Hand Wash VS Power Wash

[belliott]

I tried hand washing my car 2SS for the first time this weekend. I used all quality items and materials. I must say I am not a fan of hand washing. The week before I spend 4 house claying, polishing and then waxing. All swirls were gone and looking great!

After the hand wash. I have noticed the swirls are back. I'm telling you I don't like the idea of any material "scrubbing my car" Its dirty water and its hard to get dirt out of a sponge. Its in there!

I'm going back to gently powerwashing at a local carwash. How are you guys feeling about this?

[Swacer]

I've noticed the exact same thing!! One wash and I already have countless swirls.

What polish did you use? Hand polish or machine? I have Maguire's sitting inside my garage waiting to be used, but I wanted to make sure before I moved forward.

[XQIZT]

With your hand wash, are you using 2 buckets? A grit guard? Thats the first step to maintaining a swirl free finish.

As far as polish, was it machine polishing? Also, did you inspect the paint after polishing but before applying wax? I ask this because glazes and waxes do have the ability to fill imperfections in your paint, then they magically "reappear" once the product wears down. In reality they were never gone.

Powerwashing will get the car clean, but it only goes so far. Think if it this way, do you just stand under the showerhead...or do you use a washcloth to get the stubborn stuff off? Not exactly the same, but you get the idea.

Just trying to help ya out here!

[Swacer]

do you know where I could pick up a grit guard? Hoping to wash my car in the next copule days to polish it and try to get rid of some of the swirls.

Whats the 2 bucket procedures best? Soap in one, water in the other? Soap it up, rinse it in the water, repeat?

And yes, I've used search A LOT this weekend, trying to learn everything I could.

Thanks!

[XQIZT]

Swacer: Happy to help! Grit Guards are available through Adam's website, local Adam's distributors and I am sure a host of other online companies.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-56-ad...rd-insert.aspx

2 Bucket wash method is simple:
Fill one bucket with clean soapy water...and a grit guard in the bottom.
Fill another bucket with clean rinse water and a grit guard in the bottom.

Blast your car off with a strong stream of water, knocking off the large chunks of dirt, etc.
If you have a foam gun, use it to cover the car is thick foam, this helps break up the remaining grime so it lifts off easier
Dunk your wash mitt in the soapy water bucket and start at the top. Adam's wash mitts hold so much water and soap that I can work about half way down before needing more soap.
FLIP your wash mitt as it gets dirty.
Then dunk your dirty mitt in the clean rinse water, and rub it on the grit guard. that will break up the dirt and leave it in the bucket.
Now you can go BACK to your clean soapy water with a clean mitt and gather more clean soapy water.

Repeat until done washing. Then rinse off the car and use your preferred drying technique. Adam's car shampoo is safe to leave on the car until your are completely done washing with no ill waterspotting issues. (use common sense and don't wash a black car at noon in August on the equator )

That about covers washing. There are plenty of videos on Adam's webiste as well that cover it.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Detai...r_Washing.aspx

[FL1CK]

Originally Posted by belliott

I tried hand washing my car 2SS for the first time this weekend. I used all quality items and materials. I must say I am not a fan of hand washing. The week before I spend 4 house claying, polishing and then waxing. All swirls were gone and looking great!

After the hand wash. I have noticed the swirls are back. I'm telling you I don't like the idea of any material "scrubbing my car" Its dirty water and its hard to get dirt out of a sponge. Its in there!

I'm going back to gently powerwashing at a local carwash. How are you guys feeling about this?

There's part of your problem in red...

[DustinK]

^^what they said...

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by belliott

I tried hand washing my car 2SS for the first time this weekend. I used all quality items and materials. I must say I am not a fan of hand washing. The week before I spend 4 house claying, polishing and then waxing. All swirls were gone and looking great!

After the hand wash. I have noticed the swirls are back. I'm telling you I don't like the idea of any material "scrubbing my car" Its dirty water and its hard to get dirt out of a sponge. Its in there!

I'm going back to gently powerwashing at a local carwash. How are you guys feeling about this?

Originally Posted by FL1CK

There's part of your problem in red...

And there's another in bold. Hand washing is the only safe way to clean your car, your technique needs help if it's causing damage.

[Swacer]

What is the best recommended form of drying? My shammi I believe did more damage than the sponge did.

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by Swacer

What is the best recommended form of drying? My shammi I believe did more damage than the sponge did.

Ideally, forced air such as a leaf blower. If that doesn't work for your situation, a light mist of detail spray over the car and gentle wiping with a good waffle weave micro fiber drying towel.

[Nessal]

Originally Posted by belliott

I tried hand washing my car 2SS for the first time this weekend. I used all quality items and materials. I must say I am not a fan of hand washing. The week before I spend 4 house claying, polishing and then waxing. All swirls were gone and looking great!

After the hand wash. I have noticed the swirls are back. I'm telling you I don't like the idea of any material "scrubbing my car" Its dirty water and its hard to get dirt out of a sponge. Its in there!

I'm going back to gently powerwashing at a local carwash. How are you guys feeling about this?

Why are you using a SPONGE to wash your car?!?! NO NO NO! I wouldn't be surprised that you're causing the swirls from that damn sponge alone.

[STINGER BEE]

I fine the same thing,I am very careful that my mitts are rinsed good a clean but still get swirl marks after a first wash.Hard to keep away from it.I use McGuire,s ,and Mother's Reflections with same results.They r both good wax from what I have been told.It's a full time job just to keep a good looking shine with no swirls marks etc.:(

Originally Posted by Swacer

I've noticed the exact same thing!! One wash and I already have countless swirls.

What polish did you use? Hand polish or machine? I have Maguire's sitting inside my garage waiting to be used, but I wanted to make sure before I moved forward.

[Swacer]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Ideally, forced air such as a leaf blower. If that doesn't work for your situation, a light mist of detail spray over the car and gentle wiping with a good waffle weave micro fiber drying towel.

Really? Spraying the detailer on the water? Seems kinda like a waste to me. Am I wrong? How does that help the car dry? And do you recommend a certain type of drying towel? How do you recommend taking care of the towels afterward? Clothes washer?

Ya, leaf blower isn't an option right now.

[Nessal]

Use a leaf blower to get the most of the water out. Make sure you hit the fog lights and other small nooks that the water pools in. Then take a LARGE waffle weave towel and PAT DRY the water. Even with a microfiber waffle weave, I never "scrub" dry.