times.... Just depends on the heat, if things are drying, etc. It really isn't a very long pause between panels; just enough to bend over, rinse a mitt, dunk it in soap, and back to the car.

It takes longer to move the 2 buckets around....

As far as the lower parts, it is best to work from the top down, and I also use an older mitt for the very bottom/underside. But you can only do some much, unless you want to change mitts for every wipe. Just use a good soap and proper dilution so you get good lubrication, and rinse often.

[BigLouie]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

Great video, but I must have missed why the mit was used like a towel instead of as a mit? It's good to see that I'm doing somethings well.

[Murr1525]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

Some people just dont like having their hand in a mitt... I have sewn my mits into pads.

It also would even out the pressure more, since there is two thick layers of cloth between your hand isntead of one. Gentle even pressure means less risk of swirls.

[techjazz]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

It also would even out the pressure more, since there is two thick layers of cloth between your hand isntead of one. Gentle even pressure means less risk of swirls.

Good point. It's about time I should get a new mitt anyway...

[jmitch8011]

Re: 2 Bucket System Explained?

Had a chance to watch the video. Great information.