Hand Car Washes

A.J.

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I wouldn't use one myself because I know how I like it done and I am very fussy. There has been the rare occasion where the car has been thick with mud that I have been tempted to use one but have done it myself with lots of warm water and a sponge.

But, with constant use of a Hand Car Wash, and the initial use of a high pressure washer does that blast the polish off and therefore will need a more frequent coat of polish. ?
 

LostKiwi

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I think much depends on the people doing the wash. There is a local company to us that does washes and full detailing as well. The wash quality seems pretty good but as you noted they do use a fairly powerful jetwash but use it from a sensible distance. I usually give the car a coat of wax after each time they wash it anyway.
 

ajlsl600

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dont go near those washes unless car i am using already has plenty of scratches so lovellys Aclass yes clk sl no chance
 

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I wouldn't use one myself because I know how I like it done and I am very fussy. There has been the rare occasion where the car has been thick with mud that I have been tempted to use one but have done it myself with lots of warm water and a sponge.

But, with constant use of a Hand Car Wash, and the initial use of a high pressure washer does that blast the polish off and therefore will need a more frequent coat of polish. ?
It's not the pressure washer that removes coatings , it depends what wash liquid is being used , for instance things like "traffic film remover" or other pre wash liquids that remove coatings like wax . Polish is used to prepare paint rather than leave a protective coating , that is what wax is for .
 

Binnedit

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Got to agree with all the above.

Please dont use a sponge on your paintwork!

A sponge just traps grit and dirt on its surface, which you will wipe across the paint causing little scratches and swirl marks.

A much better tool is a microfibre / lambswool wash mit or pad, which will draw the dirt away from the surface of the paint and into the mit - and will release when rinsed out. Throw in the washing machine when finished - ready for next time.

A little more expensive than your average sponge, but worth a small investment.

:)
 

ells_924

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nothing wrong with a sponge, its the person using it and the pre cleaning that count!
 

Wighty

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nothing wrong with a sponge, its the person using it and the pre cleaning that count!
If a microfibre mit was expensive (£4 from Halfords ) then stick with the sponge , but however much you pre clean a sponge it still picks up grit and holds it on the outside surface before rubbing it over the paint . The microfibre tends not to do this anywhere near as much . When you sponge is due renewal get a microfibre . Oh and throw your chamois away as well :D
 
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A.J.

A.J.

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Lord_Lucan

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I'm very much a novice when it comes to car cleaning but I recently bought a multifibre drying towel for the cars and I'm amazed by how absorbant it is.
It will cling/latch onto the water on the surface and it leaves an lovely streak-free finish, ready for finishing products or the next step in your cleaning regime.
 
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A.J.

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I'm very much a novice when it comes to car cleaning but I recently bought a multifibre drying towel for the cars and I'm amazed by how absorbant it is.
It will cling/latch onto the water on the surface and it leaves an lovely streak-free finish, ready for finishing products or the next step in your cleaning regime.
Hope it was the 'Kent' product, they are pretty much the best. Recommended by 'Auto Express' :)
 

rorywquin

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I'm very much a novice when it comes to car cleaning but I recently bought a multifibre drying towel for the cars and I'm amazed by how absorbant it is.
It will cling/latch onto the water on the surface and it leaves an lovely streak-free finish, ready for finishing products or the next step in your cleaning regime.
Soon you will have a a few items like I have and I purchased more since the pictures were taken.



 

Lord_Lucan

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It was from Wilko of all places. £4 or £5 and approx 1m x 0.5m so not huge but more than enough to dry off a sodden car.
 

Wighty

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Hope it was the 'Kent' product, they are pretty much the best. Recommended by 'Auto Express' :)
They are the best low price options buddy , some of the more expensive microfibre drying towels will leave you weak at the knees with their performance (£10-20 range)
 
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A.J.

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A.J.

A.J.

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They are the best low price options buddy , some of the more expensive microfibre drying towels will leave you weak at the knees with their performance (£10-20 range)
What do you recommend, I'd like to try one of these knee buckling towels, I have only ever used the 'Kent' product, with satisfaction I have to add :)
 

Wighty

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What do you recommend, I'd like to try one of these knee buckling towels, I have only ever used the 'Kent' product, with satisfaction I have to add :)
Have a look at a site like Ultimate Finish , whole section of drying towels , try one like Dodo Juice soft touch drying towel which is around the £10 mark . Chemical Guys make some excellent towels as well .
You really do get what you pay for and I have a few Kent towels for general stuff , but the £10 mark does make them twice as good . The Wighty guarantee means your money is safe :D
 

Wighty

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Soon you will have a a few items like I have and I purchased more since the pictures were taken.



You buy another load of stuff you will be getting close to my stock levels ( I've got issues ) . Mrs W is not allowed near the garage !
 

rorywquin

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What do you recommend, I'd like to try one of these knee buckling towels, I have only ever used the 'Kent' product, with satisfaction I have to add :)

The problem with the really big towels is that they get pretty heavy with water. Mine are about 600mm square but I need 2 to dry the car properly.
 


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