Chamois: what to buy and how to use???

[and1]

You might want to dry your car in the shade and make sure your paintwork isn't hot/warm when cleaning as this would usually create more water marks.

I think you might need something abit more aggressive then cleaner wax as the water marks have probably etched into the paint. Perhaps claybar, then use swirlX topped off with your cleaner wax or different sealant. Helps to have a DA polisher like Meguiars G220

I use the Meguiars microfibre 'chamois' after sheeting a majority of the water off the main panels by using a low pressure setting on the hose.

[ak_perth]

Hi,

Here's my washing procedure, and i apologise if it's obvious:

1. The car should be cold, i.e. never wash it if you have just been for a drive. The bonnet will hot. Park the car in the shade. Never ever wash a car in direct sunlight. If no shade is available either wake up early or wash it late when the sun is weak and not directly on the car.

2. Thoroughly rinse the car with water from the hose to get rid of any loose grit, dust etc.

3. Get your car shampoo nice and sudsy.

4. Sponge one side of the car. Rinse off with water before starting the other side. This ensures the suds dont dry on the paintwork and start to stain/mark.

5. Sponge the other side, again rinse off when finished.

6. Give the whole car a quick rinse again from the hose, the idea being that the paintwork should not dry out before you dry it.

7. Clean the wheels and sills with a separate sponge.

8. I use a "Meguiar's soft buff synthetic chamois". Where possible i open the chamois to full size and lay it flat on the car (such as with the bonnet). I hold two corners and pull it across the car. This always removes most the water. I wring out the chamois very frequently.

9. I then use a micro-fibre cloth to dry the wheels and sills.

10. Open the doors, bonnet, boot lid and petrol cap (and pop up headlights if it's an NA) and wipe down any water present in these areas again with a micro-fibre cloth.

11. Once the car is dry, i keep checking and removing any drips of water that keep running down from the door mirrors onto the door.

When i bought my chamois it states on the plastic tube container that it needs to be used a few times before it performs at its best.

Also when i have finished with the chamois i wring it out so it's damp and put it back in its plastic tube. This way it never dries out and is ready for the next time. I often check my chamois before washing the car to see if it has picked up any grit, obviously that would not be good.

Cheers

AK

[Tedsmx5]

Check out the following website for Bowdens'Own car care products.

http://www.bowdensown.com.au/Car_Washing_Article

It is an Australian owned family business and all their range is developed, tested and made in Australia (micro fibre cloths & clay bar excluded). The family's car collection of around 80 cars is valued at over $25 million and they developed these products to use on their own cars as what is on the commercial market is crap.

There are lots of great articles on how to use the products and general detailing tips. Their products are available from Autobarn or mail order through their website. I've been using them for the past 4-5 years and they are fantastic. Hope this helps.

I want 2 of what's she,s selling .
Ted

[ak_perth]

Ha ha, i should have clicked on this link on page 1 of this thread before i wrote my post, i feel a bit silly now!

http://www.bowdensown.com.au/Car_Washing_Article

[Mr Morlock]

I sponge and wash off in quadrants at the very most; a whole side of a car is too much in my view. I leave the wheels until last but sometimes make the mistake of using the same water to go over missed points; hence the water is dirty and can streak.Having my own tank I can use the power washer and a nice thing too. I also use Ponds beauty cream to smooth out my wrinkles and my mates reckon I only look about 40 in poor light conditions.

[mazdatenfive]

I'm with you Ted.
Wonder what she charges for a complete rub down.