MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: rdfcpete on June 08, 2014, 12:25:11 pm

Title: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: rdfcpete on June 08, 2014, 12:25:11 pm
Guys,

This often crosses my mind and I never end up asking or checking with people in the trade like many of you on here, but - What's the quickest wash method that you can deploy that's also paintwork safe?

I used to do something like;
- rinse
- two buckets with wash mitts, an approved PHn shampoo
- rinse
- AutoFinesse Citrus spray/or similar
- rinse
- ironX/similar wheels
- SP detailer & drying MF towel
- tyre lacquer etc

Finito.

If I'm particularly rushing on a winters day or when strapped for time, I can do that in under 90 minutes taking care obviously.

I think the one thing that might gain me some time is using snowfoam instead perhaps.

What's the best 'quick but safe' wash method that you lot deploy?

Thanks.
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: stealthwolf on June 08, 2014, 02:52:34 pm
Snow foam, rinse, 2BM wash, rinse, sheet rinse, towel dry. Maybe QD.
Once wheels  are sealed they need only a rinse.

One day, I'll rig something up so I can use the water from my dryer into a butt and use that to rinse the car. Will dry spotless.
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: Shaw on June 09, 2014, 11:08:28 am
Cold water with fairy liquid in a metal bucket previously used to hold building sand. Used kitchen sponge. Throw remaining dirty, soapy water over the car and go to the pub.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: xjay1337 on June 09, 2014, 11:55:56 am
You should be applying your pre-rinse agent (Citrus Power in this case) to the paint BEFORE washing it.. why would you pre-rinse a clean surface?

- rinse
- two buckets with wash mitts, an approved PHn shampoo
- rinse
- AutoFinesse Citrus spray/or similar
- rinse
- ironX/similar wheels
- SP detailer & drying MF towel
- wheel lacquer etc (???? what is this)

What I would do......

-Wheels cleaned first
-Rinse whole car
-Snowfoam / pre rinse agent (Ctirus Power in your case)
-Rinse
-Wash
-Dry

It's not really complicated doesn't need to be  :happy2:
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: Tortaruga on June 09, 2014, 11:47:47 pm
Cold water with fairy liquid in a metal bucket previously used to hold building sand. Used kitchen sponge. Throw remaining dirty, soapy water over the car and go to the pub.
That is pretty much what I used to do before I found out about detailing on this beloved forum.
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: simonp on June 10, 2014, 03:55:42 am
I just blast the muddy bits with a pressure washer, wait for it to dry all streaky and then think to myself "you know what, that doesn't look so bad!"
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: dan930 on June 10, 2014, 04:59:02 pm
I just blast the muddy bits with a pressure washer, wait for it to dry all streaky and then think to myself "you know what, that doesn't look so bad!"

 :happy2:
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: Eccie on June 10, 2014, 08:52:09 pm
My Lazy wash is snowfoam + blast off with the power washer + blow dry with the leaf blower  :ashamed:
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: broomhead50 on June 14, 2014, 01:06:29 pm
For me it's;

Rinse
Snow Foam
Wash- I find Autoglym to be as good as any.
Rinse
Dry with huge dying towel.

++AutoBrite Ultraslick Sealant if required (Awesome stuff)
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: SRC on June 16, 2014, 07:03:33 pm
I managed 45 minutes on Saturday for:
Snowfoam
Wheels (while snowfoam slowly slides onto the floor)
Rinse
Two bucket wash
Rinse
Microfibre towel dry
Windows inside (just the ones with kid's grubby fingerprints).

Just another ten minutes and I'd have had the interior done as well!
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: Dave J on June 16, 2014, 09:38:09 pm
I managed 45 minutes on Saturday for:
Snowfoam
Wheels (while snowfoam slowly slides onto the floor)
Rinse
Two bucket wash
Rinse
Microfibre towel dry
Windows inside (just the ones with kid's grubby fingerprints).

Just another ten minutes and I'd have had the interior done as well!

Jeez - you work quick! It's the Pescara wheels that take the time on mine - probably 45 mins on them alone :laugh:!
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: phatmuther on June 16, 2014, 10:55:32 pm
Cold water with fairy liquid in a metal bucket previously used to hold building sand. Used kitchen sponge. Throw remaining dirty, soapy water over the car and go to the pub.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Haha, the manly way to wash your car.
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: SRC on June 17, 2014, 07:23:13 pm

Jeez - you work quick! It's the Pescara wheels that take the time on mine - probably 45 mins on them alone :laugh:!

I had 40 people coming for a barbecue and 45 minutes while my wife was getting ready before she found out I hadn't been to the butchers.

I'll stick to the Monzas!
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: rdfcpete on June 17, 2014, 07:43:57 pm
You've just covered why I think it adds to each of us usually taking so long to wash our own cars - always feels like I haven't taken enough care or done the process to 100% capability.

I think if I washed as though it was another persons car I'd take the unnecessary care and anxiety out and treat it like a paid job, rather than rinsing your own set of diamonds out.

Would probably save me 15-20 minutes overall, maybe more - particularly the wheels.
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: xjay1337 on June 18, 2014, 01:53:37 am
If I'm at the unit and have everything out and rush I can wash and dry the car and wheels in about 90 minutes.

At home that's more like 2 hours.
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: th3_f15t on June 18, 2014, 12:06:34 pm
I've tried employing a new quick cleaning method, steps are;

- Make girlfriend a cup of tea
- Tell her how good at cleaning cars she is
- Get told to f**k off
- Give up and watch TV
- Not look at car and ignore the dirty paint
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: rdfcpete on August 17, 2014, 06:38:30 pm
What I would do......

-Wheels cleaned first
-Rinse whole car
-Snowfoam / pre rinse agent (Ctirus Power in your case)
-Rinse
-Wash
-Dry


Jay,

What do you use as a pre drying agent i.e. to get the remainder of any dirt you may spot on the bodywork, removed completely - tardis or anything similar?

That's what I was using the Citrus Power as a substitute for, but if I'm re-polishing and re-waxxing/sealing, I use tardis as it's so good at removing the hidden nasties. Especially on a black car!  :scared:

I assume post wash and pre drying/waxxing, that's the right thing to do? Obviously snowfoam and pre-wash kit isn't going to remove all the crud.

Or, should a straight forward claying session pick up the hidden nasties?
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: Tazgti5 on August 17, 2014, 06:54:21 pm
I get the very good polish lads to wash it ,and they are good !
Than polish wax at home
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: xjay1337 on August 18, 2014, 05:20:23 pm
What I would do......

-Wheels cleaned first
-Rinse whole car
-Snowfoam / pre rinse agent (Ctirus Power in your case)
-Rinse
-Wash
-Dry


Jay,

What do you use as a pre drying agent i.e. to get the remainder of any dirt you may spot on the bodywork, removed completely - tardis or anything similar?

That's what I was using the Citrus Power as a substitute for, but if I'm re-polishing and re-waxxing/sealing, I use tardis as it's so good at removing the hidden nasties. Especially on a black car!  :scared:

I assume post wash and pre drying/waxxing, that's the right thing to do? Obviously snowfoam and pre-wash kit isn't going to remove all the crud.

Or, should a straight forward claying session pick up the hidden nasties?

I wouldn't use tardis regularly.... it would completely strip most organic waxes and it's not friendly to glass coatings either.
If you are decontaminating your car then iron x / tardis / clay as appropriate  :happy2:
some cars simply don't need de tarring some do!
Title: Re: The 'Lazy' Wash - Safest quick method
Post by: Horatio on August 25, 2014, 12:15:13 pm
I get the very good polish lads to wash it ,and they are good !
Than polish wax at home



They certainly do a good job, enjoy your swirls....BWAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re:
Post by: Shoy1980 on August 25, 2014, 02:31:28 pm
That's quality hahaha