What exterior products are you guys using for cleaning?

[ThreePedalPlow]

I'm looking for trustworthy products to use for washing and between washes as well as. I'm also interested in what detailing products / rags you are using between washes ( those dang hand smudges ) and post wash chamois or alternatives you are using that seem to work well. Please mention the state of your paint when responding. I'm working with a factory finish for now but I just about have the money set aside for PPF and ceramic.

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[S650 GT]

I have never detailed my car or washed my car by hand and the paint on the whole car was in perfect condition untill the 11th year when the roof started to show some damage from the sun. Can't see any difference between my car and cars who have been detailed through the years.

I don't know how Ford is with paint, because this will be my first. But because of the price of this car I will detail it now and then, just to have some more peace in mind.

 

[2024S650]

May not be the best answer or the one you are looking for but this same forum section on the Mustang6G site is full of excellent suggestions on this topic.
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/fo...vering-washing-waxing-detailing-repairing.78/

 

[roket]

i always have at least 2 bottles of meguiars waterless wash and wax at home, worked great on my Mach 1, works great on my EcoBoost, and will work great on my Dark Horse. also used to use that Jay Lenno wheel cleaner on the M1, not so much on the EB, but i might need it again for the DH. during spring and fall, i go all out with one of those foam cannons with Chemical Guys honeydew snow foam auto wash and clean it every other weekend

 

[Skye]

For routine maintenance washes, Gyeon's Bathe is excellent. One of the best.

https://gyeonusa.com/collections/wash-soaps/products/q2m-bathe

IF the car is coated in PPF, you can use Bathe as often as you like. If you'd like a mild decontamination soap for PPF, to be used once every few months, Gyeon makes a soap for that.

https://gyeonusa.com/collections/ppf-wash-maintain/products/q2m-ppf-wash

To measure soaps and the like, to ensure I'm using the correct amount, go to the kitchen items section in the store. There are often plastic cups of all types. Don't have to worry about breaking things on the driveway. Spray bottles often have their own measuring markers on the sides.

To seal PPF, I use Gyeon's PPF Maintain.

https://gyeonusa.com/collections/ppf-wash-maintain/products/q2m-ppf-maintain

Glass, Gyeon again, as needed. I often just use the damp microfiber towel left after wiping the car down.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-glass?_pos=2&_sid=317271dc6&_ss=r

Leather, Wolfgang's cleaner and conditioner.

https://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-leather-combo.html

Plastics and tires, Car Pro Perl.

https://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html

Stainless Exhaust tips, P21S Polishing Soap.

https://www.autogeek.net/p153.html

I use two buckets, one wash, one rinse, with the dirt separators in the bottom.

Off-the-shelf hose and nozzle, at house pressure. I do not use a pressure washer.

Microfiber, white: for glass, 6

Microfiber, light blue: for body polishing, 6

Microfiber, yellow: for leather, 6

Microfiber, dark blue mitt (1) and towels, 6, for wheels and tires, wash and dry

Microfiber, light blue mitt (1) for body wash

Microfiber, orange, towels (big), 2, for body drying

I use the towels as needed. I do not use all six towels at once . I'll often use one on that day.

When all the towels of one color are dirty, I'll wash them. I wash one color each and do not mix.

If by chance a towel hits the pavement, it's trash. It will never touch the car again (yet to happen).

To wash the towels, I use the following:

https://www.autogeek.net/gyeon-towel-wash.html

To clean the rim barrels, I use a Wollywormit.

https://woollywormit.com/

I currently purchase my products through www.Autogeek.net .

I don't spend all day, every day cleaning my car. Once every other week, it's wheels only, to get the brake dust off. Once every other week, it's a maintenance wash and wheel cleaning. Once a quarter, it's decon wash and sealer. The wash is a regular wash. The sealer wipes on and wipes off. For glass, I use a damp towel and a dedicated cleaner, when needed. For leather and plastic, as I think it needs it.

Do not wash a hot car (often leads to water spots).

For a car which has been PPF'd, do not wash when hot. PPF heals in the Sun, so do not wash when hot, do not wash at peak Sun. In the shade on a cool (I know, Summer )or cloudy day. I often wash on Sunday mornings, when cool.

Products I'd advise to stay away from: the entire Chemical Guy line. Last year, I started with CG. I thought they were a general purpose line which would produce acceptable results. While OK, the CG line suffers from two problems:

1. Their line is confusing. They often have multiple products attempting to do the same thing, much of which is not clear on their web site.

2. Their products either do not work as intended or don't last. For example, their "Jet Seal" product is a paint sealer. While it does go on and come off as noted, and bead well, after two or three washes (using their soap) it's like gone. Other products like glass, are often horrible. No damage, just don't work well.

There are a wide range of products and methods available. If you are not familiar with the product, it's not clear if you selected the right item or how to use, pause and seek guidance. Most products will not damage a finish. Some can.

If the car is ceramic or PPF coated, has tint, discuss with the installer how best to maintain.

For reviews and guidance, check out the following:

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/fo...vering-washing-waxing-detailing-repairing.78/

Look for any of the posts or threads by "DFB5.0"; he's a master.

*Edit: some additional thoughts...you'll have the initial outlay for product, towels, buckets, etc. Afterwards, you should settle down $-wise. If you find yourself applying product often, buying a lot of things all the time, study your methods and product. You might have a product which is good, but not right for your application. You might be applying that product incorrectly, or in the wrong conditions. Lot's of great products out there. Some not so good. Maybe start out slow (buckets, towels, mitts, soap) and build out from there. You'll be busy with the car and settling down with it.

And again, check out DFB5's threads and posts. He's done extensive product reviews you can trust, with photos to support.

 

[DannyJ7]

For routine maintenance washes, Gyeon's Bathe is excellent. One of the best.

https://gyeonusa.com/collections/wash-soaps/products/q2m-bathe

IF the car is coated in PPF, you can use Bathe as often as you like. If you'd like a mild decontamination soap for PPF, to be used once every few months, Gyeon makes a soap for that.

https://gyeonusa.com/collections/ppf-wash-maintain/products/q2m-ppf-wash

To measure soaps and the like, to ensure I'm using the correct amount, go to the kitchen items section in the store. There are often plastic cups of all types. Don't have to worry about breaking things on the driveway. Spray bottles often have their own measuring markers on the sides.

To seal PPF, I use Gyeon's PPF Maintain.

https://gyeonusa.com/collections/ppf-wash-maintain/products/q2m-ppf-maintain

Glass, Gyeon again, as needed. I often just use the damp microfiber towel left after wiping the car down.

https://gyeonusa.com/products/q2m-glass?_pos=2&_sid=317271dc6&_ss=r

Leather, Wolfgang's cleaner and conditioner.

https://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-leather-combo.html

Plastics and tires, Car Pro Perl.

https://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html

Stainless Exhaust tips, P21S Polishing Soap.

https://www.autogeek.net/p153.html

I use two buckets, one wash, one rinse, with the dirt separators in the bottom.

Off-the-shelf hose and nozzle, at house pressure. I do not use a pressure washer.

Microfiber, white: for glass, 6

Microfiber, light blue: for body polishing, 6

Microfiber, yellow: for leather, 6

Microfiber, dark blue mitt (1) and towels, 6, for wheels and tires, wash and dry

Microfiber, light blue mitt (1) for body wash

Microfiber, orange, towels (big), 2, for body drying

I use the towels as needed. I do not use all six towels at once . I'll often use one on that day.

When all the towels of one color are dirty, I'll wash them. I wash one color each and do not mix.

If by chance a towel hits the pavement, it's trash. It will never touch the car again (yet to happen).

To wash the towels, I use the following:

https://www.autogeek.net/gyeon-towel-wash.html

To clean the rim barrels, I use a Wollywormit.

https://woollywormit.com/

I currently purchase my products through www.Autogeek.net .

I don't spend all day, every day cleaning my car. Once every other week, it's wheels only, to get the brake dust off. Once every other week, it's a maintenance wash and wheel cleaning. Once a quarter, it's decon wash and sealer. The wash is a regular wash. The sealer wipes on and wipes off. For glass, I use a damp towel and a dedicated cleaner, when needed. For leather and plastic, as I think it needs it.

Do not wash a hot car (often leads to water spots).

For a car which has been PPF'd, do not wash when hot. PPF heals in the Sun, so do not wash when hot, do not wash at peak Sun. In the shade on a cool (I know, Summer )or cloudy day. I often wash on Sunday mornings, when cool.

Products I'd advise to stay away from: the entire Chemical Guy line. Last year, I started with CG. I thought they were a general purpose line which would produce acceptable results. While OK, the CG line suffers from two problems:

1. Their line is confusing. They often have multiple products attempting to do the same thing, much of which is not clear on their web site.

2. Their products either do not work as intended or don't last. For example, their "Jet Seal" product is a paint sealer. While it does go on and come off as noted, and bead well, after two or three washes (using their soap) it's like gone. Other products like glass, are often horrible. No damage, just don't work well.

There are a wide range of products and methods available. If you are not familiar with the product, it's not clear if you selected the right item or how to use, pause and seek guidance. Most products will not damage a finish. Some can.

If the car is ceramic or PPF coated, has tint, discuss with the installer how best to maintain.

For reviews and guidance, check out the following:

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/fo...vering-washing-waxing-detailing-repairing.78/

Look for any of the posts or threads by "DFB5.0"; he's a master.

Holy cannoli!

Ok, so I will say a few things as a former detailer.

1. Gyeon products are, without question, top tier. Priced to reflect that.

2. I will be thoroughly washing, then clay barring, then using Adams ceramic coating on my mustang. This is the best value for protection I can think of for a sub $40k car.

3. I will be coating most of the underbody and frame with fluid film and STILL expect it to go bad before the paint. It's how it is for a daily driver in Michigan.

4. Garaging and regular washes far exceed any other protective actions you can take.

Think about your goals for how long you expect to keep your car, how much you'll drive it, and what you want to spend.

 

[5.0ALM]

... Look for any of the posts or threads by "DFB5.0"; he's a master.

You beat me to it!

DFB, a fellow Aussie, has been doing this a long time and knows his stuff.
We appreciate the thorough write ups he gives, along with the quality photos.
All that documentation takes time and effort, so highly respected here.

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