Colin's Guide to Detailing
Author: ColinG
Associated Forum Post URLs:
http://www.v6clio.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3837&highlight=
How to clean your car for the ultimate shine... All the information here is based on techniques and products that I personally use, all of which are bought online from CleanYourCar.
Washing
Drying
Author: ColinG
Associated Forum Post URLs:
http://www.v6clio.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3837&highlight=
How to clean your car for the ultimate shine... All the information here is based on techniques and products that I personally use, all of which are bought online from CleanYourCar.
Washing
- Always use the 2-bucket method: One bucket should be filled with clean, pure water, and the second bucket should have your shampoo. Before you dip your mitt into the shampoo bucket, rinse it in the clean water to remove grit and dirt.
- A good pre-rinse with a pressure washer is essential to clean off the inner arches and remove the worst of the brake dust and grime.
- The shampoo I use is Meguiars #00 High Tech Wash. I apply it working from the roof down, using a Sonus sheepskin wash mitt. NEVER USE A SPONGE as sponges trap grit and drag it across the paint, causing swirls!
- Follow this with a good sheet of water from a hose. The car will shed water, leaving less to dry with a chamois. A low-pressure hose is better for rinsing than a pressure washer.
- For the wheels, I use Meguiars Hot Rims, which easily removes stubborn brake dust (though my wheels aren’t typically dirty enough to fully test it). I recommend using a quick sponge to clean between the spokes to make sure you don’t miss any spots. Always rinse off one wheel at a time, and don’t leave the cleaner on for more than about 20 seconds.
Drying
- For drying, I use an Autoglym synthetic chamois (available from Halfords for about £8.99). I’ve tried natural chamois and drying towels, but I’ve found this synthetic chamois to be the most effective and easiest to use.
- Start from the roof and work your way down, making clean, smooth sweeps to remove the bulk of the water. Don’t rub the chamois in circles, as this can cause swirl marks and streaks.
- Pay special attention to areas like the inner doors, sills, hinges, the inner tailgate, and under the bonnet. I always make sure these areas are completely dry.
