[Joshk123]

What an amazing week it's been since I've picked up my car. Couldn't be happier with it!

After 500 enjoyable miles, it's starting to look a little dirty.

since being on here, I am absolutely petrified of swirl marks lol

I know I should be out there weekly cleaning it myself with all top products but I don't think that's for me...

how does everyone keep a clean car without risk of damaging paint?

My options are;

1, a drive through hand wash which is reasonably priced. I notice they have two big containers of running hot water which they just dip the same sponges in and out all day (is that bad news)

2, a DIY coin operated petrol station wash. Which has jet washer. But also a big brushy which shampoo which is always left on the concrete floor..( an absolute no go?)

3, I man up. Up my washing game and once a week get out there myself. I actually still have (unused) a bmw car wash pack I got with my 1 series I had before. But I lack sponges and knowledge.

[RobUK]

Originally Posted by Joshk123

1, a drive through hand wash which is reasonably priced. I notice they have two big containers of running hot water which they just dip the same sponges in and out all day (is that bad news)

It's a gamble whether they'll swirl-up your motor or not - are you prepared to risk it?

Originally Posted by Joshk123

2, a DIY coin operated petrol station wash. Which has jet washer. But also a big brushy which shampoo which is always left on the concrete floor..( an absolute no go?)

I'd have thought a jet was is ok for an initial rinse, but won't get it really clean in my experience. The grit-filled brush is an absolute no-no, you might as well sandpaper the car!

Originally Posted by Joshk123

3, I man up. Up my washing game and once a week get out there myself. I actually still have (unused) a bmw car wash pack I got with my 1 series I had before. But I lack sponges and knowledge.

By far the best option if you want to keep her looking her best - plenty of guys here with expert knowledge.

[225]

2 bucket lambs wool mits. better to keep her dirty than risk option 1 or 2

[Esto-Grande]

+1 on that, and some.

This safe car cleaning becomes a compulsion.

[stefan4]

Always worth investing in a pressure washer, a snow foam Lance and some snow foam . Makes life so much easier and reduces the risk of swirl marks.

[DarrenL_007]

A good starter would be the following:

1. Decent Pressure Washer
2. 2 buckets and grit guard (check Amazon)
3. Quality car shampoo
4. High quality car drying towel
5. A few microfiber towels
6. Lambs wool mit

[tinytrevor]

I pay my detailer £15 for each wash and they take they time with a proper wash using clean mitts, fresh water etc. Takes them 40 minutes, but it's totally worth it. Don't have facilities to do it myself as I stay in a flat.

Btw, that's a lovely colour with black grilles and dark wheels

[Wills2]

Jet wash - snow foam - rinse - two bucket method wash with lambs wool mitt - rinse - towel dry.

[Esto-Grande]

I don't even use towels now, I've got one of those hand held blaster dryers.

I look a prat using it but it works really well.

[ajfoggy]

Originally Posted by Esto-Grande

I don't even use towels now, I've got one of those hand held blaster dryers.

I look a prat using it but it works really well.

Just drive it around the block. With a decent wax or whatever should be dry when you get back :-)

[robwils]

+1 on the car, reminds me of what mine should look like when I clean it.
Personally love the black wheels .

As others have said its not difficult to learn to wash it properly, two bucket method etc. Remember its when you wash the car you can end up damaging the paintwork and causing swirl marks.

[robwils]

and don't park it under that tree to let birds crap all over it

[Alscoob]

De-ionized rinse water should be added to the list of kit needed. Only use it to do a final rinse once you have finished washing and rinsed off all the suds. Just leave it to dry by itself then, minimizing any drying towel marks.

You can buy big refillable containers which although the outlay is a bit they last for ages and the refill material is cheap. just connect your normal hose to one end de-ionized water comes out of the other end, simples!

[AP_75]

With a nice big driveway like that, you can wash it yourself ;-)

Try cleaning your car when parked on the street!

[roshambo]

Originally Posted by Esto-Grande

I don't even use towels now, I've got one of those hand held blaster dryers.

I look a prat using it but it works really well.

I have one too but only good for door shuts and creases IMO. I still use 3/4 towels for the rest of the car to have it thoroughly clean before working on it with sealant and waxes. This weekend will be a simple maintenance wash - 3/4 job. Can't wait for May when I do a full summer detail - that's an 8-10 hour job

[Mark1966]

I always finish off with an Ostrich Feather Duster and use the finest Cockerell's Bumble bee wax.

Remember to use an Alpaca (preferably sourced from the southern Andes Mountains) wool blanket when you put the car in the garage otherwise you will be in a world of trouble.

[Jay1970]

3. Man up

As stated two buckets, one with shampoo/foam the other clean water.....use a lambs wool mitt and keep rinsing it in the clean water to get rid of dirt etc. Microfibre towels to dry off. Am no expert but works fine for me and is pretty quick.

I'd avoid 1 & 2 wherever possible if you love your car!

[JOHNBMWM5]

Sounds like either your lazy or have little time.
Buy Snow foam, get a gun, apply it leave for 5 mins top it up, Jet Wash off, if any crap left , two bucket wash mit.

[dobbo99]

option 3, cant beat an hour on a saturday or sunday AM cleaning the car.
Darrens list above is good enough, you dont even have to have 2 buckets. Buts its a slippery slope once you start.....

A pressure washer is a game changer if you're doing stuff at home, though dont have to spend a fortune. Argos have a decent selection. I have a refurbished Karcher that I got from Ebay and its been faultless.

A wheel cleaner would be a worthy addition, and a good brush to use on the wheels. Something like Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer is excellent as it gives you some protection on the paint and you just spray it on as you wipe round drying the car.
oh and then something for the tires, cos freshly cleaned cars need shiney tyres!

Told you, slippery slope.

[Steven1077]

I must admit I really hate washing cars, but I don't trust anyone else so end up doing it myself, and it takes me a lot longer than an hour!

[S1NGH]

Option 3, with practice you will find you can do a great job on the outside and inside in under an hour if you do it weekly....

[Joshk123]

Originally Posted by AP_75

With a nice big driveway like that, you can wash it yourself ;-)

Try cleaning your car when parked on the street!

Haha I know, I've got no excuses