General Cleaning Issues

[der_kaiser]

Ok just a few questions. I know this sort of stuff comes up quite a lot but there's still some stuff I'm not sure about. My usual routine is wash sometimes 2 bucket method, sometimes it's so f#$kin cold up here I go to the jet wash. Then polish, sealant and a coat of wax. This is all fairly straightforward my problem is when it gets dirty again. Unfortunatley with all the bad weather recently by the time I get round to doing it again it's really filthy. So I have to give it a proper scrub again, I've read that a quick detailing spray should be ok but when there's so much dust and crap it just doesn't seem enough. So I start all over again. After I've cleaned it properly I can't get the same results as I do first time around so I polish, seal and wax all over again. I know everyone says after giving it the full treatment the wax should hold up to a wash but what about the polish etc. It never looks as shiny after the wash alone. Is it possible to use polish on an old wax then put a fresh coat on or should another coat of wax bring out the old shine? Also what does a trip to the jet wash do to the old wax? I do try and avoid them but when the car's so dirty and I have so little time and it's snowing etc I feel it's better than leaving it in such a state. Thanks for reading my nuerotic scribbles I appreciate it. PS I'm currently using megs #7 showroom glaze, chemical guys wet mirror finish, poorboys natty paste wax and occasionally megs quick detailing clay.

[Dan J]

when you take it to the "jet wash" do you mean the automatic jobby with the nasty brushes, or the manual one that you do yourself? the chemicals they use in both types of machines are highly concentrated for quick results,thus resulting in any wax applyed to the vehicle being stripped and the over concentration of the chemicals will dull your paint finish over time and eventually damage your paint.. my strong advise would be steer well clear of automatic or manual car washes.

nattys blue is a very good wax and should give you reasonable protection, if you can manage a quick wash weekly then a quick coat of nattys it should bring the shine back out on it.

[wizard77]

The wax should hold up to more than one wash, but If you are not sure that the wax Isn't holding at the moment try something more durable. Collinite 476 Is a good all round protector for the weather this time of year.

With the jet wash It depends If they use TFR & If they do that will strip off the wax. Stick to the 2BM Its alot safer & If your finding It cold wrap up warm & buy some marigolds for your hands .
It'll soon be spring & normal salt free roads again

Using a quick detailer after a wash does bring the zing & beading back briefly, but It isn't meant to be durable protection.

If you use a polish on the wax It will take It off, so try topping up the wax with another coat or two.

The other thing Is, If your putting wax on In damp conditions, It may not have been able to bond to the surface properly, which will decrease Its durability.

[MDSS MK6]

If you want that that shine back after washing, something like dodo's red mist spray works really well, its literally mist on buff off, and leaves a mint looking finish.

[der_kaiser]

Thanks for the replies. When I say jet wash I mean the manual one. I never really considered the types of chemicals in it which is pretty dim of me. I'm fairly happy with the wax, but when it'sfinished I'l definitely try one of the others that's been mentioned. When I posted this last night I was looking forward to spending a good few hours on it over the weekend but then lo and behold the snow's back.