What is everyone using to clean their rides?

[Paul Huryk]

Figured as we are now the official distributors of Griot's Garage and Chemical Guys products (along with P21s, Poorboys World, and Sonax), I'm curious to know what everyone is using to clean their cars, trucks, bikes, watercraft, trailers...

Tell us what you are using, the pros, cons, and value (bang for the buck).

[LTb1ow]

CRC parts cleaner, OG chlorine and all.

[NastyEllEssWon]

take it to the local pay n spray and hose it down :D

[Blackbirdws6]

Meguiars Gold Class wash through a foam gun and in the bucket. Separate rinse bucket and both with grit guards. Wookie fist mitt and for the wheels, either Sonax or Adams wheel cleaner.

[sweetbmxrider]

I need paint worthy of your products. I'm currently hoping for some rain though and will soon be self serve blasting it and/or at my friend's shop.

[Dudbird113]

Meguires gold glass, ball buster metal polish for rims

[coolmanvette75]

Zaino everything. Always have and always will. A little expensive off the bat for some but the results speak for themselves

[Mike]

Adams

[TaKid455]

mequires wash & wax. Blackfire wax.

[Paul Huryk]

CRC parts cleaner, OG chlorine and all.

Quoting Animal Mother from FMG: "hardcore, ******** hardcore"...

[Paul Huryk]

Meguiars Gold Class wash through a foam gun and in the bucket. Separate rinse bucket and both with grit guards. Wookie fist mitt and for the wheels, either Sonax or Adams wheel cleaner.

Seems like MGC is getting some love from NJFBOA...

[Dudbird113]

Seems like MGC is getting some love from NJFBOA...

Not bad for a walmart product

[ar0ck]

I don't have a hose at my apartment complex in California so for the motorcycle I use Mequiars Quick Detailer Spray & the truck just gets Turtle Wash & Wax soap and taken to the coin operated places.

[Blackbirdws6]

Seems like MGC is getting some love from NJFBOA...

It's available almost everywhere, lathers well and seems to work overall. I've used other products and haven't noticed a reasonable difference.

[PolarBear]

Rain, and or the car wash for now

And rocks

[The_Bishop]

MGC in a foam gun, Blackfire Wet Diamond as a wax. The foam gun is a recent acquisition, should have bought one a long time ago.

[BurninrubberGT]

griots for claybars and polishes, mcguires for wax

[Featherburner]

AdamsThis. Adams waterless car wash, Shampoo, Detail spray, and APC for the wheels and wheel wells. I just picked up a bottle of their interior detail spray but I haven't had a chance to use it yet.

[Paul Huryk]

It's available almost everywhere, lathers well and seems to work overall. I've used other products and haven't noticed a reasonable difference.

I could have sworn that Costco has/had it.

[Paul Huryk]

MGC in a foam gun, Blackfire Wet Diamond as a wax. The foam gun is a recent acquisition, should have bought one a long time ago.

I bought a foam gun that uses hose pressure (my PW is not compatble with the PW based ones) and really like how it does.

[Paul Huryk]

This. Adams waterless car wash, Shampoo, Detail spray, and APC for the wheels and wheel wells. I just picked up a bottle of their interior detail spray but I haven't had a chance to use it yet.

Adams makes some great quality products - it would be redundant for me to carry their stuff as GG and CG all overlap and are of similar quality.

[The_Bishop]

I bought a foam gun that uses hose pressure (my PW is not compatble with the PW based ones) and really like how it does.

I probably have the same one. Gilmour foam gun, hose pressure.

[Blackbirdws6]

Adams makes some great quality products - it would be redundant for me to carry their stuff as GG and CG all overlap and are of similar quality.

I like their APC and the metal polish is comparable to other products I've used (Wenol, etc).

Any recommendations on a wheel sealant for polished aluminum wheels that will not yellow or cause unusual defects? If all goes well with the car, I will pulling the trigger on a new set of wheels and would like to address this before they are on the car.

[MyFirstZ]

NXt 2.0 soap or Eagle one, i like the really gelly soap with one wash and rinse bucket both with grit guards and same soap for wheels just a different bucket. Griots polish 3 and best of show wax and really fine clay bar that is supplied from a vendor who comes to our detail department

Once i run out of the Best of show I want to try some of the poorboys wax/sealants

Also use all griots buffer pads and microfibers.

How are your prices on griots products compared to amazon where i normally get it

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Still loving the Poorboys wax you sold me - used it on 3 trucks so far and water jumps off of them afterwards.

[Paul Huryk]

I probably have the same one. Gilmour foam gun, hose pressure.

I actually bought the lower quality one Griot's Garage sells.

[Paul Huryk]

I like their APC and the metal polish is comparable to other products I've used (Wenol, etc).

Any recommendations on a wheel sealant for polished aluminum wheels that will not yellow or cause unusual defects? If all goes well with the car, I will pulling the trigger on a new set of wheels and would like to address this before they are on the car.


Brian,

You have two choices for the wheel sealant (that we carry).

1) Metal Wax that is safe on polished wheels (and other metal surfaces too). We carry this in stock. Check out the CG website for details:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Vintage_Series_Metal_Wax_Advanced_Formula_p/spi_404_16.htm


2) Wheel Sealant. We also carry this in stock:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical_Guys_Wheel_Guard_WheelWax_Rim_Cleaner_p/wac_303.htm


In terms of decision, the Metal Wax is good for wheels, sheet metal, diamond plate, just about anything metal that can be polished.

The wheel sealant works on all finish wheels - chrome, polishes, clear coated, painted - not sure about anodized, but you could use this on just about every vehicle you own.

On my LaCrosse with the OEM chrome wheels, I am using the CG Jetseal, which is their best paint sealant - also use on the car's paint. I use the CG wheel sealant on the wife's 5 series and also the GTA (with CTW Wheels). I would not use it on polished wheels as it could possibly turn yellow.

Here is a suggestion to everyone with new wheels - clean them and seal them before they go on the car - the entire wheel and inside barrel. That way brake dust is less and they are easier to clean. Tar would still stick, but everything else would be easy to remove.

[Paul Huryk]

NXt 2.0 soap or Eagle one, i like the really gelly soap with one wash and rinse bucket both with grit guards and same soap for wheels just a different bucket. Griots polish 3 and best of show wax and really fine clay bar that is supplied from a vendor who comes to our detail department

Once i run out of the Best of show I want to try some of the poorboys wax/sealants

Also use all griots buffer pads and microfibers.

How are your prices on griots products compared to amazon where i normally get it

Excellent!

How doe your wheels come out with just wash soap? Never had much luck myself - always use a dedicated wheel cleaner.

BOS wax is really good wax - not a huge fan of liquids, but that one (and the CG) are awesome - I would think the PBW liquid wax would be also.

We do carry the one Poorboy's wax - Natty's blue, we buy it by the case. while we don't carry their other waxes and sealants (possibly later on), it is the best $20 paste wax (actually $22) you can buy - better than anything you can buy in regular stores and even some specialty waxes. Can probably do 50 to 70 coats on a tub, maybe more.

In terms of pricing, we typically ask the retail price, but that includes the 7% NJ sales tax (effectively a 7% discount). So we match Amazon's pricing, but shipping is not included. At shows, we do price a few items lower than retail.

[Blackbirdws6]

If the wheels have minimum dirt, car wash soap works just fine. Even when using a dedicated cleaner, I fill my wheel wash bucket and add the Meguiars GC.

[BonzoHansen]

In terms of pricing, we typically ask the retail price, but that includes the 7% NJ sales tax (effectively a 7% discount). So we match Amazon's pricing, but shipping is not included. At shows, we do price a few items lower than retail.

plus you support the club!!!! Amazon does nothing for us!

Carry on.....

[Paul Huryk]

plus you support the club!!!! Amazon does nothing for us!

Carry on.....

Man speaks the truth!

[xlar86x]

i use meguires cleaner wax polish and i also use turtle wax ice paste. stuff is great. i also have that armaroll butter smooth wax. that stuff sucks!!!!

[Paul Huryk]

What I use (for customers or my own cars:

Wash - Meguiar's Hyperwash (super concentrated)
CG Concentrated Citrus Wash (strips all wax and sealants)
2 bucket method with grit guards, sometimes a foam gun

APC - Megs AP+ (now discontinued, still have a gallon)

Clay - Griot's Clay

Clay Lube - Griot's Speed Shine

Wheels - Sonax FE, Griot's Chrome, or diluted APC+; depends on the car

Detailer - CG Synthetic - best detailer I have tried, does not stain glass, chrome, or plastic

Tires - Megs APC+ diluted

Windows - Griot's Window Clean

Interior - Griot's Interior Cleaner, CG Fabric Guard (for fabric only)

Leather - CG Leather clean, CG Leather serum

Glaze (to add shine only) - CG Blacklight or CG Mirror Finish (depends on the color car)

Paint Sealant - CG Jetseal 109

Wax - Poorboys Blue, P21S, or DoDo Juice Hard Candy

Tire Shine - CG VRP or CG Natural Shine

Wheel Sealant - CG Wheel Sealant or CG Jetseal (chrome wheels)

Engine and chassis - Megs APC+ or CG Grime Reaper



Best Bang for the buck products:

Megs Hyperwash - only use 1oz per 5 gal bucket (gallon is 128 car washes)

Griot's Clay - large portion for a great price, works awesome too

Griot's Interior Clean - low cost, works wonders on plastic, leather, carpet, rubber. This can do your entire interior except for fabric seats.

Poorboys World Natty's Blue wax - easily the best $20 wax on the market right now. Could probably do 50 to 70 coats with one 8oz container. Adds a "glow" that makes cars shine extra bright.

[sweetbmxrider]

Great info, Paul. Hopefully I get to paint my car soon and use some of your suggested products on it!

[MyFirstZ]

From time to time the wheels come off and gets washed with an industrial cleaner they use in detail, so I'll wash em with that then wax the wheels after and just use soap and water in between doing that.

But that works next time I need I'll contact you. Gonna need new sponges and clothes and car soap soon for this year anyway.

[WildBillyT]

I have to stop by one day after the Passat gets back from the body shop. Going to need a good protectant for the black paint and something to keep the leather supple.

[Paul Huryk]

I have to stop by one day after the Passat gets back from the body shop. Going to need a good protectant for the black paint and something to keep the leather supple.

We got you covered!

Let me know when you want to stop by.

[IROCZman15]

great thread here. all my stuff has been away in a cabinet since october. i'l have to do an inventory of mine and probably purchase some stuff from you paul. maybe i'll make a trip down there too

what is this "foam gun" you all are talking about that ive never heard of ? i'd look it up online, but im at work and im sure if i put "foam gun" into a google search i might get something pretty bad in the results.

[Paul Huryk]

great thread here. all my stuff has been away in a cabinet since october. i'l have to do an inventory of mine and probably purchase some stuff from you paul. maybe i'll make a trip down there too

what is this "foam gun" you all are talking about that ive never heard of ? i'd look it up online, but im at work and im sure if i put "foam gun" into a google search i might get something pretty bad in the results.

This is the one I carry, from Griot's Garage:

https://griotsgarage.scene7.com/is/image/GriotsGarage/51140?$detail$

This one (and other like it) use the pressure of your hose to turn car wash into a foam bath (not all washes work). Works with any hose with decent pressure. About $30 - plus the dispenser detaches to use as a regular hose attachment.

They also have an item called a foam cannon that attaches to a power washer and makes foam at an even higher level - problem is that it only fits a few power washers, mine won't work with it.

[JW]

Do you sell any wash mitts?

JW :D

[Paul Huryk]

Do you sell any wash mitts?

JW :D

Yes!

We also sell wash pads (I prefer the pads).

[V]

are there specific good soaps for cars for small electric pressure washes?

[band77one]

surf city everything ! except i use griots wheel cleaner. surf city stuff is simply amazing

[rockbox]

I've also never heard of the foam gun, is there a big advantage to using this over the traditional suds in a bucket? Does it use up a ton of soap?

[WildBillyT]

I've also never heard of the foam gun, is there a big advantage to using this over the traditional suds in a bucket? Does it use up a ton of soap?

Not having to apply the soap with a rag helps. And I'm just guessing but I think you may actually use less soap.

[Paul Huryk]

surf city everything ! except i use griots wheel cleaner. surf city stuff is simply amazing

Surf City is good, but Chemical Guys has some stuff that you would never see in the stores that will knock your socks off (panties if you are female).

[Blackbirdws6]

I've also never heard of the foam gun, is there a big advantage to using this over the traditional suds in a bucket? Does it use up a ton of soap?

I use a foam gun and I would guess I use more soap. I put some in the bucket with the mitt and use the gun to give the car a nice coating of soap. I wouldn't say its a crazy amount more but I tend to go a bit overboard anyway.

[Paul Huryk]

Not having to apply the soap with a rag helps. And I'm just guessing but I think you may actually use less soap.

For the most part, no. But it allows the most even distribution of soap and allows it to lift dirt off the paint before you start the sponge or mf cleaning pad process. Safest way to not scratch the paint.

[The_Bishop]

I find I use less soap, overall. First step is blanketing the vehicle in foam, and letting it sit for a few minutes while I get my mitt-rinsing-bucket filled with water. Then I hose it off, then re-foam and wash panels as I go. Once I developed my 'system' it goes pretty fast. I use 2-3 oz. of soap, on average. Most times I have extra so I'll foam the whole vehicle once more before rinsing.

[LTb1ow]

What about drying said vehicle off?

Short of getting a leaf blower and making it multipurpose of course.

[Featherburner]

What about drying said vehicle off?

Short of getting a leaf blower and making it multipurpose of course.
I can get the G8 dry with 2 of these. http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-106-adams-great-white-microfiber-drying-towel.aspx

[The_Bishop]

Paul, what do you use as a glass sealer?

Also, need to strip the wax off my truck and re-wax. What do you recommend?

[Featherburner]

Paul, what do you use as a glass sealer?

Also, need to strip the wax off my truck and re-wax. What do you recommend?He has this listed on the previous page.
CG Concentrated Citrus Wash (strips all wax and sealants)

[Dudbird113]

Paul, what do you use as a glass sealer?

Also, need to strip the wax off my truck and re-wax. What do you recommend?

Dawn dish soap

[Paul Huryk]

I can get the G8 dry with 2 of these. http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-106-adams-great-white-microfiber-drying-towel.aspx

John posted exactly what you can (and should use) to dry your vehicles off. The texture and material traps any dirt, not allowing it to scratch the finish and these guys soak up a lot of water - plus they all can be washed like MF towels.

We do carry them - not Adam's, but comparable.

[Paul Huryk]

Paul, what do you use as a glass sealer?

Also, need to strip the wax off my truck and re-wax. What do you recommend?

Like FB said, we do have the citrus wash concentrate, which will strip off wax if you use it close to 1oz/gallon, otherwise 1oz/bucket is a great wash - very versatile.

We also carry a product in a 35oz spray bottle by Griot's Garage that does the exact same thing, but is controllable for just a panel instead of the whole vehicle.

And yes you can mix some dish soap into your normal car wash too - but only if your paint is in excellent shape. I have heard that on marginal paint, dish soap can rapidly accelerate paint degradation, regardless of type or age.

[The_Bishop]

Paul, how does the Griots glass polish work for getting water marks off glass? The windows on my Ram have hard water marks that I can't seem to get rid of.

Also, how do we go about ordering this stuff? Just call the number on the website?

[Paul Huryk]

Paul, how does the Griots glass polish work for getting water marks off glass? The windows on my Ram have hard water marks that I can't seem to get rid of.

Also, how do we go about ordering this stuff? Just call the number on the website?

I don't stock the Griot's glass polish. But I do carry the CG water spot remover, which will work well on glass - as well as paint and metalwork.

Yes - you can call us or email...

[IROCZman15]

went down to Paul's shop last week and bought a whole stash of high grade products. very pleased. this past weekend I went to work on the paint of the car with all the supplies. turned out great. probably the best detailing session since the car was painted in 2007.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/040.jpg

try not to look at the wheels, I did not polish them and have not done so since mid summer last year since they are going to be replaced in a few weeks with some killer Boze forged wheels. the purpose for posting these photos is to show the awesome quality of the products I bought from paul. I don't have any good BEFORE photos really, just the After ones, but you can tell by the reflections in the paint on the car surfaces that the stuff works great.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0857.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0854.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0851.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0848.jpg
....those are clouds and a reflection of the sky in the roof paint of the car.

[Paul Huryk]

went down to Paul's shop last week and bought a whole stash of high grade products. very pleased. this past weekend I went to work on the paint of the car with all the supplies. turned out great. probably the best detailing session since the car was painted in 2007.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/040.jpg

try not to look at the wheels, I did not polish them and have not done so since mid summer last year since they are going to be replaced in a few weeks with some killer Boze forged wheels. the purpose for posting these photos is to show the awesome quality of the products I bought from paul. I don't have any good BEFORE photos really, just the After ones, but you can tell by the reflections in the paint on the car surfaces that the stuff works great.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0857.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0854.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0851.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/IROCZman15/just%20the%20wax%20and%20polish%20job%202014/DSCN0848.jpg

Looking good!

Your car has really nice paint, so sometimes pics don't show the shine so much.

What do you think of the products - satisfied? Easy to use?

Do tell.

[JL8Jeff]

Hey Paul, what are your thoughts on the toughest, longest lasting wax for a daily driver? I used the Meguiars Hi-Tech yellow wax on the truck because it's all I had sitting around and it's already fading out quickly like I figured it would. So I'm looking for something that will last longer, especially on a darker colored vehicle.

[Featherburner]

Hey Paul, what are your thoughts on the toughest, longest lasting wax for a daily driver? I used the Meguiars Hi-Tech yellow wax on the truck because it's all I had sitting around and it's already fading out quickly like I figured it would. So I'm looking for something that will last longer, especially on a darker colored vehicle.I don't know what Paul will say but I will recommend Collinite for durability. http://www.collinite.com/automotive-wax/super-doublecoat-paste-wax/

[Paul Huryk]

Hey Paul, what are your thoughts on the toughest, longest lasting wax for a daily driver? I used the Meguiars Hi-Tech yellow wax on the truck because it's all I had sitting around and it's already fading out quickly like I figured it would. So I'm looking for something that will last longer, especially on a darker colored vehicle.

Jeff,

I know we talked a little about this at the Duke meet last weekend.

Nothing wrong with Meguiars, but it is not a long lasting wax like newer ones on the market. I do like their synthetic wax, but don't really use it anymore.

You have two types of paint protectant - waxes, which are made from the wax extract of the carnauba plant; and sealants, which are similar to wax, but are made of synthetic polymers and definitely more long lasting. Both go on and come off easy - sealants are typically gel or a soft cake, waxes can be anything from liquid to cake and everything between.

Darker colored cars can use any wax or sealant, but there are a few specific waxes that will accent dark colors to become more vivid and glossy. I carry one wax by Chemical Guys called Pete's 53 Black Pearl that excels on dark paint, yet is awesome on lighter colors.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical_Guys_WAC_300_Pete_s_53_Paste_Wax_p/wac_300.htm

I cant remember if I gave you a sample of CG wet mirror at the meet (green liquid) - drank enough this past week to kill 4 average irishmen... We mirror is a gloss enhancing glaze that adds depth and gloss to any colors and works great on reds, blues, and grays. A coat of Wet Mirror before any wax or sealant is a recipe for blindingly shiny paint.

John mentioned Collinite, which is an excellent, long lasting budget priced wax. Can't go wrong with that one - just that it won't add any "sparkle" like some of the newer products will.

I'm here to help - so ask me anything on your mind.

[IROCZman15]

loved that wet-mirror finish product. its pictured on my roof in a photo above


all in all very satisfied with the products i picked up at Pauls shop

the wash worked well and he gave me a pump for it so all you need is one pump's worth of product, no guessing by trying to pour out a proper amount from a huge container.

i used my existing clay bar but with the blue speed shine that i bought. the speed shine did work great and i like the nozzel on the sprayer because you can twist/dial it in for a finer mist than the typical detailing sprayers which are just on or off spray. i used the speed shine to wipe down inside the engine bay and it worked great

i then used the Griots fine hand polish. i used to use meguiers, but this stuff seemed to spread easier and it got "cakey" a bit quicker. i like it but i had to work in smaller sections compared to the other polish i used.

i bought two red applicator pads from paul and used one with the wet-mirror finish and the other with the Poorboys wax. i had never used wax out of container before, usually the liquid megiuers stuff . it was different at first but it went on easier and didnt drip all over os splatter. it has a great smell to it too. i did two coats on the horizontal surfaces and one coat on the other panels. i will be applying a coat to my new wheels when they arrive too.

the satin CG tire shine is great. i went with satin instead of full gloss because i wanted the tires to look natural and not too flashy. i only did a basic job on the current tires just because the wheels will be swapped out soon.

the interior cleaner worked well. used it on the dashboard, door panels, center console and trunk plastics with success and no mess and no greasy after-feel

i also had about 20 microfiber rags that were used up after this whole detailing session, so i put them in the washing machine with the towel cleaner i bought from paul and they came out like new.

i was also a big fan of the new wash-towel which seemed to hold suds and be versatile during the wash session.

[1320B4U]

Finally used that chemical guys quick wax/sealer I got from you last year at e/town Paul. Easy on/off w/great luster and depth!

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv143/B1320B4U/cam1_zps1e06010d.jpg (http://s678.photobucket.com/user/B1320B4U/media/cam1_zps1e06010d.jpg.html)

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv143/B1320B4U/cam2_zps97a4e63f.jpg (http://s678.photobucket.com/user/B1320B4U/media/cam2_zps97a4e63f.jpg.html)

[Featherburner]

^ the car looks great!

[Kat]

So far I've been using Adams stuff for the past year now. I likes the stuff so much, I even bought their 250 dollar Patriot wax

My GTO and former camaro in the background

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/kat136913/imagejpg1_zps41b74edb.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/kat136913/media/imagejpg1_zps41b74edb.jpg.html)

The GFs 2013 Accord that got effed up last week in the hail storm

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/kat136913/adams%20detailing%20stuff/DSC_2776_zps51459e70.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/kat136913/media/adams%20detailing%20stuff/DSC_2776_zps51459e70.jpg.html)

And my brothers 2014 SS

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/kat136913/adams%20detailing%20stuff/DSC_2762_zpsfd8a07eb.jpg (http://s292.photobucket.com/user/kat136913/media/adams%20detailing%20stuff/DSC_2762_zpsfd8a07eb.jpg.html)