My weekly cleaning method in pics.... Any suggestions for better products?

[robbie1988]

Decided to do a little writeup as a few people have asked how I clean my car so I did a little writeup today.

This is the car to start:

First up pre wash snow-foam with Valet Pro Advanced Neutral Snowfoam in my snow-foam gun:

Nice foam action:

Jetted off:

What remains after snowfoam:

Now a handwash with a lambs wool wash mitt and Dodo Juice Wax Safe Wash:

2 bucket method - can see all the removed dirt here:

Next up the wheels, Valet Pro Bilberry with soft bristle brush to agitate:

Cleans and lifts the dirt lovely:

Car then jetted down and dried off with Poorboy's Waffle towel:

Tyres dressed with Autoglym tyre shine:

Exhausts up next with trusty Autosol:

Door shuts cleaned:

And the finished results:

Normally wash the car like this at least once a fortnight, once the winter is over will be getting a full machine polish and more wax applied.

 

[matt_132]

OP, do you use a QD with/after drying?

 

[Daniel]

I really really like your car and I really like the way you look after it.

Spot on!

 

[robbie1988]

OP, do you use a QD with/after drying?

I don't but it was suggested - been looking at the Auto Finesse range but cant decide.

I really really like your car and I really like the way you look after it.

Spot on!

Cheers!

 

[terryc101]

Really like your car as above!

Maybe look at sealing the wheels with something so you don't have to crack out the bilberry every time?

 

[davo172]

Use valet pro citrus bling as drying aid looks good mate.

 

[robbie1988]

Really like your car as above!

Maybe look at sealing the wheels with something so you don't have to crack out the bilberry every time?

Good shout - will apply the rim wax a bit more often

 

[Jay.S]

As long as it was properly sealed etc before winter I don't see a problem with that.

Maybe add a QD which will add a little shine and also a little protection. Something like Sonax BSD maybe.

 

[MatthewR]

Really like the car, love the wheels (are they the prima racing reps?)

steps look good for your maintenance wash, I'd look at changing the drying towel ASAP. Have a look at the below one for something I find much easier to use, safer as well (yes I have used several waffle weave towels)

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/shop/i4d-uber-yellow-premium-drying-towels.html

Also I'd look at using kegs endurance for the wheels, lasts much longer than the AG one your currently using.

If your looking for a quick detailer there is none better (IMO) than Zaino Z6!

 

[robbie1988]

As long as it was properly sealed etc before winter I don't see a problem with that.

Maybe add a QD which will add a little shine and also a little protection. Something like Sonax BSD maybe.

Just ordered some of the Zaino Z-6 as suggested below

Really like the car, love the wheels (are they the prima racing reps?)

steps look good for your maintenance wash, I'd look at changing the drying towel ASAP. Have a look at the below one for something I find much easier to use, safer as well (yes I have used several waffle weave towels)

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/shop/i4d-uber-yellow-premium-drying-towels.html

Also I'd look at using kegs endurance for the wheels, lasts much longer than the AG one your currently using.

If your looking for a quick detailer there is none better (IMO) than Zaino Z6!

Just ordered some Zaino Z6 - will look into the drying towels but really liked the waffle towel upto now.

Guess you mean Megs not Kegs

 

[Jay.S]

I've had Zaino Z6 before it is a great QD but I'd pick Sonax BSD over it now for the added protection. It still gives a good finish aswell.

 

[Mr Plums]

That looks lovely mate.

 

[Tommo.]

Not normally a fan of Inferno but that looks brilliant mate. Good effort.

Z6 is a good buy too, you won't regret it.

 

[MatthewR]

Haha yes Rob I mean Meg's (dam ipad auto correct!)

In regards to QD and top up, there massively different products for different occasions, Z6 can be used after every wash without being overkill.

If I was going for something as a top up then it certainly wouldn't be Sonax BSD, I found application and general feel to be pants. I believe that if a wax or sealant needs a 'top up' then it needs stripping back and reapplying, If I don't have time for that then I'd use tough coat to tide me by as it's easy to apply like a QD but it feels nice to use unlike BSD.

I've just got some C2v3 to test instead of tough coat, yes I know there very different products but all of this Is my opinion.

 

[robbie1988]

That looks lovely mate.

Many thanks

I've had Zaino Z6 before it is a great QD but I'd pick Sonax BSD over it now for the added protection. It still gives a good finish aswell.

Ordered the Zaino Z6 to try - will see what I think and if I don't like it I will try the Sonax BSD

Not normally a fan of Inferno but that looks brilliant mate. Good effort.

Z6 is a good buy too, you won't regret it.

Cheers and look forward to trying it out

Haha yes Rob I mean Meg's (dam ipad auto correct!)

In regards to QD and top up, there massively different products for different occasions, Z6 can be used after every wash without being overkill.

If I was going for something as a top up then it certainly wouldn't be Sonax BSD, I found application and general feel to be pants. I believe that if a wax or sealant needs a 'top up' then it needs stripping back and reapplying, If I don't have time for that then I'd use tough coat to tide me by as it's easy to apply like a QD but it feels nice to use unlike BSD.

I've just got some C2v3 to test instead of tough coat, yes I know there very different products but all of this Is my opinion.

That's why I was asking about other products - cant wait to try the Z6 now. When I sealed the car before winter I gave it a coat of Dodo Juice Bananarmour and 2 coats of Poorboys Black Hole. Still beads lovely as well.

 

[Stefan.]

Looks bloody lovely!!

Real fan of inferno

 

[Dunc.]

Look's nice, I'd recommend changing the waffle weave towel for an ultra plush microfiber or similar.
Could keep the waffle weave for the glass though.

 

[robbie1988]

Look's nice, I'd recommend changing the waffle weave towel for an ultra plush microfiber or similar.
Could keep the waffle weave for the glass though.

Going to change as been recommended by a few to go back to Microfibre drying towels

Looks bloody lovely!!

Real fan of inferno

Cheers!

Well I have ordered some more bits to go into the cleaning box:

- Valet Pro Citrus Bling quick detailer
- Valet Pro Citrus tar and glue remover
- Valet Pro Dragons Breath fallout remover
- Valet Pro foaming bottle and trigger
- Valet Pro spray bottle

Cant wait to get to try them next week.

P.S if anyone wants anything from Valet Pro then I use Adam Ellen on Facebook - cheaper than anywhere else and great delivery times.

https://www.facebook.com/AdamsDetailing

Rob

 

[JD]

Looks lovely.

Who asked about your cleaning methods, if I may ask without my comment being removed?!

 

[robbie1988]

No idea who has deleted the comments - never asked anyone to :S

A few lads at work asked, one is a member on here - he has a blue RS200 Clio and he doesn't want to cover it in swirl marks so put this thread up so he can go through it and see my method. Also wanted to gauge peoples opinions on if I was missing anything out.

 

[cat171]

That looks great, and I'm not really a fan of Inferno.

I do my wheels with the same products as you, what's wrong with using Bilberry every time ? Mine's 1:3
I have that pink slop stuff to seal them, but it's a pain in the arse to use! so I rarely bother.

 

[JD]

No idea who has deleted the comments - never asked anyone to :S

A few lads at work asked, one is a member on here - he has a blue RS200 Clio and he doesn't want to cover it in swirl marks so put this thread up so he can go through it and see my method. Also wanted to gauge peoples opinions on if I was missing anything out.

Yeah, you reacted as I expected first time around, Robbie - not sure why it was edited but hey ho!

As has been said, the only thing I'd advise is using some decent wheel sealant. You'll only then need to use warm soapy water to clean, rather than something more powerful like Bilberry (waste of product, basically).

Oh and some trim products on the rear wiper/other plastics would be the icing on a very clean looking cake!!

 

[robbie1988]

Yeah, you reacted as I expected first time around, Robbie - not sure why it was edited but hey ho!

As has been said, the only thing I'd advise is using some decent wheel sealant. You'll only then need to use warm soapy water to clean, rather than something more powerful like Bilberry (waste of product, basically).

Oh and some trim products on the rear wiper/other plastics would be the icing on a very clean looking cake!!

I will admit I forgot to buy some trim restorer

As for wheel sealant I normally use Rim Wax but found it can be a bit of a pain to buff to get a perfect finish. I have tried the spray on Autoglym wheel seal but didn't get on with this either.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Get some C4/C5 (Does it still exist as such JD ?)

That'll do your wheels (should get 2 sets out of it!) and your trims such as bumper insert/wiper

Good to go for a few years after that !

 

[robbie1988]

Get some C4/C5 (Does it still exist as such @JD ?)

That'll do your wheels (should get 2 sets out of it!) and your trims such as bumper insert/wiper

Good to go for a few years after that !

Holy hell just looked at the 50:50 shots of the C4 on detailing world - amazing stuff - surprised I haven't been recommended it before. Will be ordering some of that ASAP. Big thanks for that.

 

[yellowbelly]

Looks lovely.

Who asked about your cleaning methods, if I may ask without my comment being removed?!

I wouldn't bother fella

 

[Yellow Dave]

C4 / C5 is great stuff, but if you do choose to use it it is very specific on prep otherwise it wont bond properly

 

[Whetty]

Poor Boys wheel wax, cba to go and check its exact name but thats what ive used and its good stuff 2/3 thin layers inbetween doing the plastic trim and jobs a gooden.

also found tyre shine is a good trim cleaner, meguires in particular.

 

[robbie1988]

I wouldn't bother fella

Really don't know what the issue is? I didn't realise it was of grave importance who asked so didn't answer. As for posts being edited/deleted - nothing to do with me.

C4 / C5 is great stuff, but if you do choose to use it it is very specific on prep otherwise it wont bond properly

Yeah - from what I have just been reading it requires the surrounding areas to be taped up then the area to be coated cleaned properly before coating. Results look well worth it though.

 

[yellowbelly]

Really don't know what the issue is? I didn't realise it was of grave importance who asked so didn't answer. As for posts being edited/deleted - nothing to do with me..

Wasn't getting at you buddy, granted I could/should have said more in my post but I simple posted what first sprang to mind. Clearly not a valid question in the eyes of the "empowered"

 

[robbie1988]

Wasn't getting at you buddy, granted I could/should have said more in my post but I simple posted what first sprang to mind. Clearly not a valid question in the eyes of the "empowered"

No bother - when I went to the thread this morning I did notice some replies had been edited deleted but didn't know why it had been done.

 

[Chris_Beer]

Like the cleaning, but you need centre caps (good luck) and some better tyres lol

 

[robbie1988]

Like the cleaning, but you need centre caps (good luck) and some better tyres lol

Tyres? Have you ran these ones over winter - absolutely immense in snow, standing water, and slush. Run them between November and Feb/March depending on weather.

I have centre caps Just prefer the look without them haha

 

[Chris_Beer]

Fair play pal! What profile are they? Never seen those centres fitted before

Liking the snow foam mix!

 

[robbie1988]

The centres are some Ebay jobbies with the backs sanded flat and then glued to the wheel - ran them for a month or so before taking them off.

The tyres are Vredestein Snowtrac 3's in 195/50/15. Used them last winter on my Ka I had for the daily and got to some places I wouldn't have without them haha:

 

[matt_132]

Do you wash every week without fail? It doesn't stop raining for long enough here - my car is minging!

Good to know the Snowtracs are good, I've just got some for my other set of wheels while I refurb the splits.

 

[Inequality Street]

One tip, I notice you washed the wheels after you washed the car. Me personally, feel free to disagree, I would always wash them first, stoped spraying wheel crud all over the fresh and clean boady work.

Apart from that, wheel sealant and a QD wipedown - Happy days.

 

[wayne9989]

Wheels should aways come last IMO, saves making a fresh bucket of shampoo.

 

[yellowbelly]

Wheels always first, no logic in doing them after

 

[Mr R.]

Love this, looks like such a nice car.

Ive just bought a pair of Vredestein Quatrac 3's for my van. So far so good but im yet to try them in the snow.