Order within the wash stage

[TrazeMaz]

Doing my first detail...have the overall order(wash, clay, clean, optional polish, wax), but within the wash stage what order do I follow for glass, tires and wheels, interior, trim, exterior, so on.
Also, what product do i use for front grill(this is the black grill, Mazda3-2010), and on the part of the interior console that has that brushed aluminum look(don't know actual material).
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[davey g-force]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Just wash the whole car (less the lower panels and wheels) first. Then wash the lower panels and wheels with a different dedicated washmitt/sponge.

Wash the front grill as normal with the rest of the car, then dress it with Ultimate Protectant.

The brushed aluminium interior console - I'd just wipe with a damp cloth or even a light application of a QD of your choice should do it.

*EDIT* I should have clarified - that's if it is actually real aluminium. If it's "plastic" aluminium, then just a wipe with a damp cloth or chamois should do.

[stanclub]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Doing my first detail...have the overall order(wash, clay, clean, optional polish, wax), but within the wash stage what order do I follow for glass, tires and wheels, interior, trim, exterior, so on.
Also, what product do i use for front grill(this is the black grill, Mazda3-2010), and on the part of the interior console that has that brushed aluminum look(don't know actual material).
Thanks in advance for any advice.

this is what I will do ....... wheel & tire wash first, then rinse clean. Then wash the entire car along with glasses, rinse clean, then dry it well ( so you don't get water spots ). Spot clean any missing point, with Last Touch or quick detailer. Then move onto any detailing, polishing, or dressing step that you need.

The front grill can be cleaned with M40 or Natural Shine ..... I like M40 better, and NS does pretty good job for me also.

Center console can be cleaned with APC 10:1. If it is metal, you might need to polish it. If it is paint, then just don't wipe it too hard when cleaning.

hope this work

[TrazeMaz]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Thanks guys....is there any wisdom in doing interior before or after inside glass? and should interior go before exterior wash or after?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Order within the wash stage

I personally like to do the interior while the wax is drying. Then remove wax, go back to interior. Work on it a while. 30 or longer. Apply second coat of wax. Go back to interior. You get the idea.

[TrazeMaz]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Excellent, thanks. That also answered another question about layering of wax, so thanks again!
Interior glass then dash or vice versa?

[ffboy]

Re: Order within the wash stage

thats not a bad move.. For me, if you do the exterior last and if you're limited to washing the car in your garage, there is a chance that if your not careful enough, some of the dirt/grime that was washed from your car can get into the car's interior. You can do the interior after the exterior with no problems but in my experience, you have to be alot more careful in the way you manuvre your way inside. Unless you do your interior long after you've done your exterior detailing.

[Murr1525]

Re: Order within the wash stage

I tend to apply a dressing to the dash, etc first, then do the inside glass, then buff off excess dressing.

[TrazeMaz]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Great, and since you are a Steelers fan, I will now consider you an automatic expert at everything.

[Murr1525]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Well, if the Cardinals represent local detailers, we'll be hearing from you often....

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Order within the wash stage

I like to do windows first. If I spray the interior glass and some cleaner gets on the dash. It is a easy wipe up. If you apply dressing to the dash. Then do the windows. If you get some cleaner on the dash. Now you have to go back and even out the dressing or in some cases re-apply it.

[TrazeMaz]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Thanks again, everyone.
Murr, I've been a die hard Steeler fan for 35 years...met Stalworth when I was 5 and was sold.
Anyway, awaiting product from online order, and should hit it Friday. Looking forward to it, especially since having these questions answered.

[roushstage2]

Re: Order within the wash stage

How do I wash?

Wheels, tires and wheel wells first. Then top to bottom on the rest of the car. Spray QD over the car and dry.

[TrazeMaz]

Re: Order within the wash stage

Was definitely going to do the UQD last touch on days where I am just washing. Glad to see that affirmed by someone else.
This site is really valuable. Thanks everyone.

[davey g-force]

Re: Order within the wash stage

You guys that wash the wheels / wheel wells first - how do you deal with the dirty water contaminating the "clean" parts of the car and/or possibly marring the paint?

I personally find it more logical to leave the dirtiest areas till last and work from the top down.