Car Cleaning and Detailing, could you, would you, should you?

[Giller]

So anyhoo, today I learnt something, the "wash your car today" I post the S6 washing in is in fact in the MG4 Xpower section, I did not realise that until now, however I also learnt something else about a cleaning and detailing product I'd just bought from that section and thought it would be useful to have a thread dedicated to looking after to your loved one, which means any MG you love to pamper and cosset.

The whole purpose of this thread is to provide information and feedback on hardware and products you use in washing and if relevant detailing your car be it pressure washers, tools, products or even ceramic and interior coatings.

Let the pampering information begin.

 

[Micropop]

Koch - Chemie have epic products, especially for pre-wash, rust and metal remover and for wheels. I use those and autoglym polar wash with the foam cannon and for hand washing, finish with autoglym ceramic coating or Hoseki Ketana seal.

 

[salty]

I decided a while ago, to stick to pretty much all Autoglym stuff. You won't go far wrong with them. Having tried a lot of different stuff over the years, inc expensive stuff. I've come to the conclusion they are all much of a muchness. The choice these days is mind blowing. Pick one and stick to it.

 

[Giller]

So today 2 items arrived for the man cave, one from Amazon delivered behind the bins (I love the email saying your item has been delivered, that ain't delivered, that's dumped) and the other ordered via click and collect from B&Q (well it was Easter Monday!)>

First from Amazon, overnight delivery, M Mingle Dual Lance Pressure Wand for Foam Cannon with 5 pressure Washer Nozzle tips.

Handy and must say great quality bit of kit, stainless steel construction with spare o rings if needed, if doing a pre-wash coating rather than snow foam which needs time to do its thing Ive been switching between cannon and spray nozzles as I like to work in sections, with this no switching required, just use the valves to switch.

Comes with 5 different quick change nozzles if required, personally with cars I use the 40 degree option which is fitted in the picture.

£16.99 delivered to Prime Members, details here: M Mingle Dual Lance

Next, Ava Premium Foam Cannon Bundle, yes specific to a brand of pressure washer (more of Ava will follow) but so much design went into this and Though not mentioned in their literature a lot of thought.

So those who are aware of Foam cannons you will know using different products requires washing the container between them, this one comes with separate stackable containers with lids which elements that, in addition each container is coloured and numbered for this who are getting past their prime and have memory issues, and also bottoms have measured capacity for diction and total capacities on the sides.

In addition the spay head bottle is threaded so you can use it directly from a bottle, I did no know that until I read a post on here this morning, brilliant.

Now this piece of quality and design is designed for Ava pressure washers, but more of the later.....

Koch - Chemie have epic products, especially for pre-wash, rust and metal remover and for wheels. I use those and autoglym polar wash with the foam cannon and for hand washing, finish with autoglym ceramic coating or Hoseki Ketana seal.

Interesting. What pressure washer you got my Norwegian hero? (I have a reason for asking )

I decided a while ago, to stick to pretty much all Autoglym stuff. You won't go far wrong with them. Having tried a lot of different stuff over the years, inc expensive stuff. I've come to the conclusion they are all much of a muchness. The choice these days is mind blowing. Pick one and stick to it.

Wise words indeed. Who told you to post them?

I decided a while ago, to stick to pretty much all Autoglym stuff. You won't go far wrong with them. Having tried a lot of different stuff over the years, inc expensive stuff. I've come to the conclusion they are all much of a muchness. The choice these days is mind blowing. Pick one and stick to it.

Got to agree, consisteny with cleaning products makes sense, I’ve switched and had issues in doing so..

 

[Micropop]

Interesting. What pressure washer you got my Norwegian hero? (I have a reason for asking )

Seems I've got the same brand as you. AVA (P 60 X).
I also got the pro foam cannon. It does the job, but it isn't great. Having multiple containers is very useful and convenient though.
Although I will have to buy a new lance for it, as someone () forgot to bring it inside before winter hit...

 

[MG Clive]

You mean I'm going to need more than a bucket of water and a Brillo pad.

 

[Giller]

Seems I've got the same brand as you. AVA (P 60 X).
I also got the pro foam cannon. It does the job, but it isn't great. Having multiple containers is very useful and convenient though.
Although I will have to buy a new lance for it, as someone () forgot to bring it inside before winter hit...

Well it was a loaded questions love AVA ( post of why will) follow, ) given your location I thought you might be a user.

You mean I'm going to need more than a bucket of water and a Brillo pad.

Don’t you dare,!!

I love that new colour.

 

[Micropop]

Well it was a loaded questions love AVA ( post of why will) follow, ) given your location I thought you might be a user.

They're great. Well thought trough design and good quality, with metal pumps, unlike most other brands, where everything is plastic.

 

[Giller]

They're great. Well thought trough design and good quality, with metal pumps, unlike most other brands, where everything is plastic.

Yup, and the warranty is exceptional.

 

[Rolfe]

You're all completely mad, and if you like cleaning things, come and start on my kitchen.

 

[T1 Terry]

You mean I'm going to need more than a bucket of water and a Brillo pad.

That might be a start, when are you heading over this way to wash the 51? I have a few of the flapper type sanding pads for the battery powered angle grinder, to cut through really dirty bits .....

I read the header and sort of felt guilty, I could take it to a car detailer to get it washed and polished and the inside cleaned and protection treated ..... but they might not give it back, claiming cruelty and mistreatment to an MG as justifiable grounds ..... one look at the tread left on the rear tyres after only 15 000 km, the courts would probably side with them and resettle it in a home that would take better care of it ......

T1 Terry

 

[Ian Key]

For a quick low effort wash I use Bilt Hamber touchless in a garden sprayer (I couldn't be bothered to work out the dilution ratio for a snow gun) at a 2% dilution and leave for 5 minutes. This gives me time to get the Karcher K4 pressure washer set up before washing off using a hand gun with a 40 degree nozzle. And that's it.

For a more thorough wash it's Autoglym Polar Wash before rising off with the pressure washer, then Autoglym Bodywork Car Shampoo Conditioner applied with a large noodle mitt and rinsing off. The car is then dried with large microfiber towels and Autoglym Rapid Aqua Wax.

The tyres are blackened by spraying Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing onto an old washing-up sponge before applying to the tyre walls. For the windows I use Soudal glass and mirror foam. If I notice any dried water dribbles after I've stood back to admire my work it's out with the Autoglym Rapid Detailer.

And that's just the outside

 

[Micropop]

The tyres are blackened by spraying Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing

I've stopped using any of those. They just make the tyres go brown much faster. Looks good initially, but they degrade the tyre and attract dirt and discolor it.

 

[GaryMG4]

I've stopped using any of those. They just make the tyres go brown much faster. Looks good initially, but they degrade the tyre and attract dirt and discolor it.

Yes, I think of it as a car showroom trick, makes you think tyres are new. mind you I still tend to use it once, after the first contact wash of the year, when you finally get rid of the last of the winter grime.

 

[MG Clive]

I've stopped using any of those. They just make the tyres go brown much faster. Looks good initially, but they degrade the tyre and attract dirt and discolor it.

I use Williams Racing Tyre Dressing, it's not runny or messy, and it's not glossy, it's easy to apply, I use old washing up sponges, which are just the right size, and I think it looks totally natural.

 

[Ian Key]

I've stopped using any of those. They just make the tyres go brown much faster. Looks good initially, but they degrade the tyre and attract dirt and discolor it.

That's why I use Autoglym. It's a milky liquid not a paint or wax with black dye and it dries to a semi matt black.

Gratuitous picture after yesterday's full works.

 

[WigglePig]

Lidl do a very nice, cheap and effective hand pump snow foam sprayer bottle for £6.

 

[Giller]

For a quick low effort wash I use Bilt Hamber touchless in a garden sprayer (I couldn't be bothered to work out the dilution ratio for a snow gun) at a 2% dilution and leave for 5 minutes. This gives me time to get the Karcher K4 pressure washer set up before washing off using a hand gun with a 40 degree nozzle. And that's it.

I also use a 40 degree nozzle when cleaning the car, Ive seen too may people who buy a pressure washer and just blast away, yes I have other nozzles but they are for cleaning the patio etc.

Lidl do a very nice, cheap and effective hand pump snow foam sprayer bottle for £6.

This sort of thing?

Hand Pump Snow Foam

I've stopped using any of those. They just make the tyres go brown much faster. Looks good initially, but they degrade the tyre and attract dirt and discolor it.

I've been using Meguiar's Endurance gel for years with no issues, not ever wash mind you but roughly every 5th or 6th? Works well but not everyone as has been mentioned likes a high gloss shine which it produces, no dye involved just a gel applied with it's own sponge.

 

[T1 Terry]

I just use rain water as nature intended ..... if nature doesn't think the car needs a wash, then it doesn't rain .....

Maybe that's why it rains so much over that way, you lot keep washing your cars

T1 Terry

 

[Giller]

I just use rain water as nature intended ..... if nature doesn't think the car needs a wash, then it doesn't rain .....

Maybe that's why it rains so much over that way, you lot keep washing your cars

T1 Terry

When golden showers, they come your way, they bring the flowers, that bloom in May…….

What do you mean it’s April, I know it’s bloody April, the 7th in fact.