Cleaning Basics

ethos · 11-06-2007, 11:51

Hi guys,

Just bought a magic black vRS and was wondering the best way to look after it. I was thinking about washing, polishing and giving it a wax the first time I clean it so I know it's been done. Any opinion on these products:

Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash
Autoglym Super Resin Polish - 325ml
Collinite Super Double Coat Auto Wax No. 476s - 18oz
Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt
Eurow X Large Waffle Weave Microfibre Drying Towel - 26" x 36"

So wash it, polish it and apply wax.

Then wash it once a week and then re-apply some wax every month? Polish every 6 months of so?

Thanks in advance

bryand · 11-06-2007, 13:08

You may want to add a paint cleaner stage after the wash (Zymol HD cleanse, Swissvax Paint Cleaner or equivalent); even on a new car the paintwork will be covered in crud. A cleaner will strip off the old finishing coat, feed the paint and provide a good base for the polish.
Preparation is the key.

ethos · 11-06-2007, 13:24

Ah ok, thanks for the reply.

So does my routine look ok?

Wash, paint cleaner, polish and wax first time.

Weekly - Wash

Monthy - Wash, wax

6 monthy - Wash, polish + wax

Damn, this is getting expensive! Up to around £70 now!

gillywibble · 11-06-2007, 13:32

I'd recommend Collinite 915 rather than 476 for dark paint - 476 is still very good though.

Once the paintwork has been prepared and then waxed, you won't need to re-apply wax for up to 6 months. Collinite is very durable.

ethos · 11-06-2007, 13:36

Wicked, thanks for the advice!

6 months? So a weekly wash would be ok? Now that sounds ideal!

I wonder if the 100ml testers will do the whole car... could save myself about £50 ha!

ethos · 11-06-2007, 13:41

What about polish?

gillywibble · 11-06-2007, 13:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethos

What about polish?

Depends what you're doing. Autoglym SRP is fine for filling swirls rather than removing them. Needs at least 3 coats. Follow it with a coat of Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection otherwise it won't last.

ethos · 11-06-2007, 13:49

Collinite Marque D'Elegance No. 915
Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash
Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt
Meguiars Deep Crystal Step 1 - Paint Cleaner
Autoglym Super Resin Polish - 325ml
Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection - 325ml Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection - 325ml

£76 delivered

gillywibble · 11-06-2007, 14:01

How much did you spend on the car?

ethos · 11-06-2007, 14:09

rhetorical Question?

£5k

gillywibble · 11-06-2007, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethos

rhetorical Question?

May have been

Spend 10% of the purchase price on cleaning products, in my very humble opinion.

ethos · 11-06-2007, 14:45

Got it booked in next week for the cambelt / water pump and air con to be sorted.

I really wanna spend this weekend on it though, maybe I'll just buy it and not look at my bank balance this month!!!

Mater · 11-06-2007, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillywibble

May have been

Spend 10% of the purchase price on cleaning products, in my very humble opinion.

Fooooook me that means i have to spend £1300

Ill stick to Autoglym

stevenh · 11-06-2007, 15:41

Get yourself onto polishedbliss.co.uk mate - loads of good 'how tos' on there about cleaning.

You could also have a look at detailingworld.co.uk but be warned - it gets expensive!!

ethos · 11-06-2007, 16:10

Sweet site, thanks

storm monkey · 12-06-2007, 10:24

All products listed above are good stuff, and everyone has their favourites. I've had good results with the megs stuff, although the standard Carnuba wax (part of the 3 step thingy) doesn't last as long as others. I prefer Sonus polish, but thats purely bacause it doesn't dry or "ball up" as much when using the machine polisher, and I use Sonus pads, so they are made to work well together. I've tried Autoglin SRP, but got fed up with the white dust (filling compounds) that comes out of it when machined. I've settled on Poorboys Natty paste for now. Its hard wearing, gives a geep shine, and is very good for older cars, as it has fillers that really do fill any swirl marks that the polish didn't shift. It also costs about £10 for a decent tub, and smells of bubblegum. I'ts not an "asy to apply" wax though, and takes some buffing afterwards. Then again, the harder to buff, the longer the wax will last. As a final seal, I've also been known to put a coat of extra gloss protection over the wax. This looks really good, particularly on dark paint, and lasts for ages.

As mentioned above, a paint cleanser is a good idea, to really shift the muck and condition the paint. Megs is not bad, but its the only one I've used, so can't comment on others. I'd also consider a clay bar treatment. Megs kit is about £15 IIRC, and you won't believe the crap that it pulls off the paint! Also, the instant detailing spray is great for sprucing up between washes (shifts fingerprints etc).

As for spending 10% on cleaning products. My entire collection, including PC (buffer) and transformer would cost less than £600 to replace, and thats been building up for years. 10% would be using Zymol Jubilee wax, and I ain't going that extreme (wife would kill me!).

You don't need to go too mad. You will be well set up for littel over £100. I'd recommend getting loads of decent microfibre cloths though, as you will get through them pretty quickly. They are machine washable though, and should be after each use.

Phil

gillywibble · 12-06-2007, 11:16

I should have said 5%, although I spend more because detailing is a hobby.

Mark raw · 13-06-2007, 10:46

I know a lot don't agree with me here but I had mine jewelultra finshed before pick up was expensive to get done but always looks like new and washing is dead easy. Cost £199 from garage i bought car from and seeing as car was on offer £2300 decided it was an extra i could afford. However once done you do have to apply a conserver after washing but thats it, around £15 year for the shampoo and conditioner. said to protect and last for 6 years garanteed. Look at the jewelultra/diamondbrite website

Wardy · 13-06-2007, 11:22

It's not that I don't agree with the JewelUltra/Diamondbrite type products, it's the price dealers charge for them, and the absolutely massive mark-up applied. You can buy the kits quite easily for £25-£30 and do it yourself.

I can appreciate that this is quite a good way of keeping the car looking good for long periods, with minimum effort.

It's just that I'd rather pick my own choice of products and put a bit more work in. You get better results no doubt, but requires more work. I think it's worth the effort IMO

Steve

ethos · 16-06-2007, 19:59

Hmm, most people are recommending a pressure wash/hose to wet the car down before washing it.

I don't have access to one, would chucking a bucket over the car work?

Wardy · 16-06-2007, 20:40

Don't see why not. It's just best that the surface is wet first really. By what method doesn't really matter IMO

Steve

ethos · 16-06-2007, 20:45

Sweet, gonna give it a wash tomorrow then! It's filthy!

ethos · 17-06-2007, 12:13

Well gave it a quick clean today with NXT wash and quickly cleaned the alloys.

Missed a few spots as usual tho!

Going to give it the whole treatment next month and spend the day on it. Only spent just over an hour on it today.

What do you guys to get the alloys so clean? I couldn't get right up into the cracks very well!!!

gillywibble · 17-06-2007, 12:21

Depending on the wheel i'll use Megs wheel brightener or AB non-acidic wheel cleaner and a spoke brush. But the most important thing is to clay them and then protect them - I use CG wheel guard. Basically, brake dust just washes off.

ethos · 17-06-2007, 12:24

Sounds good bud, brake dust is hardcore!

11-06-2007, 11:51	#1
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Cleaning Basics Hi guys, Just bought a magic black vRS and was wondering the best way to look after it. I was thinking about washing, polishing and giving it a wax the first time I clean it so I know it's been done. Any opinion on these products: Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash Autoglym Super Resin Polish - 325ml Collinite Super Double Coat Auto Wax No. 476s - 18oz Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt Eurow X Large Waffle Weave Microfibre Drying Towel - 26" x 36" So wash it, polish it and apply wax. Then wash it once a week and then re-apply some wax every month? Polish every 6 months of so? Thanks in advance

11-06-2007, 13:08	#2
bryand Fabian Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,769 Members Car: Volvo C30 2.0D Thanks: 1 Thanked 21 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics You may want to add a paint cleaner stage after the wash (Zymol HD cleanse, Swissvax Paint Cleaner or equivalent); even on a new car the paintwork will be covered in crud. A cleaner will strip off the old finishing coat, feed the paint and provide a good base for the polish. Preparation is the key.

11-06-2007, 13:24	#3
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Ah ok, thanks for the reply. So does my routine look ok? Wash, paint cleaner, polish and wax first time. Weekly - Wash Monthy - Wash, wax 6 monthy - Wash, polish + wax Damn, this is getting expensive! Up to around £70 now!

11-06-2007, 13:32	#4
gillywibble Cuthbert Dibble Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Watching Tom peeping at Lady Godiva. Posts: 7,128 Members Car: Octavia Elegance 2.0 Tdi Thanks: 231 Thanked 261 Times in 219 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics I'd recommend Collinite 915 rather than 476 for dark paint - 476 is still very good though. Once the paintwork has been prepared and then waxed, you won't need to re-apply wax for up to 6 months. Collinite is very durable. __________________ I drink, therefore I spam.

11-06-2007, 13:36	#5
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Wicked, thanks for the advice! 6 months? So a weekly wash would be ok? Now that sounds ideal! I wonder if the 100ml testers will do the whole car... could save myself about £50 ha!

11-06-2007, 13:41	#6
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics What about polish?

11-06-2007, 13:49	#8
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Collinite Marque D'Elegance No. 915 Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt Meguiars Deep Crystal Step 1 - Paint Cleaner Autoglym Super Resin Polish - 325ml Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection - 325ml Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection - 325ml £76 delivered

11-06-2007, 14:01	#9
gillywibble Cuthbert Dibble Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Watching Tom peeping at Lady Godiva. Posts: 7,128 Members Car: Octavia Elegance 2.0 Tdi Thanks: 231 Thanked 261 Times in 219 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics How much did you spend on the car? __________________ I drink, therefore I spam.

11-06-2007, 14:09	#10
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics rhetorical Question? £5k

11-06-2007, 14:45	#12
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Got it booked in next week for the cambelt / water pump and air con to be sorted. I really wanna spend this weekend on it though, maybe I'll just buy it and not look at my bank balance this month!!!

11-06-2007, 15:41	#14
stevenh Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Location, Location Posts: 1,052 Members Car: Octavia vRS Thanks: 27 Thanked 33 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Get yourself onto polishedbliss.co.uk mate - loads of good 'how tos' on there about cleaning. You could also have a look at detailingworld.co.uk but be warned - it gets expensive!! __________________

11-06-2007, 16:10	#15
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Sweet site, thanks

12-06-2007, 10:24	#16
storm monkey Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: North West Cumbria Posts: 311 Members Car: VW Corrado Storm Thanks: 6 Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics All products listed above are good stuff, and everyone has their favourites. I've had good results with the megs stuff, although the standard Carnuba wax (part of the 3 step thingy) doesn't last as long as others. I prefer Sonus polish, but thats purely bacause it doesn't dry or "ball up" as much when using the machine polisher, and I use Sonus pads, so they are made to work well together. I've tried Autoglin SRP, but got fed up with the white dust (filling compounds) that comes out of it when machined. I've settled on Poorboys Natty paste for now. Its hard wearing, gives a geep shine, and is very good for older cars, as it has fillers that really do fill any swirl marks that the polish didn't shift. It also costs about £10 for a decent tub, and smells of bubblegum. I'ts not an "asy to apply" wax though, and takes some buffing afterwards. Then again, the harder to buff, the longer the wax will last. As a final seal, I've also been known to put a coat of extra gloss protection over the wax. This looks really good, particularly on dark paint, and lasts for ages. As mentioned above, a paint cleanser is a good idea, to really shift the muck and condition the paint. Megs is not bad, but its the only one I've used, so can't comment on others. I'd also consider a clay bar treatment. Megs kit is about £15 IIRC, and you won't believe the crap that it pulls off the paint! Also, the instant detailing spray is great for sprucing up between washes (shifts fingerprints etc). As for spending 10% on cleaning products. My entire collection, including PC (buffer) and transformer would cost less than £600 to replace, and thats been building up for years. 10% would be using Zymol Jubilee wax, and I ain't going that extreme (wife would kill me!). You don't need to go too mad. You will be well set up for littel over £100. I'd recommend getting loads of decent microfibre cloths though, as you will get through them pretty quickly. They are machine washable though, and should be after each use. Phil __________________ My Car - 2.0 TDI Octavia L&K My Toy - 95 Corrado VR6 STORM SWMBO's - 55 Navara Last edited by storm monkey; 12-06-2007 at 10:27. Reason: spelling

12-06-2007, 11:16	#17
gillywibble Cuthbert Dibble Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Watching Tom peeping at Lady Godiva. Posts: 7,128 Members Car: Octavia Elegance 2.0 Tdi Thanks: 231 Thanked 261 Times in 219 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics I should have said 5%, although I spend more because detailing is a hobby. __________________ I drink, therefore I spam.

13-06-2007, 10:46	#18
Mark raw Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 217 Members Car: Thanks: 2 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics I know a lot don't agree with me here but I had mine jewelultra finshed before pick up was expensive to get done but always looks like new and washing is dead easy. Cost £199 from garage i bought car from and seeing as car was on offer £2300 decided it was an extra i could afford. However once done you do have to apply a conserver after washing but thats it, around £15 year for the shampoo and conditioner. said to protect and last for 6 years garanteed. Look at the jewelultra/diamondbrite website

13-06-2007, 11:22	#19
Wardy 207/340 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire Posts: 11,695 Members Car: Skoda Fabia vRS Thanks: 456 Thanked 367 Times in 355 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics It's not that I don't agree with the JewelUltra/Diamondbrite type products, it's the price dealers charge for them, and the absolutely massive mark-up applied. You can buy the kits quite easily for £25-£30 and do it yourself. I can appreciate that this is quite a good way of keeping the car looking good for long periods, with minimum effort. It's just that I'd rather pick my own choice of products and put a bit more work in. You get better results no doubt, but requires more work. I think it's worth the effort IMO Steve __________________ Wardy's Fabia vRS xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen "If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae

16-06-2007, 19:59	#20
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Hmm, most people are recommending a pressure wash/hose to wet the car down before washing it. I don't have access to one, would chucking a bucket over the car work?

16-06-2007, 20:40	#21
Wardy 207/340 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire Posts: 11,695 Members Car: Skoda Fabia vRS Thanks: 456 Thanked 367 Times in 355 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Don't see why not. It's just best that the surface is wet first really. By what method doesn't really matter IMO Steve __________________ Wardy's Fabia vRS xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen "If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae

16-06-2007, 20:45	#22
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Sweet, gonna give it a wash tomorrow then! It's filthy!

17-06-2007, 12:21	#24
gillywibble Cuthbert Dibble Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Watching Tom peeping at Lady Godiva. Posts: 7,128 Members Car: Octavia Elegance 2.0 Tdi Thanks: 231 Thanked 261 Times in 219 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Depending on the wheel i'll use Megs wheel brightener or AB non-acidic wheel cleaner and a spoke brush. But the most important thing is to clay them and then protect them - I use CG wheel guard. Basically, brake dust just washes off. __________________ I drink, therefore I spam.

17-06-2007, 12:24	#25
ethos Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,186 Members Car: Thanks: 61 Thanked 37 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Cleaning Basics Sounds good bud, brake dust is hardcore!

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