Keeping her clean

[Emt1581]

Elsewhere a Gilmour Flowmaster was suggester and for $35 seems well worth the money. Might pick up some mitts and a grit guard/bucket.

Still no clue on soap or wax though.

What cleaning tools, soaps, waxes, etc. do you use on your S550 to keep her clean?

-Emt1581

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[Bankss550]

For washing I use Adams Car Shampoo, 2 buckets, grit guards and a foam cannon for the paint. For my wheels, any car soap can be used provided there's no caked on brake dust. For tough bakes on dust, sonax full effect works great. In the winter, I use ONR. I finish off with Adams Quick Detailer. Griots stuff is good too.

A lug brush helps also for getting into tight spots on the wheels. Other than that I use a microfiber towel that's only for wheels

 

[Emt1581]

For washing I use Adams Car Shampoo, 2 buckets, grit guards and a foam cannon for the paint. For my wheels, any car soap can be used provided there's no caked on brake dust. For tough bakes on dust, sonax full effect works great. In the winter, I use ONR. I finish off with Adams Quick Detailer. Griots stuff is good too.

A lug brush helps also for getting into tight spots on the wheels. Other than that I use a microfiber towel that's only for wheels

Do you have a washboard attached to your grit guard?

The foam cannon...is that the name of it or is there a brand/model?

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[Bankss550]

Do you have a washboard attached to your grit guard?

The foam cannon...is that the name of it or is there a brand/model?

Thanks

-Emt1581

Not sure what you mean by washboard but all the grit guards I've seen all look the same.

I've had this foam cannon for years but I think it's an MTM cannon. Any detailing website should have cannons and grit guard. Never seen them locally.

 

[Emt1581]

Not sure what you mean by washboard but all the grit guards I've seen all look the same.

I've had this foam cannon for years but I think it's an MTM cannon. Any detailing website should have cannons and grit guard. Never seen them locally.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Grit-Guard-Insert-with-Washboard-Combo-Pack-Black-Black-with-green-Mitt-/282359044853?hash=item41bde91af5:gEgAAOSw3v5YoPTU

That's an example of a washboard....it's basically a 45deg. angles grit guard attachment but I guess you rub the mit/sponge/brush over it to get more grit to come loose.

The foam cannon....I found one for $16 on ebay. They all look the same. But do they hook up to a hose or do you need a pressure washer to use them?

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[2015Etrac]

I generally use Chemical Guys products for the exterior (polish, soap, microfibers, wax, etc.). For the interior I use Cockpit Premium, it's amazing for cleaning just about all the interior surfaces and leaves no residue or fake shine. For exterior plastic I use Aerospace 303 Protectant.

 

[Bankss550]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Grit-Guard-Insert-with-Washboard-Combo-Pack-Black-Black-with-green-Mitt-/282359044853?hash=item41bde91af5:gEgAAOSw3v5YoPTU

That's an example of a washboard....it's basically a 45deg. angles grit guard attachment but I guess you rub the mit/sponge/brush over it to get more grit to come loose.

The foam cannon....I found one for $16 on ebay. They all look the same. But do they hook up to a hose or do you need a pressure washer to use them?

Thanks

-Emt1581

Never saw a grit guard like that. I've had mine for maybe 5 years now so maybe that's something new.

My foam cannon came with 2 fittings. One was a bayonet fitting and I think the other is called a M22 fitting or something like that. If your pressure washer has quick connects, use the m22. Foam cannons aren't needed IMO. It's good for presoaking. Don't feel like you need to spend money on a pressure washer lol.

 

[Emt1581]

Never saw a grit guard like that. I've had mine for maybe 5 years now so maybe that's something new.

My foam cannon came with 2 fittings. One was a bayonet fitting and I think the other is called a M22 fitting or something like that. If your pressure washer has quick connects, use the m22. Foam cannons aren't needed IMO. It's good for presoaking. Don't feel like you need to spend money on a pressure washer lol.

That's why I was asking. I don't own a pressure washer. But long-term if it is a must have, I'd buy one.

I know with the Foamaster it just attaches to the garden hose which would work perfectly for me.

Thanks for clarifying.

-Emt1581

 

[Labradog]

I use the Gilmour since I don't have a pressure washer. Adams shampoo is great, but Meguiars Gold Class is a nice alternative that is going to be cheaper. I love the Adams wash pads. EZ detail brush and cheap Meguiars wash mitt for wheels, TUF SHINE tire brush, Stoners glass cleaner. I love AMMO Hydrate for my drying aid but a detail spray like Adams is your cheaper alternative. Collinite 845 wax is the real deal

 

[Bankss550]

That's why I was asking. I don't own a pressure washer. But long-term if it is a must have, I'd buy one.

I know with the Foamaster it just attaches to the garden hose which would work perfectly for me.

Thanks for clarifying.

-Emt1581

Yeah just stick with the foam gun for now.

I use the Gilmour since I don't have a pressure washer. Adams shampoo is great, but Meguiars Gold Class is a nice alternative that is going to be cheaper. I love the Adams wash pads. EZ detail brush and cheap Meguiars wash mitt for wheels, TUF SHINE tire brush, Stoners glass cleaner. I love AMMO Hydrate for my drying aid but a detail spray like Adams is your cheaper alternative. Collinite 845 wax is the real deal

Collinite 845 is probably the best, longest lasting wax I've ever used. Just stinks so bad. Throw it in a bucket of hot water to thin it out and it spreads so easy.

 

[saf1]

I've never used Collinite 845 before but since it was mentioned hear a couple times I went about and did some reading. It got a lot of positive reviews which is great. If the OP doesn't mind me asking, the general theme was that it is a great wax but does not provide a high shine(?). I have a black GT/PP so just wondering if it really is dull or lower shine?

Or are you washing the car to prep waxing, then apply Collinite 845? Or wash/prep/shine then finish with Collinite 845.

 

[Labradog]

Ultimately you have to determine what look you want for your last step product whether that be a coating, sealant, or wax. Most people aren't going to be able to tell a difference between products. Personally, I love the look of the Collinite and use it on top of the Blackfire sealant I have. Your steps are wash, clay/decontaminate if needed, compound/polish if needed, last step product.

 

[Bankss550]

Anytime I've applied it, the car was polished prior to applying wax. I've never noticed any dulling and my previous car was a 09 black accord. With my mustang, I've been using Adams Guard and Gloss just to try out. Haven't tried collinite.

 

[Emt1581]

Feel like I need to ask for some help here. I've only every used the scrub brushes and turtle wax/cleaner in a mop bucket at my station to wash my beaters.

With the Mustang, I'm seeing a bunch of terms I don't understand. Hell, I've never even waxed a car before. Never owned one worth waxing.

If anyone is able to break things down a bit and them maybe let me know what will keep my car looking new for decades, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

-Emt1581

 

[Labradog]

Check out AMMO NYC and Obsessed Garage on YouTube. Some great info. Matt Moreman of Obsessed Garage is actually on this forum. Once you get a baseline you'll be able to ask more specific questions about products and techniques

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