Preparing for my first wash and dry...

[RGP]

Still unbeknownst to my wife, I just got back from spending nearly $1300 on dental work this morning.

Sooooo, here's my plan and my VERY URGENT request: I'll merely bury the detailing supplies in the debit balance spent for the dentist!

Of course it was raining this morning. First time out for my new red car in the rain.

SO, Now I need any and all advice as far as the proper washing and drying Tools.

I learned a lot about the two bucket washing technique from the great video that was referenced yesterday.

So aaanyway, before momma finds out what the debit card amount was to the dentist, I'm gonna order whatever I need to absolutely 100% do my best to limit any swirls when I wash and dry it for the first time early next week and just bury the amount in the dentist bill. (After you've been married for 37 years, you'll learn to do the same!!!)

I currently have on hand:

One clean five gallon pail

One larger six gallon pail for my clean rinse

One large pure 100% natural "wool" sponge; the softest sponge know. It has large natural pockets for trapping the nasties.

16 (Sixteen) 16" x 16" 70/30 microfiber towels

I already know I need a grit guard for my sponge rinsing pail.

One gallon of Meg's car wash


What are your preferences as to drying towels. I've been looking at Meguiar's waffle, their synthetic chamois, and a few waffle weaves at ADS & Geek.

Any suggestions before she gets home at 5:30 would be most appreciated!

THANKS A MILLION!!!

[MarkH]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

There are lots of great drying towels out there. I use the Guzzler HD towels. They are pricey but work very well. Lots of people around here swear by the Meguiar's Water Magnets as well.

[Murr1525]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

I like the Water Magnets for drying.

Any chance of a link to this wool sponge, would be interested to see it.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

I've grown to absolutely live by the 1-2 combination of the Meguiar's microfiber chamois for the first pass, followed immediately by a Meguiar's Waffle Weave. It gets 100% of the water, and I can dry ANYTHING with 1 of each with ease. I've done an entire airplane before with just 1 of each.

As for the other items, I think having the vehicle regularly waxed also plays a big role in reducing swirls since contaminants do not bond as easily and certainly wash away with less effort. Make sure you have a bottle of NXT 2.0 on the list, and I love to use Ultimate Quik Wax after each wash as a booster as well.

Oh, and for $4~ you should try out the Meguiar's microfiber wash mitt... it's cheap and simple, but it's my favorite by far. I used to use $9 sheep's skin mitts, but after testing I personally find the Meg's microfiber to be the best (less dragging).

[RGP]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

[QUOTE=Mark Kleis;336972]

Make sure you have a bottle of NXT 2.0 on the list, and I love to use Ultimate Quik Wax after each wash as a booster as well.

QUOTE]

I've already applied 15 coats of NXT 2.0. Does that count?

Also using two bottles of Ultimate Quik Wax occasionally when I'm not using my 135... My doctor says it cheaper than psychotropic drugs!!!

[RGP]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

I like the Water Magnets for drying.

Any chance of a link to this wool sponge, would be interested to see it.

I picked up several in Tarpon Springs since I'm in Orlando. They "ain't" cheap. I paid c. $18 right on the beach. Just make certain it's a "Wool" sponge. You won't believe how soft they really are. A quick Google found this:

http://www.autogeek.net/natseaspon.html

[Bounty]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

I picked up several in Tarpon Springs since I'm in Orlando. They "ain't" cheap. I paid c. $18 right on the beach. Just make certain it's a "Wool" sponge. You won't believe how soft they really are. A quick Google found this:

http://www.autogeek.net/natseaspon.html

I'm a little confused...the link you posted was to a natural sea sponge. If that's what you're using please be sure to rinse thoroughly with a hose before using it for the first time as they tend to come with sand and other particles trapped in the deep recesses and pores. Also rinse thoroughly before every wash as it tends to encapsulate dirt which sometimes migrates deep into the sponge and can be released in subsequent washes.

[RGP]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

I'm a little confused...the link you posted was to a natural sea sponge. If that's what you're using please be sure to rinse thoroughly with a hose before using it for the first time as they tend to come with sand and other particles trapped in the deep recesses and pores. Also rinse thoroughly before every wash as it tends to encapsulate dirt which sometimes migrates deep into the sponge and can be released in subsequent washes.

I have several wool sponges that have to be at least ten years old. They last forever as long as they're thoroughly cleaned and rinsed properly after each use. I just did a cursory google, but those do look like wool sponges. However, only a true wool sponge gives you the ultra soft texture. They hold so much car wash and water, that I can't imagine anything being more consistently safer for any finish. Just like anything, proper use and maintenance is the key. One major thing is that a sponge is never wrung out; always squeeze 'em as dry as possible. They'll tear quite easily if not.

[Bounty]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

I have several wool sponges that have to be at least ten years old. They last forever as long as they're thoroughly cleaned and rinsed properly after each use. I just did a cursory google, but those do look like wool sponges. However, only a true wool sponge gives you the ultra soft texture. They hold so much car wash and water, that I can't imagine anything being more consistently safer for any finish. Just like anything, proper use and maintenance is the key. One major thing is that a sponge is never wrung out; always squeeze 'em as dry as possible. They'll tear quite easily if not.

Never seen one but would love to experiment. I'll try to see if I can get ahold of one locally. I've been using the various grout sponges (prefer the Home Depot variety) after lots of trial and error with the 1-bucket/foam gun method but am always looking to expand my detailing knowledge.

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a shot...

[c5rick]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

Sorry, I must have missed something. You're preparing for your first wash, but you have 16 coats of NXT on the car already.

[Bounty]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

Sorry, I must have missed something. You're preparing for your first wash, but you have 16 coats of NXT on the car already.

Long story but yes in a previous thread he mentioned the car is always garage kept and "dry washed" with quick detail products or a California Duster versus water and soap. Oh, and stop driving around in my car!

[RGP]

Re: Preparing for my first wash and dry...

Never seen one but would love to experiment. I'll try to see if I can get ahold of one locally. I've been using the various grout sponges (prefer the Home Depot variety) after lots of trial and error with the 1-bucket/foam gun method but am always looking to expand my detailing knowledge.

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a shot...

Don't waste your time, Bounty. Real wool sponges are like hen's teeth. Either Florida or maybe still some sponge "farms" left in the Bahamas. In the link, the guy said he goes to the sponge boats and their warehouses to pick up his sponges. If he goes to that length, I'm certain he'll be able to confirm if they're "wool" or just the lookalike "yellow" sponges. They're a dime a dozen and what most tourist traps sell. You pay dearly for the real deal, and that's why so few places handle 'em. I'd never have paid the price, until the seller wet one and I held it. Words simply cannot describe how soft a real wool sponge is! The photos in the link certainly do look like wool sponges...