WASHING - what to use?

N

Nickshades

New member
I'm curious to know what the preference is for washing a car with reference to the soap and wash mitt. Is there a preferred wash mitt over others that the pros use and find most beneficial as well as a good soap that complements the mitt. Thank you kindly to all who reply as it may become beneficial to a lot of other detailers.



Nick
 
A ph neutral (7.1) cr shampoo is what you want. While some brands may have more or less lubricity, all will be safe. The Meguiar's or Mother's brands would be a good place to start.



As for a washmitt, we find that a folded microfiber towel works just fine for washing. We have so many, that it seems unneccesary to use a different item.



Additionally, we use the 2 bucket method, with a gritguard.



We wash from the top down, going around the car in 3 sections, always moving down, never bringing dirt up.



Dry with a CWB, and blow crevices with a leaf blower.



Simple, right?



Jim
 
Jimmy Buffit said:
A ph neutral (7.1) cr shampoo is what you want. While some brands may have more or less lubricity, all will be safe. The Meguiar's or Mother's brands would be a good place to start.
Click to expand...



I had this handy and thought it may help in your decision:



pH @ 70 degrees F:



Dawn: ~8

Meguiar's Car Wash & Conditioner: 8.5

Meguiar's Car Soft Wash Gel: 8.5

Meguiar's Deep Crystal Car Wash: 6.5

Meguiar's Hyper Wash: 8.5

Meguiar's Detailer Shampoo Plus: 8.5

Meguiar's Car Wash Soap: 9.5 (Ouch)

Meguiar's Wash and Wax: 7.5

Meguiar's Quick Suds: N/A

Meguiar's Deep Crystal Economy Car Wash: 6.5

Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash: 8.5

Meguiar's Rich Sud's Car Wash: 7.0

Meguiar's Gold Class Car Was & Conditioner: 8.5

Meguiar's Hi-Tech Wash: 8.5



EDITED 9/9
 
Jimmy Buffit said:




Dry with a CWB, and blow crevices with a leaf blower.



Simple, right?



Jim
Click to expand...



Ideally isn't it better to dry with a waffle weave or chamois rather than a CWB. I've used that in the past and it works ok, but now i only use it on the windows for purposes of not marring the paint.



Nick
 
Hey Nick,



I use two chenille wash mitts. One dedicated for washing the upper areas of the vehicle and the other for the lower kick panels and wheels.



Although I use Mequiar's Soft Wash Gel, most any major brand of car wash soap should work just fine. I usually prefer to use less soap than most. Actually, just enough to make the water slippery.



Thanks for a good post.
 
thanks for the reply mirrorfinishman. I use a sponge for the lower half and a mitt for the upper, but not sure that the material is chenille. Does it hold up well through washings or does it frey easily? Also, where do u recommend purchasing a mitt such as that one?



Thanks for the help



Nick
 
Nickshades said:
....but not sure that the material is chenille. Does it hold up well through washings or does it frey easily? Also, where do u recommend purchasing a mitt such as that one?



Thanks for the help



Nick
Click to expand...



Viking carries a really good 100% cotton chenille wash mitt available at most PepBoys and AutoZone.
 
One of the most fun things about washing is trying out lots of different washes, both OTC and boutique. ( That is if your an enthusiast)
 
theveed said:
just wondering, how come a lot of US guys mis-spell Meguiar's that often? hmm...:nixweiss
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I truly didn't take the time to check... edited my intial post to correct the spelling errors.:xyxthumbs
 
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