How to wash your car at home, the basics

[smithf80]

I wrote this guide because I get asked this question so incredibly often by friends of mine. This is meant for people who are just starting out, so foam cannon aficionados, this one might not be for you, although I do make some great product recommendations.

https://hqcarcare.com/content/everyt...t-home-part-1/

[rjd598]

You might want to add in some tire shine after all it is part of the basics of a wash

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by rjd598

You might want to add in some tire shine after all it is part of the basics of a wash

Left it out because its such a personal preference thing, some people like it super glossy (although I don't know why), some prefer matte black (like me), and some like it somewhere in between.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by smithf80

Left it out because its such a personal preference thing, some people like it super glossy (although I don't know why), some prefer matte black (like me), and some like it somewhere in between.

You made the right call.

[Mar48]

Nice write up!

[bsmf8x]

Originally Posted by smithf80

I wrote this guide because I get asked this question so incredibly often by friends of mine. This is meant for people who are just starting out, so foam cannon aficionados, this one might not be for you, although I do make some great product recommendations.

https://hqcarcare.com/content/everyt...t-home-part-1/

How long does this take you out of curiousity

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by murdrdf82

How long does this take you out of curiousity

My personal wash process takes like 2 hours, but if I'm being less OCD I can do a basic wash in about an hour.

[bsmf8x]

Originally Posted by smithf80

My personal wash process takes like 2 hours, but if I'm being less OCD I can do a basic wash in about an hour.

Last question , how do you wash your microfibers. They're so dirty so no matter how many times I wash them they still dirty.

[Rockshaker]

Check out pantheorganizer on YouTube

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by murdrdf82

Last question , how do you wash your microfibers. They're so dirty so no matter how many times I wash them they still dirty.

Use a dedicated MF detergent. Autogeek has a great forum/online store to make a good decision. If you have bad stains you can presoak your towels in the detergent or soak in a strong APC. Always wash with just your towels and no other items. Never use softeners or any other products other than a dedicated MF detergent. Air dry is best, but if not possible use as little heat as possible in the dryer as heat will destroy the fibers in the towel. Hope this helps.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by murdrdf82

Last question , how do you wash your microfibers. They're so dirty so no matter how many times I wash them they still dirty.

I've been heavily invested in Griot's Garage products for about 10 years. They make a MF cloth/towel for almost every purpose and in different colors, so they're easily to keep track of (car finish, spot detailing, interior, wax removal, waterless wash, etc.). I use their large, super absorbent MF towel only to wipe the car dry after a wash. It never gets dirty because the car was just washed. They make a small gray towel that they call their "dirty towel". This is the one that gets used to dry the wheels, inside the engine compartment, etc. It gets pretty dirty because those are areas that you can't completely clean (unless you take the wheels off the car, which I done several times.) But as long as I'm only using it for those specific purposes I don't have to worry about scratching the car finish. I have other towels for interior cleaning, again, used only for that purpose.

I wash all of my towels in my regular wash with laundry detergent and their MF wash solution, about 50/50. They all come out clean, just like brand new, except for the "dirty" towel which is stained.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

I wash all of my towels in my regular wash with laundry detergent and their MF wash solution, about 50/50. They all come out clean, just like brand new, except for the "dirty" towel which is stained.

Do not use laundry detergent.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by rjd598

Do not use laundry detergent.

I followed the instructions on back of the Griot's Garage Microfiber Cleaner bottle. I"ve washed them like this for 10 years. YMMV.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

I followed the instructions on back of the Griot's Garage Microfiber Cleaner bottle. I"ve washed them like this for 10 years. YMMV.

That's fine, but no professional detailer will recommend using laundry detergent. I would even say it's MF washing 101. This is to better inform people so they can do their own research and make their own decision. Great it's worked for you, but others who spend money on premium MF towels will not want to take a risk.

I've been using MF detergent for my towels for over a decade and still have the same ones.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by rjd598

That's fine, but no professional detailer will recommend using laundry detergent. I would even say it's MF washing 101. This is to better inform people so they can do their own research and make their own decision. Great it's worked for you, but others who spend money on premium MF towels will not want to take a risk.

I've been using MF detergent for my towels for over a decade and still have the same ones.

I do the same as SD. I do not use a ton of detergent, but use some and never use softener. The Griot product explicitly instructs use of detergent. This product is used to aid in rinsing out the detergent. I also run a second rinse cycle. Have been doing this at least as long as SD indicates he has, and not just for car wash supplies. Also for glass cleaning MF, car seat covers, dog beds, MF cloths my wife uses in the house, etc. It works fine. If I were a professional detailer doing loads of MF daily I might think about it more.

[flipnkraut]

Originally Posted by rjd598

That's fine, but no professional detailer will recommend using laundry detergent. I would even say it's MF washing 101. This is to better inform people so they can do their own research and make their own decision. Great it's worked for you, but others who spend money on premium MF towels will not want to take a risk.

I've been using MF detergent for my towels for over a decade and still have the same ones.

Really??? No professional detailer huh. Well there's this little known detailer that says what kind of laundry detergent he uses.

Pretty sure he knows about this more than you do.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Free and clear liquid detergent is fine. Add a bit of vinegar for softness. Microfiber towels are just plastic essentially. Just don't mix any other fabrics with them in the wash or drier and they'll be fine

[damageprone]

Also, some would suggest adding a third bucket specifically for wheels.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by damageprone

Also, some would suggest adding a third bucket specifically for wheels.

I've always used a separate bucket for wheels. That's the nastiest water possible, with lots of grit and contaminants. 'The brake dust literally turns the water black. No way that's going to touch my paint!

Also, always wash the windows first, so that there's no possible contaminants to scratch the windows. Then wash top to bottom, front to back, in the direction that the wind would flow over the car. No circular rubbing while washing! If your rocker panels are particularly dirty, wash them last with a separate mitt.

[Isj]

glass would be harder to scratch than paint.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by Isj

glass would be harder to scratch than paint.

It's a lot harder than paint. If anything dry them first to prevent water spots.

[nezza01]

Has anyone used any products worth a mention for finishing on Matte Paintwork? I've looked at Dr Beasleys Matte Paint Coating, and obviously BMW's Matte Nano Wax, which looks to do the business best, expensive but looks like superb quality finish. Just wondering if anyone else has had any experience with matte black paintwork to get the best finish?