The Maintenance Wash

So I had not washed the car in two weeks and it had been in the Dealers getting some work so its was not in a good state. I of course asked the dealers not to wash the car (be sure they put this on the job card). Unless you want swirls do this.

Usual road grime, mud and sling from the wheels, alloys covered in brake dust. I had cleaned the interior before starting as I like to do that first but thats another writeup.

Please note this method only works for protected cars. If your car doesn't have wax or sealant then really you need to add a 2BM wash onto this. My car is about 80% corrected and has sealant and wax so its easy to remove the dirt without touching the car. If you leave dirt on the car and dry, you will cause swirls.

Before

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6332.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6333.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6334.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6335.jpg

as you can see the paintwork is in good condition even when dirty

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6336.jpg

This is my detailing trolly I am going to organize it better soon. I got the trolly in IKEA its on wheels and means I can wheel it all out to the car.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6339.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6340.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6341.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6342.jpg

My bulk products are here, snow foam, Maxi Sudz and Wheel cleaner. The halfords wheel cleaner is only there for when I am doing cars for people who could not care less :-X
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6343.jpg

My little pressure washer and Wet vac
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6344.jpg

I start using some CG Wheel Cleaner (ph neutral) in a pressure sprayer (Diluted 20:1). I find the gun type wreck your hands.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6346.jpg

Agitate the dirt in the corners with a detailing brush, the flat bits will come off with the pressure washer as the wheels are sealed.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6347.jpg

APC (Flash) the arches and tyres
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6348.jpg

Snowfoam the car, I tried the sample of Cotton Candy that chris from detailing shed kindly gave me. I am impressed. I was using the bulk stuff but the cotton candy clings very well and is very thick even when diluted more than usual. I only had enough for half and inch in the bottle rather than my usual inch.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6349.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6350.jpg

Went round the shuts with a brush, no APC as this does strip the protection just used the snow foam already there
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6351.jpg

Dwell for 10 minutes and Rinse with the pressure washer from the roof down.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6352.jpg

Out with the Woolly Mammoth to dry it off. You can see the car is beading well from its previous protection (Jetseal 107 and AG HD Wax)
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6353.jpg

The car is now clean
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6355.jpg

I like to top up the protection each wash. I love CG V07 Hybrid. Its a spray sealant and is very easy to use. Use sparingly like a quick detailer but if leave no streaks and doesn't need buffing. Leave that sealant matt finish that I like and beads well.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6356.jpg

Like to use some CG Barebones in the inaccessible areas like intakes/ arches and undercarriage. You just spray it on. It a bit like sprayable megs endurance gel really and smells the same.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6364.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...IMG_6371-1.jpg

Admire the reflection
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6358.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6359.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6360.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6362.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6361.jpg

Its always handy to have a helper, she knows only to use a clean microfider, so proud :)
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...e/IMG_6354.jpg

Finnish by tidying up, thrown the dirty microfibers and drying towel in the washing machine and have a coffee. Total time 30 minutes. Rained straight after >:(

Great write up ; )

Thanks for that Maurice, hope your still sticking to this and keep that baby nice :cool:

I used to swear by CG V7 but recently started using Meguiar's Premium Quik Wax, and haven't looked back since. A really good product for re-enhancing any wax you may have on the car and can be applied to hot panels in direct sunlight too. Doesn't leave white residue on trim either. Can only seem to get it in Halfords though...

Looks great Moe. But in gona be honest with you. I don't believe for a minute you done any if that work on your car.


The only way you could prove me wrong is by doing my car in front of me, then I know your telling the truth :D

I'm not going to lie to you, that trolley is brilliant. I must have one. Just have to conquer my fear of Ikea

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2