Lets put this to rest

S

spiroh

New member
What is the best way to clean your car? I'm Meguairs Gold Class shampoo. Should I get a lambskin applicator? 100% Cotton? Please help. I want to make sure I'm doing this right, because I think this where all my problems started from.



spiro
 
spiroh said:
What is the best way to clean your car?
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Carefully!







Soap is you personal choice. Pick what you like and use it. I use Pro's Cherry Suds. I use a 100% cotton wash mit (switched from Microfiber to this. Like cotton better).
 
I use Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo with Lambswool mitts unless it's extremely dirty, then I use a cotton chenille mitt.



By the way, you can't put this issue to rest because as influential as personal preferences are individual vehicles at times have minds of their own and require different treatments.
 
IMO, and this is the only one that should count(even though it don't), cotton chenille covered sponge and P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo. :D
 
If you're having "problems" it sounds like you're getting swirls from washing? First, make sure it's really the washing, and not the drying phase or some other activity where you rub the paint.



Then use a quality wash mitt. I like recommending genuine lambswool mitts (you can tell because the inside is leather) because you know what you're getting. Synthetic polyester mitts have the potential to scratch, and "100% cotton" mitts may not actually be 100% cotton.



As Intel said, soap is personal choice. Most work well enough, but some offer slightly better lubrication than others. As for cleaning and "shine enhancement" I have no idea and I probably couldn't tell the difference.



Once you have good products, you have to ensure your techniques are good. Use the 2 bucket wash or hose out your mitt before dunking back into the soapy water. Don't rub hard into the paint or do any scrubbing, just let the mitt glide over the paint gently. If something is stubborn, go over it lots of times or get it off with some other product. When you feel the amount of soap going down in the mitt (less slippery) or you think the mitt might be getting dirty, time to rinse it and dunk for more soap.



If you're working in some place with high winds or lots of dust, this adds an additional hazard because dust will stick to the car while you're drying...
 
being the zaino fan I am, I use 100% lambswool mitts, with Z7. If the car is extremely dirty however, I mix in 50/50 with Z7 and Gold Class Shampoo. This increases the cutting action and gets the car cleaner, faster, and easier.
 
I also use Gold Class, and I use two real sheepskin washmits. Not only are they easier to find than cotton, but I can comfortably wash my car knowing it's safe. I don't have to wonder if maybe it's not really 100% cotton, as many mitts claim to be but are not actually.
 
Where to go for quality & best pricing for 100% cotton, lambswool and other good wash mits & coral sponges, etc?



Thanks,

-D-
 
All depends for me...Platinum when I am not using carnauba or am starting a FULL detail, other wise American Shine Carnuaba Wash when I am just doing some exterior maintenence. Terry cloth sponge for now, but going to pick up some MF's soon.



Oh yes, I also tried one called Hollywoods..some company from the Seattle area. SUDS LIKE CRAZY! Anyone try this stuff?
 
Microfiber wash mitt from NeatItems and shampoo from Griot's or P21S or Pinnacle on daily drivers and Z-7 on garage queens
 
KCDoug said:
Where to go for quality & best pricing for 100% cotton, lambswool and other good wash mits & coral sponges, etc?



Thanks,

-D-
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A while back www.tacscar.com had some great prices on 100% cotton chenelle mitts. I bought 4 of them and am happy with them. Although washing chenelle mitts isn't fun as I always have 'leftovers' I can see in the mitt. I dont worry much they are usually pretty deep in the nap.
 
I use a natural sea sponge ($25.00) and Eimann Fabrik Power Wash +. It seems to suds up longer than Meg Gold Class. Okay, I know "suds" don't clean a car. Can I help it if I like 'em a lot?:shocked



There are 3 or 4 good sites for stuff. Aside from what has been mentioned already, you could check out www.properautocare.com (Classic Motoring Accessories)
 
What's the difference between a $25 natural sea sponge for washing cars and a less than $10 natural sea sponge from the bath/cosmentic section of the pharmacy?
 
Taxlady,



About $15.00:D .





"People" say that it's better. "People" much smarter than me when it comes to detailing. "They" say a natural sponge is more porous and will hold more of the dirt up inside it so the dirt won't scratch the finish. I haven't proven either way.



Plus, as an aside, I must have a phobia about mits. I just can't stick my hand inside one without getting the weebeejeebee's.:scared



everybody's got something!!!!;)
 
I'm talking about natural sea sponges in both cases. The fake ones are pretty easy to spot. I suspect it's just a marketing difference.



I would love to hear what someone who has looked at both kinds thinks.
 
As we all know a sponge is a living organism, which has a fibrous structure that allows it to be a filter feeder. Since the sponge is a filter feeder it absorbs vast amounts of sand, seashells and other various particles from the sea. When the sponge is harvested and put through multiple bleach baths the manufacturer trys his/her best to remove all of the foreign material, but in my opinion it is virtually impossible to remove all of that excrement from the interior structure of the sponge. As the sponge is used that structure weakens and as a result that foreign material comes out. Just take a natural sea sponge and cut it open over a piece of paper…you will be surprised at what you will find.
 
Viking said:
As we all know a sponge is a living organism, which has a fibrous structure that allows it to be a filter feeder. Since the sponge is a filter feeder it absorbs vast amounts of sand, seashells and other various particles from the sea. When the sponge is harvested and put through multiple bleach baths the manufacturer trys his/her best to remove all of the foreign material, but in my opinion it is virtually impossible to remove all of that excrement from the interior structure of the sponge. As the sponge is used that structure weakens and as a result that foreign material comes out. Just take a natural sea sponge and cut it open over a piece of paper?you will be surprised at what you will find.
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I said it once, and I'll say it again - sheepskin!:xyxthumbs
 
Most of the reputable online etailers sell 100% cotton chenille mitts. Some also sell chenille sponges for those who do not like mitts. These same etailers sell lambswool mitts too.



I like chenille mitts because they're lots cheaper than a comparable lambswool mitt. Get these mitts dirty/greasy/yucky and they should be thrown out. Lots easier to toss out a $3 chenille mitt than a $15 lambswool one or a $25 sea sponge.



I go thru a mitt every 8 weeks or so. Old mitts, even fairly clean ones, get hard and crusty and produce swirls. No point in using some nasty ol' mitt.
 
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