I usually get my cars professionally detailed every few months or so. Just wondering what do you guys suggest I do myself in between visits? My new pcar is black, but I dont really have the time or patience to spend a whole day detailing it. But I would like to spend an hour or so washing the car every other week. Are there any basic tips for a regular hand wash and wax? For example, what soap and towels to use? And any recommendations on certain products that are a must?

I know there's a wealth of information on these forums. But most of it is simply overkill for me. Just wondering what i should do to keep my finish swirl free and looking decent. Not looking for a mirror finish on a daily basis.

 

A simple wash routine should consist of a mild pH balanced soap, Zymol Clear or P21S should do. I like using natural lamb's wool wash mitts. Just wash from top to bottom. Don't go in circles. Invest in a DI system like CR Spotless. This way you wash, rinse, and walk away. Don't have to worry about the glass, chrome, paint,etc. It dries spot-free. Finish things up with a good carnauba spray like Zymol Field Glaze or Optimum Spray Wax. Get some high-quality microfibers too. PM me for more details.

 

Thank you Moe for your help. Is there a big difference between spray and paste waxes? I've never used a liquid before... do you spray and then wipe off or just leave it on?

 

Spray waxes are typically used as a top off on a paste wax. You initially want to use a good wax for the detail and then maintain the finish with a spray wax. You spray on, let stand for a few seconds, and wipe off.

 

thanks moe. that CR Spotless system definitely looks interesting. theres a local self wash carwash in my area. They have a "spotless" rinse option on there... do those typically use DI water?

 

Some do and some don't. Most that say they do actually use soft water. DI is typically A LOT more expensive than soft water. I'd be carefull. Soft water is still great; much better than tap. But DI eliminates the spots completely.

 

What exactly is DI?

Thanks

 

DI is short fo De-Ionized water. According to the guys at CR Spotless, unlike soft water which replaces Magnesium and Calcium ions with Sodium and Pottasium, DI systems replace Mg and Ca ions with Hydrogen and Hydroxide. Remember in chemistry: H + OH = H2O or pure water. Essentially true spot-free water that leaves no residue behind. As far as my knowledge, CR Spotless is the only PORTABLE unit on the market.

 

has anyone tried this DI sytem:
http://www.clear-rinse.com

fairly cheap + money back guarantee. I wonder how it compares to the cr spotless.

 

I looked into this unit before getting the cr spotless. What I didn't like was the fact you only get about 50 gallons per filter. That number can be lower depending on water quality. So depending on how much water you use, that's about 5-10 washes. I have a TDS reading of about 420 and that gets me close to 200 gallons of di water with the cr spotless. I do like the portability and small size of the clear rinse. You should get it kayman and give us a feedback.

 

I just put in my order. I'll let you know how it goes.. it might be a month or so before I wash the car though since it was just detailed.

 

Subscribing to this thread. Good info and I'm curious how this clear rinse thing works out...