Interior Exterior
Q:
Reading the threads here, it seems like there's some great advice for doing detailing and thorough washing / waxing. However, I find myself in the situation of having a very dirty car and practically no time to deal with it.
Can someone give me some simple advice for a basic wash? What products? How do I keep from flooding the interior through the (semi-waterproof) soft top? If you couldn't do it right, what would you do for a 10-15 minute basic wash?
Thanks
-b
A:
I think it is pretty simple.
Rules-
Don't wash it on a slope.
Don't spray too hard into the rear taillights or at the edges of the side windows.
I don't treat the washing experience any differently than other cars and do not experience any flooding.
I use the stuff from forum sponsor Detailers Paradise, bucket and a washing mitt. Rinse off. The car is so small it is easy. Try not to wash as much in full sun. I use a California Blade for getting water off the top and windows. Follow up with a microfibre drying cloth.
The entire washing process takes me 15 minutes. More if I do the wheels also.
If I do the wheels (LSS rims) I use a separate sponge and do them last.
Typically, after the wash is complete, I follow up the inside of the door surfaces, door jambs, sills, etc with another microfibre cloth.
A:
a lot of stuff just wipes off. i can clean the car with a microfiber rag and water. i just get the rag wet in a bucket and wipe off the car, even the bugs seem to come right off the star shield. then i just rinse and wipe dry with another microfiber rag. that usually gets 90% of the crap and probably takes 10 minutes. I would reccommend that you dip the wet rag in the bucket a lot to keep it somewhat clean so that it wont scratch the paint
A:
Also, assuming you haven't done it yet, don't put too much soap on your soft top (ideally, no soap) because car wash soap will remove the waterproofing treatment that was on there. If you've already done it and it's too late, get yourself the RagTop care kit from Detailer's Paradise. Actually you should buy it in any case, because you'll need it eventually anyway.
When you get a chance, I'd recommend putting some good wax (carnauba, synthetic or a combination) down on your Elise, it will not only keep the car looking better, longer, but will make subsequent cleaning of the car easier.
Happy Motoring !
A:
Reading the threads here, it seems like there's some great advice for doing detailing and thorough washing / waxing. However, I find myself in the situation of having a very dirty car and practically no time to deal with it.
Can someone give me some simple advice for a basic wash? What products? How do I keep from flooding the interior through the (semi-waterproof) soft top? If you couldn't do it right, what would you do for a 10-15 minute basic wash?
Thanks
-b
I hate driving a car like the Elise when it's dirty, but washing the car several times a week simply isn't practical, and sometimes I'm somewhere without easy access to water (like an overnight trip).
For these situations I use a waterless touch up product. My favorite is Speedshine from Griot's Garage. Just spray it on and wipe off with a microfiber cloth. Takes off the dirt and leaves a nice shine without hurting the wax, and doesn't build up if you still wash regularly. I don't know about others, but this product is safe for wheels too.
There are those that will feel this is sacrilege (please folks, wait until I get my Nomex on), but I think the key is to use the right product. Some of the off-the-shelf stuff is crap.
A:
I use the detail spray and microfibre also, but would understand if other people think it is something they would nver do.
A:
Thanks for the speedy and informative responses. I've ordered the "starter kit" from Detailer's Paradise, and that sounds totally manageable to me. I won't even be washing the soft top, since it's never on the car.
Fortunately, I'm not as obses^H^H^H^H^Hthorough as banzai here, so I don't really care about the car being a little dirty on a day-to-day basis, and the basic approach once every week or two, coupled with paying someone to do it right a couple of times a year, will totally satisfy me.
Cheers
-b
A:
I love the spray detailers and have found Griots to be great, as well as Meguirs final inspection, Honda-brite, etc. Another excellent product and in my personal opinion the best waterless product is called (let me gear up in flame suit also) Dri-Wash N Guard. One thing I hate is that is sold through network marketing (aka Pyramid scheme) so not only do they want you to buy the product, they want to get you in their "downline" but it is an amazing product. I do not sell it, and am in no way affiliated with anyone that does, but I've bought quite a bit of it. I used to even use it on my black 4x4 toyota truck, while living on a dirt road, even on light mud behind the tires, and it never scratched. Actually it hid scratches quite well.
Another tip is to mist the paint with your spray detailer like the Griots speed shine while it's still wet after washing, but before you dry. I use an "Absorber" synthetic chomois and love them to death. Totally spot free finish every time.
A:
For additional lubricity, I've seen a lot more waterless wash or minimal water wash products on the market for those who cannot do a full wash, in addition to regular products like Speed Shine. Couldn't tell you if they are that much better than the regular quick detailer sprays. There are also products like QEW from the RV world.
A full wash is still ideal, but it's a good compromise for many.
The biggest time saver for me comes from using wheel cleaner. The gentle ones still require aggitation and aren't much better than soap in water in that respect. Some of the stronger ones are nearly spray and rinse, but you have to be much more careful, especially with sport pack wheels.
If I didn't have to dry the car, such as when using dionized water, that would also save a lot of time.
It all depends on how perfect you want your car to be. Lots of corners can be cut if you don't need it flawless all the time.
- J
A:
It all depends on how perfect you want your car to be. Lots of corners can be cut if you don't need it flawless all the time.
- J
Exactly! Also, certain colors (like silver or ST) are quite low maintenance, and many of the typical "perfectionist" type flaws are hardly visible -- if that matters to you.
I'm having a blast using the DI system from CRSpotless -- Never having to touch/rub my yellow F-paint with a dry microfiber cloth definitely avoids the classic micro-maring/spider lines most dark colored/nonmettalic paints exhibit. Of course, this only matters to a truly anal, sick car nut. Justin knows what I'm taking about.
A:
here's my advice,wash it with the nose pointing downhill,do it all the time and never a leak
A:
I've washed mine several times with the top off. Just have to be careful when you spray and use low pressure/volume. The mitt and shampoo that I got from Detailer's Paradise seems to work great on all but the most stubborn dirt on the panel behind the doors.
For quick touch ups, I wash off the dirt on the rear clam (around the Lotus lettering and lower areas) as that seems to be where dirt accumulates the most.
Different story when it rains, as the car throws up dirt all over the place.
A:
a very easy way to do simple quick interim cleanings (i.e. between proper washings) is to go to those self service wash bays. the trick is to only use two settings, the soap and rinse settings and then dry the car with a clean towel. takes about 10 minutes including drying.
as far as for proper cleaning, its even easier, take the car to the wash/detail shop and pick it up a few hours later...
A:
Here's my normal 30-minute wash routine.
YOU NEED:
1. All-wheel cleaner product (e.g., Meguiars).
2. Two buckets
3. Garden hose
4. Two terry towels
5. Plastic "blade" for removing water and/or chamios.
6. Quick detailer product (e.g., Mequiars)
THE ROUTINE:
1. Spray wheels with wheel cleaner.
2. Let the wheel cleaner work while you fill two buckets. (Some use car soap in the first bucket, but I don't. Do not use dish detergent as it removes wax.)
3. Use a hose to spray down the car, using care to not get water inside. Try to get dirt off, including the underside. Rinse the wheels really well.
4. Use a terry towel to wash the entire body and glass. First bucket loads the rag with water (and soap, if you use it) to wash the car. Wash a section of the car, ring out the rag, then use the second bucket to rinse the rag. Repeat until car is clean, working from top (least dirt) to bottom (dirtiest). Rinse more frequently if your rag shows dirt.
5. Rinse the car thoroughly with the hose.
6. Dry the car. I find it fastest to use the blade top down, followed by a chamois or terry towel. Some prefer just the chamois or towel. The blade is fastest, and the towel is most thorough to get remaining drops of water at the end, especially in the detailed areas.
7. Follow with a quick detailer product using a fresh terry towel, turing frequently.
Time permitting give some attention to those wheels, or the exterior trim, or the interior, or the glass. I try to do this routine once a week. Once ever month or two appy a good coat of carnaubu wax. I'm interested in what others suggest!