I am a wash-n-wax wacko, a term from I have borrowed from the S2k forums (when I had an S2k). It is something that turned from a hobby into more of a self-described sickness. When I tell people I love to detail cars, they look at me like I just said, "I like to tug on the end of my fingernails with pliers." But it's true. There is no greater sense of accomplishment then having a super, cleaner-than-new automobile.
Being new to these forums, I wanted to just throw out there what I do when I wash my Mini to share info and maybe give some other members ideas.
First off, I don't have a spot in my community where I can wash my car and since a car wash is about as bad as taking a Brillo pad to your car, I am fortunate enough to be able to wash my car at my work - where I have access to both water and power.
Step 1 - The setup
I drag out all the materials and tools out of my office. I love my electric power washer and my foam gun. I set everything up and usually schedule a washing when the sun is not bright or not out at all. (I did get an EZ-Up tent off eBay for sunny days).
Step 2 - The wheels and tires
This step takes the most time, especially given the complexity of the wheels I have on my car. I work with one wheel at a time. For the wheel itself, I spray on a generous amount of P21S Wheel Cleaner and use a Wheel Brush and Finger Sponge to wipe down the entire wheel and lugnut holes. For the tires, I spray on Meguiar's General Purpose and go over them with a scrub brush. Then I hit it with the power washer to rinse. The process goes a lot faster if I have a coat or two of wheel wax on them. I like Poorboy's Wheel Sealant.
Step 3 - Front grills
Our Mini's have difficult to reach front grills for washing. What I do is spray on a healthly heaping of Meg's GP and scrub with a soft brush, both the front bonnet grill and lower grill.
Step 4 - Washing
If the car has been polished and waxed, this is the easiest part. Using my foam gun attachment, I pour a tiny bit of Meguiar's Hyperwash in the bottle then filled with water and 'foam the car'. After foaming, I let it sit for a good five minutes of so. This breaks down the dirt without upsetting the finish or the wax. Then I rinse. Then one more foaming. At this point, after letting it sit again, I use a micro-fiber mitt to go over the exterior. I work in sections, making sure to rinse the mitt in a 5-gallon bucket filled with clean water and has a 'grit guard' in the bottom - dipping in the bucket repeatedly. This process brings up the sap, tar, and bug guts. Once done, I rinse again.
Step 5 - Drying
If the car is nice and waxed, water gets PUSHED off the finish instead of actually drying. You'll see the beading. Beading is next to godliness. I use Guzzler Micro Fiber clothes. These things are awesome. Once dry, if the wheels are still wet, I'll dry them too. Then I work in the door jambs, under the doors, the hatchback, and fuel door. These spots collect water and roll out when you drive. Keep them clean and dry and you won't have streaks.
Step 6 - Windows
Stoner's Glass is the bomb. I'll spray a healthly amount onto a microfiber cloth, apply and wipe onto the glass and buff off with another dry microfiber cloth. Repeat on all glass. Once every 4 - 6 months, I'll throw a coat of P21S carnuba wax on the front windsheild and buff off. This is sooooo much better than that crappy Rain X.
Step 6 - Trim
Our Mini's have black plastic trim. If they are looking not as 'black' as they used to, hit them with Black WOW. This stuff is amazing. A tiny bottle goes a LONG way. First thing I do, is use some diluated denatured alcohol to clean the plastic and dry. Then add a dab of Black WOW to application sponge, rub in, and wipe off with a microfiber cloth. You'll be amazed at how the trim looks. Don't forget the trim around the side mirrors.
Step 7 - Tires
I like Mother's Tire Shine, but I NEVER spray directly on tire. I spray on an applicator sponge and use that to wipe on the tire.
Step 8 - Wax maintaince
Lately, I've fallen in love with Meg's Ultimate Quick Detail Spray. It adds an extra layer of beading goodness to your wax treatment and really brings out the shine for a spray-n-wipe product. This also works well for a maintanence touch up without have to wash. Remember, always use microfiber.
Some helpful hints:
NEVER EVER use dish soap, unless you plan to wax afterwerds. Dish soap like Dawn REMOVES wax, leaving your clear-coat bare to the elements.
Car washes cause swirls in your clearcoat.
Your car and finish will thank you for a twice-a-year waxing.
There are washless spray products for quick touchups and when you can't schedule a wash.
Bird poop is bad - get it off as soon as you see it.
Avoid direct sunlight when washing. The heat will dry the water before you have a chance to dry, causing water spots. NEVER EVER wax in direct sunlight.
