Cleaning for Noobs [Proper Steps?]
 

Hey Guys,

So being that the tC is my first car; I'm running into all the small little things. So last weekend I did my first wax coat and all went well.

Throughout the week it obviously picked up dirt so I wanted to wash it today and did do so.

Now of course the water will sit on top (it was also pretty shady when I did wash it) and it looked like it left a lot of water stains.

Should I be washing when it is at least a little sunny so the water evaporates quicker and less chance of water stains? (It's crazy to remove all that water with towels/cloths; there is too much.

Will a wash remove the wax coat? (I'm using Maguires)

Would love to hear your methods guys!

Water has minerals in which leave water stains. It has to be removed with microfiber towels or you'll get water spots regardless what wax you use. Some self serve car washes (the ones where you use the power washer and soap brush) have a "rinse" setting that is deionized water and does not leave water spots if left to dry by evaporation.

So should I be washing in sunlight or no sunlight at all? Or does it not matter?

Will washing remove the wax?

to keep the spots off. what i do.. i have 2 microfiber towels.. one is to take of most of the water off so just wipe your whole car very quickly and sloppy.. then i take the 2nd towel that ill take my time with making sure ive gotten all the remaining water.

doing this your 2nd towel should be damp enough from the remaining water to get all water spots that have dried out by still be dry enough to not leave any water streaks.

and its always best to dry in a cover area ( away from sunlight ) i do mine in my garage.

Thanks! How many washes does wax usually remain?

skip the first towel and use this


it's priceless

not sure on how long the wax last. im just say about 5 washes?

and i have that blade thing. my brother likes it but i like my 2 towels better.
i guess its just preference.

5 washes..? lol

It will last for like 4-5 months with a car wash once a week. in between washes you can use a polish or just a quick spray wax spray on, wipe off right away.

DO NOT clay your car more then once a year or so.

Water spots are tricky but avoidable with proper technique.
I'll briefly explain my wash process for the paint. Using 2 buckets with grit guards, one with soap one with just clear water in it. I wash top to bottom. Always rinse the mitt or sponge out in the clear bucket before going back into the soap bucket, this keeps the soapy water cleaner longer and reduces the chance of putting spot forming dirt back on the paint.
Now you should be washing when the paint is cool and in the shade if you can. If you have to do it in sunlight try to make it in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not as intense. You could even wash the car a panel at a time if you really want to limit how much water that sits in the car while waiting to be dried.
Drying, I've used water blades, chamois (natural and synthetic) and waffle weave microfiber towels. Blades are fine as long as you are positive you removed all the dirt from the car! I've never had a blade scratch paint when being properly used. Chamois are another nice option, the synthetic ones hold up longer than the natural ones and once they break in they hold quite a lot of water. SM Arnold has some nice synthetic chamois. Microfiber drying towels are probably the safest way to dry a car but it will take a little more time to get the job done. Instead of making a fast sloppy pass, take your time and gently wipe the paint. Washing your car by hand shows you care about the finish, and really what are you going to do with the extra minute or two? Another technique when rinsing the car that helps reduce drying time is to remove the nozzle from the hose and "flood" the paint by just letting the water run out the open end. This helps the water sheet away and with a good coat of real wax, you'll have less water to pick up with your towel.
What kind of wax are you using? Durability for wax depends on a lot of different factors.
If you have any questions about car washing or wash products, feel free to PM me about it.

Try and wash out of the sun. always wash top to bottom, and do small sections at a time so the soap doesn't dry on the paint. you want to start with the rims and tires first before washing the car. make sure your rims aren't hot so they wont get ruined over time. i use bleach white on the tires and PDP acid free wheel cleaner. those products work magic on the wheels and tires and the pdp products are amazing. brake dust doesn't stand a chance no matter how many years of buildup there is. when done washing your car chamois drying is simple and practically flawless. clay bar before waxing is a very good idea as well so your not waxing over paint contaminants. either way the only way to learn is just do it. i used do be a professional detailer and i've used all types of products. check out automagic.com and also PDP (Professional Detailing Products) Good luck

THIS! I love when people REALLY know how to wash a car the right way.


This goes for all cleaning. Always start from top to bottom left to right.

Just so it is restated and you don't just gloss over it in the above posts, use 2 buckets (if not more) and be sure you have one with clear, clean water... and one for your soap of choice. Every time you apply your soapy water/brush/mitt to the car, and before you go back to the bucket of soap... rinse it off as much as possible in the clean bucket.

Agreed, worth every penny!

Saw the detailers at a local dealer using one and now can't believe I was wasting so much time with towels before.

Rinse your car really well though, the squeegee won't scratch your car but the dirt you missed will.

Water spots will appear no matter what if you don't use distilled water or really soft water.

Waxes can withstand a couple washes.

Use a microfiber towel after drying to get those nasty water spots.

OR just go through a drive thru car wash like me! :) Works great every time. I've tried Soft touch and Touchless. Plus they use very soft water. So, i rarely spot and water spots.

I'm gonna go buy like 5-10 jugs of distilled water from wally-world and just pour 'em all over the car when I finish washing. No water spots! ;p

LOL

What about those outdoor wash stations. Do they use water that doesn't contain all those minerals. I can feel like a grain on my car here and there in most spots. Seems like dirt or minerals that are being left over. With a wax, not so much but its annoying. That squeegee sounds amazing, gonna get one after I get back from vacation.

Sumit

I would love the convenience of an auto car wash. But idk now... with my rims painted and whatnot... id like to just use water on them. Just feels better to me.

IDK what i will do when the frosty white starts falling. Perhaps deal with it and repaint next year. *sigh*

drive ur car in a bubble
http://www.impawards.com/2001/posters/bubble_boy.jpg

Ohh! Good idea! Can I get a gold one?!

Now, is using a micro fiber cloth or a regular cotton cloth better to dry? (i've heard people suggest both) it seems like microfiber makes the water beads smaller.