Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

A wheel cleaner should work fine. What product do you have?

For me, I wash the exhaust tips at each wash, using car soap and my wheel cleaning brushes. This prevents carbon building and baking to the surface. I will use a wheel cleaner (Brake Buster) for cars that need more cleaning ability than soap alone.

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Depending on the finish after washing, you may also decide to polish them too. I use P21S Polishing soap but a metal polish (ie Autosol) should be fine too.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...polishing-soap

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This product is used while the tips are still wet. Simply wet the sponge, swipe over the polish then go to town. Rinse clean afterwards.

Bowdens wheely clean. Probably should buy one of those stiff bristled brushes to scrub them. They seem to stain quite easily. And turn a bronzey colour.

Probably need to hit it with some autosol fairly often.

Cheers.

[T3rminator]

Depending on how your car is tuned, the carbon will just come back within a week or two. I don't think any amount of cleaning or product will help keep it clean long term. I always run degreaser on the outside of the tips after washing then just sponge and rinse it off. Stays shiny for 2 weeks max. The harder you drive the quicker it goes back to being carboned up.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Bowdens wheely clean. Probably should buy one of those stiff bristled brushes to scrub them. They seem to stain quite easily. And turn a bronzey colour.

Probably need to hit it with some autosol fairly often.

Cheers.

Wheely Clean would work fine.

As mentioned, some cars carbon their exhausts worse than others, Volkswagen Group cars in particular. Just have to keep on top of it before it bakes onto the metal.

[anobserver]

Have been using either Nova Jet or Bowdens Fully Slick after three-bucket washing. Have got the hang of them now, without leaving streaks (mostly).

And today, finally got to use the dlux on some of the external trim pieces. It dries gradually so the colour might deepen with time. Potent stuff though, couple of drops on a rag go a long way. Had the garage door open to ventilate, too. Phew.

[CyberWasp]

I was thinking of getting dlux as well.
Let us know how it goes.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Wheely Clean would work fine.

As mentioned, some cars carbon their exhausts worse than others, Volkswagen Group cars in particular. Just have to keep on top of it before it bakes onto the metal.

Being a turbo it would run a bit richer than an na car. But it was leaned off a bit when it was tuned, cause factory tune is too rich. So expected it to be a bit better.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by anobserver

Have been using either Nova Jet or Bowdens Fully Slick after three-bucket washing. Have got the hang of them now, without leaving streaks (mostly).

And today, finally got to use the dlux on some of the external trim pieces. It dries gradually so the colour might deepen with time. Potent stuff though, couple of drops on a rag go a long way. Had the garage door open to ventilate, too. Phew.

yes it sure is potent and does go a long way, hence why they say 1 drop at a time but I got greedy did 2-3 for a longer spread BUT you have to be careful not leaving any on surfaces/paint for eg - for it dries like that airfix plane model glue.
Not good.
I had stuffed up applying on the black trim at the wipers and didn't notice some on the bottom of the windscreen, I thought with the usual razor blade it would scrap off easy, took some elbow grease to clean it up well so warning guys, be careful but its damn great on black trim.

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by FTE217

yes it sure is potent and does go a long way, hence why they say 1 drop at a time but I got greedy did 2-3 for a longer spread BUT you have to be careful not leaving any on surfaces/paint for eg - for it dries like that airfix plane model glue.
Not good.
I had stuffed up applying on the black trim at the wipers and didn't notice some on the bottom of the windscreen, I thought with the usual razor blade it would scrap off easy, took some elbow grease to clean it up well so warning guys, be careful but its damn great on black trim.

I tried to be careful, using it the first time. Cant see any stray drops as yet.

The trim piece was a faded grey bodyside molding, the dlux has removed the colour streaking and left it a uniform colour, which looks great.

[anobserver]

Today we finally got to remove the old fridge and take it away for recycling. In its place is a single door cupboard housing (most of) my car cleaning materials.

Single car garages can get out of hand quickly. I tend to put stuff down and leave it there, on shelves and flat spaces for quick access.



and...



And another little cupboard elsewhere also holding extra rags, a customised country radiator fly shroud etc... I'm sure you get the idea ...

With consolidation, it now looks like this:



Will see how long it stays neat and tidy ....

The hydroscopic coatings are working really well. It mostly stays clean so of late I've gotten into a habit of using a quick detailer, then a quick recoat with either Nova Jet or Bowdens Fully Slick.

I did 2500kms last week and spent days washing and cleaning it up. All the tips I've learnt from DFB have been put to good use.

[Rallye Sport]

I'd been looking for something to revive the foam rear spoiler on the Escort. I've been hesitant about it for a while as its in good condition overall, just a bit faded, but you can't get these anymore so if it was to go pear shaped I'd be up the creek without a paddle.

So after some reading I settled on Mothers Back to Black.
The old 'Rolla is pretty handy as a test mule so I gave it a few coats and left it for a week. Not a bad for a car thats never spent a day in a garage.



So onto the Escort I removed the spoiler from the car and started basting it up. Of course in my haste I didn't take any before shots but believe me the results were amazing, its black and supple again and has dried with no residue.





The XR50 is well overdue for a detail but when it does happen Back to Black will definately be joining the party

[DFB FGXR6]

WARNING - Extremely nerdy post incoming.

Detailing brushes, an important tools to have for both interior and exterior cleaning.



Firstly, wheel nut brushes. We all like clean nuts! (Sorry, I just felt compelled to make that crude joke.) These two are ideal for wheels, not too big and not too small. At this point I would recommend avoiding wooden handled brushes as the moisture inherent in the job at hand degrades the handle. As you can see in the pic above, this one has not worn well. The yellow version is from Chemical Guys, I would say this is one of the brushes I use the most.
https://www.chemguys.com.au/Premium-...-p/acc_s91.htm






Next are what I call my workhorse brushes. These boars hair brushes are great for a variety of tasks including wheel cleaning, engine bays, exterior cleaning and interior detailing on harder surfaces. The blue ones are from Bowden's and the red ones from Waxit. They can even be used to apply tyre dressing. Again, plastic handles my preference for durability. Notice the similarities between the two brands.
https://www.bowdensown.com.au/the-foursome
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ling-brush-set





It's also important to have some softer brushes for delicate interior and exterior surfaces. These Detail Factory brushes are made with ultra-soft synthetic bristles. I use the short red version for interior work, the blue for exteriors.
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...31620523065483
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...37240027545759







Upholstery brushes are helpful additions, one for carpet and cloth, and one for leather trim. Use the red version for loosening stains or agitating carpet prior to vacuuming. The leather brush is soft enough to prevent damage but helpful for increasing the effectiveness of a leather cleaner.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...holstery-brush
https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-leather-brush











And if that wasn't enough, these Vikan brushes are designed for reaching into the depths of engine bays.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ngle-brush-kit



Now after all that, there is still wheel, tyre and wheel arch brushes to consider. That is another deep, deep hole in which deserves another post for another time.

[MercuryT]

It's about time you stop neglecting your car.

; )

[MercuryT]

I bought the Big Green Sucker for my Mum.

Could not be happier........loves it!!!

[MercuryT]

My Mum has an SS VXII.

Red. Manual. Full history.

Value going up by the day and mum's nearly 70!! haha

[MercuryT]

I reckon mum and you best detailers ever!!

[Moo Man]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

WARNING - Extremely nerdy post incoming.

You really don't need to add a warning, we wouldn't expect anything less from a DFB detailing post - keep 'em coming

[CyberWasp]

I know it doesn't seem much and it is a bit of a rip off in price but if you buy / use a Karcher Shop Vac, this accessory kit transforms the Vacuum for the car.

The extra reach for the hose and the extended crevice tools make a huge difference in the vacuuming experience of the car.
I have had for about a year now and you can set up between 2 cars and reach just about everywhere you need to go.

Sorry about picture size, I couldn't find a smaller one.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I know it doesn't seem much and it is a bit of a rip off in price but if you buy / use a Karcher Shop Vac, this accessory kit transforms the Vacuum for the car.

The extra reach for the hose and the extended crevice tools make a huge difference in the vacuuming experience of the car.
I have had for about a year now and you can set up between 2 cars and reach just about everywhere you need to go.

Sorry about picture size, I couldn't find a smaller one.

image

Which Karcher vac do you have?

How have you found it?

[Mechan1k]

I use one of our older Dysons at home .... I have been meaning to get the car kit that has a long flat "flexible" reach tool ... which would be very handy indeed in a lot of instances (usually under seats).

The current tools I have are OK though in most instances.

What is really handy though is ... a Bissell SpotClean extractor ... the amount of inground dirt and other crud is lifts out is amazing ... and really does clean up vomit well (yes I have had to use it in these instances)

[CyberWasp]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Which Karcher vac do you have?

How have you found it?

I have the WD3.5P Premium which used to be sold in Bunnings, it may be an obsolete model in Australia now as their site no longer shows it.

Power wise it is great for the car but would not be good if you were wanting to use as a main vacuum for the house if that makes sense.

The main problem was the standard hose was only just adequate and I would find that the vacuum was too close to the car at times, so you get worried about tipping it over into the doors ect.

So buying the car kit extends the vacuum hose another 1.5m which makes a huge difference in where you can sit the vacuum and where you can reach ect.

The long crevice tool is great for getting between and under seats ect also.
The 3.5 has onboard clips so you can store the most common nozzles so they are always close and quick to interchange when needed.

You probably lose a fraction of suction with the longer hose so I wouldn't go a model any lower, but a model or so higher, would be even better if in the budget.

My only real gripe would be the length of the power cord. I wish it was longer and hate having to use an extension cord, but that might not be the case with other people.

Below is the NZ model which is similar but a fraction different.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

I have the WD3.5P Premium which used to be sold in Bunnings, it may be an obsolete model in Australia now as their site no longer shows it.

Power wise it is great for the car but would not be good if you were wanting to use as a main vacuum for the house if that makes sense.

The main problem was the standard hose was only just adequate and I would find that the vacuum was too close to the car at times, so you get worried about tipping it over into the doors ect.

So buying the car kit extends the vacuum hose another 1.5m which makes a huge difference in where you can sit the vacuum and where you can reach ect.

The long crevice tool is great for getting between and under seats ect also.
The 3.5 has onboard clips so you can store the most common nozzles so they are always close and quick to interchange when needed.

You probably lose a fraction of suction with the longer hose so I wouldn't go a model any lower, but a model or so higher, would be even better if in the budget.

My only real gripe would be the length of the power cord. I wish it was longer and hate having to use an extension cord, but that might not be the case with other people.

Below is the NZ model which is similar but a fraction different.

image

Thanks for the info.

I'm at the point where the Vac I'm using is probably at it's effective limit. Not so much on my well maintained cars, more so the few I do for others.

There doesn't really seem to be a go-to detailing Vac, making it harder for me to arrive at a target.

[CyberWasp]

I think if you looked at the WD 5 or 6 Series and added the Car Kit you could probably suck the interior out of the car and have an even greater set up. They look pretty heavy duty.

Shop Vac type vacuums are handy for other things around the garage / house as they can suck up water and stuff also.

There was no particular reason I went with that one in the first place. I was standing in Bunnings going Karcher, Ryobi, Ozito, Gernie. Changed my mind several times and ended up with what I got.
Karcher is over priced but always seem to have extra accessories for each product, which are also over priced. But what do you do.
In this case the accessory kit really makes a nice difference.

Talking about accessories I haven't even mentioned the Karcher Steam Cleaner yet and all the bits for that....another rabbit hole for another post.

I am not necessarily a pro Karcher Fanboi however, as I went Gernie over Karcher when I got a Pressure Washer a few years back. All things have pros and cons.

[Mechan1k]

Yes please ... go down the steam cleaner rabbit hole.
Cos I am kinda interested in your thoughts.

My house has stupidly big windows ... and I have found areas (bathroom) that I reckon it would be really handy as well.

And cars as well.

[MercuryT]

Bowdens for mine.

Great products, great marketing and locally owner (I think)

[CyberWasp]

A while ago when looking at purchasing a Steam Cleaner, after watching heaps of Detailers on YouTube from the USA they all seemed to gravitate towards the McCulloch brand of cleaner.

Big problem is that I couldn't find anyone selling them or a rebadged version here. You also can't order from the USA as they are 110V.
Tried Alibaba and went through pages and pages trying to find who made them thinking you could get a 240v one as a sample or such, but to no avail. Dead End.

You are then left with the usual range of no name options by the dozen, from Kogan and Ebay ect that all have high specs but you are left with the same problem of no accessories and no support for most.

Enter you know what store and you know what brand.
As usual you have to buy to budget so I picked up the 3rd model up SC3.
Which yes I would say is over priced as stated in the last post.



The SC3 differs to most as it is a non pressurised cleaner, meaning you can tip water in any time you want when it runs low. The other type you have to put water in, tighten a cap and wait for it to heat and pressure up. If you add water it is a more lengthy process, waiting for it all to unpressure & pressure up again.

So yes it is fairly fast and you are up making steam in a minute or so of starting. I would rate the steam produced as about what you would expect form this level kind of machine. They are the same as pressure washers as in the more you pay the more pressure / volume you get.

Lets get the cons out of the way 1st.

Yes you may run the risk of becoming a germaphobe and will want to sterilize and clean everything. It is sort of like the fun you have with a pressure washer but with steam.

It is dinky. The pressure hose is too short and you do not have the freedom that I outlined with the Vacuum Accessory. You have to be careful or you can tip it over and spill water everywhere if not paying attention. An extra 50cm would make a big difference. Why is Karcher stingy for the price you pay.

You can add water when ever you want but as it is a consumer grade machine. You can't run the thing for hours on end and should have rest periods. I would suggest 2 fills per session max, which gives you ample time to do most jobs.

Not just this machine, but most in general. Seems a lot of people don't understand when you read complaints in negative reviews.
If you place it down for a minute or two and go to use it, it will spit out some water from the condensation that builds in the hose. It is easy to develop a technique of squirting it into a bucket or something before the steam comes. It is the nature of steam cleaners.

Yes the handle gets hot. Maybe it is the steam at 100 degrees celcius passing through a plastic handle. Just have to mention as it is a complaint in reviews.

With the purpose of Car Detailing you have to be careful and not use on blinker stalks and printed buttons as it will remove the white lettering. Also not on instrument clusters and the like as you will get condensation inside.

Pros

For Car Detailing excellent for Sticky Stuff from Cup Holders / Centre Consoles, Door Cards, Foot Pedals, Seats, Carpets, Air Vents, Seat Belts, Engine Bay and more.
You will just need the Steamer, Microfibre Cloth, Detailer Brush and APC to do most things. Just don't burn your Cloth Hand.

House , yes to everything. Kill all the germs, clean everything. Only thing I found it disappointing on was the Oven Glass.
It depends on how crazy you go with your new found friend as you find many things in every room.
Does work well in cleaning showers and shower glass, and for some strange reason you have to experience a freshly steamed cleaned toilet seat. Don't judge me until you try.

Did I say Accessories, you will want them all, small nylon and copper brushes, jet nozzles, larger brush nozzles and many more.









In finding these photos I have found more accessories....make it stop...

Summary - For Professional Detailing Use - No
For Weekend Household Use - Yes - taking into account the Cons listed above.

[Mechan1k]

Thank you.

I have seen some of the equipment the pro detailers use ... and I'd say they are expensive as hell though.

I have a cheapie hand held pressurised one ... and well .. its very limited in what you can do with it.

I like the idea of a non-pressurised one though for ease of use and less wait time.

[CyberWasp]

I had a hand held one too.
They are too awkward to use.
This is a good step up from that and delivers more steam / cleaning power.
With Karcher they seem to have a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 series in each category they make. Then there are a commercial range after that.
You just have to work out the amount of use versus your budget.

[In Focus]

Got a Bowdens Big Green Sucker, 40% off currently at Super-you-know-what. Interested to see how well it works.

[raised by monkeys]

I'm using Autoglym products which in general am a fan of, especially their foams, wheel cleaners and polishes. Yesterday however it was overcast, midway through using POLAR WASH the sun appears with a bit of heat. I layered in foam, then used a tub with a small diluted amount of polar wash to agitate with sponge and it was drying before I had a chance to rinse. Its left streaks in the paint and windows. I used glass polish and was getting it off the windows. What should I do for the paint? Polish also?

Also raining today -_-

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

I'm using Autoglym products which in general am a fan of, especially their foams, wheel cleaners and polishes. Yesterday however it was overcast, midway through using POLAR WASH the sun appears with a bit of heat. I layered in foam, then used a tub with a small diluted amount of polar wash to agitate with sponge and it was drying before I had a chance to rinse. Its left streaks in the paint and windows. I used glass polish and was getting it off the windows. What should I do for the paint? Polish also?

Also raining today -_-

Have you tried going over the streaky parts with Polar wash again?