Car Wash products

007MCoupe · 05-16-2011, 01:01 PM

Hoping this thread might start a good discussion on what everyone uses to WASH, not necessarily techniques.

I used to use Meguiar's something er other. Did the job, nothing fancy i guess. But I recently just picked up some Turtle Wax Ice Wash stuff and MAN!!! Seriously, same ways of washing the car like I did with the Meguiar's stuff (2 bucket STRICTLY), but this stuff left ZERO water spots and wiped off with a microfiber drying towel no problem.

I used to use a chamois until I could feel/see it leaving marks (for lack of a better word) in the wax/sealant. I bought a microfiber drying towel (don't know the exact terminology...lol) instead and drying went so smoothly.

DISCLAIMER:

I am NOT promoting any product, simply giving my opinions of use.

What do you all use to wash? I never knew that something as simple as 'soap' or washing liquid (my brain will NOT cooperate) would really make a difference.

Barryb97 · 05-16-2011, 01:16 PM

Zaino and a leaf blower for me. Then detail spray (Zaino Z6) with a big fluffy cotton towel with no edges.

wasupdu · 05-16-2011, 01:44 PM

I just use Meguairs Gold Class soap. I'm usually waxing or quick detailing after the wash, so I'm not too picky on car wash soaps. I'm embarrassed to say that I use to use dish soap up until about 8-10 years ago.....LOL

I recently picked up Klasse All-In-One polish/sealant and the 100% carnauba P21s wax and have been VERY impressed with the results. In fact, I spent pretty much all day yesterday detailing the cars.

007MCoupe · 05-16-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wasupdu

I just use Meguairs Gold Class soap. I'm usually waxing or quick detailing after the wash, so I'm not too picky on car wash soaps. I'm embarrassed to say that I use to use dish soap up until about 8-10 years ago.....LOL

I recently picked up Klasse All-In-One polish/sealant and the 100% carnauba P21s wax and have been VERY impressed with the results. In fact, I spent pretty much all day yesterday detailing the cars.

yeah i usually polish/wax after every wash, but with this stuff i dind't have to (due to no water spots). that's what i was raving about. i like to be lazy whenever possible.

ANUSTART · 05-16-2011, 02:22 PM

I use Meguairs Gold Class as well. I switched to it not long ago and really like it. It can also be found at Costco quite cheap. Rinses off very clean.

Before that I used Turtle Wax Zip Wax Car Wash. It did fine but was harder to rinse off. If you have a dark car don't use it.

I only use one bucket and have never had an issue. Just rinse off any large debris before washing your car and you don't need it.

I finish off every wash with a California Water Blade and then use an old towel to dry off the remaining. Leaf blower just blows dust on my freshly washed car. I do use one on my motorcycle to get water out of the corners and crevices of the engine. Works well there. I would use it under the hood as well when washing there.

Before I put down the wax I usually put a layer of 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Gives a nice shiny glaze on the surface to seal up with the wax. Really gives a deep shine. Again, not expensive and does a great job.

S100 Carnauba Paste Wax found in motorcycle shops is an incredible wax and only $16. Will give you 5-8 waxings and is about the best bang for the buck out there. It's the same formulation as P21S Carnauba and half the price.

I need to get some Klasse sealant. I've heard nothing but rave reviews.

When I need to really dig in I use a Porter Cable 7424xp with Lake Country pads. Very good combo.

I have used Mequiar's and NuFinish scratch remover. NuFinish actually worked better than Meguiar's. I was able to get a really deep scratch out using it with a course Lake Country pad.

Meguiar's swirl remover doesn't last long. I may not have worked it long enough, but seems even after spending hours using the swirl remover it didn't do much. And didn't last either. I would spend more $ if you need it and look into a higher end swirl remover.

jmillet · 05-16-2011, 02:24 PM

I wash with Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine with a little Menzerna Auto Shampoo for suds. Apply with a Griot's lambs wool mit and drag dry with a microfiber waffle towel. Finish air drying with a Shopvac. Finally apply Zanio Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray.

sabbanick · 05-16-2011, 02:31 PM

prewash with adams shampoo using gilmour gun
wash using 2 buckets with 1Z perls and lambs wool wash mitt and dry using waffle towel
when its time to apply wax i use 1z glanz usually by hand

bosstones · 05-16-2011, 06:09 PM

For me, it's Meg's Gold Class wash + lambs wool wash mit. I actually like the Sonus Acrylic Glanz sold by autopia-carcare as a touch up to my paint sealant. Twice a year (spring and fall), I put on a coat of Klasse AIO (love this stuff) after claying and any minor paint correction. Depending on time, i'll let the AIO sit for a while before (if I have time) putting on Klasse SG.

In the spring, I like to put on a coat of AIO on my wheels if I get a chance to. It holds up pretty well to heat from the brakes and also makes it a lot easier to remove brake dust buildup.

chickdr · 05-16-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogzilla

Leaf blower just blows dust on my freshly washed car. I do use one on my motorcycle to get water out of the corners and crevices of the engine. Works well there. I would use it under the hood as well when washing there.

I wonder why you would say this? I use a blower(either gas or electric) all the time. It also allows me to get the heavy water off the car quickly since I wash in the sun out on my driveway. I pull into the garage to finish with a cotton towel. Where would said dust come from? I find with a well waxed car 95% of the water is removed with the blower.

As for car wash - currently using Eagle One Nanowash. I use a sprayer which mixes soap with water and sprays it onto the car so no bucket is needed. Just a fresh cotton towel to go along with the sprayer. I switch wash products all the time(whichever is on special).

-c- · 05-16-2011, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

I wonder why you would say this? I use a blower(either gas or electric) all the time. It also allows me to get the heavy water off the car quickly since I wash in the sun out on my driveway. I pull into the garage to finish with a cotton towel. Where would said dust come from? I find with a well waxed car 95% of the water is removed with the blower.

As for car wash - currently using Eagle One Nanowash. I use a sprayer which mixes soap with water and sprays it onto the car so no bucket is needed. Just a fresh cotton towel to go along with the sprayer. I switch wash products all the time(whichever is on special).

i just use the air spray nozel off my compressor, its comes with attachments to make the air more focused or more faned out, works great and better than a leafe blower, also great to get in the craks..

chickdr · 05-16-2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -c-

i just use the air spray nozel off my compressor, its comes with attachments to make the air more focused or more faned out, works great and better than a leafe blower, also great to get in the craks..

Agreed - IF I had an air compressor.... The leaf blower works pretty good for me though.

Thisisdudewhoru · 05-16-2011, 07:57 PM

Mix meguires ultimate with adams.

Shipkiller · 05-16-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -c-

i just use the air spray nozel off my compressor, its comes with attachments to make the air more focused or more faned out, works great and better than a leafe blower, also great to get in the craks..

PoBoys car wash, two dedicated microfiber drying towels (Guzzlers) and my air-compressor like above...

ANUSTART · 05-17-2011, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

I wonder why you would say this? I use a blower(either gas or electric) all the time. It also allows me to get the heavy water off the car quickly since I wash in the sun out on my driveway. I pull into the garage to finish with a cotton towel. Where would said dust come from? I find with a well waxed car 95% of the water is removed with the blower.

For me it is most likely due to not having a driveway. We live near Chicago and our garage opens right into an alley so the car gets washed on the street. There is grass right next to where I wash it so I am most likely stirring up dust from there.

007MCoupe · 05-17-2011, 07:44 AM

A HA! Another reason added to the list for getting a compressor. lol

Hawkeye · 05-17-2011, 08:33 AM

I use 2 passes of pre-soak followed by a high powered rinse cycle. If I am feeling adventurous I will go for a 3 foam wax, followed by a spot free rinse and finally a couple dryers, usually for about 35 seconds.

I actually use some "BMW approved" soap my rents got me for my birthday one year. Have no idea what it is, may have to look into some of these other ones because the results I get from this soap really vary. I use 2 buckets as well and dry with 2 microfiber towels.

r4gs · 05-17-2011, 08:38 AM

i use optimum no rinse wash and shine (1 bucket clean water and 1/2 a bucket of no rinse solution diluted) with a microfiber wash mitt and a microfiber towel to dry. i wash by panel and start from the top (roof) down (hood, trunk, doors, fenders, bumpers, skirts). typically, i would wash my car weekly, but have since picked up a california duster and use that daily to keep the texas dust off since before this month it almost never rained. i too use klasse aio once every 3 months or so and that stuff is absolutely amazing, just so easy to apply and buff off.

going to have my car professionally detailed next weekend though

Huz-Z · 05-17-2011, 08:46 AM

I use one of those Mr. Clean hand-held units that mixes Mr. Clean brand car soap with water. The unit allows you to spray water on the car, then switch to a soap spray, and back to a water spray to rinse off after you have washed. Its a dandy unit because you don't have to lug around a heavy bucket (or two) of water. The Mr. Clean soap is getting scarce so I'll have to switch to some other brand of liquid car soap.

I have also been using low-cost wash mitts from Dollarama (a Canadian dollar store) to wash the car. As they only cost $2.00, I use a new mitt each time I wash the car, and then throw it away when I am done. That really minimizes any scratches from repeatedly using the same mitt.

Shipkiller · 05-17-2011, 12:40 PM

You do have to watch the type of wash soap you use. A lot of the over the counter stuff, especially the ones that have wax in them actually remove the good wax you applied with your PC or hand.

I still have one of those Mr. Clean units but have not used it for years. If I can find one of the de-ionizer filters for it, then I am going to try the foam gun solutions in it. I do like how the DI water runs off the car.

I have a foam gun but I find that it is a pain in the arse to use...

mikeinsf · 05-17-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

I have a foam gun but I find that it is a pain in the arse to use...

This brings up a side question... are the compressed-air type foamers worth the extra expense vs. the water hose foamers? The compressed air ones seem to do a much better job of coating some sticky, gloppy foam on the car that won't budge. I don't have a compressor or pressure washer yet, so I'd need to pick up one of those too if I decided to go that route? Or is it just as good to get a $50-60 water hose type?

Huz-Z · 05-17-2011, 01:07 PM

I'm a strong advocate of the "buy a cheap mitt and throw it away after each wash" idea.

At $2.00 per mitt, you can easily get loads of mitts for cheap and not have to worry that, after a few uses, your mitt is progressively getting contaminated with grit that will scratch your paint.

Shipkiller · 05-17-2011, 01:10 PM

I use the water pressure type foam gun that I bought a AutoGeek.

The reason I don't like to use it is that I find that when I remove the gun using the quick disconnect fitting to rinse, I don't like the way the water comes out. Too strong. So I have to have a second hose to rinse with. Just my pet peeve...

I have never used my pressure washer on any of my cars and only on the underneath of my truck to get mud out after some off roading....

05-16-2011, 01:01 PM	#1
007MCoupe Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,546 Posts Drives: '18 Sakhir M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ( ///// ) iTrader: (5)	Car Wash products Hoping this thread might start a good discussion on what everyone uses to WASH, not necessarily techniques. I used to use Meguiar's something er other. Did the job, nothing fancy i guess. But I recently just picked up some Turtle Wax Ice Wash stuff and MAN!!! Seriously, same ways of washing the car like I did with the Meguiar's stuff (2 bucket STRICTLY), but this stuff left ZERO water spots and wiped off with a microfiber drying towel no problem. I used to use a chamois until I could feel/see it leaving marks (for lack of a better word) in the wax/sealant. I bought a microfiber drying towel (don't know the exact terminology...lol) instead and drying went so smoothly. DISCLAIMER: I am NOT promoting any product, simply giving my opinions of use. What do you all use to wash? I never knew that something as simple as 'soap' or washing liquid (my brain will NOT cooperate) would really make a difference. __________________ Become a ///Member!
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05-16-2011, 01:16 PM	#2
Barryb97 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA iTrader: (1)	Zaino and a leaf blower for me. Then detail spray (Zaino Z6) with a big fluffy cotton towel with no edges.
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05-16-2011, 01:44 PM	#3
wasupdu Lieutenant 24 Rep 413 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0, CLS63 AMG Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 Mercedes CLS63 ... [0.00] 2005 BMW Z4 [0.00]	I just use Meguairs Gold Class soap. I'm usually waxing or quick detailing after the wash, so I'm not too picky on car wash soaps. I'm embarrassed to say that I use to use dish soap up until about 8-10 years ago.....LOL I recently picked up Klasse All-In-One polish/sealant and the 100% carnauba P21s wax and have been VERY impressed with the results. In fact, I spent pretty much all day yesterday detailing the cars. __________________ 2005 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0 - Black Sapphire with Red Extended Leather / NAV / Premium & Sport Pkgs / 19" wheels / M steering wheel / Xenon 2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG
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05-16-2011, 02:22 PM	#5
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	I use Meguairs Gold Class as well. I switched to it not long ago and really like it. It can also be found at Costco quite cheap. Rinses off very clean. Before that I used Turtle Wax Zip Wax Car Wash. It did fine but was harder to rinse off. If you have a dark car don't use it. I only use one bucket and have never had an issue. Just rinse off any large debris before washing your car and you don't need it. I finish off every wash with a California Water Blade and then use an old towel to dry off the remaining. Leaf blower just blows dust on my freshly washed car. I do use one on my motorcycle to get water out of the corners and crevices of the engine. Works well there. I would use it under the hood as well when washing there. Before I put down the wax I usually put a layer of 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Gives a nice shiny glaze on the surface to seal up with the wax. Really gives a deep shine. Again, not expensive and does a great job. S100 Carnauba Paste Wax found in motorcycle shops is an incredible wax and only $16. Will give you 5-8 waxings and is about the best bang for the buck out there. It's the same formulation as P21S Carnauba and half the price. I need to get some Klasse sealant. I've heard nothing but rave reviews. When I need to really dig in I use a Porter Cable 7424xp with Lake Country pads. Very good combo. I have used Mequiar's and NuFinish scratch remover. NuFinish actually worked better than Meguiar's. I was able to get a really deep scratch out using it with a course Lake Country pad. Meguiar's swirl remover doesn't last long. I may not have worked it long enough, but seems even after spending hours using the swirl remover it didn't do much. And didn't last either. I would spend more $ if you need it and look into a higher end swirl remover.
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05-16-2011, 02:24 PM	#6
jmillet Captain 63 Rep 666 Posts Drives: 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SEL AWD Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 [0.00]	I wash with Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine with a little Menzerna Auto Shampoo for suds. Apply with a Griot's lambs wool mit and drag dry with a microfiber waffle towel. Finish air drying with a Shopvac. Finally apply Zanio Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray. __________________ Jim Millet 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 SEL AWD Ultimate Red SOLD: 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe Imola Red
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05-16-2011, 02:31 PM	#7
sabbanick Lieutenant 13 Rep 505 Posts Drives: 08 SBM M coupe Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	prewash with adams shampoo using gilmour gun wash using 2 buckets with 1Z perls and lambs wool wash mitt and dry using waffle towel when its time to apply wax i use 1z glanz usually by hand
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05-16-2011, 06:09 PM	#8
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1154 Rep 1,543 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	For me, it's Meg's Gold Class wash + lambs wool wash mit. I actually like the Sonus Acrylic Glanz sold by autopia-carcare as a touch up to my paint sealant. Twice a year (spring and fall), I put on a coat of Klasse AIO (love this stuff) after claying and any minor paint correction. Depending on time, i'll let the AIO sit for a while before (if I have time) putting on Klasse SG. In the spring, I like to put on a coat of AIO on my wheels if I get a chance to. It holds up pretty well to heat from the brakes and also makes it a lot easier to remove brake dust buildup. __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr
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05-16-2011, 07:57 PM	#12
Thisisdudewhoru Captain 82 Rep 698 Posts Drives: 16 BSM 340i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: 423 iTrader: (1)	Mix meguires ultimate with adams. __________________ '16 BSM 340i M Sport + Track Pack.:.M Perf Exhaust.:.Polished BBS RS-GT.:.JB4.:.BMS Intake.:.H&R Sport.:.
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05-17-2011, 07:44 AM	#15
007MCoupe Lieutenant Colonel 92 Rep 1,546 Posts Drives: '18 Sakhir M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ( ///// ) iTrader: (5)	A HA! Another reason added to the list for getting a compressor. lol __________________ Become a ///Member!
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05-17-2011, 08:33 AM	#16
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	I use 2 passes of pre-soak followed by a high powered rinse cycle. If I am feeling adventurous I will go for a 3 foam wax, followed by a spot free rinse and finally a couple dryers, usually for about 35 seconds. I actually use some "BMW approved" soap my rents got me for my birthday one year. Have no idea what it is, may have to look into some of these other ones because the results I get from this soap really vary. I use 2 buckets as well and dry with 2 microfiber towels. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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05-17-2011, 08:38 AM	#17
r4gs Viper Driver 36 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: F-16 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Singapore iTrader: (2)	i use optimum no rinse wash and shine (1 bucket clean water and 1/2 a bucket of no rinse solution diluted) with a microfiber wash mitt and a microfiber towel to dry. i wash by panel and start from the top (roof) down (hood, trunk, doors, fenders, bumpers, skirts). typically, i would wash my car weekly, but have since picked up a california duster and use that daily to keep the texas dust off since before this month it almost never rained. i too use klasse aio once every 3 months or so and that stuff is absolutely amazing, just so easy to apply and buff off. going to have my car professionally detailed next weekend though
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05-17-2011, 08:46 AM	#18
Huz-Z Brigadier General 846 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I use one of those Mr. Clean hand-held units that mixes Mr. Clean brand car soap with water. The unit allows you to spray water on the car, then switch to a soap spray, and back to a water spray to rinse off after you have washed. Its a dandy unit because you don't have to lug around a heavy bucket (or two) of water. The Mr. Clean soap is getting scarce so I'll have to switch to some other brand of liquid car soap. I have also been using low-cost wash mitts from Dollarama (a Canadian dollar store) to wash the car. As they only cost $2.00, I use a new mitt each time I wash the car, and then throw it away when I am done. That really minimizes any scratches from repeatedly using the same mitt. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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05-17-2011, 12:40 PM	#19
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	You do have to watch the type of wash soap you use. A lot of the over the counter stuff, especially the ones that have wax in them actually remove the good wax you applied with your PC or hand. I still have one of those Mr. Clean units but have not used it for years. If I can find one of the de-ionizer filters for it, then I am going to try the foam gun solutions in it. I do like how the DI water runs off the car. I have a foam gun but I find that it is a pain in the arse to use...
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05-17-2011, 01:07 PM	#21
Huz-Z Brigadier General 846 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I'm a strong advocate of the "buy a cheap mitt and throw it away after each wash" idea. At $2.00 per mitt, you can easily get loads of mitts for cheap and not have to worry that, after a few uses, your mitt is progressively getting contaminated with grit that will scratch your paint. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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05-17-2011, 01:10 PM	#22
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	I use the water pressure type foam gun that I bought a AutoGeek. The reason I don't like to use it is that I find that when I remove the gun using the quick disconnect fitting to rinse, I don't like the way the water comes out. Too strong. So I have to have a second hose to rinse with. Just my pet peeve... I have never used my pressure washer on any of my cars and only on the underneath of my truck to get mud out after some off roading....
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