Cleaning Products - What I got vs What I need

P

psd99

Registered User
Joined
Jul 25, 2012
Messages
199
Reaction score
3
Points
18
Location
NULL
Hi Everyone,

[h=2]A woman is like a bee treat her well and she will make honey, treat her badly and she will go wild :)[/h](I believe the same applies to a car)

I'd like to take care of new Audi A4 2.0T FSI S Line by cleaning her right inside and out:

IMG_3115swads.jpg


2231232323.jpg


IMG_31173333.jpg


* I don't really wish to go overboard on cleaning products, so all to a budget.
* I will clean her most likely twice a month
* I've got the basics like sponges, buckets and a hose pipe
* The car at the moment is in good condition, the paintwork is amazing - tells me someone cleaned the car well.


But this is all I have so far in terms of cleaning agents:

13162eb8.jpg


and

13fea822.jpg


I can't believe how much other stuff I got in the garage, but nothing to clean cars with.

So I had a think about what I need roughly, I was thinking:

1. Shampoo for the car
2. Microfiber cloth
3. Some sort of polish or wax for after washing the car
4. Wheel Sealant (been reading about this, can make life easier later on)
5. Maybe leather cleaning agent but not sure on this.


So what do you guys think? Can anyone recommend me products for the 4-5 items I require?
Thoughts and feelings welcome :)
Thanks.
 
1st job bin the sponge this will only cause you more work ,use either a lambswool mitt or a microfibre wash pad,also dry the car using a microfibre towel rather than a leather.

as for budget cleaning autoglym resin polish is good at hiding swirls and giving a good gloss ,top this off with collinite 476s (around£15) a belting wax for the money and lasts months between waxing.

leather cleaning you are hard pushed to beat gliptone liquid leather cleaner (i find the spray cleaner better than the bottled) and liquid leather conditioner.


as for my wheels i use rimwax but you could just used collinite to seal them after a good clean
 
Thanks I will get lambswool mitt to wash the car with - I don't think I will get anything for the rimms except maybe a sealer

In terms of wax and polish If I wanted to choose one out of the two which one should I get?
 
Hmmmm.......

This is a question very similar to 'what tyres should I get?' as all you'll get is a big list of here's how I do it....where as with tyres you get here's what I have.

I would recommend that you take some time to read some care care tips here: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle - Updated!! Although I swear by meguiars products you can use similar methods with anyone's products.

Best advice I can give is to follow the tips, and try out different products until you find ones that work for you :)
 
polish and wax are two totally different products ,polish is a preperation for the wax ,wax is the sealer and gloss but does not clean the car (remove water marks left after drying car) ,wax will protect your paint from the elements but car paint needs to be sportless before being applied ,polish will clean ( remove water marks left after drying DO NOT polish a dirty car)and shine the paint but has no long lasting protection ,if you are only doing it every couple of months as stated you will need to

1 wash car
2 polish car
3 wax car
 
thanks gents

I shall get both a wax product and a polish then in that case I will read through the 5 step as well

Do any of you get your car washed by other people? Normally about 10 quid a pop or so
If money is tight I might do this for a while before I buy the cleaning products I can afford
 
psd99 said:
thanks gents

I shall get both a wax product and a polish then in that case I will read through the 5 step as well

Do any of you get your car washed by other people? Normally about 10 quid a pop or so
If money is tight I might do this for a while before I buy the cleaning products I can afford
Click to expand...

dont go to the hand car wash people they use drying blades and chamois leathers which will damage your paintwork spend the £5-£10 on cleaning products and do it yourself .
 
davsa4 said:
1st job bin the sponge this will only cause you more work ,use either a lambswool mitt or a microfibre wash pad
Click to expand...

More importantly, you are far more likely to scratch your car using a sponge rather than a mitt.
 
psd99 said:
Do any of you get your car washed by other people? Normally about 10 quid a pop or so
If money is tight I might do this for a while before I buy the cleaning products I can afford
Click to expand...

[gasp of astonishment]This is number 1 cardinal sin in my book, never get some wacko to wash your car. They'll probably use washing up liquid that'll remove the wax off the car and they use sponges and...and...[sobs]...a drying blade...oh I can't take it any more, the thought of my Audi being washed on a garage forecourt....[sniffle] :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: D2NY G
Halfords do 3 for 2 on all cleaning products just make sure you buy 3 equally expensive items and get 1 free and only buy 3 item at the one time it might seem a pain but worth the hassle to save £10-20
 
first start dont use hand car wash's!!

Buy the following and this is the procedure -

Snowfoam - use lance and pressure washer (not critical but will help lift dirt and promote safe washing, plus its fun!)
Rinse
Wash using lambswool or mitt using 2 bucket method - one for shampoo, one clean water to rinse between each mitt panel
Rinse
IronX - Decontaminate and remove fallout - only need to use once but is well worth doing
Wash - Dodo Juice Born To Be Mild (PH Neutral) or chemical guys Glossworkz is great. Auto Finesse do a good wash too!
Rinse
Clay car - use medium or soft clay to start with a lube (or shampoo mixture again)
Wash
Rinse
Dry - use big fluffy drying towels
Polish - if by hand try Prima Amiga or SRP, but prima i prefer.
LSP - Last stage protection so a wax or sealant. Your choice is endless but some suggestions could be a Dodo Juice wax, chemical guys 50/50. Zymol Royale. Sealant try chemical guys blacklight.

Then finish off with a wipe down of zaino, v2 or redmist.

Ease of use/lazy finish would be carpro reload wipe in and buff in one move, good beading and good protecion.


Wheels, use a long brush and iron x or autobrite wheel cleaner, a lot reccomend bilbery wheel cleaner which is good but a tad over rated. use once wheels are v clean.

Chem guys new look trim for plastics, engine and rubbers, Metal polish for exhaust, Glass cleaner, inerior stuff ..... list of extras goes on and on!

Good luck and have fun watching your wallet empty!
 
whitey said:
first start dont use hand car wash's!!

Buy the following and this is the procedure -

Snowfoam - use lance and pressure washer (not critical but will help lift dirt and promote safe washing, plus its fun!)
Rinse
Wash using lambswool or mitt using 2 bucket method - one for shampoo, one clean water to rinse between each mitt panel
Rinse
IronX - Decontaminate and remove fallout - only need to use once but is well worth doing
Wash - Dodo Juice Born To Be Mild (PH Neutral) or chemical guys Glossworkz is great. Auto Finesse do a good wash too!
Rinse
Clay car - use medium or soft clay to start with a lube (or shampoo mixture again)
Wash
Rinse
Dry - use big fluffy drying towels
Polish - if by hand try Prima Amiga or SRP, but prima i prefer.
LSP - Last stage protection so a wax or sealant. Your choice is endless but some suggestions could be a Dodo Juice wax, chemical guys 50/50. Zymol Royale. Sealant try chemical guys blacklight.

Then finish off with a wipe down of zaino, v2 or redmist.

Ease of use/lazy finish would be carpro reload wipe in and buff in one move, good beading and good protecion.


Wheels, use a long brush and iron x or autobrite wheel cleaner, a lot reccomend bilbery wheel cleaner which is good but a tad over rated. use once wheels are v clean.

Chem guys new look trim for plastics, engine and rubbers, Metal polish for exhaust, Glass cleaner, inerior stuff ..... list of extras goes on and on!

Good luck and have fun watching your wallet empty!
Click to expand...


thats not on a budget ?
 
try signing up to detailing world mate absolutely loads of stuff on there to help with this sort of situation, frienly forum too :-D
 
Guys - What about one of those rotary brush car washes behind your local petrol station that blow dry your car at the end? :sorry:
 
Join us....

Detailing

A world for detailers...

:)

But as others have said, step 1, bin the sponge.

I realise you are on a budget and I can only say I have bought these over time but... my current weapons of choice (these change, I like to try new stuff):

- Chemical Guys No Touch Snow Foam
- Autobrite HD foam lance
- Dodo Juice Basics of Bling shampoo
- Tesco microfibre noodle wash mitt (yes really)
- Carpro Trix
- Meguiars Quik Clay Kit
- Dodo Juice Lime Prime
- Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Pro
- Lots of microfibre cloths

P1040078.jpg
 
Wow what a shine

I think all this washing the car business has gone to my head lol
30 to 50 quid should be enough to cover me on the budget


Thanks for the help all
i will stay away from the 5 quid car washes and the petrol station automatic ones
 
nice one


but beware:nyah:


this detailing stuff gets vary addictive and costly i get no end of jibes and digs off the neighbours over cleaning my car :moa:

this is just part of my collection

IMG_0314.jpg
 
Toast and coffee to keep you going haha couldn't get the kettle in the pic!!
 
Can i borrow some of that guys? Lol just need a little bit......

Which wax shall i get then
 
I use megs #16 currently but collinite 476 is supposed to be really good for the price aswell so I'll probably try that next, hope this helps
 
audi upgrades
Hey all,

I thought I should show you all the present condition of the car. I thought the exterior was very good, but it is actually quite dirty. I believe the person who had the car before has waxed/polished regulary as the dirt is coming off easily.

The alloys are very dirty, but the worse is the interior. I knew the interior was not great when I got the car though.

Here are the detailed pics that I have taken so far let me know what you gents think:

IMG_3283.jpg


IMG_3284.jpg


IMG_3287.jpg


IMG_3288.jpg


IMG_3285.jpg


IMG_3289.jpg


IMG_3290.jpg


IMG_3291.jpg


IMG_3293.jpg


IMG_3294.jpg


IMG_3295.jpg


IMG_3296.jpg


IMG_3300.jpg


IMG_3302.jpg


IMG_3301.jpg


IMG_3303.jpg


IMG_3297.jpg



Wow that is a lot of pictures, but as you can see okay on the outside not so great inside - the steering wheel is a let down the previous owners were probably a bunch of schmuks! lol
 
Have you got a pressure washer? If so I'd try that on the wheels first and wash with a strongish shampoo mix. If that doesn't work you'll need a dedicated wheel cleaner. There are loads to choose from, the two I have are Valet Pro Bilberry Wheel Cleaner (you usually dilute this) and Wonder Wheels Hot Wheels. The Wonder Wheels you'll be able to buy in Halfords or Tesco. Don't buy any of the other Wonder Wheels products if you don't see it as they are very acidic. It's this one you want...

WWH500 Wonder Wheels Hot Wheels 500ml - Robert Dyas -
Halfords | Wonder Wheels Hot Wheels Cleaner 500ml

Also, it's hard to tell from the photos but are your exhaust tips meant to be chrome? If so you've got a bit of work to do there. :) You'll probably need some of this:

Halfords | Autosol Metal Polish 75g

I've not had to do much interior cleaning on mine. Just basic hoovering and a wipe over the surfaces with a damp cloth and some Armor All Interior Wipes. Hopefully someone else can suggest some bits for that.
 
If the wheels are really bad try and get some ironx it's amazing, don't use it all the time though, they sell it on elitecarcare.co.uk
 
hey gents

I was thinking the same thing for the exhausts but actually they are ment to be black lol
I'd love it if they were chrome though :)
 
Cleaning is an addiction and you will slowly build up your supplies, I've just spent another £55 today on wheels cleaner, pollish, pre wax, a new grit plate for my bucket, pads, and some more clay bar (200g), money I could have spent on my girlfriend and youngan, but no it's gone on my car for AITP :)
 
Lol ok
money well spent none the less
 
Ste_Nova said:
be glad the car had mats or it looks like you would be replacing the carpet!
Click to expand...
Lol


Yer true that but i need to wash all those mats as they are full of dust and mud

Also need to replace the drivers one as it had got a hole inside it
Looks like someone was smoking and burnt a hole in there
 
You can clean the steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob with lemon juice, hot water and a toothbrush. Works wonders on the Alcantara - mine was similarly dirty when I got it. I am swapping my steering wheel for a leather one though (thanks eBay) because it needs cleaning all the time!
 
keeping your leather clean and protected is very important if you dont it will dry out and crack in time and speed up the wear process.

you do require a good leather cleaner, make sure its amonia free tho or it will kill your leather and strip the surface colour.

Also you want a good leather conditioner / protection cream there a few makes out there some smell of leather these can cause issues as they go off quickly and smell rotten and go yellow due to the oil based essence that goes in them to make them smell of leather, the oil base can cause damage to the leather so just be careful which ones you buy if it smells stronly of leather i would avoid, if its not that strong they have not used that much oil in it and so its safer for the leather. or better still one that has no smell of leather.

Richard
 
leather repair uk said:
keeping your leather clean and protected is very important if you dont it will dry out and crack in time and speed up the wear process.

you do require a good leather cleaner, make sure its amonia free tho or it will kill your leather and strip the surface colour.

Also you want a good leather conditioner / protection cream there a few makes out there some smell of leather these can cause issues as they go off quickly and smell rotten and go yellow due to the oil based essence that goes in them to make them smell of leather, the oil base can cause damage to the leather so just be careful which ones you buy if it smells stronly of leather i would avoid, if its not that strong they have not used that much oil in it and so its safer for the leather. or better still one that has no smell of leather.

Richard
Click to expand...

Hi Richard,

thats useful to know. can you PM me a good one to try out, my car is tan (cream) leather VW passat, its dirty & grimy from sweat and little kids eating sweets & icecream lol.

Can you recommend one to start me off. cheers fella
 
  • Like
Reactions: leather repair uk
I've got my products spent more than I thought I would you are right this is an addiciton

but for once in my life I'm quite excited about washing my car this is a form of art

I'll try get pictures up of the products I got including claybar kit hahaha thanks everyone
 
For once i wish it was cloudy! Lol and on the cool side
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

hades-
What would i need ?
Replies
6
Views
1K
craig_TDI
craig_TDI
Maq
What Do I Need?....
Replies
5
Views
887
Maq
Maq
martin1984
What oil do i need
Replies
6
Views
776
martin1984
martin1984
Charlie Farley
S3 K04 , what do i need to know and what do i acctually need....
Replies
12
Views
1K
Charlie Farley
Charlie Farley
P
WHAT LEADS / ADAPTORS DO I NEED !!!
Replies
2
Views
782
NHN
NHN
Top
Back