Weather has broke in Chicago. I am driving my car when ever i can. I hate seeing my car dirty but do not have the time to hand wash it dialy. What are your thoughts on how to keep it clean between hand washes

 

If it's not too dirty, just dusty, I use a duster...available at any auto-parts store. Next, I go over the car with quick detailer and a micro-fiber cloth to remove bugs and any streaks left over by the duster. Lastly, I clean the windows with window cleaner.

I used to do this every time I drove the car, but it soon became too much of a pita. Now I do it about every 4 trips. This method has kept my car clean enough that I haven't washed it in over a year.

J

 

A great source of information to use for maintainting your ride: http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-De...ng-and-Drying/

I've asked many questions from the PRO's on this site and they are very quick to respond with helpful info.

 

I use a duster as well, we have a lot of dust here in the desert. But giving it a quick wash doesn't take as long as you think if you organize your stuff. I wash it in a way so after I finish a section I can dry it off without the other sections getting too wet. Its quicker that way.

 

Greg @ detailimage is a great guy ! I got all my detailing needs from him, he's very helpful and offers an excellent customer service !

 

You can't keep a DD clean. I wash mine if I have 3 days of good weather before it rains or snows again. Other then that I live w/ the filth it gets on it. If it goes more then 5 days of crap weather then I go to the car wash and use the wand for .75$ and just spray off the heavy stuff. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

I can't keep my black DD clean either, a F-150, it always seems to rain on Mondays, after I wash it on the weekend.

 

I wash my car about every 3 days and haven't driven it in the rain so far so it's pretty easy to keep clean. Also always wash my car in the garage so weather doesn't play any part on when i can and cannot.

 

V-Man,

Check out Griot's Garage online catalog (www.griotsgarage.com). They have a great product called Spray-On Car Wash that I use between washes to clean dust, minor road grime, etc. It's real slippery to prevent scratching and leaves a clean, shiny finish. Really good for removing bugs too. No water needed.

 

I avoid waterless cleaners like the plague. I keep the inside clean and the outside as clean as I can with a weekly wash regardless. Dirty exterior never took away from the fun behind the wheel though

 

Pressure washer, water deionizer, spray the car off, walk away.

- bob

 

Just my opinion but never ever use a duster. It is the best way to trap dirt and just kill your paint finish. Keep it clean and well polished, I use Zaino, and always apply a show car shine after washing. It will help to keep it clean between washes. Use a pressure washer so all dirt is off prior to washing the car. If your not to particular about your paint or shine do whatever you want.

The best way to keep it clean between washes is to wash it again. Anything you wipe your car down with when it is dry is deadly to the finish and shine., IMHO. Maybe a little **** but my 6 year old car still sparkles.
JS

 

Could you (or anyone) recommend a pressure washer brand/model to buy? TIA

 

Can, I just use a Husky electric pressure washer. I know a few folks are worried about damaging the paint. As long as you use a relatively gentle nozzle (fan or spiral...not a pinpoint nozzle) and keep the sprayer about 2 feet away, an electric pressure washer isn't strong enough to damage anything...the most PSI mine has is 1400, which is really weak compared to gas powered ones that are up to 3500 psi.

- bob

 

Believe it or not I went to Costco to buy paper towels and stuff and found a Snap-On pressure washer for a few hundred dollars. It works great and my detailer has always told me use a pressure washer before ever dropping a sponge or towel on the car to wash it.

Always, IMHO, use a good spray detailer after washing ( Zaino , Gloss It, ) as it helps to repel dirt and gives a better base to pressure wash against and get a good polish (you'll find many threads here about that, also controversal) and keep the car protected and in between washes it will look good. It is work but if you love the car and care , just do it.
good luck
JS