1st time hand washing

[Matt Bagne]

I found this thread to be interesting and helpful regarding auto car washes:

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...ach-e-to-a-car-wash-for-the-first-time.14975/

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[Logal727]

I use the Meguiars detailer spray to keep it slick and shiny between washes so you don’t have to use any water to get bug guts off all the time

 

[Bill S]

I‘m debating if I hate love bug season or caterpillar season more. Right now I’m thinking caterpillar season but that’s cause it’s happening now. I think I’m going to have to wash the front of my car at least twice a week.

I hate love bug season the most because of the damage they do to paint if not removed within 4 days. Best remover for all bugs is to use female apparel from the past ........ Panty Hose. I have a show car and I understand paint care well. Panty hose and Windex. Easy Peasy.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

My Handy Curated List of my set up. - Thanks Amazon!!

That’s quite the long hose you’ve got there.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

I don’t know these love bug. But we have TONS of bugs up here in the spring. So I found this:
CG Bug Remover

Video:
CG’s Bug Remover

 

[RickMachE]

To me, the key is to not obsess over it. Two bucket method, car mitt, car soap, soft brush for wheels, microfiber towels. Wash in about 30 minutes, blow excess water off with battery powered blower if you have one (don't use air compressor hose), towel dry. I always have water spots. I also have a have a paint chip. It's a car. Use it and enjoy it.

 

[GT_order_#1001]

Word.

Second word

 

[jonkMACHE]

I bought my car about 6 weeks ago. The first week I had the detail guys at my work wash it (nice perk) for $10. Then a few days later I washed it and applied a spray on ceramic. Then life has been super busy or raining. I finally washed it today. I’ll admit I’m 40 and until now I‘ve personally washed a car maybe 5 times in my life. Although I did live in Chicago without a car for 15 years.

If you have a guy who will wash it for $10 (and do a good job) that is a deal.

 

[GT_order_#1001]

I bought my car about 6 weeks ago. The first week I had the detail guys at my work wash it (nice perk) for $10. Then a few days later I washed it and applied a spray on ceramic. Then life has been super busy or raining. I finally washed it today. I’ll admit I’m 40 and until now I‘ve personally washed a car maybe 5 times in my life. Although I did live in Chicago without a car for 15 years.

This whole caring about how my car looks is hard work and time consuming!
I always thought dudes spent so much time on their cars because they didn’t want to spend time with their wives. I thought you guys just dragged it out! Little did I know.

I’m going to try to wash it at least once a week to keep the bug guts from sticking and maybe that will help. I’m scared an automatic wash will damage the paint and I’m also scared of how to get the car to move on the wash machine!

Others wiser than me have given good advice. You've done well to apply a slick ceramic coating to help you remove bugs, etc., from the surface. Hand- or spray-remove the bugs as often as possible during the bug season to minimize surface damage. Buying a pressure washer will speed up the removal process but costs some $ for buy-in and you must store the washer somewhere. Also, you might as well get out the soap and drying tools and totally wash the car if you bother to set up the pressure washer. Remember that the big benefit of the foam gun + microfiber mitt + microfiber cloth/detail spray process is the lubrication provided by these tools to minimize micro-scratches on the surface. But during bug season, just prioritize getting the damn bugs off the car.

 

[Studly]

My guide: Hand wash and dry weekly at least. Even when it rains or snows. Any wash soap will do. Cheap is not always the same, but expensive isn't always better.
I like McGuire's and Turtle Wax soap fine.

I paid up for and love Ammo NYC products. I don't use them every time, but I like them best I'd use Chemical Guys, but haven't yet. I use one bucket, rinse in soap often, go top to bottom with wheels last. Doesn't take long.
The work option at $10 is a super deal. I pay $50/month for hand washes in the winter. I prefer to wash my own.

 

[RockwallRick]

I‘m debating if I hate love bug season or caterpillar season more. Right now I’m thinking caterpillar season but that’s cause it’s happening now. I think I’m going to have to wash the front of my car at least twice a week.

I love to hate love bugs!! Last summer I did a 400 mile road trip up to Panama City and arrived totally bug free!! Maybe it was TOO hot for the bugs to come out that day? Stay tuned for my annual love bug report!

 

[joebruin77]

90% or more of the time you can safely do a rinseless wash using Optimum No Rinse or McKees37 N-914. You can wash your whole car using 4-5 gallons of water.
For dirty areas, including bugs, just pretreat by spraying with the rinseless wash solution or with diluted Optimum Power Clean.

 

[Godawgs]

Any recommendations on the max PSI you should use on a pressure washer, and best practice to avoid damage? Always washed the car via the two bucket method but got a pressure washer for the concrete and I’m intrigued to use it on the car. Don’t want to damage the paint though.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Foam Cannon/Pressure Wahser is the bee’s knees.

If you don't have or want to buy a pressure washer, you can get good foam wash with a hose, too:
https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guy...ocphy=9007809&hvtargid=pla-358900818635&psc=1

I also recommend you get a simple 2-bucket setup:
https://www.chemicalguys.com/twobucketmethod/blog-two-bucket-method.html

The right soap matters as well. I recommend the Chemical Guys' soap finder:
https://www.chemicalguys.com/soaps.html

 

[Polar]

If you don't have or want to buy a pressure washer, you can get good foam wash with a hose, too:

I tried the hose based “foam sprayers” before I bought my pressure washer - could never get a good foam output. Great to know you found one that works for you!

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