Cleaning Products

[NumberedJester]

So I'm picking up my GTD on Thursday and got thinking about washing it.

This is the first "new" car I have had since my RX8 in 2004 and have not really bothered with taking much interest in the cleaning since having to sell it.

What are good cleaning products? I have heard about Snow Foam but have no experience with it, and what is a good pressure wash to buy? Its 2014 so maybe time to move on from a hosepipe off a tap. lol

[Booth11]

Well you'll still need a hosepipe running off a tap , but Karcher pressure washers are a good place to start.  Wide choice of models to suit varying budgets.

If you want to go down the snow foam route, you're best off getting a snow foam lance to use with your chosen pressure washer.  Lots of good snow foams out there such as Bilt Hamber Autofoam or Autobrite Magifoam. 

Loads of cleaning products to choose from, the list is endless.  Check out forum sponsor Waxamomo website (and you get forum discount).

Basic washing/protection kit could include:

2 buckets (grit guards optional)
Wash mitt (such as Dodo Juice Tribble mitt)
Ph balanced shampoo (such as DJ Born to be Mild)
Drying towels
Wheel brush or wheel mitt
Glass cleaner
Interior trim cleaner/detailer
Small microfibre cloths (for interior and buffing off wax)
Wax and foam applicator (can be colour specific)

That should get you started and build up from there to waxes, wheel sealants, polishes etc.

[Jimmgc51]

Best advice mate is go to a car cleaning web site that sells all the products (there is some good forum sponsor ones) and choose clean by job and all the correct products will appear!

In terms of which is the best unfort you will get loads of different answers for people have their own opinions

I actually did a guide to washing for beginners that can be found here:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=259176.0

This should be a great starting point for you and some essential products that are needed are in here! It's worth noting however that this kind of detail should only really be done to this extent twice a year for the winter and spring prep. Mid washes I just top up with sealant that keeps the car looking sweet and makes it easier to clean the rain literally just flies off, it's amazing stuff!

Cleaning products I use:

Autoglym Body Wash shampoo - Always on a deal at halfords
Billburry wheel cleaner - just changed to this loads of thumbs up for this product
Iron X - essential
Auto Smart Tardis - this is used to de tar cheaper and more affective than the Autoglym I used to use
Clay Bar - loads avail I use the Meguiars starter kit, good price and smooth clay good for beginners

Tailpipes - AutoGlym metal polish with some steel wool 0000 grade makes them come up a treat. 1 step further use Mothers Mags & Alu Polish for that added sparkle.

In terms of sealant wax cannot recommend without knowing your car colour!

Add a couple of buckets, multiple mitts, some brushes and loads of microfibers and your all set!

With regards to the PW I can't recommend I use my dads and its a beast but unfrot I can't add a foamer so I have never bought this but if I did it would be the PB foam lance attachment (the best one to get).


Bit long winded now Iv'e read all that back think I blacked out a little at some point ha ha

[Gingernick]

when it comes to foam lance ofr a power washer, the best deal I found was from autobrite

have a look in the forum at their website and there are deals for the lance and magifoam or snowfoam..whichever you prefer

I went for the magifoam and it seems pretty good, makes for an easy car wash

so I rinse then foam..let the foam do its thing while I fill my buckets, rinse again, then wash. I am currently using chemical guys glossworkz shampoo.  gives a lovely finish. if I am in a hurry I will use autoglym aqua wax, but this weekend I used dodo juice supernatural  carnuba glaze. The car came up lovely for not a lot of effort!

[dubber36]

Autoglym Body Wash shampoo - Always on a deal at halfords

Even cheaper if you buy it off the trade vans. I pay £40 for a 25 litre container.

[NumberedJester]

Cheers chaps.

Always good to get an opinon from an end user and not a sales person.

[KyleB]

Autoglym Body Wash shampoo - Always on a deal at halfords

Even cheaper if you buy it off the trade vans. I pay £40 for a 25 litre container.

Might be a daft question but where would you find these trade vans?

[dubber36]

Big white vans with Autoglym on the side delivering to motor factors and garages, or even parked in a lay by having his dinner.

Don't be afraid to approach the driver. They are on commission, so a sale is a sale to them.

[waxamomo]

All good advice above. If you get confused or want a bit more advice let me know, can also sort you a good deal on a good kit.

Chris

[KyleB]

Big white vans with Autoglym on the side delivering to motor factors and garages, or even parked in a lay by having his dinner.

Don't be afraid to approach the driver. They are on commission, so a sale is a sale to them.

Cheers, can't say I've ever seen an Autoglym van but I'll keep my eyes peeled!