What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[skinnyb]

My knees were definitely barking at me yesterday morning when I woke up LOL.

It was my lower back when I did my Mazda :(

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[skinnyb]

I mentioned the other day how I am heavily guided by my sense of smell in just about every area of my life. I have a very strong sense of smell, to the point where I can smell things others can't. Scent is also strongly tied with memories for me, both pleasant and unpleasant. This is both a blessing and a curse.

I decided to write this post after I had someone question why product reviewers put so much emphasis on scent when evaluating products. And they had a point, the scent has no bearing on how the product performs. But then that doesn't account for several key reasons why scent becomes an important part of product evaluation.

So, when it comes to me assessing a product, naturally scent is going to be part of that. If a product performs well but has an unpleasant odour, I will pretty much hate the product entirely. The Turtle Wax foaming tire cleaner is a good example of this. On a very good product, sometimes a pleasant scent is the icing, which in turn gets mentioned because it contributes to the overall user experience.

However, a scent CAN NOT mask a bad product. I've had countless nice smelling products that got used once and never again because of how badly they perform at the intended task. This gets mentioned in reviews because it shows a product that has style over substance. Hello Bilt Hamber Trace-less or Auto Finesse Lather.

In 99% of cases, the scent of a car cleaning product has no bearing on its actual performance. And yet, the majority of detailing brands add scent to their products. In theory, they could eliminate scent entirely and increase their product margins, or even charge less. But then, where do they stop with that way of thinking? Do they eliminate colours as well? Have a universal bottle rather than bottles unique to certain brands? Do they all use basic labels with no branding? And what would we end up with? Pretty much one single "brand" with very little to tell them apart. But, I can guarantee "we" would come up with another way to determine differentiating elements between each competing product.

ADS Pilot, one of my current favorite scents, which I'm told is Spiced Pear.

And yet, none of this explains the pleasure I get from foaming a nice smelling soap and taking in the perfumed air. So, naturally I'm going to mention this in a review or when talking about a product.

This leads me to two detailing scents that bring back pleasant memories, both of them soaps…………………..

First, we go back to a 17-year old DFB, circa late 2003 and into 2004. I remember the year because in October 2003, Kylie released her latest album, Body Language, which was unlike any other before or after in not being her usual syrupy pop. One could say it was "Sweet Music" So where does this relate to detailing? Well, I would be out in the driveway on a warm Friday or Saturday night washing my parents’ cars listening to that album.

And the distinctive scent? Well, that was Armor All Car Wash, you know, the cheap blue one sold everywhere. From memory, my Mum would buy it at the supermarket for me. At that age, and back then, there was NOTHING like the choice we have today. I would eventually “upgrade” to Meguiar’s NXT and Gold Class……………….but you always remember your first.

It’s hard to describe the scent of that soap, it's not the usual cherry or citrus aroma that is common for car wash soaps. But it's so distinctive, to the point where when I bought a bottle for nostalgia last year, nothing has changed. But to me, this particular scent means more than just cheap car wash soap sold at the supermarket. It reminds me of a carefree time, one that we only realise many years down the road. That soap and it sent represents me discovering the joy that detailing brings. And………………………………Kylie Minogue, of course.

The second scent takes me back to 2020. And we all know what was happening in 2020, and ultimately what would continue to happen for several years. As someone who worked in retail, I was glad to be stuck home during the lockdowns for two reasons. As a diabetic, I was terrified of catching Covid and the possible complications. And secondly, it meant time away from work and a break from the stress I was under. Being in the country with a backyard and plenty of things to tinker with, I didn’t have to endure the horrible situation my poor sister had living in a Melbourne apartment.

In January 2020, I bought my first bottle of Carpro Reset, but didn’t start using it until mid-March. I don’t know how or where I learnt about this soap, but it was clearly evident that this is a very premium product, to the point where I would ration it. Every time I used that soap, it was like a special treat. But the pleasant thing about Reset is how it does
both form and function so well. It has great free rinsing ability, a highly concentrated formula so a little goes a long way, amazing slickness, great cleaning ability and these days, brilliant foam quality.

But it was the scent that had me hooked. Again, it’s hard to put a finger on what Reset smells like, suffice to say it’s totally unique and not something you will smell from other brands. Perhaps that’s why I love it so much, that I can’t get that same intoxicating aroma elsewhere.

It was also around this time when I started to dig even deeper into the detailing rabbit hole. With bulk time on my hands, I continued to expand my detailing skills and began devoting more time to writing about it. You see, not only was I learning, but I was also keeping my mind and body active. I ended up doing a “Daily Detail” series, and when I ran out of my own cars, I started doing other peoples…………………in a “Covid Safe” manner or course.

While there was a LOT going on during that time, a LOT has changed since then. Thankfully, Reset has remained THE benchmark soap. Washing my car with this super fancy soap was such a treat and became a lovely distraction to chaos around me. And that scent, well it brings back a mixture of good and bad emotions. The bad? Well, that would be fear, frustration, uncertainty. But balancing that were feelings of relief, the discovery of something new, leaning into what makes ME happy and not the expectations of others. All from a bottle of car wash soap.

So, what car detailing scent brings back memories for you?

Good stuff... I agree, Reset is THE BEST soap in both function and user experience. I also ration it, I have so many others I can use though... But it is a special treat to use Reset, I usually reserve for a deep clean (sometimes coupled with Lift and/or Descale)...

I used some soap I got at the local auto parts store when I was a teenager/young adult, it was a reddish pink color, in a clear gallon size jug, I can't remember what its called but I distinctly remember that smell.. It was such a premium feeling soap at the time, as my parents always used Dawn dish soap ...

 

[kilobravo]

..but you always remember your first.

Oh yeah, we definitely remember the first, D. <BIG smile>

Unfortunately, my sense of smell isn't what it used to be and honestly, I don't notice product scent very often. Nonetheless, today's "What's in DFB's Cabinet" was, without a doubt, one of your best and most endearing posts. Sorry about the Diabetes, I didn't know, but I assume it's under control.

And..the next time I wash the car, and I always use Reset (thanks to you,) I'll pay more attention to the scent. :=)

Great post!

 

[Evolvd]

Washed the vert this morning and decided on KC GFX. Foamed up and rinsed followed by a contact wash with GFX. Wheels cleaned with Brake Buster and tyres stripped with CarPro Retyre followed up with Stoner Bug & Tar.

Gyeon Wet Coat applied to wheels and rinsed off. Blown dry with my Ego 765 and then towel wiped with ADS Amplify. Glass duties were handled by Bilt Hamber Traceless. My first time using it and I’m impressed. Zero streaking or hazing left behind.

ADS Ghost on the tires for that nice satin finish.

Unfortunately I saw this during wipe down

Corrosion under the paint on the hood edge I haven’t seen this before so it’s relatively new. Guess I’ll let it run its course until it’s time to replace the hood.

 

[FKE SNK]

It's that time of year for everyone it looks like.

I pulled the Shelby down off the lift last night and washed it for the first time since Nov.
Normally I use GSF but mixed it up with Reset this time. I really like it - it foams much easier with less product and even on a coated car, it remains active for a good amount of time.

After that I opened a brand new bottle of Amplify and used it as a drying aid - another great rec by the OP here. This stuff is easy mode bead maker. Maybe not quite as slick but that could be due to the coating.

 

[Mikepol2]

I’d like to thank you guys for your help, the polish and ceramic helped me win an award today at the first car show one guy said the paint looks like he could dive into it!

 

[skinnyb]

First obligatory wash of my daily driver after coating. Waited the recommended 2 weeks before exposing to "chemicals". Did a full on wash after 2 long weeks of driving. Soap of choice today was NV Snow followed by a blow dry and Amplify on my Carpro Dhydrate drying towel.. I sometimes forget what an awesome soap that is. Cleans well, foams good, slick, hits all the buttons.. The grape smell is a little weird but otherwise solid choice.

And I must say WOW the water behavior of Gyeon MOHS is INSANE... I am impressed, now to see how well it holds up, it has to hold up better than CanCoat...

 

[MAGS1]

First obligatory wash of my daily driver after coating. Waited the recommended 2 weeks before exposing to "chemicals". Did a full on wash after 2 long weeks of driving. Soap of choice today was NV Snow followed by a blow dry and Amplify on my Carpro Dhydrate drying towel.. I sometimes forget what an awesome soap that is. Cleans well, foams good, slick, hits all the buttons.. The grape smell is a little weird but otherwise solid choice.

And I must say WOW the water behavior of Gyeon MOHS is INSANE... I am impressed, now to see how well it holds up, it has to hold up better than CanCoat...

2 weeks, wow! That’s quite a long time. For reference, the ADS coating states 7 days

 

[DFB5.0]

Oh yeah, we definitely remember the first, D. <BIG smile>

Unfortunately, my sense of smell isn't what it used to be and honestly, I don't notice product scent very often. Nonetheless, today's "What's in DFB's Cabinet" was, without a doubt, one of your best and most endearing posts. Sorry about the Diabetes, I didn't know, but I assume it's under control.

And..the next time I wash the car, and I always use Reset (thanks to you,) I'll pay more attention to the scent. :=)

Great post!

I've had diabetes since I was 6-years old, just on 33 years now. Back then, the symptoms weren't well understood, not like it is now. I say that because the "family" doctor ignored my symptoms, and the teachers thought I was faking being unwell......................"go sit in the shade for a while.............."

That doctor should have been sued as I ended up in intensive care because of his negligence. I say "family" doctor because he treated everyone on my mother's side of the family for decades. After my weeks in hospital, Mum never went back to this guy and signed up with a new practice, which the rest of the family thought was an overreaction. My father calls he the "horse doctor". The guy has only just recently retired, and he wasn't a young man back then either. The lawsuit never happened because several key people, including nurses, discouraged it. As in my parents would spend too much time, money and energy trying to prove what he did (or didn't do), at the expense of getting me better.

Back then, diabetes treatment was archaic. Try telling that to a 6-year old, my parents had to pin me down to administer twice daily injections of insulin with old school syringes. Glucose meters were size of a modern iPhone, required a sizable sample and took 60 - 90 seconds to show a result. The lances were basically a hole punch.







Glucose machines evolved, requiring less blood and offered results much quicker. Syringes were replaced by pens with disposable tips. While most these days are on an insulin pump, I have resisted it due to both cost and the fact it doesn't suit my active lifestyle.

I actually did ask to be put on a pump a few years ago as I was struggling at the time, however my endo actually discouraged it. Instead, he suggested I start using a glucose sensor and see how I responded. This is going back a few years now, but at the time these sensors were $95 + shipping EACH, and they only last 14-days. So, basically $200 a month. However, the difference it made to my life meant I had no choice but to pay that price. Thankfully, the sensors are now government subsidized, only costing me $15 each and available from my chemist.

These sensors are out the size and thickness of a coin. They have a very fine filament that sits just under the skin to provide, which is installed at home. I initially could feel the filament, but not now. The first versions required you to scan the sensor with the corresponding glucose meter, or via the camera on your phone. They are now fully integrated with your phone via Bluetooth, meaning you no longer need to scan, the readings are updated ever 60-seconds and transmitted to your phone. It also gives predictions, as in a downward arrow means your glucose is going low, which means you can pick up a hypo before it becomes dangerous. The app also displays average readings, and my endo can link up to it when attending my routine checkups.

Because of my line of work, I prefer to have them covered with specially made patches. The early sensors needed to be open in the middle to allow for scanning, but the new ones don't need that due to the Bluetooth connection. You can also have a bit of fun with them, which is probably for young kids.

The key thing with the sensor is that I no longer have to do physical blood tests anymore, which is handy when you are mid-way through a job and covered in dirt and grass clippings. No more washing hands, unpacking the meter, setting it up, punching, squeezing.....................................all I do now is pull out my phone. It's also taken out a lot of guesswork. A life changer for sure.

 

[skinnyb]

2 weeks, wow! That’s quite a long time. For reference, the ADS coating states 7 days

Yeah, I cheated at the 1 week mark and sprayed with DIY rinseless and hosed the worst of the film off. I couldn't stand it...

 

[skinnyb]

I've had diabetes since I was 6-years old, just on 33 years now. Back then, the symptoms weren't well understood, not like it is now. I say that because the "family" doctor ignored my symptoms, and the teachers thought I was faking being unwell......................"go sit in the shade for a while.............."

That doctor should have been sued as I ended up in intensive care because of his negligence. I say "family" doctor because he treated everyone on my mother's side of the family for decades. After my weeks in hospital, Mum never went back to this guy and signed up with a new practice, which the rest of the family thought was an overreaction. My father calls he the "horse doctor". The guy has only just recently retired, and he wasn't a young man back then either. The lawsuit never happened because several key people, including nurses, discouraged it. As in my parents would spend too much time, money and energy trying to prove what he did (or didn't do), at the expense of getting me better.

Back then, diabetes treatment was archaic. Try telling that to a 6-year old, my parents had to pin me down to administer twice daily injections of insulin with old school syringes. Glucose meters were size of a modern iPhone, required a sizable sample and took 60 - 90 seconds to show a result. The lances were basically a hole punch.





Glucose machines evolved, requiring less blood and offered results much quicker. Syringes were replaced by pens with disposable tips. While most these days are on an insulin pump, I have resisted it due to both cost and the fact it doesn't suit my active lifestyle.

I actually did ask to be put on a pump a few years ago as I was struggling at the time, however my endo actually discouraged it. Instead, he suggested I start using a glucose sensor and see how I responded. This is going back a few years now, but at the time these sensors were $95 + shipping EACH, and they only last 14-days. So, basically $200 a month. However, the difference it made to my life meant I had no choice but to pay that price. Thankfully, the sensors are now government subsidized, only costing me $15 each and available from my chemist.

These sensors are out the size and thickness of a coin. They have a very fine filament that sits just under the skin to provide, which is installed at home. I initially could feel the filament, but not now. The first versions required you to scan the sensor with the corresponding glucose meter, or via the camera on your phone. They are now fully integrated with your phone via Bluetooth, meaning you no longer need to scan, the readings are updated ever 60-seconds and transmitted to your phone. It also gives predictions, as in a downward arrow means your glucose is going low, which means you can pick up a hypo before it becomes dangerous. The app also displays average readings, and my endo can link up to it when attending my routine checkups.

Because of my line of work, I prefer to have them covered with specially made patches. The early sensors needed to be open in the middle to allow for scanning, but the new ones don't need that due to the Bluetooth connection. You can also have a bit of fun with them, which is probably for young kids.

The key thing with the sensor is that I no longer have to do physical blood tests anymore, which is handy when you are mid-way through a job and covered in dirt and grass clippings. No more washing hands, unpacking the meter, setting it up, punching, squeezing.....................................all I do now is pull out my phone. It's also taken out a lot of guesswork. A life changer for sure.

My mother in law was a brittle type 1, she had a pump the last few years of her life and it was a game changer. This was before the CGM sensors... I myself am a Type 2, I have used the sensors as well for a time, I agree, they are awesome... They were really expensive at the time I had them, the Libre 2 was brand new, and would routinely fall off due to sweat in the summer (didn't think of covers), so once I saw I was pretty controlled I stopped using them.. I need to try the one that auto links, I have a friend that uses that one, very nice.

 

[DFB5.0]

My mother in law was a brittle type 1, she had a pump the last few years of her life and it was a game changer. This was before the CGM sensors... I myself am a Type 2, I have used the sensors as well for a time, I agree, they are awesome... They were really expensive at the time I had them, the Libre 2 was brand new, and would routinely fall off due to sweat in the summer (didn't think of covers), so once I saw I was pretty controlled I stopped using them.. I need to try the one that auto links, I have a friend that uses that one, very nice.

Actually, my first experience was as a free trial by the company who sells them here, so basically one free sensor and a how-to session. I hated it! The earliest version was woefully inaccurate, to the point where I just couldn't trust it to make judgements on how much insulin to take. Everyone told me that there was a lag time due to the sensor reading the fluid just under the skin and not blood, but there were occasions where I was having to do a blood test because the massive discrepancy in how I felt and what the sensor was saying. In other words, I didn't see value in paying $100 a fortnight and not being able to trust it.

I returned to the Libre a few years later, which by then had gone through a few major updates. Within the first few days, I knew I could trust it. Within the first week, it was an absolute life changer and my control improved significantly. Then once they updated to the continuous Bluetooth connection, it meant I didn't look like a twit waving my phone under my armpit.

My early trials with the Libre had me in panic over them possibly falling off. Which at $100 a pop, it was certainly a valid concern. And if it does fall off, you can't put it back on, its means fitting a new one. I messed about with clear medical tapes, but they lasted a day or two. After mentioning it on another forum, someone with two diabetic daughters suggested I try RockaDex, who make a variety of glucose sensor patches to safeguard the sensor from an active lifestyle. These basically solved my issue, giving me the confidence to wear the sensors without fear.

Dexcom, Medtronic, Freestyle Libre, Pump & Omni-Pod Accessories – RockaDex

There has only been one occasion where it ended in tears. I had to have an MRI a day after fitting a new sensor. Of course, you can't through the MRI machine with metal or electronics, so off came a brand-new sensor, a $100 down the drain. To make matters worse, I didn't have a spare at home, and being a Friday, there was no chance of getting another sensor until at least Tuesday or Wednesday the next week. Going back to blood tests for a week was hard to take, like my freedom had been robbed.

 

[skinnyb]

Actually, my first experience was as a free trial by the company who sells them here, so basically one free sensor and a how-to session. I hated it! The earliest version was woefully inaccurate, to the point where I just couldn't trust it to make judgements on how much insulin to take. Everyone told me that there was a lag time due to the sensor reading the fluid just under the skin and not blood, but there were occasions where I was having to do a blood test because the massive discrepancy in how I felt and what the sensor was saying. In other words, I didn't see value in paying $100 a fortnight and not being able to trust it.

I returned to the Libre a few years later, which by then had gone through a few major updates. Within the first few days, I knew I could trust it. Within the first week, it was an absolute life changer and my control improved significantly. Then once they updated to the continuous Bluetooth connection, it meant I didn't look like a twit waving my phone under my armpit.

My early trials with the Libre had me in panic over them possibly falling off. Which at $100 a pop, it was certainly a valid concern. And if it does fall off, you can't put it back on, its means fitting a new one. I messed about with clear medical tapes, but they lasted a day or two. After mentioning it on another forum, someone with two diabetic daughters suggested I try RockaDex, who make a variety of glucose sensor patches to safeguard the sensor from an active lifestyle. These basically solved my issue, giving me the confidence to wear the sensors without fear.

Dexcom, Medtronic, Freestyle Libre, Pump & Omni-Pod Accessories – RockaDex

There has only been one occasion where it ended in tears. I had to have an MRI a day after fitting a new sensor. Of course, you can't through the MRI machine with metal or electronics, so off came a brand-new sensor, a $100 down the drain. To make matters worse, I didn't have a spare at home, and being a Friday, there was no chance of getting another sensor until at least Tuesday or Wednesday the next week. Going back to blood tests for a week was hard to take, like my freedom had been robbed.

Yeah I had at least 3 of them fall off 3 days in when I used them in the summer as I sweat profusely in warmer weather, I had used them all winter and my readings were stable so I just stopped using them. Mine is controlled enough now that I only test every few days, or more frequently if I feel funny, A1C staying stable the last 2 years or so. I have been on the once a week shot for that long now (Mounjaro)...

 

[kilobravo]

I've had diabetes since I was 6-years old, just on 33 years now.

My sincere condolences to you and Alex, Deyon..Diabetes Mellitus is a sinister disease and would be especially aggregious to a six year old.

I have a nephew who has a son with Type 2 and he's also six. He and his wife had a helluva time after he was first diagnosed but things have improved since. Even so, it is life changing as you said.

After my weeks in hospital

I don't generally dis physicians but that guy NEEDED to be sued.

Nonetheless, I'm SO glad your own situation with DM has settled down and has become easily manageable.

Thanks for sharing, D.

 

[DFB5.0]

So, Bunnings (think Home Depot for US readers) have joined the car care and automotive sector. I noticed a few Meguiar's products creeping onto the shelves earlier this year, but they now have an entire isle dedicated to automotive, with several shelves of that on car care. This will undoubtably shake things up a little, which I will explain shortly.

Naturally, with only an isle to work with, they are just stocking the basics, be that lubricants and service fluids, batteries, chargers and jump starters, wiper blades, seat covers, jacks, electrical, air fresheners.....................and car care.

The question is, which of it is worth buying? On the shelves, there is a basic range of products from Meguiar's, Turtle Wax, Mothers, Armor All, Polyglaze, Oakwood, and Machanix. Let's break this down a little, starting with what to avoid.................

Don't Bother -

Let me preface this by saying that the following brands and their products will do the intended job. The sticking point is how well do they do that job? To make these products approachable for all users, ie idiot proof, the chemical formulas account for the lowest common denominator. So, you have to work harder to achieve the desired result. Most notable for me was when I compared a tar remover from Polyglaze to Carpro TarX. Where the cheap product was virtually useless, TarX melts tar before your eyes. Naturally, there is risk to that, which is not a gamble the entry level brands want to take. So, keep this in mind with my comments below.

Turtle Wax - These are all the very bottom of the TW range. Depending on how this pans out, some of the newer and admittedly decent Hybrid-Ceramic Turtle Wax stuff could end up on the shelves. But as it stands, a firm no.

Polyglaze - I know I'm a brand snob, but I just do not see why you would buy these products when much better options exist for similar money, not to mention better performing.

Machanix - Again, why buy these when better exists?

Armor All - I know I probably ruffled feathers with a post I made recently, but I'm sorry, I just don't see a single product worth buying here. If I had to pick one, it would be the blue Car Wash, which at least cleans well.

Worth A Look -

Here are a few items that caught my eye, and this is where the shake up begins........................

Oakwood - There are so many terrible leather care products on the market that are virtually useless on automotive leather/vinyl. However, I was surprised to see this brand has a separate line of for cars. My go to recommendation for leather care via an auto store has been Bowden's Leather Love and Leather Guard. But the Oakwood Leather Foam Cleaner and Leather Cream might be worth looking at. Australian made too.

Meguiar's - Again, Bunning's are only offering the entry level products, but few stand out for me. Gold Class is not my favorite shampoo, but its the best on these shelves and has always excelled at suds and slickness. It will also foam reasonably well. But it's the price that caught my eye, $32.50 for a 1.9 Lt bottle. That same bottle a Repco and Autobarn is $47.00 and $44.99 respectively. In true Bunning's fashion, they have the buying power and ability to undercut everyone!

Secondly, I have aways liked Quick Interior Detailer. This has a nice balance between cleaning power and some very mild dressing potential. Available in the Detailer range, this consumer bottle is the one to buy as the larger size has a strange odor to it. Bunnings are asking $24.80, Repco and Autobahn want $39 and $37 respectively.

The Meguiar's microfiber is also very good, but overpriced for what it is. Even though the Bunning's prices undercut other retailers by $10 - $15, this is an expensive way to buy towels. But, if you are in a bind, they are a worthy option. If you do buy them, I would 1000% be washing them a couple of times before use, they are in effect sitting unpackaged in a dusty hardware store after all.

Mothers - I once used a lot of Mothers products, and I even have a few key products that are still in rotation. For example, their metal polish is a classic. At $6.03, the same tub will set you back $24.99 at Supercheap.

Another product that caught my eye, the Mothers Shaggy Wash Mitt is nicely priced and suitably soft and fluffy. At $12.80, its more than half the price sold elsewhere. I'm not a fan of wash mitts, but this is far from a bad option. Again, be sure to wash before use.

Now, some of the prices I have quoted for the same products sold at Repco, Supercheap and Autobarn are relative. Quite often, those retailers have rolling discounts, often between 20 - 30%, in turn narrowing the price gap. I've been highly critical of Meguiars approach to RRP's in Australia, especially when a comparable Carpro product costs the same price, or even less. It's a no brainer in that situation. However, the Meguiar's RRP prices are purposely inflated to make the sale price seem more impressive that it really is. So, I suspect the prices that Bunning's are putting on these products are where they SHOULD have been priced all along.

The big question is, will other retailers follow? Probably not, Bunning's have the ability to name their wholesale prices, then charge whatever they like, in turn running others out of business. So, their foray into automotive is following true to type. The real question is, how far do they take it?

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