Been washing my car wrong for 40 odd years

[Chriswright03]

So having looked at the threads in this section I have realised  that when I have bothered to wash my cars I have been doing it wrong for years.  So let me explain a little more.

 

Over the years I have had many many cars both new and bangers. I have also had bikes on and off during that time.  Many moons ago I would wash my car every weekend come rain or shine.  Even when on a BMW I had steel wheels I would take the wheel trims off wash them and the wheels and dry them before putting them back on. I would clean all the door shuts including the boot and bonnet and if time permitted the engine bits would have a good clean including the rocker cover with auto solvo sol.

 

With my bikes I would try not to ride them in the rain and if I did I would spend ages cleaning them on my return.  Old tooth brushes and all that sort of thing but I am sure you all know about it.  As the years have progressed I have become less fussy/more lazy whatever you want to call it.  I think working as a motorcycle riding instructor in all weathers and being too cold/wet/knackered to clean the bike once home was probably the point where I stopped caring about the vehicles as much.

 

Yes I would still clean them and make sure they were mechanically sound with all levels checked and so on but as far as cleaning well they would maybe have a quick wash and dry but never to the extent that I used to before.  All this time I was well aware that regular cleaning of your vehicle made sure that any problems were soon highlighted such as scratches dings and so forth.  As time went on though this regular cleaning just seemed to be too much trouble even though a car is usually the second biggest purchase we make.  Believe me when I say I have spent a fortune on cars over the years never keeping them very long and changing on a whim losing even more money.

 

I changed jobs last year and work as a mini bus/coach driver.  Part of my duties twice a week were being in the yard washing the vehicles and I would often do 7 or 8 which could include a coach.  Fair to say they were cleaned on a daily basis mostly, perhaps missing the odd day.  They would not take much doing most of the time but as I drive on some of the areas filthiest roads my mini bus would be minging some days.  Cleaning that many in a day does tend to make you tired and bored which doesn't do much for ones incentive to clean their own car/bike when they get home.

 

Where am I going with this I hear you ask?  Well since joining here and reading the threads about cleaning I have had an interest in cleaning my car rekindled.  I have researched what products to use and have spent money on a few bits.  McGuires, Sonax, wash mit and mf cloths.  So today I went out to wash the VRS properly.  Only had it two weeks tomorrow and washed it once (daren't even say how) but today did the full business with the equipment I have.

 

Pressure washed it to start with then used the TBM with the McGuires wash and dried it off with the MF cloths.  Have not received the Sonax as yet so could not use it.  Does it look any better?  Well no  not really.  I collected it from Westgate Skoda in Grimsby and they valeted it before I picked it up after I had agreed the deal.  Yes I know now that valeting is not the same as detailing but to my eyes it was clean and shiny so looked ok.  I had a look around the paintwork before I agreed to buy it and it looked to my eye at the time to be good.  Having washed it today taking my time to ensure I do it properly with the new knowledge and products I am now back to seeing the imperfections that I used to do all those years ago (when I used a sponge).

 

So I have noticed chipped paint on one wheel arch.  Very small area but there nevertheless.  On the nearside front wing there are marks that look like it has rubbed up against garden foliage (hedge or something) and then on the rear nearside door there are marks that are without doubt slight scratches caused by washing where it looks like grit or something has been dragged across the paintwork.  I go to the rear of the car to dry the boot shut because I know it will collect water there and then I notice that the bumper has an area where the lacquer seems to be peeling.

 

I should have checked the body work closer before buying but then I haven't so do not expect to have anything done by the dealer as it was bought as seen.  It is a 60 plate car with 38k on it so it is reasonable to expect a few marks and I will have to do what I can to rectify them.

 

So because I have picked up tips on here I have been able to clean my car better than I have for ages (or ever) and I have been able to recognise imperfections because I have taken the time and effort to make sure I did it properly.  OK I am not going to become a detailing guru or addict but I will now take the time to make sure that our two cars and motorbike are given the proper attention they should be.  So for that I thank you folks that have taken the time to contribute on here and would encourage others just joining to read the many threads and links that offer great advice.

 

So thanks everyone for the help and YES I have enjoyed washing the car which is something I honestly have not said for many years.

 

Regards Chris

[Hunty278]

Time, circumstance and jobs sometimes dictate that some jobs fall by the way side. Nice to hear you've got your mojo back for it. All problems can be rectified or easily improved. So if there are any questions you have where we may be able to help just ask away!

Sonax make some decent stuff, enjoy!

[Chriswright03]

Cheers Neil and certainly will do.  I shall tackle the scratches the next day or two and see what I can do with them as they don't look very deep but I fear the lacquer on the bumper will be a different problem altogether.

 

Regards Chris

[FLAPPERJACK7]

Time changes everything. I remember taking my whole interior out every Sunday to clean the inside. Wow a SWIMBO, 4 kids a dog a mortgage and 60 hour working week killed that idea!.

[Hunty278]

I would definitely approach the place you bought it from to sort it. A skoda garage should not be selling a car with peeling lacquer. I'm sure you'll come to an arrangement with them.

[Chriswright03]

OK went out in the car yesterday and guess what?  Yup it got mucky!  Now in the past I have used some bottled stuff that you get in various shops like Boyes and you just wipe it on your car to clean it without water.  Hang on just off to the shed to find out what it is called.................OK I am back sorry to keep you waiting.  It is called Greased Lightning.  So first of all is that a QD?  Then with a QD can you just use it as a waterless cleaner ie just wipe off the muck with it and buff?  I assume not but then what do I know?

 

Anyway today I received my 5 lts of Sonax  BSD so when I have time I will wash the car again and apply that and see how I get on with it.  So is the BSD a QD?  I do get confused with all of these abbreviations!  Having read the label there is nothing much in the way of instruction unless you can speak German. So do you use it as it is or do you dilute it at all?  I have bought a spray bottle and I am thinking i just decant some into that and spray on and wipe off.  Just checking before I go and do it really.

 

I shall be in touch with the garage Neil and see what they say but having bought the car I doubt they will be very interested.  Still as you say worth a try.

 

I am glad to report that my sponges and wash brush have been banished for uses other than the car and I am looking at some more mits and a foam lance so i guess I have been bitten by the bug.

 

Regards Chris

[ChrisRs]

OK went out in the car yesterday and guess what?  Yup it got mucky!  Now in the past I have used some bottled stuff that you get in various shops like Boyes and you just wipe it on your car to clean it without water.  Hang on just off to the shed to find out what it is called.................OK I am back sorry to keep you waiting.  It is called Greased Lightning.  So first of all is that a QD?  Then with a QD can you just use it as a waterless cleaner ie just wipe off the muck with it and buff?  I assume not but then what do I know? Yes and no...Yes its a type of Quick Detailer but I would never use it to clean off dirt..It simply cant work without scratching your paintwork..It can be used to apply as a QD after a wash though..to top up your wax or sealant layer

 

Anyway today I received my 5 lts of Sonax  BSD so when I have time I will wash the car again and apply that and see how I get on with it.  So is the BSD a QD? Its a Quick Sealant rather than strictly a QD  I do get confused with all of these abbreviations!  Having read the label there is nothing much in the way of instruction unless you can speak German. So do you use it as it is or do you dilute it at all?  I have bought a spray bottle and I am thinking i just decant some into that and spray on and wipe off.  Just checking before I go and do it really. No need to dilute..Just a light spray and wipe off straight away..Fold a MF cloth in 4 and spread with one side, buff off with the other..Or carry two cloths

 

I shall be in touch with the garage Neil and see what they say but having bought the car I doubt they will be very interested.  Still as you say worth a try.

 

I am glad to report that my sponges and wash brush have been banished for uses other than the car and I am looking at some more mits and a foam lance so i guess I have been bitten by the bug.

Nice one.....Its no going back now!!

Regards Chris

Hi Chris....Some answers for you

[Chriswright03]

Chris thanks for the rapid response.  What no work today?    Mind you I suppose you are playing with the new toy.

 

Much clearer now ta.  Actually looking forward to trying it at the weekend weather permitting.  Alas I do not have a garage so everything has to be done outside in whatever is thrown at us and today it is a biting chilling wind so sod it.

 

Regards Chris

[Chriswright03]

Oh no I have done it now!  Bought a lance and some snow foam (Valet foam).  I really must seek professional help about this addiction!!!!!  Just hope it all arrives for the weekend then the VRS will be nice and shiny for the meet up at Waddington Wave.

Regards Chris

[littleade]

This is the wrong place to seek professional help as we're all bonkers on here....

If you mean valet pro ph neutral SF keep it indoors rather than in the garage this time of year as it separates out in the cold weather

[Chriswright03]

OK will do.  Wonder if the wife will agree to it being an ornament in the living room?  Nah, probably not!

 

Regards Chris

[littleade]

Hide it! I do.....

[Chriswright03]

Hide it! I do.....

 

I am thinking of a lampshade on it.

[Outofthi5world]

I store all my cleaning stuff in my beadroom. I have no room in my bedroom now, it's just bed. Or bedstuff. But it keeps it away from dad.

[devonutopia]

I store all my cleaning stuff in my beadroom. I have no room in my bedroom now, it's just bed. Or bedstuff. But it keeps it away from dad.

 

A room for beads?  Cool.  

 

All my detailing gear takes up a whole shelf of racking in the garage, plus 3 rolling toolboxes.  But I use it for more than just personal use, so it's all necessary,  Would hate to have to store it all indoors.  :(

[Outofthi5world]

A room for beads?  Cool.  

 

All my detailing gear takes up a whole shelf of racking in the garage, plus 3 rolling toolboxes.  But I use it for more than just personal use, so it's all necessary,  Would hate to have to store it all indoors.   :(

We have a big garage, and there would easily be room for it all in there. I just don't want it there. He'll take it and use it wrong. The last time I left a drying towel to dry and I got back from work and it was being used to "polish" his car  :peek: And no, he won't let me detail his.   :(

[Maieth]

Sounds like you fully got the bug back, Chris.

Let us know when you start looking at products for the engine bay. That's when it get's serious

[Chriswright03]

So the foam lance has turned up but not the Valet ph so I have just used some BMW Mini polish I had hanging about as I doubt I will use it as polish now I am into all this superior product. :clap:   It foamed up ok but I ran out just when I got to the muckiest part the boot and back end.  I know, I know I should have started there and worked my way round to the front which wasn't as bad.  Next time huh?

 

So having foamed it I then did the TBW thing and used my BSD to help dry the car and then buffed it off with a mf cloth.  Hey getting good at all these abbreviations.  It is looking nice and clean but I want it to rain now so I can see my beads!!!!! 

 

Having showed the marks on the car to RichC today whilst I was relieving him of his 18" Zeniths that he was selling he assured me the marks would come out with a polish.  So I guess that is my next job now the car is clean to try and get rid of the marks and one or two others that I have found.  Oh and then I have to do the wheels and as I have two sets now that means twice as much work.  Mind you one set is going to be resprayed so i may just leave them for the time being.  Depending on when I go for the respray.  Spent quite a bit on the car since I bought it what with all of this detailing malarkey and then a set of wheels.

 

Now did someone mention the engine bay?

 

Regards Chris

 

PS No photos as there seems little point it just loos like a clean car.  Oh and I have to do the wife's MX5 now.

[Maieth]

Oh, with regard to beading. Another good clue of when you're getting obsessed is not only wishing for rain to see the results of your labours, but getting so impatient that you simulate it by holding your thumb over the hosepipe to mist the car in a fine, beautiful spray.

[Chriswright03]

Nah I just checked the weather on the BBC and it is going to rain tomorrow.  So I shall sit inside and look at all of the drops racing off my car.  Then I have to go and sort the shed out so I can find all of my valeting detailing goodies.  Oh and find  a space for the new set of wheels apart fro the one that is going in the boot.

 

I have got to find out how to clean the wheels now but think I may just clean them and then polish them with the McGuires unless someone shouts NO at me and tells me what else I need to buy.  I have read something about sealing them but until they are refurbed and painted I am not going to bother too much just give them a quick blast with the pressure washer and dry them off.

 

I am enjoying it all though and looked forward to doing it today.  Got the Mazda MX5 to do tomorrow but I suspect getting snow foam on the roof is not a good idea.  Best be careful then.

 

See what you have made me into now some sort of maniac with a mitten.

 

Regards Chris

[ChrisRs]

Getting snow foam on the roof is no problem Chris. Mine gets it

[littleade]

Sounds like you fully got the bug back, Chris.

Let us know when you start looking at products for the engine bay. That's when it get's serious

That's a relief. I thought I had a problem having 3 different lots of snowfoam....

[Chriswright03]

Getting snow foam on the roof is no problem Chris. Mine gets it

 

Only problem Chris is that it doesn't get the cat hair off it.

 

So brushing it with one of those rubber brushes that remove pet hair and I think it would be easier to remove the pet!!!!!!

 

Regards Chris

[Outofthi5world]

Oh, with regard to beading. Another good clue of when you're getting obsessed is not only wishing for rain to see the results of your labours, but getting so impatient that you simulate it by holding your thumb over the hosepipe to mist the car in a fine, beautiful spray.

I would do that if it weren't for the fear of getting water spots.

[Chriswright03]

Hot update:-  I have beads!!!!    No I am not going to take a picture to show you and yes they are small beads but it was only small rain.

 

Regards Chris