- 3,202
- Murcie LP710
The detailing and washing thread
- Thread starter Moglet
- 356 comments
- 31,395 views
- 2,790
- Vancouver, BC
- liampage123
I love detailing! Just starting up my own business. Any other folks on GTP share the same love?
Here is a video I just uploaded on how to clean carpet stains.
Thoughts?
Here is a video I just uploaded on how to clean carpet stains.
Thoughts?
- 3,202
- Murcie LP710
I like detailing my car surprisingly considering how lazy I usually am. Ol' SIC EM needs a good clean soon, and then probably again 5 minutes after because this yellow is terribad for dirt.
Also:
[url]https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/the-detailing-and-washing-thread.114139/[/URL]
Also:
[url]https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/the-detailing-and-washing-thread.114139/[/URL]
- 2,790
- Vancouver, BC
- liampage123
How I clean stains from car carpet.
- 430
- QLD,Brisbane
I work as a Car detailer at Andrews Airport Parking/ Gateway Airport Parking near Brisbane Airport..it's a good job..get some cool cars every now and then
- 2,790
- Vancouver, BC
- liampage123
Nice! Hopefully in a couple years when my business grows, my target market will be wealthy people with nice cars, thats where the money is.
RocZX
Premium
- 8,849
- New York
You already have another thread on starting a car detailing business
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/automotive-detailing.288581/
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/automotive-detailing.288581/
- 430
- QLD,Brisbane
True that..but remember they are extremely fussy..they paid a lot for thier cars..they want a real pro job on cleaning..I am talking like finger prints on door frames, or on door handles ect!
- 2,790
- Vancouver, BC
- liampage123
Good to know, I can start being more aware of those details. Thats crazy BTW lol.
- 430
- QLD,Brisbane
Yeah mate..that's nothing really LOL..they are super picky especillt for dealers. no dirt what so ever on mag wheels, not one bit of dust in interior, door pockets, ash trays, door jams..mirrors ect
- 430
- QLD,Brisbane
Like oh there is a tiny bit of dirt on the car's badge..or the interior sill has one bit of dirt on it
EG
on one of many trips to Audi Centre Brisbane..I put a cloth down in an Audi A4 wagon I think it was..drove all the way from Red Clif to Brisbane Audi Centre and pulled the cloth off the carpet slowly..but still there was some dirt in the footwell...guss what the car went back to Red Clif..
That's a distance of about 31 km each way!
EG
on one of many trips to Audi Centre Brisbane..I put a cloth down in an Audi A4 wagon I think it was..drove all the way from Red Clif to Brisbane Audi Centre and pulled the cloth off the carpet slowly..but still there was some dirt in the footwell...guss what the car went back to Red Clif..
That's a distance of about 31 km each way!
- 11,985
- Australia
- I_Grayson_Fox_I
I love detailing too.
I spend about 6 hours detailing my car.
Before
After
To get a good shine on any car you need to follow the bible of detailing.
Rinse down any loose dirt off the wheels
Apply a good no acid based wheel cleaner
Using a microfiber brush or towel work in the product then wash it off
When the wheels are dry apply a sealant
--------------------------
Use Snowfoam or some other kind of pre-wash to remove the dirt
Use 2 buckets
Use a Grit guard in the buckets
Don't bother with those wash+wax shampoos
After washing, rise then use a de-tar on the car to remove tar deposits
Then use a De-Iron product to remove iron deposits
Then wash the car again(yes i am serious)
Then clay the car
Then give it a good rinse
Then dry with a drying towel that is atleast 700gsm
Then polish the car
^If you are not confident dont worry/if it does not need it dont worry
If you polished wipe the car down with a mixture of 5 parts water to 1 part IPA to remove polish residue
Then apply a glaze to the car
Then apply the wax
When the tires are dry apply a tire shine
---------------------------------
Cleaning the windows
Start with a Waffle towel and spray down the window with any kind of window cleaner
Rub down the window till it is fully clean.
Then apply a product like RainX or Gtechiq G5 to seal the window and bead any water off.
I spend about 6 hours detailing my car.
Before
After
To get a good shine on any car you need to follow the bible of detailing.
Rinse down any loose dirt off the wheels
Apply a good no acid based wheel cleaner
Using a microfiber brush or towel work in the product then wash it off
When the wheels are dry apply a sealant
--------------------------
Use Snowfoam or some other kind of pre-wash to remove the dirt
Use 2 buckets
Use a Grit guard in the buckets
Don't bother with those wash+wax shampoos
After washing, rise then use a de-tar on the car to remove tar deposits
Then use a De-Iron product to remove iron deposits
Then wash the car again(yes i am serious)
Then clay the car
Then give it a good rinse
Then dry with a drying towel that is atleast 700gsm
Then polish the car
^If you are not confident dont worry/if it does not need it dont worry
If you polished wipe the car down with a mixture of 5 parts water to 1 part IPA to remove polish residue
Then apply a glaze to the car
Then apply the wax
When the tires are dry apply a tire shine
---------------------------------
Cleaning the windows
Start with a Waffle towel and spray down the window with any kind of window cleaner
Rub down the window till it is fully clean.
Then apply a product like RainX or Gtechiq G5 to seal the window and bead any water off.
Rotary Junkie
Premium
- 9,810
- Canton, MI
- RJs_RX-7
Razor blades.
Spray the window down with your preferred glass cleaner and scrape the problem areas with a razor. Don't drag the tip along the window, but use it just like an ice scraper in winter. Then wipe it down with your choice of paper towel/newspaper/microfiber/waffle towel.
Spray the window down with your preferred glass cleaner and scrape the problem areas with a razor. Don't drag the tip along the window, but use it just like an ice scraper in winter. Then wipe it down with your choice of paper towel/newspaper/microfiber/waffle towel.
- 3,155
- 49°16'43.22"N 81°37'50.21W
- mikeybc
Just don't use cheap blades, cheap low quality blades increase the chance of a scratch. I found good quality Olfa stainless steel blades work very well.
- 4,213
- Puerto Rico
- motortrend
I worked last summer at a car wash which was supposed to be on the high end side. Honestly the procedures are much better than other car washes offered here and they had good attention to detail but I would not take my own car there. Like you said, people with cash tend to care about the dirty door sills, dust on the console or fingerprints but in my experience most don't give a rat's ass about swirls nor chrome stains and scratches and like their tires to look nice and wet. It's not my thing but I'm not the one paying
- 8,191
- Southern Louisiana
- GTP_Kent
If you guys really want to see some of the best detailers I've ever heard of or seen...
Detailers Domain
http://www.detailersdomain.net/
The most recent video of them doing a BMW 1m is a perfect example of the difference between wanna be amateurs and the real deal detailers.
If I had access to a detail shop or individual with their level of skill I'd use them twice a year no doubt.
As for my routine...
Pretty straight forward two bucket wash with meguiers gold, scrub on the wheels, and a little time on interior. I never really wax because I don't know much about how to do waxing. I've wanted to learn more but quickly forget about it and end up driving more than detailing.
Detailers Domain
http://www.detailersdomain.net/
The most recent video of them doing a BMW 1m is a perfect example of the difference between wanna be amateurs and the real deal detailers.
If I had access to a detail shop or individual with their level of skill I'd use them twice a year no doubt.
As for my routine...
Pretty straight forward two bucket wash with meguiers gold, scrub on the wheels, and a little time on interior. I never really wax because I don't know much about how to do waxing. I've wanted to learn more but quickly forget about it and end up driving more than detailing.
- 2,790
- Vancouver, BC
- liampage123
If you guys really want to see some of the best detailers I've ever heard of or seen...
Detailers Domain
http://www.detailersdomain.net/
The most recent video of them doing a BMW 1m is a perfect example of the difference between wanna be amateurs and the real deal detailers.
If I had access to a detail shop or individual with their level of skill I'd use them twice a year no doubt.
As for my routine...
Pretty straight forward two bucket wash with meguiers gold, scrub on the wheels, and a little time on interior. I never really wax because I don't know much about how to do waxing. I've wanted to learn more but quickly forget about it and end up driving more than detailing.
- 5,833
- Right behind you
- SRV2NV
Meguiar's Glass Cleaner...even evaporates and doesn't leave residue or streaks on painted surfaces.
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g8224-perfect-clarity-glass-cleaner-trigger-spray/
If you're leaving streaks on the windows, clean them again and keep working the cloth. I use a glass polishing cloth and use tight swirls. Makes it worse if the person smokes inside the car, I'll usually clean their windows 2-3 times before actually polishing the glass just to make sure I get all the tobacco residue off the window.
- 12,895
- Cambridge
- Moglet85
- Moglet
Pretty straight forward two bucket wash with meguiers gold, scrub on the wheels, and a little time on interior. I never really wax because I don't know much about how to do waxing. I've wanted to learn more but quickly forget about it and end up driving more than detailing.
Waxing/applying any last stage product is fairly easy as long as you use the right place to apply it and a good technique. Basically:
-Don't apply wax to hot panels or in direct sunlight
-Don't apply it too thickly
-Make sure you're aware of how long it needs to stay on before removing it
👍
Now, polishing on the other hand, can take ages to learn how to do properly. I keep meaning to get a dual action polisher, a 3 stage polish kit and some pads to practice but I never seem to find the time.
- 1,817
- Weirs Beach, NH
- RS73private
With my Mini, (06 Cooper) I use about the same techniques as everyone else. Wax every few months or so, hose down, warm water with car shampoo, rinse, dry with a "water magnet" thing, clean wheels, and armor all glass cleaner. I clean the rubber floor mats, vacuum the inside, leather protectant every few weeks.
However, how to clean a DeLorean:
Rinse off with hose
Use DeLorean-made stainless steel cleaner and a pad.
Rinse off after a minute
Dry
Clean wheels, tires, windows and interior like any other car.
Do NOT use soap or worse, a car wash.
However, how to clean a DeLorean:
Rinse off with hose
Use DeLorean-made stainless steel cleaner and a pad.
Rinse off after a minute
Dry
Clean wheels, tires, windows and interior like any other car.
Do NOT use soap or worse, a car wash.
Joey D
Premium
- 47,438
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
Any tips on cleaning the frame of a truck? I want to prep it to spray it with bed liner but I haven't found a way to really clean it good just yet. I hit it with the power washer when I'm doing a car wash, but that doesn't seem to blast away the caked on mud very well.
Also, I don't know if anyone has ever used Fluid Film, but I've spray down my suspension components and they resist mud, dirt and water like a champ. It's lanolin oil based so it's pretty greasy, but apparently the Tacoma forums swear by the stuff for the winter months.
Also, I don't know if anyone has ever used Fluid Film, but I've spray down my suspension components and they resist mud, dirt and water like a champ. It's lanolin oil based so it's pretty greasy, but apparently the Tacoma forums swear by the stuff for the winter months.
- 34,949
- Indian Falls, NY
- slashfan7964
Joey D
Premium
- 47,438
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
So over cleaner did a really good job, I bought some from Dollar General since it was cheap. Sprayed it on and let it sit for a couple of minutes then blasted it at a quarter car wash, it took probably 90% of the grime off and then I sprayed everything down with Simple Green. After blasting it again I'd say probably 95% of the grime is off of it. I'll probably just wipe it down with WD-40 to get the remaining stuff off and then clean it off with mineral spirits before priming it.
- 13,827
- Down under
So after a brief chat with @GDII, maybe a car detailing thread is in order !
I'll kick it off with my box of kit and material:
Pre-soak
I dont have a HPW and don't want to spend $100 on a foam gun for a regular hose, so my solution was to get:
- A $10 insecticide sprayer
- Fill it part way with some old ArmorAll car shampoo I bought when I didnt know any better and give the car a good soapy high pressure coating that way
Wheels
I am on the lookout for new product, but ArmorAll wheel cleaner is actually surprising me with it's efficiency.
Today my Kent microfibre wheel brush arrived to replace my rather nasty plastic brush
Tyres
Still doing some research into this one. I am currently using Turtle Wax Jet Black Endura. It is a water based dye, which needs to be applied with gloves and left to dry after the rubber has been scrubbed clean. To it's credit, it lasts 2-3 months before the slight sheen disappears. It remains steadfastly black though, so overall it is actually pretty good and the product goes far.
Shampoo
Meguairs Gold Class all the way. Pretty cheap and goes far. More importantly, suds well.
Application
Buckets and Meguairs Lamb's Wool Mitt does duty.
On the drying side, I am trying Bowden's Own Big Bugger synthetic chamois which is a cross between a microfibre and a regular synthetic chamois. So far so good.
Wax/ Sealant
I am a big Collinite 845 fan boi
Cost's little and will last eons if applied correctly. Doesn't take that long to apply either. I use foam applicators and buff out with microfibre.
Top-up wax
Collinite is every few months or as needed, but with my regular wash I use Meguairs Ultimate Quik Wax. I am not blown away with it, but it helps avoid dry spots when wiping down and the protection seems ok. I'll probably try Sonax Speed Wax when this bottle is finished.
Quick detailer
I have Turtle Wax Ice Detailer for muck between washes (bird do, bugs etc).
Interior
Meguairs Leather conditioner for the leather trim.
Windows = normal Windex/ Windolene.
Other odds n ends: 2x buckets, more microfibres then I need and an adjustable hose spray head.
That is all. For now 
I'll kick it off with my box of kit and material:
Pre-soak
I dont have a HPW and don't want to spend $100 on a foam gun for a regular hose, so my solution was to get:
- A $10 insecticide sprayer
- Fill it part way with some old ArmorAll car shampoo I bought when I didnt know any better and give the car a good soapy high pressure coating that way
Wheels
I am on the lookout for new product, but ArmorAll wheel cleaner is actually surprising me with it's efficiency.
Today my Kent microfibre wheel brush arrived to replace my rather nasty plastic brush
Tyres
Still doing some research into this one. I am currently using Turtle Wax Jet Black Endura. It is a water based dye, which needs to be applied with gloves and left to dry after the rubber has been scrubbed clean. To it's credit, it lasts 2-3 months before the slight sheen disappears. It remains steadfastly black though, so overall it is actually pretty good and the product goes far.
Shampoo
Meguairs Gold Class all the way
. Pretty cheap and goes far. More importantly, suds well.Application
Buckets and Meguairs Lamb's Wool Mitt does duty.
On the drying side, I am trying Bowden's Own Big Bugger synthetic chamois which is a cross between a microfibre and a regular synthetic chamois. So far so good.
Wax/ Sealant
I am a big Collinite 845 fan boi
Cost's little and will last eons if applied correctly. Doesn't take that long to apply either. I use foam applicators and buff out with microfibre.Top-up wax
Collinite is every few months or as needed, but with my regular wash I use Meguairs Ultimate Quik Wax. I am not blown away with it, but it helps avoid dry spots when wiping down and the protection seems ok. I'll probably try Sonax Speed Wax when this bottle is finished.
Quick detailer
I have Turtle Wax Ice Detailer for muck between washes (bird do, bugs etc).
Interior
Meguairs Leather conditioner for the leather trim.
Windows = normal Windex/ Windolene.
Other odds n ends: 2x buckets, more microfibres then I need and an adjustable hose spray head.
That is all
. For now
Last edited:
- 365
- Michigan
- Ze_Elephant
Ooh, detailing! I watch AMMO NYC videos way too much, so I like to believe I know what I'm doing. As for my gear, I'm slowly building it up (and stealing Mike Rotch's format):
Pre-Soak
I don't have anything for pre-soak yet, but I'd at least like to find a cheap foam gun, or even copy what @Mike Rotch has. Something is better than nothing.
Wheels
I recently picked up some Meguiar's Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner, and I'm pretty happy with how it's done so far. Pairing it with a cheapo medium-strength bristle brush and I'm pretty happy with it. Some light scrubbing and it takes tons of brake dust off.
Tires
I don't have any gel or tire shine at this point, but I'll probably pick some up in the spring, even though my car really doesn't deserve it.
Shampoo
I picked up a one gallon jug of Meguiar's Shampoo Plus that's crazy concentrated. It has a warning label on it and needs to be diluted 128:1, so I think it'll last a while.
Application
I'm in need of another bucket for a proper rinse bucket, but otherwise I have a wash bucket and wheel bucket, along with a sorta nice microfiber wash mitt. To dry, I use Larry's method from AMMO, I take a large microfiber and treat it like a chamois. Works pretty nicely, I think.
Wax/Sealant
I just picked up some Auto Shield synthetic wax/sealant stuff from work a little while ago. There's not a ton of information out there about it, but I know my uncle uses it to protect all five of his Corvettes and they look fantastic, so I figure it must work pretty well.
I also have some Mother's wax and scratch remover, along with carnauba wax that I find I use more on my trombones than I do my car.
Apart from that, I'd just like to keep building my supplies up and keep making my family's cars look great. Still gotta wash my brother's new Impala though...
Pre-Soak
I don't have anything for pre-soak yet, but I'd at least like to find a cheap foam gun, or even copy what @Mike Rotch has. Something is better than nothing.
Wheels
I recently picked up some Meguiar's Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner, and I'm pretty happy with how it's done so far. Pairing it with a cheapo medium-strength bristle brush and I'm pretty happy with it. Some light scrubbing and it takes tons of brake dust off.
Tires
I don't have any gel or tire shine at this point, but I'll probably pick some up in the spring, even though my car really doesn't deserve it.
Shampoo
I picked up a one gallon jug of Meguiar's Shampoo Plus that's crazy concentrated. It has a warning label on it and needs to be diluted 128:1, so I think it'll last a while.
Application
I'm in need of another bucket for a proper rinse bucket, but otherwise I have a wash bucket and wheel bucket, along with a sorta nice microfiber wash mitt. To dry, I use Larry's method from AMMO, I take a large microfiber and treat it like a chamois. Works pretty nicely, I think.
Wax/Sealant
I just picked up some Auto Shield synthetic wax/sealant stuff from work a little while ago. There's not a ton of information out there about it, but I know my uncle uses it to protect all five of his Corvettes and they look fantastic, so I figure it must work pretty well.
I also have some Mother's wax and scratch remover, along with carnauba wax that I find I use more on my trombones than I do my car.
Apart from that, I'd just like to keep building my supplies up and keep making my family's cars look great. Still gotta wash my brother's new Impala though...
- 5,905
- West Yorkshire
- Katiegan
- KatieB53
Damn, you beat me to it! I've been thinking of making a detailing thread for a while. I don't have a lot of kit myself, though. Back in the day when my parents used to show cars regularly we had all the gear, but not so much now. I need to stock back up for myself!
Pre-soak - I have a snowfoam lance for the pressure washer but no snowfoam as of yet.
Wheels - I don't have any wheel cleaner (I think there's some really old Meguiars Hot Wheels buried somewhere but I won't bother touching that) since the Panda only has wheel trims, but I'll be looking to buy some soon.
Tyres - I'm currently using AutoGlym Instant Tyre Dressing after running out of my usual Meguiars Hot Shine, and it sprays white at first which freaked me out the first time I used it. Once it dries it looks really good though. I've found in dry weather it can last a good few weeks, but after applying some on Saturday and doing 80 miles in the rain yesterday, it doesn't even look like I put any on now.
Shampoo - Just some basic Simoniz Shampoo & Wax at the moment that's not the best out there but not the worst either. Got some Gold Class waiting when that's finished with though.
Application - This is where I'll probably be banished from the thread, but... I only have one bucket. I know, I know. I may as well wash my car with sandpaper, although to be honest it looks like the previous owner did that anyway. I'll be buying some proper buckets and grit guards at some point, Clean Your Car is based just a few units down from where I work so I don't really have an excuse.
You'll be glad to hear I use a Meguiars microfibre mitt, though.
Wax/ Sealant - All I really have for waxes/polishes is just really old half-empty bottles from back in the day. I recently bought some Auto Finesse Tripple though and I've yet to try that out.
As for windows/interior, I use a combination of the old faithful ArmorAll dash wipes and Shining Monkey 360 Detailer for obvious reasons. I was pleasantly surprised at the Shining Monkey stuff, it does a decent job at cleaning both the interior and windows. I've yet to try it on the exterior. Says it's for vinyl wraps and matte paint but it's also just a decent general cleaner.
Pre-soak - I have a snowfoam lance for the pressure washer but no snowfoam as of yet.
Wheels - I don't have any wheel cleaner (I think there's some really old Meguiars Hot Wheels buried somewhere but I won't bother touching that) since the Panda only has wheel trims, but I'll be looking to buy some soon.
Tyres - I'm currently using AutoGlym Instant Tyre Dressing after running out of my usual Meguiars Hot Shine, and it sprays white at first which freaked me out the first time I used it. Once it dries it looks really good though. I've found in dry weather it can last a good few weeks, but after applying some on Saturday and doing 80 miles in the rain yesterday, it doesn't even look like I put any on now.
Shampoo - Just some basic Simoniz Shampoo & Wax at the moment that's not the best out there but not the worst either. Got some Gold Class waiting when that's finished with though.
Application - This is where I'll probably be banished from the thread, but... I only have one bucket. I know, I know. I may as well wash my car with sandpaper, although to be honest it looks like the previous owner did that anyway. I'll be buying some proper buckets and grit guards at some point, Clean Your Car is based just a few units down from where I work so I don't really have an excuse.
You'll be glad to hear I use a Meguiars microfibre mitt, though.
Wax/ Sealant - All I really have for waxes/polishes is just really old half-empty bottles from back in the day. I recently bought some Auto Finesse Tripple though and I've yet to try that out.
As for windows/interior, I use a combination of the old faithful ArmorAll dash wipes and Shining Monkey 360 Detailer for obvious reasons. I was pleasantly surprised at the Shining Monkey stuff, it does a decent job at cleaning both the interior and windows. I've yet to try it on the exterior. Says it's for vinyl wraps and matte paint but it's also just a decent general cleaner.
