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General => Detailing => Topic started by: ...joe on 26 July 2007, 16:18

Title: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: ...joe on 26 July 2007, 16:18
this is a brief run down on the two bucket method.

it is basicly used to reduce the damage caused to paint when washing. back in the day a good old sponge was good enough but to keep your car in the best condition this will help loads and cut down on work in the future.

first things first, throw your sponges away and buy a decent lambswool mit from a multitude of places. the lambswool mit draws dirt particles into the fibres so they aren't being pushed around the surface of your paint. with a sponge the dirt has no-where to go so acts like an abrasive as you wash away. also buy two buckets.  :wink:

fill one bucket with a decent shampoo NEVER USE WASHING UP LIQUID and warm water.
fill second bucket with clean water. it helps to have different coloured buckets to help you remember which is which.
hose off the car to soften/remove loose dirt
when you wash put the lambswool mit in the shampoo bucket, wash a panel, starting with the roof. then after each panel, put the mit in the clean water bucket and clean it off.
then back in the shampoo bucket, next panel, always working panels from top to bottom.

i say have different coloured buckets as by the time you're halfway through the car both buckets will look soapy!

hose off and pat dry with a waffle weave towel and then do your polishing/waxing.

it takes more effort and seems like alot of hard work but when you see the residue left in the clean water bucket at the end, you'll see all the filth that you'd otherwise be sloshing all over your car.
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: dabill on 26 July 2007, 19:50
excellent guide! should be in the maintenence and info section!
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: MowatGTI on 29 July 2007, 14:20
Brilliant.  Cheers.
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: dan gti turbo on 03 August 2007, 15:18
top man
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: John007 on 03 August 2007, 15:26
Seems a good idea, have to get myself another bucket. :smiley:
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: dubsport on 16 September 2007, 22:13
ohhh so thats that the two bucket method is!

cheers joe :)
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: Wayne Orkie on 17 September 2008, 18:17
Sweet, will be doing that this weekend!  :drool:
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: DANNYGCL on 09 February 2009, 08:31
Did that on my mothers car and it really does work, the amount of dirt that would usually be eating n putting swirls into the paint made the clear bucket look like a bucket of mud. TOP CLEANING METHOD
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: bmouthboyo on 02 March 2009, 15:50
can you dip back into soapy bucket mid panel? or only after in clear one?
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: Guy on 02 March 2009, 16:04
can you dip back into soapy bucket mid panel? or only after in clear one?
don't contaminate a soapy bucket... always rinse your mitt in a bucket of clean water before you put it into a bucket of suds
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: stevengeelan on 11 April 2009, 09:44
Thanks for that, gonna give it a try this weekend on my car (and possibly my mums) I'll post some pics.
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: mk3valver on 26 April 2009, 11:47
Cheer's for that, I'm gonna get on it later today!
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: Amzy-Bear on 06 November 2009, 12:38
might have to buy some colourful buckets lol
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: dubber36 on 13 November 2009, 16:08
One thing that is very rarely mentioned in car washing guides is to take your watch and rings off before starting the job.

Also make sure that you don't have any zips, buckles or buttons that could come into contact with the car while your leaning over it.
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: nogrille on 13 November 2009, 16:27
and make sure your hands are clean
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: westfield on 18 September 2011, 20:05
I have just done this method for the first time as I collected a brand new Pissrat estate last week so thought I would start as I mean to go on, I was shocked at the crap in the bucket. It's so easy to see how paint work gets so damaged  :shocked:
Title: Re: Two Bucket Method explained
Post by: nospaceuppercase on 09 December 2012, 21:02
Awesome! Now I can enjoy being even more anal about the cleaning :)! Great post! :cool: