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Detailing/Washing Buffs

7K views 94 replies 16 participants last post by  rubiconkid4x4 
#1 ·
I know, I know.. "it's a jeep, it's not supposed to be clean" I know, I am on #4. Are any of you guys detailing/cleaning buffs - anyone from the professional to weekend warrior? :washme: Just curious as to what people wash/wax/detail with and the procedures they use.. I detail quite often and am regularly called OCD. Also here to answer any questions or provide assistance. Been in the auto cleaning/detailing industry for on my own for ~5 years and used to work at a car wash!
 
#45 ·
Oh and I just remembered steam cleaners are great at cleaning brake callipers and wheels, while being an eco friendly alternative to using sprays and soaps. Just a thought for guys looking for pros and cons
 
#50 ·
None of you have mentioned Lemon Pledge wipes. I have a friend with years of experience detailing older/antique cars. He has a 57 Chevy convertible that does a lot of parades toting beauty queens and was once in a production of Grease. He uses Lemon Pledge wipes on his interior surfaces. Thoughts?
 
#51 ·
rsurran said:
None of you have mentioned Lemon Pledge wipes. I have a friend with years of experience detailing older/antique cars. He has a 57 Chevy convertible that does a lot of parades toting beauty queens and was once in a production of Grease. He uses Lemon Pledge wipes on his interior surfaces. Thoughts?
Never thought to use them, I generally though of them as wood surface cleaner rather than plastic.
 
#54 ·
I've tried them on the dash and they do leave a nice shine and pleasant smell.
 
#57 ·
Okay, I have a quick question.
First, I am thinking about possibly starting a little detailing business on the side. Nothing extravagant, just looking for some extra cash. I really hate doing interiors, namely carpets. What does everyone recommend for cleaning carpets and floor mats? Is there a trick way, or a trick application that works best?

Secondly,
What does everyone do in regards to stains on wheels? I have tried a lot of products, and can't really find one that takes the brownish/yellowish stains off of wheels. You name it, I've tried it but nothing works.
 
#63 ·
I have a dual action polisher with a carpet/upholstery attachment.. so i will either use that or just an "iron" handle scrub brush with cleaner, i use Griots, their polisher is awesome and i do like their products. As for the wheels have you tried a clay bar?
 
#66 ·
justinmiller930 said:
No, I actually haven't tried claying wheels, but it might be a viable option. It's not my wheels that I am really concerned about, it is the dirtier wheels that a potential customer could bring in.
If someone is paying for a premium detail from me I remove the wheels and clean them inside and out. It makes it a lot easier to clean the wheel and then you an also clean the wheel wells
 
#71 ·
It really depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you're working on a vehicle that is extremely contaminated with brake dust and other contaminates, I would use wheel soap, dish soap or a mild cleaner as a lubricant with a small portion of a clay bar. Not many places sell "wheel soap", usually it is an all around vehicle soap which may be "good" for the paint, but not necessarily for the wheels, and vice versa. I say dish soap because the chemicals are generally too harsh for paint but may be safe for wheels. I used Simple Green on my 95 ZJ when i bought it, but diluted the spray bottle even more, and it actually did pretty good. But like others have mentioned, those kits come with 2 clay bars (usually) with the brands lubricant and a towel. So, personally, if i bought one of those kits, i would use one for just wheels.. but not a whole one, i would say half of one broken again into 1/4 pieces for each wheel. But be sure to get as much dirt off the wheel as possible before using clay, also, work outside of the wheel in.
 
#72 ·
Thanks for the tip. I have tried using a toothbrush on some wheels, but some of them are pretty stained. I can do a pretty decent job with the toothbrush and wheel cleaner, but I wanted something that was a little better. I'll try Mean Green or Simple Green first, and if that doesn't work I'll try the clay.

Thanks again!
 
#88 ·
Last weekend was detail weekend for me.
My hood is getting more wear than I'd like. Dumb question, does putting 2 coats of wax on there do anything? I am using meguairs, guess I am in good company.
Also got a few paint chips missing, wondering if I should hunt down touchup paint or is wax ok to protect it for a while. Been a long time since I've had to worry about stuff like this on my cars.

So do you guys keep the engine bay sparkling, too? I don't detail mine, but I keep it cleaner than the average joe.
 
#75 ·
Getting a new bottle of V38 shipped to me along with some pads and pad conditioner! Also trying to clean out the garage so I can fit my beauty in there. THEN it will time once again for a full detail.
 
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