I need to give the big V a bath and I want to do it properly. Now Velma used to have Autoglym products used on her and although I feel I did a good job I want to do an even better one now.

I just used a sponge after hosing her down and then a chamoix to help her dry. I used a separate sponge for her wheels obviously and some cloths for doing her glass etc with the different Autoglym stuff afterwards.

So, how can I improve my technique? What do you do/use step by step?

I only have Halfords where I live so I can't go looking for fancy products/cloths anywhere else. Ideally I need to get them today so I can do her tomorrow

Halfords do meguiars products.....really expensive but works very well.

It must be a lot warmer down there than it is here ...just got to 5 deg C I have washed the car off ...very quickly ...not sure about the polishing today though

Just gone through the very same thing and have just changed all my cleaning stuff.

From Halfords I got Zymol Car Shampoo which is great stuff but don't put in too much as is lathers up with just half a cap full!. Get yourself a Wash Mitt rather than a sponge while you are at it, ooh and a flexible blade to remove excess water before you chamois.

I also bought Harley Wax (only available on-line) which I cannot recomend highly enough, fab stuff.

Finally, try here for some advice on how to get the best results from cleaning your car.

If you can find a Williams polishing kit - Its my new choice for cleaning. The shampoo leaves a perfect finish on the car which makes the polish work really well (its a carnaubu based polish) and it doesn't flake and leave powder everywhere. Was only £25 for a whole bag of stuff from Halfrauds last time I was there (RRP :£50)

Thanks for the ideas on products guys but it's technique, methods, equipment and steps I'm after really. Not sure I like the idea of the flexible blade to take the excess water off tho.

Treat me as if I'm thick on this one I won't take offence, honest!:buttkick:

THROW away the sponge NOW, read the washing advice here, www.polishedbliss.co.uk

Once you use the 2 bucket method, and see the muck in the 2nd bucket you'll frighten yourself at what you were doing to your paint using 1 bucket and a sponge. And also buy the drying waffle weave drying towel i couldn't beleive the difference, i have used both blade and real shammy in the past nut now i'm converted, some say borderline OCD.

also you must read this thread,

http://www.seatenthusiasts.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=46827&highlight=polish

If your serious about the long term care of the paint sign up to the www.detailingworld.co.uk website full of tips and tricks, plus many suppliers for all the products.

I'd recommend polished bliss though he has done a lot of research into VAG cars and their paintwork. Read all his guides and make up your own mind.

Yep, another vote for Polished Bliss - great guides on there, along with a hand-picked selection of products, at very competitive prices. Don't bother with Halfruads - order everything from the comfort of your own home

Steve

another vote for meguiars here, gives a very good finish.

I would order them from the net as it will be cheaper, halfrauds is ok if you need it in a hurry but you may aswel wait abit.

Have a look at www.socket2me.com they have well priced meguiars stuff

I always wash my car roof down(you know what I mean).Read a piece by some chauffeur who said you should start at the bottom and work upwards:confused:

I bought the Flash thing on sunday just because she was desperate for a wash, I found it left loads of water spots but that could've been my technique

I have been recommended products by Richard from polished bliss after emailing him, my list to buy so far includes;

Poorboys super slick + suds shampoo

Poorboys waffle weave drying towel (out of stock :( )

Menzerna finishing touch glaze (Recommended)

Menzerna FMJ sealant, 2 coats (Recommended)

Poorboys spray and wipe + mega plush towel (out of stock :( )

foam applicators

Wash the car with a few cans of clean water first, better still use a jet wash or hose. This will shift any loose dirt and also help the soapy water go further.

Start with the roof and work your way down.

Personally I go for a soap/water change before I tackle the lower parts of the bumper and the wheels, otherwise I run out (but the Octy estate is bigger than your car)

I then use a wheel cleaning brush to get between the spokes - its easier to keep them clean with regular cleaning than itis to celean really dirty wheels.

Then rinse the whole car with lots of clean water. Let your shammy soak in a bucket of clean water while doing this.

Use a flexible blade thingy to wipe away excess water.

Wring out the leather and wipe the car all over, frequently wringing the leather out. Work quickly to avoid water marks being left from dried water droplets.

Next, I clean the windows with Halfords glass cleaner spray (better than the Autoglym one) while the body work dries off.

If I'm cleaning the inside too I'll do that next.

If the body needs tar spots etc. removing I do that next with a suitable product.

Then I polish the paintwork and use bumpercare type products on the black plastic trim, being very careful to not get the latter on the paintwork.

I then polish the wheels using normal body polish (after I've used a tar spot remover on really dirty bits).

Fianlly I use a tyre black spray carefully, my favourite is the Williams Tyre Shine Halfords used to sell - they dont do it anymore though :( If you're a perfectionist you'll have to move the car forward a little to get the bit that was at the bottom before ). Obviously dont spray the tread itself.

Wash the car with a few cans of clean water first' date=' better still use a jet wash or hose. This will shift any loose dirt and also help the soapy water go further.

Start with the roof and work your way down.

Personally I go for a soap/water change before I tackle the lower parts of the bumper and the wheels, otherwise I run out (but the Octy estate is bigger than your car)

I then use a wheel cleaning brush to get between the spokes - its easier to keep them clean with regular cleaning than itis to celean really dirty wheels.

Then rinse the whole car with lots of clean water. Let your shammy soak in a bucket of clean water while doing this.

Use a flexible blade thingy to wipe away excess water.

Wring out the leather and wipe the car all over, frequently wringing the leather out. Work quickly to avoid water marks being left from dried water droplets.

Next, I clean the windows with Halfords glass cleaner spray (better than the Autoglym one) while the body work dries off.

If I'm cleaning the inside too I'll do that next.

If the body needs tar spots etc. removing I do that next with a suitable product.

Then I polish the paintwork and use bumpercare type products on the black plastic trim, being very careful to not get the latter on the paintwork.

I then polish the wheels using normal body polish (after I've used a tar spot remover on really dirty bits).

Fianlly I use a tyre black spray carefully, my favourite is the Williams Tyre Shine Halfords used to sell - they dont do it anymore though :( If you're a perfectionist you'll have to move the car forward a little to get the bit that was at the bottom before ). Obviously dont spray the tread itself.[/quote']

And then some evil pigeon poops on it.Always.

Each to their own it would appear. I always used to be a Turtle Wax user (based on reviews and price) but am a real convert to Meguiars now. And to be honest its not that much more expensive.

I am just waiting for the weather to improve and I will be trying their 1-2-3 cleaning/polishing solution, so I look forward to spending a day cleaning!

The Hot Rims wheel cleaner is great but I need to find a good polish for the wheels now to give them some protection... Any suggestions?

I too used to use Turtle wax - but it leaves loads of white dust all over the place :( Now an Autoglym convert as it seems to offer the easiest long lasting shine form minimum spend - it is also available in gift packs around Christmas so you never have to buy polish yourself

Cleaning a Car :eek: Whats that

I also asked the guts @ polished bliss for advice, got a quick and very usefull reply - will definately be placing an order with them

I had thought of buying another Swissol setup -- but they are soooo expensive, and if the stuff that polishedbliss sells are half as good I'll be laughing

Just bought a jar of peanut butter to do the back to black trick this weekend.

Just need to buy some interior cleaner to tidy up the horrific mess I have made after cleaning my seats.There is liquid crystal residue everywhere.Looks like a gypsy car.Dash,sidebins all sort of grey:(

Hope its car cleaning weather this weekend

Enter Victor Meldrew....'I don't believe it:eek: ' there is only a flippin hose pipe ban being put into place where I live as from tomorrow :thumbdwn:

Halfords do meguiars products.....really expensive but works very well.

It must be a lot warmer down there than it is here ...just got to 5 deg C I have washed the car off ...very quickly ...not sure about the polishing today though

I've just been to halford to have a look at the car washing products.

They do a 'gift set' of meguiars prodcuts that includes the car wash / shampoo product, the wax product (can't remember the specific names but it's what looks like the core prodcuts that were also on sale seperately in the same size bottles), the glass cleaner and a mitt. This has been reduced to

Every Meguiars product I've used and subsequently bought has been very good; I've been impressed with all of them. In fact I think I've either bought or currently use most of the range now

That's a good buy that Halfords set, good spot

Steve

Every Meguiars product I've used and subsequently bought has been very good; I've been impressed with all of them. In fact I think I've either bought or currently use most of the range now

That's a good buy that Halfords set' date=' good spot

Steve[/quote']

cheers for that mate. I'd better nip back up there and buy it later on then before it goes!!!

I placed an order with polished bliss -- wow what a company - only charged

I placed an order with polished bliss -- wow what a company - only charged

I placed an order with polished bliss -- wow what a company - only charged

and skodaw will you stop posting pics of your shiny car' date=' i need a cold shower every time i see it [/quote']

:orb_lol: