Best way to wash car?

[Ezza_1989]

I can't seem to get the shine it had when I got it (it's still new) and always get left with those pesky spots!

[SEB15]

I never use the brush at the car wash, always i wash the car in the evening and after i wash the car i stop into the vaccum bay and dry the car with shammy!
Works pretty well for me!

[gerrys]

+1 for SEB15.

I never use automatic car wash. Always wash not under direct sunlight. I use my own shampoo, sponge and chamois.

Done it for many many years and my last car looked fantastic.

[Mitsi]

We use baby shampoo and a chamois

[bd-850]

We use baby shampoo and a chamois

i thought ias the oy crazy one to use baby shampoo.

best way to wash is a car is with water, dahh.

if washing at home (and can be bothered doing it properly) i use cold water and truck cleaner, then i will use warm water with car wash and baby shampoo, wash one panel at a time then rinse it off, then once finished chamois off

[Juisarian]

Microfibre cloth > sponge

[-ToM-]

Allways use the 2 bucket process, one for washing, and the other for rinsing the cloth. This reduces the amountof dirt you swirl through your paint.

Never use a sponge, allways use a good wash clth or lambs wool mitt.

Dry with a good synthetic chamois or microfibre towel.

Baby shampoo can be used, but isnt really targetted for road grime/ tree sap etc. a good ph neutral wash is better.

To really protect and enhance shine, follow with a polish and wax/sealant

[Mitsi]

Baby shampoo can be used, but isnt really targetted for road grime/ tree sap etc. a good ph neutral wash is better.

We got the paint package and don't find it a problem. Don't need to wax either

We use baby shampoo and a chamois [/quote:1ee6b90780] i thought ias the oy crazy one to use baby shampoo.

The 'Accessory' lady at the dealership told us to use it because it doesn't oxidise

[Latino_Ralliart]

I just take mine to star car wash castle hill. Last time I went they had a Ferrari California and an R35 GTR. So good for checking out hot cars and enjoying a coffee while the wash.

[ijustatecurry]

As several people have already mentioned, make sure you use a high quality soap, microfibre/other mitt, a good synthetic shamois and give it a polish every now and then. I tend to use Meguiars soft wash which has always given the car a good shine. Just discovered the other day that Turtle Wax synthetic polish is absolutely out of this world and gave my car a brilliant shine.

Last tip: Buy a pressure washer

[evil.ralliart]

Heres a couple of tips for you...

Allways wash from the roof down
Use a good wash like Meguirs/Sonax
Never use "Truckwash"it will strip off everything inc wax.
If you paint feels rough you have contaminents on it wich will stop "Shine" so you may need to clay block it
Never put your car through a brush type carwash. Actually stay clear of them ...they tend to use harsh cleaners wich will take your wax off.
And allways dry your car with a chamois then you wont get spots.
And some common sence... if you drop your sponge or chamios on the ground ...dont continue using it before cleaning it otherwise you will be rubbing your paint with sandpaper. Actually if i drop a sponge i throw it away.

Hope this is helpful.

Cheers

[alterego13]

Some good points by Peter.
I had the same thing as Ezza...the spots were making me crazy. So finally bought some good stuff to give my car some TLC and took 4-5 hours one weekend to apply it.
Day before yesterday it rained a lot and I though 'oh no!! the damn spots are gonna be back' coz I have to park my car in the open...and its an unsealed parking lot..almost a 'dirt pit' !!! but to my amazement...when I finished work I was welcomed with this...





Magic of Meguiars NXT 2.0 tech wax!!! That stuff is awesome!
No more water spots!

[Gleno]

I gave up using the two bucket method, i use maguires carwash (normally soft was gel) and a micorfibre mitt then chamois. I still have scratches here and there since i stopped using two bucket method, but hardly noticeable on a silver colour. No ones going to examine your paintwork when your cars parked at the shops etc.

[delly86]

doing 3 step if you got time first wash car quickly and don't let it dry clar bar, polish and wax.

[Sir Lancer-lot]

Not a fan of hi-pressure washers - they are too powerful for the clean required and can damage the paint if you get too close - also tend to push contaminants into the paint making it rougher over time.

Step 1. Hose down the car (normal hose or very low pressure washer)
Step 2. Sponge with good quality car wash (kitten in the red bottle has been a favorite of mine for years)
Step 3: Hose down like step 1.
Step 4: Chamois the whole thing dry.

[Optional] When required.
Step 5: Polish when dry. Small sponge applicator and terry towel buff (open weave)

All this needs to be done out of direct sunlight (and on the grass if you want to water it)

Two buckets: 1 for the car wash/sponge and another for the cool water & chamois (x2). I use two chamois one for the wheels and door jambs and another for the body work/glass.

Been washing the familys' cars this way for 30 yrs..