Simply Wash, Dry, Clean Windows - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ice Baby · 08-03-2015, 08:37 PM

I know nearly nothing about washing cars.......our other rides are SUVs, which typically go thru the local car wash. I drive a Silver Ice Metallic, which is good at hiding dirt....you have to look closely to see it, with the exception of bug splats on the front.
I would like to simply wash and dry, w/o streaks or water marks on the car and have clean windows.
Is it better to wash in the sun and dry in the shade?
Can you please suggest what to use and where to buy it?

Thanks.

clashley1976 · 08-03-2015, 08:52 PM

Do everything in the shade, especially the glass. Silver will hide a multitude of sins, but glass is unforgiving. Clean the glass very well, squeegee it dry and then apply a good coat of rain-ex. That will help minimize the water spotting between washes, especially on the rear window.

Joe M 2012 2SS · 08-04-2015, 08:13 AM

They have this kit, you can get a 15% discount now as well with Aug15 code. Shipping is free with order over 125 as well.

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exteri...-wash-kit.html

You could also go with the basic wash kit, add another bucket, and a gallon of soap for 149.97 before discounts. With this set up you'll get 1 wash pad and 1 drying towel instead of 2 each, but you'll get buttery wax, 2 microfiber applicators, a double soft towel, and an extra 16oz of soap. I think this is the best deal.

rebelyell22 · 08-04-2015, 11:55 AM

I use detail spray on my windows. No streaks

JTruck · 08-04-2015, 07:16 PM

I have found less is more on windows. You only need a small amount of product to clean the window, the streaking comes from an excess of product dried on the surface.

Stex · 08-05-2015, 08:37 AM

OP: being isna cold weather clime, I can see one using a drive thru or pay and spray. They do not get all the dirt off the car so if you us a drying towel etc after a drive thru you are rubbing dirt around on the paint. Best to dry at 60 after a drive thru.

Two bucket wash like in the vid at Adams is the best method. The Adams bucket with lid and grit guard on sale right now is better than starting like I did with Home Depot buckets and buying a grit guard separate. I think two buckets (with lids and guards), a wash pad and two great white drying towels will get you going. A gallon of car wash shampoo will last a long time. So maybe a 16 oz tell you find what you like. I really like Perls car wash. Leaves a good shine with a little syn wax in the product. http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-perls-shampoo.html

I wash at home or load up the buckets with water (lids do work) and head to the pay and spray. Shade or a cover is best. When I can I blow a lot of the water off with and electric or battery blower. Then use the great white drying towels. The detail spray helps but not necessary.

Proper washing technique is the cornerstone to preventing swirls and reducing the need for correction with a polisher. This stuff cost so Once you get the washing stuff bought, you can start on the other stuff like brushes, Super vrt, clay, all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner etc...Your car being fairly new may not have real bad swirls. You may just try claying then sealer and wax once you get the washing part down. See the clay vid here: http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exteri...lay-combo.html

CCMADONNA · 08-05-2015, 05:36 PM

OP, all the recommendations about Adam's are a great place to start. Do it in the shade, and a light spray of Adam's Detail Spray will help keep your drying technique on point. I would also suggest two light coats of Adam's Americana with your first wash. That way you have a great base that protects your paint.

I will also say that Everest 1100 microfibers are great for waterless wash/rinseless wash so you don't have to do the two bucket method every week.

Read CamaroDreams07's great advice: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275418

Enjoy the addiction of a clean car.

jshaf · 08-05-2015, 10:23 PM

I have issues with neighbors burning stuff right after it rains and the smoke gets in the droplets and they dry leaving a film that just won't come off the glass. tried everything to get the streaks from the glass including razor blades. only thing that worked was a strong APC. amazing roll off. usually wouldn't think or want to use something that strong but I mist a bit in to a microfiber and scrub away and it worked great. follow with and normal glass cleaner and a fresh microfiber and finish with a glass sealant.

Nor Cal ZL1 · 08-06-2015, 08:10 AM

If you do not want swirls and scratches there is no simple. Your going to have to invest time in researching technique, and product. There are how to videos at Adams and also here at Autogeek is a ton of info covering just about anything.

http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

Watch some of the videos and read up a bit. Then you can decide how deep into it you want to go. Also there are more ways to wash from waterless, rinseless, and two bucket. All of them can be safe if performed correctly.

Then there are coatings, wax, sealants, and hybrid wax coatings. Each has a different level of protection, lifespan, and look.

Coatings last the longest, provide the best protection.

Best of luck

08-03-2015, 08:37 PM	#1
Ice Baby Drives: 2014 Silver Ice Metallic LT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Greenfield, Wisconsin Posts: 46	Simply Wash, Dry, Clean Windows I know nearly nothing about washing cars.......our other rides are SUVs, which typically go thru the local car wash. I drive a Silver Ice Metallic, which is good at hiding dirt....you have to look closely to see it, with the exception of bug splats on the front. I would like to simply wash and dry, w/o streaks or water marks on the car and have clean windows. Is it better to wash in the sun and dry in the shade? Can you please suggest what to use and where to buy it? Thanks.

08-03-2015, 08:52 PM	#2
clashley1976 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Albany, GA Posts: 399 View My Garage	Do everything in the shade, especially the glass. Silver will hide a multitude of sins, but glass is unforgiving. Clean the glass very well, squeegee it dry and then apply a good coat of rain-ex. That will help minimize the water spotting between washes, especially on the rear window. __________________ -Cameron Lashley Albany, GA 2011 Camaro 2LT/RS 3.6L M6 Summit White w/silver rally stripes CAI intake, VTC, VMax PTB, VMax Iceolator, Apex intake scoop, Roto-Fab washer bottle relocate Build Journal: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=419992 .

08-04-2015, 11:55 AM	#4
rebelyell22 Drives: 2011 SIM 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Tupelo, MS Posts: 5,902	I use detail spray on my windows. No streaks __________________ 2011 2SS/RS built 8/24/10

08-04-2015, 07:16 PM	#5
JTruck Drives: 2014 Camaro 1LT/RS Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,693	I have found less is more on windows. You only need a small amount of product to clean the window, the streaking comes from an excess of product dried on the surface. __________________ Detailing is an involuntary obsession.

08-05-2015, 08:37 AM	#6
Stex Drives: 67 goat, 69 goat ram air III Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South texas Posts: 1,443	OP: being isna cold weather clime, I can see one using a drive thru or pay and spray. They do not get all the dirt off the car so if you us a drying towel etc after a drive thru you are rubbing dirt around on the paint. Best to dry at 60 after a drive thru. Two bucket wash like in the vid at Adams is the best method. The Adams bucket with lid and grit guard on sale right now is better than starting like I did with Home Depot buckets and buying a grit guard separate. I think two buckets (with lids and guards), a wash pad and two great white drying towels will get you going. A gallon of car wash shampoo will last a long time. So maybe a 16 oz tell you find what you like. I really like Perls car wash. Leaves a good shine with a little syn wax in the product. http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-perls-shampoo.html I wash at home or load up the buckets with water (lids do work) and head to the pay and spray. Shade or a cover is best. When I can I blow a lot of the water off with and electric or battery blower. Then use the great white drying towels. The detail spray helps but not necessary. Proper washing technique is the cornerstone to preventing swirls and reducing the need for correction with a polisher. This stuff cost so Once you get the washing stuff bought, you can start on the other stuff like brushes, Super vrt, clay, all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner etc...Your car being fairly new may not have real bad swirls. You may just try claying then sealer and wax once you get the washing part down. See the clay vid here: http://adamspolishes.com/shop/exteri...lay-combo.html Last edited by Stex; 08-05-2015 at 09:24 AM.

08-05-2015, 05:36 PM	#7
CCMADONNA Drives: 2014 SW 2SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,681 View My Garage	OP, all the recommendations about Adam's are a great place to start. Do it in the shade, and a light spray of Adam's Detail Spray will help keep your drying technique on point. I would also suggest two light coats of Adam's Americana with your first wash. That way you have a great base that protects your paint. I will also say that Everest 1100 microfibers are great for waterless wash/rinseless wash so you don't have to do the two bucket method every week. Read CamaroDreams07's great advice: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275418 Enjoy the addiction of a clean car. __________________ 2014 2SS/RS VERT L99 SUMMIT WHITE AIRAID CAI BORLA ATAK CAT-BACK EXHAUST ELITE ENGINEERING CATCH-CAN RANGE AFM-DELETE MODULE HUPER OPTIK 40 CHROME PEDALS PREMIUM FLOOR MATS PREMIUM CARGO MAT DEDICATED 32GB iPHONE HD[/I][/B][IMG][/IMG]

08-05-2015, 10:23 PM	#8
jshaf Montani Semper Liberi Drives: 2011 Black 2SS/RS w/ IOM stripes Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Masontown, WV Posts: 4,841	I have issues with neighbors burning stuff right after it rains and the smoke gets in the droplets and they dry leaving a film that just won't come off the glass. tried everything to get the streaks from the glass including razor blades. only thing that worked was a strong APC. amazing roll off. usually wouldn't think or want to use something that strong but I mist a bit in to a microfiber and scrub away and it worked great. follow with and normal glass cleaner and a fresh microfiber and finish with a glass sealant. __________________ Stainless Works 1 7/8 Long Tude Headers, Stainless Works High Flow Cats, Stainless Works Retro Chambered Catback, Z/28 Air Intake, RDP Tuned, FR41 Chrome Rims, 1100W stereo, 35% Tint

08-06-2015, 08:10 AM	#9
Nor Cal ZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,825	If you do not want swirls and scratches there is no simple. Your going to have to invest time in researching technique, and product. There are how to videos at Adams and also here at Autogeek is a ton of info covering just about anything. http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html Watch some of the videos and read up a bit. Then you can decide how deep into it you want to go. Also there are more ways to wash from waterless, rinseless, and two bucket. All of them can be safe if performed correctly. Then there are coatings, wax, sealants, and hybrid wax coatings. Each has a different level of protection, lifespan, and look. Coatings last the longest, provide the best protection. Best of luck