A few questions about Clay Bar

[anubus12]

I have a bar by Optimum called Opti-clay. It's pretty good. I use it with Megs QD. A few questions:



1) I keep kneading the bar when I clay. I suppose it "rejuvenates" the clay to a clean section. But how long can I expect to use the same clay bar? When will I know it's time to replace it?



2) I use QD as the lubricant. It smells good, but seems to be a waste and is expensive. What is a good substitute lubricant to use?

 

[usdm]

I have a bar by Optimum called Opti-clay. It's pretty good. I use it with Megs QD. A few questions:



1) I keep kneading the bar when I clay. I suppose it "rejuvenates" the clay to a clean section. But how long can I expect to use the same clay bar? When will I know it's time to replace it?



2) I use QD as the lubricant. It smells good, but seems to be a waste and is expensive. What is a good substitute lubricant to use?

1. No real hard and fast answer to this one. Best way to know when the clay is spent is when you no longer can knead the clay to reveal a clean section. Ive had clay bars last me for anywhere from 10-15 cars down to about 5 cars depending on the amount of contamination, when I am using the clay bar by itself for contaminatin removal.



2. A good substitute for a QD is plain ole carwash shampoo. In fact, I like to clay and wash at the same time. Definitely a time saver.

 

[jtford95]

You will know when to replace it when it stops working so well. You can use a bucket of your car soap for lubricant. Or use the QD mixed half QD half water.