washing help...

R

ralessi

New member
I have read a ton and I could tell you pretty much exactly every step you need for a ton of things... but in practice, I am not there yet...



Basically what my problem is, is the wash technique. Do you guys leave the thing off of the hose and just let the water run during the whole wash? Or just do that at the end? How often do you guys rinse to prevent spots?



This past time I washed I washed the whole thing and rinsed continuously and still got insane spots on all of the windows and the car... I am using microfiber to dry or at least trying to... I think the problem might be that I am too slow but how can I speed this up?



Do I need to get all of the water off or just 1 or 2 swipes? I go with 1 swipe and it gets some off but it streaks very badly and goes away in 5 seconds or so... is this what I need to do very quickly to the whole car to prevent spotting?



Thanks for any help that you guys can give...



raley
 
Hi , Ralessi :



I've found this:



Washing

by David W. Bynon

Copyright©, 1999-2002, Autopia Car Care -- All Rights Reserved



Washing is the process of removing loose dirt and road film on the top of your car's paint surfaces. A good car wash solution provides lubrication to prevent scratching and conditioners to maintain the shine.



Washing can be a double-edge sword, though, as even the mildest soaps can remove waxes and sealants from your car's paint, allowing oxidation to begin. Detergents are very harsh and will dull your car's finish if used frequently.



For years, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and most other fine automobile makers recommended using only pure water to wash your car. When you find a shampoo you like, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for usage. Using too much shampoo will cause streaking and reduces the longevity of your wax.



Here are some tips to make washing easier:



1. Wash the wheels first!



2. Make sure your car is cool and work in the shade, if possible. A hot surface causes the wash and rinse water to evaporate too quickly, increasing the likelihood of water spotting. One trick is to park on a slight incline. This allows rinse water to run off moldings, trim, and recessed areas better. Start by thoroughly wetting the car's finish with a medium spray of water to remove loose grit and surface dirt.



3. Use a car wash shampoo specifically formulated for automotive use. Look for a shampoo containing surface conditioners and natural oils. These oils act as a lubricant. Sand and abrasive grit slide off in the rinse water without scratching the surface. These shampoos cost a little more but are worth every penny if you own a dark color car. Follow the shampoo manufacturer's directions for the proper mix ratio. Using too much shampoo is wasteful and may leave a filmy residue on the surface.



4. I prefer a natural (not synthetic) sea sponge, cotton chenille pad, or sheepskin wash mitt for washing. These tools have a large number of fine filaments that draw dirt and grime away from the surface being cleaned into their internal structure. Synthetic (flat sided) sponges and wash clothes can trap dirt, grit, and grime on the surface which can scratch your car's paint. If you use a natural sea sponge, use the outer "soft" side for washing, not the harder "cut" side, and always rinse new sponges thoroughly to remove any remaining sand or shell particles. 100% cotton chenille wash mitts and pads are also excellent as they hold lots of soapy water and are gentle to your paint.



5. Start washing from the top down and rinse the car often. Frequent rinsing is especially important if you are using a wash containing natural oils. While these oils cushion the paint and minimize abrasion they are heavier than water and can leave a film if allowed to set on the car. I use a final rinse of free flowing water (nozzle off the hose) allowing the water to sheet off the car.



All products mentioned in this article are available from Classic Motoring Accessories and are used at the buyer's own risk. Autopia Car Care is not affiliated with and does not represent Classic Motoring Accessories or the manufacturers of the products mentioned. Other fine sources of car care products include Car Care Online, Griot's Garage and Top of the Line.





Hope this helps,

It's my washing technique , and it works for me

I allso use 2 buckets to wash : one with the soap-water and an other with only water in it : dip your sponge (or wash mitt or,...)in the soapy water , wash , but instead of putting the sponge (mitt,...) back in the soap-water , rince it in the water-only bucket , then back to the the soap , etc :

this prevents dirt getting in to your soap-water , thus preventing dirt crawling back in your sponge(mitt,...) thus preventing swirls.



Greetings ,



Christiaan
 
well, I've read this before... and know about how to do it.. its just I seem to get spots all over the place? Is it just my speed? I guess it will come with experience... thanks though



raley
 
Hi. I was actuallygoing to post this question myself. I've had the same problem. I've washed my new black car twice now. The first time I got spots all over the car and the second time I got streaks. It's frustrating because I don't know why. I used the 2 bucket etc. method. (?)
 
When i want to speed things up i use the Calif Water Blade. Then take my Big Blue and dry the rest of the car....

PS..

David said wash the wheels first..BUT .Use a two or three bucket method..do not use the same bucket you used for the wheels on the car...

my 2c

jeff
 
ralessi said:


Basically what my problem is, is the wash technique. Do you guys leave the thing off of the hose and just let the water run during the whole wash? Or just do that at the end? How often do you guys rinse to prevent spots?

raley
Click to expand...



When washing I start by getting the entire car wet with the nozzle on. Hard spray to get the dirt out of the crevices of the car and under wheel areas.

Washing begins on the drivers side roof then front, rear & side windows. Rinse. Hood is next. Rinse.

Passenger side roof and glass. Rinse. Trunk and bumper. Rinse.

All the while I keep the entire car wet. Drivers side rear bumper to front bumper. Rinse. Front bumper area. Rinse. Passenger side, Front to back. Rinse. If its hot and drying fast rinse more.

I know everyone says to do the wheels first but I don't, they are last. each wheel is washed then rinsed.

Remove the nozzle and slowly rinse the entire car, sheeting the water off starting on the roof and working my way around the same order as the wash cycle.

Washing is only done in the cool of the morning or late at night. During the heat of the day it is virturally impossible to stop all water spotting, no matter how fast you are. And you don't want to be that fast, as you'll end up missing some spots and probably won't be rinsing your wash mitt often enough.

Hardly any water is left on the car so one large white 100% cotton towel is used to dry the entire car.

All doors, hood and trunk are then opened, cleaned and dryed.

I use a separate towel for these areas.

Once all the doors are shut and the water sheds from these areas final drying takes place. Depending on time available I might hop in, take it for a ride on the expressway to blow dry and then final touch ups back in the garage.
 
steve259 said:
Hi. I was actuallygoing to post this question myself. I've had the same problem. I've washed my new black car twice now. The first time I got spots all over the car and the second time I got streaks. It's frustrating because I don't know why. I used the 2 bucket etc. method. (?)
Click to expand...



Black cars are a real pain to keep clean. I have own now, not garaged kept and probably won't buy another one. lol Even putting it in the garage, its gets dusty and everything. Whats next....a car cover? lol They look the best when clean, but getting to that point just is so time consuming...



Just don't wash it in the sunlight or when its hot. Tip: When waxing it, buff with one soft towel and constantly rotate it. Then take another towel and get the spots you missed. One towel to get most of it off....the other one to get the streaks/spots missed up. This applys if you hand wax the car. :)
 
I have a Black Acura and I wash it weekly. The only time I got water spots was when it was hot outside and I was washing it during midday. I use either the P21S or Blackfire car wash solutions.
 
I just finished washing my car today. The temperature was much cooler and I was under some shade. I also didn't have any water spots.
 
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