Introduction to My Detailing Methods

Let me start by noting that some people reading might think my methods are overkill, or maybe not overkill enough. This is just the method I use to clean my car. I’m anal when it comes to cleaning, but I do not consider myself a perfectionist. At this time I don’t have a place to garage my car, so I have to accept that my car stays dirty most of the time with New England rain, salt, sand, etc.  There are further, more detailed steps you can take, more products you can buy.

I’ll be writing quite a few detailing guides in the future this is just part one:

• Part one: The Wash
• Part two: Claying
• Part three: Buffing and Scratch Removal
• Part four: Paint Sealant and Wax Application

Before Beginning

Contaminates on Your Car’s Paint

If you park your car outside and drive your car often, you probably are fighting three main contaminates.  The first and foremost is exhaust residue on the rear bumper.  It shows up as a nice film of black spots all over the back of the car, up to the top of the trunk.

The second contaminant is brake dust. While it may not be entirely noticeable on the paint, it is there. Brake dust is corrosive and very damaging to your paint.

And lastly we have insects and bird droppings.  The wildlife around me seems to have a vendetta against my car, since my car always has presents from birds on it, as well as bugs all over the front bumper.  If left to sit, these items will decompose and break down.  They are usually acidic and can sink in and damage your paint if not removed.

Location, Location, Location

The ideal setup would be to have a spot in your driveway that is shady to wash your car.  Washing your car in the direct heat will dry your car faster than you can clean it, leaving water spots and soap spots in it’s place.

Tools for Cleaning Your Vehicle

First off, I bought a couple of 5 gallon buckets from my local Lowe’s for holding soapy water and cleaning water.  Using one bucket full of soapy doesn’t work well.  When you rinse your sponge, you’re putting the contaminates in the soapy water, only to be picked up next time you wash your sponge.  Fill the second bucket with cold water and use it to clean your sponge, before you dip into the warm, soapy water.  If you want to go the extra mile, autogeek.net has an interesting product called the Grit Guard to trap the debris at the bottom of the bucket.

I still need to purchase some better sponges, but for now I am using some cheap sea sponges from Pep Boys.  The ideal sponge is one that has lots of room to trap dirt and debris while you are washing the car.  Using a flat edged sponge won’t pull the debris deep into the sponge.  You’ll be dragging the dirt along your paint, causing fine scratches.  For my money, I like something like the micro chenelle mitt from autogeek.net.

Let’s Start Cleaning

Wheels First

It’s important to start by cleaning the wheels first.  For one, any semi-harsh chemicals you will inevitably get on your paint will be quickly washed off when you’re done with the wheels.  Second, you’ll want to dry your car immediately after rinsing it to avoid water spots, but you can’t do that if you still need to clean the wheels.

Start by using a safe wheel cleaner.  There are a few water based cleaners on the market which shouldn’t harm the finish on any wheels.  This isn’t always necessary, but it will be if you haven’t washed your wheels recently.  Use a safe wheel brush to clean the inside of the spokes.  If necessary, save an old toothbrush to use for inside the lug nuts.  If you don’t have a toothbrush laying around, try a few q-tips.  Wash and rinse each wheel separately.

Washing the Car

You’ll want to clean out the buckets with some fresh water and soap after washing the wheels.  Then, spray the entire car with water and begin soaping up the car.  You’ll want to use a sponge that is porous to trap the dirt.  You’ll want to rinse each section after you are done cleaning, to avoid the soap drying on the car.

Drying the Car

There are two methods you can use to dry your car: a chamois or a blade.  A chamois is an absorbent material that you drag across the wet body panels.  Occasionally you’ll need to squeeze the chamois to shed the water.  A blade is a rubber material which sheds water off the car.  Both work well, it’s really personal preference.

image provided courtesy of Muffet