Mixing up a clay lube

Hi,



I've had a look around and read about people making up their own clay lube by mixing car shampoo and water, but I can't find specific instructions about mixing ratios and longetivity.



I have some Meguiars Soft Wash Gel going spare, so my questions are:



1) Is the SWG suitable for this purpose?



2) What ration of shampoo - water is best to use?



3) Is the mix perishable, or can i leave it in the spray bottle for next time i need it?



Many thanks,



Face
 
I use Mother's car wash in a spray bottle (1:16) (wash:water)



It is ok to store the solution, just shake a little before you use it.



I think it works better than the included lube (quick detailer) and is cheaper.
 
Faceman- If the SWG is NOT gonna work as a clay lube, you'll know as soon as you try it. Possible problems include not enough lubrication for the clay to "glide" or the soap rapidly dissolving the clay (it might happen anyhow, but it's all a matter of degree). I sure don't mix it up to a specific concentration, but I make it pretty strong. Probably about like LouisanaJeeper's 1:16. It won't go bad just because you added water (if you think about it, there's already water in the concentrate when you buy it, you're just adding more).



I DO wash each panel again after claying with the soap mix, just a quick, light pass. It only takes a few seconds.
 
I would definitely wash after using soap as a lube. Do you really want to mix soap in with your polishes or waxes? :nixweiss
 
I hope this doesn't imply that you should soap up the car with a mitt and then start claying. You should rinse the car off first and clay with clean soap solution. I don't see how this really saves you anything...? :confused:
 
I'm with you, Brian. The things people will do to save a couple of bucks on a multi-thousand-dollar investment! :nixweiss
 
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