GolfGTIforum.co.uk
General => Detailing => Topic started by: Booth11 on 24 March 2015, 08:10
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Hello detailers and humble car washers!
I always find it helpful to hear about the really good detailing products people have discovered and would recommend, I'm sure others do too. So, thought it would be good to find out which things have most impressed you. Might be a new kid on the block 'Wow' product or a trusted 'Go to' workhorse that you've used for years......yes, even if it is washing-up liquid :tongue:
Perhaps by the end of the year we'll have candidates for a forum Detailing Products of the Year vote and, who knows, even some worthy of a place in our own Detailing Hall of Fame (it is election year after all!)
So, post your top 3 choices.
I'll kick off with my top 3 this year so far:
Top spot goes to:
1. WoWo Lambswool Wash mitt - not all wash mitts are equal. Brilliant piece of kit.
Closely followed by:
2. DoDo Juice Blue Velvet Pro - makes black blacker. Who said wax is dead?
3. Valet Pro Advanced Neutral Snow Foam + proper lance - In the beginning was the snow foam! Ok, strictly speaking that's two things but some things shouldn't be parted.
Didn't quite make top three, but worthy of a mention:
Mothers Mag and Aluminium Polish
Wheel Woolies
WoWo Micro fibres and Glass cloth set
Over to you... :smiley:
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Although slightly obvious, here are mine:-
1 - anything WoWo!!!!
2 - Autofinesse Crystal Glaze rapid glass cleaner
3 - Britemax Metal Twins
Great thread too Booth!!!
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1. WoWo wash mitt Due to the quality feel of the item, although I must confess to have not used mine yet as I'm saving it for my Mk2.
2. Auto Glym Shampoo Conditioner. Bought in bulk it is very good value and also makes an excellent alternative to snow foam. It also leaves a protective sheen that water will sheet off, even on unwaxed paintwork.
3. Poorboys Natural Trim Dressing So easy to use and freshens up interior plastics whilst retaining the as new look.
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(http://www.airmagazine.nl/air/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/sponge-bucket.jpg)
:whistle:
:laugh:
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(http://www.airmagazine.nl/air/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/sponge-bucket.jpg)
:whistle:
:laugh:
:grin: :grin: :grin:
Technically that's four:-
Bucket
Sponge
Rubber glove
And I'm gonna guess fairy liquid
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1. Finishkare High Temp Paste Wax (Fk1000p) - Amazing value for money, so easy to use, great durability and the looks it gives aren't too shabby:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/16916118925_7b5ea47c75_b.jpg)
2. ValetPro Citrus Pre-Wash - A pre-wash that's great value for money, so versatile at different dilutions and doesn't smell too bad either!
3. Auto Finesse Revive - Makes my trims look exactly how I want them to, easy to apply with a foam applicator and it's a cool blue colour.
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(http://www.airmagazine.nl/air/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/sponge-bucket.jpg)
:whistle:
:laugh:
:grin: :grin: :grin:
Technically that's four:-
Bucket
Sponge
Rubber glove
And I'm gonna guess fairy liquid
:laugh:
Yep, instant disqualification for going over 3 products :tongue: :laugh: :laugh:
But Chuff does get a prize for beating Golfhappy to posting that photo :grin: :laugh: :whistle:
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(http://www.airmagazine.nl/air/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/sponge-bucket.jpg)
:whistle:
:laugh:
:grin: :grin: :grin:
Technically that's four:-
Bucket
Sponge
Rubber glove
And I'm gonna guess fairy liquid
:laugh:
Yep, instant disqualification for going over 3 products :tongue: :laugh: :laugh:
But Chuff does get a prize for beating Golfhappy to posting that photo :grin: :laugh: :whistle:
alas no, the rubber glove is standard dress for me :laugh: :grin:
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Poorboys Natural Trim Dressing So easy to use and freshens up interior plastics whilst retaining the as new look.
That's my favourite interior cleaner/dressing. It really does the job and leaves a lovely deep matt finish as opposed to a tacky shine. Results are better than when the trim is new. Smells good too and a bottle lasts ages.
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(http://www.airmagazine.nl/air/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/sponge-bucket.jpg)
:whistle:
:laugh:
:grin: :grin: :grin:
Technically that's four:-
Bucket
Sponge
Rubber glove
And I'm gonna guess fairy liquid
:laugh:
Yep, instant disqualification for going over 3 products :tongue: :laugh: :laugh:
But Chuff does get a prize for beating Golfhappy to posting that photo :grin: :laugh: :whistle:
alas no, the rubber glove is standard dress for me :laugh: :grin:
I thought I recognised that hand from somewhere!!! :whistle:
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MICROFIBER MADNESS INCREDISPONGE
AS Tardis
AS G101
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Going for good solid staples here instead of the fancy waxes etc!
CarPro DLUX
Gyeon Wetcoat
Bilt Hamber Autowash.
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I am still pretty useless at this posh car cleaning lark but...
This stuff is so much better than whatever old Meguiars stuff I had been using:
Wolf's Chemicals White Satin Shampoo
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/car-wash-shampoos/wolf-39-s-chemicals-white-satin-shampoo/prod_1372.html
For someone that may go, er, some time between wheel cleaning, this is amazing:
SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/sonax-full-effect-wheel-cleaner/prod_1180.html
Finally, to not be totally obsessed with the one website, I just found this at a cracking price and everyone keeps recommending it:
Auto Finesse Revive
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181572387571
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I am still pretty useless at this posh car cleaning lark but...
Then you need to spend more time in here :wink: :tongue:
Cleanyourcar is a very good website.
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1) The Eastern European guys at my local Homebase car park
2) The huge bottle of Mer I picked up at GTI International in about 1992 - The sales guy said "It has lots of fancy ingredients so it won't separate like other cleaning products and will last for years, put it to the test..." So I did, and it does still work! And just like the Mini bonnet he set light to, I know I'll be safe driving into a volcano because my car has a bit of Mer on it.
3) Trago Mills stockingette, well, just like me, it was cheap and just about does the job...
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Not going to list the fancy finishing touches but the more mundane but worthy contenders.
1: Poorboys Wheel Sealant... Smells great and protects the wheels from brake dust contact.
2: AG Fast Glass... Wouldn't be without it !!
3: Meguiars Endurance High Gloss Protection Gel... Best tyre dressing I have used so far.
4: Sonax Xtreme Brilliant Shine Detailer... Great detailer to keep the bodywork beading nicely until it's time to do a proper job again.
There are others like Jeffs Werkstat Sprot interior trim spray which leaves a nice Matt finish to interior plastics and the Aerospace 303 spray which does the same job.
this thread could get expensive !! :whistle:
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1) The Eastern European guys at my local Homebase car park
Ah, M. Ex, you're lucky white is such a forgiving colour when it comes to swirls. It might not be your number one if you had a black car :whistle:
I just popped into B&Q to get something, and at the entrance was a massive pile of orange buckets and Jumbo Car Sponges 'on offer'. Needless to say, I averted my eyes as I walked past :laugh:
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For me I also revert back to the simple stuff.
Autoglym Super Resin Polish - nice and straight forward to us. Gives really good flake pop on DBP and is easy to apply by hand for those of us not brave enough to us a dual action polished (me).
Autoglym HD Wax - only tried one other wax in Soft99 Fusso Dark Coat but this wax is a lot better on terms of sheeting and I couldn't get any longer longevity out of the Fusso than I could HD Wax.
Farecla g3 Clay Mitt - again not brave enough to experiment with clay on the car but this allows me to remove all contamination in double quick time.
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...this thread could get expensive !! :whistle:
My thoughts exactly!!
For me I also revert back to the simple stuff.
Agree about the everyday/week mundane workhorse stuff, won't get very far without it :smiley:
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In no particular order
Tardis What a feeling when you think the car is spotless but then spray some Tardis and see loads n loads of tar streaks magically appear. I use it every other wash
3M Glass cleaner So easy to use with fantastic results. So much so Mrs P3 keeps stealing it for the kitchen / bathroom tiles.
DoDo juice red mist Unfortunately 4 of our cars are white so I find myself washing my daughters black Clio the most just so I can use this stuff as it gives the metallic finish a great shine. Anyone know something similar for white cars?
Keep up the good work Mrs Mod :grin:
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In no particular order
Tardis What a feeling when you think the car is spotless but then spray some Tardis and see loads n loads of tar streaks magically appear. I use it every other wash
3M Glass cleaner So easy to use with fantastic results. So much so Mrs P3 keeps stealing it for the kitchen / bathroom tiles.
DoDo juice red mist Unfortunately 4 of our cars are white so I find myself washing my daughters black Clio the most just so I can use this stuff as it gives the metallic finish a great shine. Anyone know something similar for white cars?
Keep up the good work Mrs Mod :grin:
That's a lot of cars you've got to clean :shocked:
P3 have you tried the red mist on white? I know it would seem better suited to darker colours but maybe worth a try one time?
I love the wet shine Tropical Red Mist gives on black but find it a bit of a pain to buff off due to the oily consistency. I think the trick is to buff it off immediately after application, if you leave it for any time, it's a pig to remove. I haven't quite got it down to a fine art yet, so don't use it as much as I would like. Maybe you can give me some tips?
If I had a white car I'd be trying a wax like DoDo Juice Supernatural Hybrid (SNH) or Diamond White. I know these are hard waxes not sprays but no more effort to apply and buff off. I like SNH, it gives a superb glassy shine but the finish looks a little sterile on black but I can see that being an advantage on a white car. I expect Diamond White would be good for similar reason on whites and silvers.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/dodo-juice/dodo-juice-supernatural-hybrid-paste-sealant/prod_887.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/dodo-juice/dodo-juice-diamond-white/prod_405.html
:smiley:
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I've heard that AutoFinesse Tough Coat is supposed to be good on white too
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Diamond white is awesome on white cars, that's what the beetle gets treated with.
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Thanks I'll have a look at the Diamond White.
Yeah Bec I've tried the Red Mist on the white cars and its ok. I suppose because it doesn't make it pop like the black I was looking for something else but then again I doubt anything makes white pop!
I've found it really easy to use. A lot lot easier than wax. I only spray a couple of squirts on one panel at a time and then use a buffing cloth (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/microfibre-cloths/microfibre-buffing-towels/ultimate-ultra-plush-buffing-cloth-16-x-16-/prod_69.html) to spread and remove it at the same time.
For me its really quick. Well under 5 minutes to do my daughters wee clio
Here its here (http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=159081) getting its first detail :grin:
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I've got repetitive strain injury from scrolling :laugh: That's the most pictures I've ever seen in a post. Absolutely great reading and pics :cool:
Holy cow, what a transformation :shocked: You never said you were a bit of a whizz with a polisher Steven. Taught by the Masters. Bet you and your daughter were thrilled with the results.
How did you find it with a rotary polisher? I'd be terrified of burning through the paint. Handy having practice panels to try out on. I used my partner's Astravan when I first got the DA. Let's face it, no great loss if it all went wrong on that :grin:
Funny but I find wax easier to apply and buff off than sprays. If you try the DJ Diamond White let us know what kind of result you get. As White is a solid colour I guess you've not got to compare it to the metallics as far as paint pop goes, unless it's Oryx white. Think more crystal shine, if you get my drift.
Maybe Neil can post up some pics of Bev's bug showing results with the Diamond white? :smiley:
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Here you go:-
(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/Ginge35Edition/cars/9614AE3C-73D1-4247-9629-C1EBA3766230_zpsyhmokbfi.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Ginge35Edition/media/cars/9614AE3C-73D1-4247-9629-C1EBA3766230_zpsyhmokbfi.jpg.html)
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Here you go:-
(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/Ginge35Edition/cars/9614AE3C-73D1-4247-9629-C1EBA3766230_zpsyhmokbfi.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Ginge35Edition/media/cars/9614AE3C-73D1-4247-9629-C1EBA3766230_zpsyhmokbfi.jpg.html)
Definitely worth trying the Diamind White then :cool:
Neil I love that your garage floor is GTI red :cool:
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That beetle looks fantastic thanks for sharing.
Thanks Bec. I thoroughly enjoyed my days training. It was well worthwhile it. It must have been 15 hours all in and at £200 you get to do your own car. My daughter was just 17 at the time and that was her first car so I wanted to spoil her, as you do :laugh:
She still has the same Clio and when washed it still looks in pristine condition.
I just went straight to the rotary. I'd read all the horror stories but reckoned you'd have to be really careless to burn a hole but in saying that, some panels don't half get hot!
I just wish we had a garage as doing any detailing with nosey neighbours is a bit of a nightmare!!
I'll definitely look out for the Diamond White
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That Clio looks stunning, hope for us all that paintwork can be corrected, if you have the skill, tools and the time :smiley:
Used Auto Glym fast wax today for the first time, great product if you don't have much time.
My top three so far as a newbie to detailing are:
1. Wo wo wash mitt (fantastic product)
2. Poor boys wheel sealant
3. Britemax twins
Not tried the dodo juice red mist yet, so that's next on the shopping list.
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Here you go:-
(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/Ginge35Edition/cars/9614AE3C-73D1-4247-9629-C1EBA3766230_zpsyhmokbfi.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Ginge35Edition/media/cars/9614AE3C-73D1-4247-9629-C1EBA3766230_zpsyhmokbfi.jpg.html)
Definitely worth trying the Diamind White then :cool:
Neil I love that your garage floor is GTI red :cool:
It's as close as I could get! It has silver flecks in too :laugh:
It's a bit tight in there so when I can afford it I want to take the central pillar out and have one big door, then I canjust drive in and out with no messing!
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Definitely worth trying the Diamind White then :cool:
Neil I love that your garage floor is GTI red :cool:
It's as close as I could get! It has silver flecks in too :laugh:
It's a bit tight in there so when I can afford it I want to take the central pillar out and have one big door, then I canjust drive in and out with no messing!
I WANT A GARAGE!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:
Back on topic...
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Just wanted to say thanks for all the tips on this section of the forum. Would have never found out about Claying otherwise! Gtis a bit new to do it yet so had a go with autoglym Claying kit on the 4yr old xc90. Worked a treat! Therefore favourite products. Autoglym Claying kit, autoglym shampoo conditioner and the autoglym drying cloth. However I'm a bit of a novice compared to you all so wouldn't take too much notice of these. Point was thanks for the info!
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Just wanted to say thanks for all the tips on this section of the forum. Would have never found out about Claying otherwise! Gtis a bit new to do it yet so had a go with autoglym Claying kit on the 4yr old xc90. Worked a treat! Therefore favourite products. Autoglym Claying kit, autoglym shampoo conditioner and the autoglym drying cloth. However I'm a bit of a novice compared to you all so wouldn't take too much notice of these. Point was thanks for the info!
Somersetred, glad you've found some helpful info in this section :smiley: Thanks for posting your top 3 so far. I'm sure you'll discover more, it's addictive to say the least!
Keep the recommendations and tips coming guys :smiley:
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I am a detailer by trade... and earlier this year took the bold step to move to Auto Finesse. All I can say is that I am very glad I did, I bought 90% of the products they sell including two of the high end waxes and the basic entry level wax - and haven't looked back, everything works as it should, is easy to use and the waxes are amazing both in terms of shine and durability. For anyone looking for a brand that "just works" then I'd recommend trying a few products from these guys and seeing for yourself. :cool:
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/cossiecris/Screen%20Shot%202015-03-22%20at%2010.40.37_zpsthkwnoxa.png)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j169/cossiecris/NEWHD002_zps204v862p.jpg)
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That is a great looking MK4!!!!
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I am a detailer by trade... and earlier this year took the bold step to move to Auto Finesse. All I can say is that I am very glad I did, I bought 90% of the products they sell including two of the high end waxes and the basic entry level wax - and haven't looked back, everything works as it should, is easy to use and the waxes are amazing both in terms of shine and durability. For anyone looking for a brand that "just works" then I'd recommend trying a few products from these guys and seeing for yourself. :cool:
That is a gorgeous car :cool:
What did you use before switching to AF? Auto Finesse stuff is pretty popular on here. I like their interior cleaners, but have to say I was very disappointed by the poor durability of the AF Desire wax I tried. No complaints about the gloss/shine which was good, a very nice looking finish, but it barely lasted 6 weeks before all trace of it was gone. I wasn't expecting it to last 6 months plus but less than 2 months for a high end wax was a poor show imo.
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1. G101 - use it for loads and loads of things and wouldn't be without it
2. Gtechniq C4 permanent trim restorer - knocks the spots off anything else in the market
3. Swissvax best of show
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That is a gorgeous car :cool:
What did you use before switching to AF? Auto Finesse stuff is pretty popular on here. I like their interior cleaners, but have to say I was very disappointed by the poor durability of the AF Desire wax I tried. No complaints about the gloss/shine which was good, a very nice looking finish, but it barely lasted 6 weeks before all trace of it was gone. I wasn't expecting it to last 6 months plus but less than 2 months for a high end wax was a poor show imo.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Before switching to AF I used a mixture of products but mostly Auto Glym and Poorboy's products, but to be honest less and less Auto Glym stuff as time went on as I just felt that the products were not leaving the finish I wanted.
I've got Desire on the car at the moment and it's been on there about a month with just washes using their Lather shampoo, still doing the job on the car, what shampoo did you use on yours? Perhaps something stripped the wax? Their show car wax is very good, not as durable but gives such a lovely deep wet look for car shows! :)
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Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Before switching to AF I used a mixture of products but mostly Auto Glym and Poorboy's products, but to be honest less and less Auto Glym stuff as time went on as I just felt that the products were not leaving the finish I wanted.
I've got Desire on the car at the moment and it's been on there about a month with just washes using their Lather shampoo, still doing the job on the car, what shampoo did you use on yours? Perhaps something stripped the wax? Their show car wax is very good, not as durable but gives such a lovely deep wet look for car shows! :)
Not used much Autoglym stuff though I do like their Fast Glass which is excellent.
With the Desire, it definitely wasn't the shampoo stripping the wax. I actually did a half n half bonnet/front end wax comparison test - AF Desire v DoDo Juice Blue Velvet Pro.
Both sides prepared the same then the different waxes applied. All subsequent washes were with DJ Born to be Mild shampoo and both sides treated exactly the same. After just 2 weeks the Desire was already losing it's hydrophobic qualities and after 6 weeks it's was all but gone, whereas the Blue Velvet was still performing really well for over 12 weeks.
Here's the thread if you're interested http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=269693.0
It shows the initial beading test video on the day of waxing followed by a second one (page 2) done a fortnight later which shows the difference in results of the two waxes. I just had higher hopes for it, but I'm more than happy with the DJ waxes I've tried, and Collinite waxes which are another favourite, 915 in particular :smiley:
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Yep, for the money nothing beats Collinite! :)
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1. Finishkare High Temp Paste Wax (Fk1000p) - Amazing value for money, so easy to use, great durability and the looks it gives aren't too shabby:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/16916118925_7b5ea47c75_b.jpg)
2. ValetPro Citrus Pre-Wash - A pre-wash that's great value for money, so versatile at different dilutions and doesn't smell too bad either!
3. Auto Finesse Revive - Makes my trims look exactly how I want them to, easy to apply with a foam applicator and it's a cool blue colour.
FK1000- Im still struggling to find a wax to beat this one! this is right up there with the high end stuff!
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1- Meg's ultimate compound for removing swirls minor scratches and adding depth to your paint work.
2- clay bar for removing imbedded contaminants
3- Meg's carnuba wax paste for that epic water beading and show shine finish
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1 megs endurance tire gel
2 megs 205 polish
3 bilt hamber double coat wax
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Update:
It's been a while since I started this thread but time for an update of my top 3. The new Race Glaze Water Filter has already earned it's place after only a few weeks. so it's now:
Top spot is still:
1. WoWo Lambswool Wash mitt - not all wash mitts are equal. Brilliant piece of kit.
Now closely followed by:
2. Race Glaze 00ppm 7ltr Water Filter - finally an end to the evil twins: hard water + sunshine.
3. Valet Pro Advanced Neutral Snow Foam + proper lance - Ok, strictly speaking that's two things but some things are meant to be together.
So my DoDo Juice Blue Velvet Pro wax has slipped but still bl00dy good stuff!
As there's a few new people in this section now, let's hear you top 3. I will turn a blind eye to people posting more than once. :wink: :laugh:
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Not entirely sure if I qualify for this yet, where does enthusiastic cleaning stop and detailing begin? If I'm not strictly detailing yet then I'm pretty sure I'm heading that way so, here goes.
1. Mitts in general. I have the WoWo lambswool and the mf wheel mitt. Both a revelation in the ease of cleaning, the lambswool in the way it feels and inspires confidence that I'm not doing any damage to the paint and the wheel mitt in how it saves me from damage to my hands! Getting in behind the spokes and cleaning all the tricky bits would be very tough without it.
2. Bouncers Done and Dusted. A brilliant product, gives a great shine, lasts well and is so quick and easy to apply.
3. Finish Kare FK1000p. This was a tough choice against the Valetpro Billberry wheel cleaner which is so quick to get my wheels clean however, I think that is mainly due to the coating of FK1000p on the wheels preventing muck and brake dust taking a hold in the first place. Will be applying the FK to the bodywork soon so it may well move up the top 3...
I'd also like to add, although not a product, the forum members. Everything I've bought and used so far has been on recommendation here so many thanks to all you friendly helpful people, cheers :smiley: