My car washing stuff

Thought I would make a thread on my car washing stuff. Foam cannons are not necessary, but they sure are fun.

Forgot to get a pic when foaming/washing the MME, but here is the last time I washed my previous Mustang. (Yes, I got that license plate in anticipation of getting the Mach-E, but it worked on the 5.0 too)

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Here is my car washing cart:



List of stuff:


Stool: https://www.vyperindustrial.com/col...steel-max-quick-height?variant=42421676605695
This thing is awesome, built like a tank and rolls well on my bumpy asphalt drive.


Rubbermaid cart: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFB2DD2?tag=ciq00280-20


Hose Reel: https://www.amazon.com/General-Pump-D30002-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00INY1V4Y
The General Pump D30002 has 3/8" Female NPT connections. Tools Daily whip with an M22 female on one end and 3/8 NPT male on the other: https://amzn.to/3H0NJ6Q This whip hose goes from the reel to the pressure washer without using any adapters.
To connect the Obsessed Garage 50' hose with 3/8" Quick Disconnect ends to the hose reel you need an adapter like this: https://amzn.to/3sQqXcX

Obsessed garage 50’ hose: comes with M22 Female (14mm) to 3/8” Quick Disconnect Plug that works with the Karcher 1700: https://www.obsessedgarage.com/coll...its/products/og-hose-upgrade-kit#what-you-get


Spray Gun: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PV4VKXK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Karcher K1700 Cube Pressure Washer: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRDLVN5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Foam Cannon:https://amzn.to/3Lpc6i9 Swap the stock orifice on this cannon with a 1.1mm for better foam:

Foam Cannon Orifice: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B088JV5GF5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Snow Foam soap: Adam’s Mega Foam https://adamspolishes.com/products/adams-mega-foam-shampoo-with-free-16oz This stuff makes thiccc foam and smells soooo good. Smells like Juicy Fruit gum to me.

Using 2.5mm 40 degree nozzle will give about 1000 psi
Using 3.0mm 40 degree nozzle will give about 850 psi (best for car washing)

Microfiber towels: Costco Kirklands 36 pack: https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-ultra-plush-microfiber-towel,-yellow,-16-in-x-16-in,-36-count.product.100356999.html

Washing Microfiber Towels - Hot water (not sanitize), extra rinse, air only dry (no heat). Add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. Use Tide Free & Gentle or All Free & Clear.

I use used dryer sheets for bug removal, just hit with detail spray or waterless wash first then gently scrub off.

Waterless Wash: https://adamspolishes.com/products/ceramic-waterless-refill-kit I use this for when the car is only slightly dirty/dusty. Works well, leaves protection and smells fantabulous.

Ceramic Spray: After a full wash and dry, I put on Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating. Easy on, easy off, can be used on any exterior surface and smells good too. I even use it as rain-x on my windshields. Hybrid Solutions Ceramic: https://amzn.to/3V3h1tO

Tire Shine: Coverall from O'Reilly. Spray it on, easy peasy. Smells good. Not shiny but not fully matte either. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...4-ounce-tire-shine/scp0/f96?q=cover+all&pos=0

Where's your hydroelectric dam to capture all the water that falls out of the Mach e nooks and crannies for approx 4 days after getting it wet?

I swear we could solve the energy crisis with setups like this on all our cars.

GuliblGuy said:

Where's your hydroelectric dam to capture all the water that falls out of the Mach e nooks and crannies for approx 4 days after getting it wet?

I swear we could solve the energy crisis with setups like this on all our cars.

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That's how I know when to wash the car - if I don't get dripped on when I open the back hatch, it's time for a wash.

ctenidae said:

That's how I know when to wash the car - if I don't get dripped on when I open the back hatch, it's time for a wash.

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I use a high-powered leaf blower. I dry that area off completely so that there's not even a hint of moisture. Then come back and do it again 45 seconds later to get rid of the waterfall. And then come back and do it again...

I would argue that foam cannons are absolutely necessary. My 15 year old still finds enough novelty in the idea to do at least half the wash. I'll take it. Then I find myself washing the tractor, and the camper, and... Once it's out, might as well use it and see that beautiful foam covering.

imstriker said:

I would argue that foam cannons are absolutely necessary. My 15 year old still finds enough novelty in the idea to do at least half the wash. I'll take it. Then I find myself washing the tractor, and the camper, and... Once it's out, might as well use it and see that beautiful foam covering.

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I have a Griot's Foam Boss. Love the thing. It's incapable of washing just one vehicle though, you must keep going.

I'll be upgrading my auto detailing setup this winter. I've got my eye on that new Active 2.0 unit, and will pair it with a 50-ft kobrajet hose. May go DI system as well, not sure there. I use an MTM SGS-28 gun - the swivel is fantastic. Not as buttery smooth as the OG Mosmatic setup, but it definitely does the job.

I have a few auto detailing products I've grown to love:

• P&S Iron Buster - great for doing general decon between wash cycles. It's safe for any exterior surface. Be sure to rinse it away before it dries. If you want stronger decon, especially for wheels, tires and brakes, P&S offers Brake Buster as well.
• Adam's Mega Foam - great foaming soap for general purpose washes.
• GYEON Foam - It's a higher pH formula, but when foamed onto the car, it's pH neutral. It does a killer job at breaking down surface grime. This product is coating safe.
• P&S Bug off - for those who live in areas where most driving is at highway speeds and hit every single bug.
• Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel + applicator - my favorite tire dressing product. I used to interchange between this and CarPro Perl, but have grown to love Opti-Bond, and it's a bit cheaper.
• P&S Absolute - multi-purpose rinseless and waterless wash, clay lube, quick detailer, etc. ONR used to be my go-to, but this new product from P&S blew me away.
• 3D Water Spot Eraser - have water spots built up on the glass? This stuff obliterates it. I don't like using it on paint, as I'd much rather do a very light ultra-fine polish to remove water spots from painted surfaces.
• CarPro TarX - great multipurpose tar and adhesive remover. Safe on painted surfaces
• GYEON Q2 View - perfect glass coating that lasts up to a full-year. You can decon the glass and recharge it at any time; no need to remove the existing coating. I highly recommend doing a wash, iron decon, clay bar, IPA wipe, then coating.

A few other recommendations:

• Get your towels and rags from The Rag Company. They have sales all the time, and their Amazon store is priced very well.
• Any 2.5-5gal bucket works for washing, but I highly recommend grit guards
• The Rag Company Cyclone/Ultra Wash Mitts and pad are amazing!

Lord Polymath said:

Thought I would make a thread on my car washing stuff. Foam cannons are not necessary, but they sure are fun.

Forgot to get a pic when foaming/washing the MME, but here is the last time I washed my previous Mustang. (Yes, I got that license plate in anticipation of getting the Mach-E, but it worked on the 5.0 too)

View attachment 81391


Here is my car washing cart:

List of stuff:


Stool: https://www.vyperindustrial.com/col...steel-max-quick-height?variant=42421676605695
This thing is awesome, built like a tank and rolls well on my bumpy asphalt drive.


Rubbermaid cart: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFB2DD2?tag=ciq00280-20


Hose Reel: https://www.amazon.com/General-Pump-D30002-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00INY1V4Y
The General Pump D30002 has 3/8" Female NPT connections. Tools Daily whip with an M22 female on one end and 3/8 NPT male on the other: https://amzn.to/3H0NJ6Q This whip hose goes from the reel to the pressure washer without using any adapters.
To connect the Obsessed Garage 50' hose with 3/8" Quick Disconnect ends to the hose reel you need an adapter like this: https://amzn.to/3sQqXcX

Obsessed garage 50’ hose: comes with M22 Female (14mm) to 3/8” Quick Disconnect Plug that works with the Karcher 1700: https://www.obsessedgarage.com/coll...its/products/og-hose-upgrade-kit#what-you-get


Karcher K1700 Cube Pressure Washer: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRDLVN5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Foam Cannon:https://amzn.to/3Lpc6i9 Swap the stock orifice on this cannon with a 1.1mm for better foam:

Foam Cannon Orifice: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B088JV5GF5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Snow Foam soap: Adam’s Mega Foam https://adamspolishes.com/products/adams-mega-foam-shampoo-with-free-16oz This stuff makes thiccc foam and smells soooo good. Smells like Juicy Fruit gum to me.

Using 2.5mm 40 degree nozzle will give about 1000 psi
Using 3.0mm 40 degree nozzle will give about 850 psi (best for car washing)

Microfiber towels: Costco Kirklands 36 pack: https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-ultra-plush-microfiber-towel,-yellow,-16-in-x-16-in,-36-count.product.100356999.html

Washing Microfiber Towels - Hot water (not sanitize), extra rinse, air only dry (no heat). Add vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. Use Tide Free & Gentle or All Free & Clear.

I use used dryer sheets for bug removal, just hit with detail spray or waterless wash first then gently scrub off.

Waterless Wash: https://adamspolishes.com/products/ceramic-waterless-refill-kit I use this for when the car is only slightly dirty/dusty. Works well, leaves protection and smells fantabulous.

Ceramic Spray: After a full wash and dry, I put on Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating. Easy on, easy off, can be used on any exterior surface and smells good too. I even use it as rain-x on my windshields. Hybrid Solutions Ceramic: https://amzn.to/3V3h1tO

Tire Shine: Coverall from O'Reilly. Spray it on, easy peasy. Smells good. Not shiny but not fully matte either. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...4-ounce-tire-shine/scp0/f96?q=cover+all&pos=0

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You are next level!!!

Great post @Lord Polymath! I love that mobile stool!

So you recoat with the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray after each wash? I'm no expert but I thought that is generally good for 6 months or so. I applied a few coats of it when I first got the car but with subsequent washes have used either their Ceramic wet wax or their graphene spray wax while the car is wet, as a drying aid. I then also apply a quick coating of the graphene wax when dry if I have a few extra minutes. I learned about these from @joebruin77 from various posts of his.

And yes, the Costco microfiber cloths are a great deal, I love them. I do like the Adams dedicated liquid detergent for cleaning the microfiber towels. Now I just have to try a foam canon. I know it's not absolutely necessary, but it looks like too much fun to pass up. I just have to decide on which gun to get.

Question for the experts, will Griots Micro Fiber and Foam Pad Cleaner work on items used to apply and remove Hybrid Ceramic products. Label says it is effective for waxes and polishes.

Kamuelaflyer said:

I use a high-powered leaf blower. I dry that area off completely so that there's not even a hint of moisture. Then come back and do it again 45 seconds later to get rid of the waterfall. And then come back and do it again...

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And then it starts raining?

I use a hose foam canon. Not anywhere the same with a pressure washer but it suds enough to clean. I tried some 303 spray sealant which is literally wash, spray on and spray off. It's not bad but definitely follow instructions and no direct sun.

hawkeye3point1 said:

Question for the experts, will Griots Micro Fiber and Foam Pad Cleaner work on items used to apply and remove Hybrid Ceramic products. Label says it is effective for waxes and polishes.

Click to expand...

I can't answer your specific question, but there is a nice discussion of how to handle microfiber towels on the Adams website here. I soak them in their revitalizer after use if they had ceramic on them and I also use it as the detergent when I wash them in the washing machine--I do a dedicated wash with only the dirty microfiber cloths.

RMoore said:

Great post @Lord Polymath! I love that mobile stool!

So you recoat with the Hybrid Solutions Ceramic spray after each wash? I'm no expert but I thought that is generally good for 6 months or so. I applied a few coats of it when I first got the car but with subsequent washes have used either their Ceramic wet wax or their graphene spray wax while the car is wet, as a drying aid. I then also apply a quick coating of the graphene wax when dry if I have a few extra minutes. I learned about these from @joebruin77 from various posts of his.

And yes, the Costco microfiber cloths are a great deal, I love them. I do like the Adams dedicated liquid detergent for cleaning the microfiber towels. Now I just have to try a foam canon. I know it's not absolutely necessary, but it looks like too much fun to pass up. I just have to decide on which gun to get.

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I don't recoat with the ceramic spray after *every* wash, just every now and then. Using the ceramic waterless wash for touch-ups in between keeps the surface very hydrophobic. I haven't tried the Graphene spray yet, one spray bottle of the Ceramic spray lasts a long time.
The Hybrid Solutions line is all pretty good stuff - the wet wax is great as a drying aid. Not crazy about the car wash soap as it doesn't make many suds. The 3-in-1 detailer is streaky on darker paint.

Kamuelaflyer said:

I use a high-powered leaf blower. I dry that area off completely so that there's not even a hint of moisture. Then come back and do it again 45 seconds later to get rid of the waterfall. And then come back and do it again...

Click to expand...

I also use a high powered leaf blower. After that, I open the doors, frunk, and trunk and dry out the crevices. I use a Stihl BR 800 backpack blower but just got a Ryobi 40v battery powered blower that should do the trick nicely. It's pretty powerful for a battery blower and quiet as well.
Excellent deal on it right now at home depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-4...-0-Ah-Batteries-Charger-RY404100VNM/314600140