Hand wash vs car wash

[Aonarch]

Touchless as much as possible. I only use a microfiber towel as a mitt if it is really dirty. When I do that, I use two buckets (One clean, one dirty), and multiple microfiber towels.

I use a leaf blower to force dry it, then finish it up with a special drying towel.

I use CarPro Reload and Hydro2 as paint sealant, keeps it clean and very easy to apply.

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[GitRDone]

I keep going to the car wash - mostly because if you buy it at the pump you get .20 off per gallon of gas that you buy.

My biggest thing for me is that I am very short, 5.1" I already know reaching the high parts is going to be an issue for me, I don't want to waste effort and time if it looks like crap when I am done. As the whether here (MD) is starting to get better I am going to try and wash that truck myself. I know a ladder and a super extended pole will be needed but if it's crap when I am done - back to the car wash I go!

It's tougher getting to the center of the roof and hood on a lifted truck, but I've had success standing in the bed or on top of one of the front tires.

 

[WOADKIL]

 

[OHTREMOR]

Weather permitting I hand wash with three bucket method and just started using a foam cannon. In between I have several good no touch drive through washes I can use to get off some dirt. Always use microfiber towels to dry. Experimenting with a couple different spray waxes.

 

[Mandalorian]

I use a drive thru car wash near my house then follow up with a clean chamois and I’ve have great results. About every 3-6 months I apply a coat of Chemical Guys Hydroslik ceramic coating with one or two in between wipe downs using spray detailer and the shine is incredible. Reading thru this forum I might change that. My current vehicle is white and as some have mentioned here, the darker colors on my new Ranger will show more light surface marks from the dangly things in the car wash. Looks like a foam cannon is in my future. Still going to use the combo of Hydroslik and Spray detailer between washes.

 

[GlockGirl]

It's tougher getting to the center of the roof and hood on a lifted truck, but I've had success standing in the bed or on top of one of the front tires.

Yes in the bed would be a wonderful idea!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jason B]

I use a professional drive thru car wash. When I get home, I use a spray cleaner to wipe down the areas that the car wash can't get to, like the door sills jambs.

 

[OrangeStreak]

It's tougher getting to the center of the roof and hood on a lifted truck, but I've had success standing in the bed or on top of one of the front tires.

Wash only by hand and use this step ladder. It is light, easy to move around and store, and I can reach the roof easily. Also stand in the bed to get the back part of the roof. For the carpets have to go the coin-operated vac's to get them clean enough, my portable is not strong enough.

 

[Hedgie]

When it rains

 

[halligan1201]

Touchless as much as possible. I only use a microfiber towel as a mitt if it is really dirty. When I do that, I use two buckets (One clean, one dirty), and multiple microfiber towels.

I use a leaf blower to force dry it, then finish it up with a special drying towel.

I use CarPro Reload and Hydro2 as paint sealant, keeps it clean and very easy to apply.

So I have a question about Reload and Hydro2; since they're both sealants, how are you using them in conjunction with each other? I'm thinking Reload twice a year and then Hydro2 a few times in between? And then Elixir between washes?

 

[Aonarch]

So I have a question about Reload and Hydro2; since they're both sealants, how are using them in conjunction with each other? I'm thinking Reload twice a year and then Hydro2 a few times in between? And then Elixir between washes?

Hydro2 is a great to put on top of Reload. Hydro2 adds extra hydrophobic properties.

Quick detailer like Elixir is really good for just cleaning small areas in between washes.

I wouldn't use it on the entire car. I just searched and there are articles saying it is fine, but honestly the lubrication properties aren't great and it can introduce swirls and scratches.

A spray wax would be better for after cleaning the car, but if your paint is already properly sealed, this is a bit overkill, but it won't hurt when done properly.

If you need something in-between washes, a waterless wash spray would be way better.

 

[halligan1201]

Hydro2 is a great to put on top of Reload. Hydro2 adds extra hydrophobic properties.

Quick detailer like Elixir is really good for just cleaning small areas in between washes.

I wouldn't use it on the entire car. I just searched and there are articles saying it is fine, but honestly the lubrication properties aren't great and it can introduce swirls and scratches.

A spray wax would be better.

Ok, I wasn't sure about putting Hydro2 on top of Reload but that makes sense. If you're not using Exilir on the entire car, what product do you recommend?

 

[Aonarch]

Ok, I wasn't sure about putting Hydro2 on top of Reload but that makes sense. If you're not using Exilir on the entire car, what product do you recommend?

I expanded my post, but in-between washes a waterless wash spray is the best.

Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax (This has wax)

or

Adam's Waterless Car Wash (This is waxless)

 

[TheRoushRanger046]

Just used the other day a quick wash place but did use my owl microfiber towels and a nice spray wax. She looked pretty good.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Folks,

Margie and I are going to the Elks club to dance to our favorite band, Desert Treasure and have dinner in the lounge with limited menu. So to arrive in style, I am going to Octopus car wash to give the Nautilus a bath... As we are water conservation aware...this makes the most sense as washing in the driveway can result in a ticket if the water makes its way to the street...although it has never been to be enforced.... Another stupid law on the books....

best,
Phil

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