Rookie suggestions ?

[DarkSideJohn]

After browsing through this board with jealousy !
I would like to start cleaning my car properly ! However I dont want to go down the whole clay bar , snow foam , loads of wax route as im quite frankly quite scared !

What would people suggest I do , guessing im looking for some advice on what car shampoo to use that is commonly available.

At the moment what I am doing is the following ! And yes i know it sounds like heresy !

Single bucket of soapy water , just generic "car shampoo" , sponge and a hose !

Such a rookie I know !

Any suggestions will be most welcome

[homesqueeze]

If it's just real basic ideas your after, then these should give you a better wash. Simoniz Protection car wash, this is a good wash and wax car shampoo. A Kent two in one microfibre noodle wash mitt, so much better than a sponge! Dry your car with a Kent extra large microfibre towel, this is much superior to a traditional chamois leather. I discovered these products because they were all Auto Express magazines top rated products in group tests. I am definitely a wash mitt and towel drying convert after using these products! And they are only cheap too!
Also, to protect your paintwork from grit use two buckets. Use one bucket for your clean shampoo water and use another bucket with clean water to rinse your sponge/mitt when it is dirty. This will keep your soapy water clean and help protect your paintwork.
These are the best basic tips I have learnt, hope it helps a bit.

[Tortaruga]

I know how you feel-I used to use a sponge & bucket only.
I've improved my technique a bit and now do this for a simple regular clean:

Alloys cleaned first with Autoglym clean wheels & soft brush, then washed off.
2 bucket wash method (this is important) with wool mitt and Autoglym shampoo. Start at roof and work down.
Sheet off water with hose - this 'dries' the car quite well before using a Megs water magnet to fully dry. Check out a youtube of this sheeting technique-it's quite enjoyable and works really well!
Metal polish on tailpipes.
AG vinyl&rubber care on interior.
I give the glass a polish to finish with AG Fast glass.

I realise this isn't perfect, but is much better than what I used to do! Drying the car really makes a huge difference-no water spots!!

I hope to get into detailing more as I find it highly satisfying, but I'm taking my time and learning how to do it properly first. I hope to clay the car soon!

Good luck!!

[keendean]

This is exactly where I am today, is there a starter kit worth getting?
Us a pressure washer a must? My car is black and shows every mark, how do you use snow foam/foam lance?
I'm currently paying a local firm 55 every month, and won't always have time to do his my self, but want to start trying.
Going to get to halfords today and try and get some bits.
Last time I cleaned it, it looked so bad, black car and water marks is not good for a novice.

[stealthwolf]

I would get:
- two wash buckets
- a lambswool wash mitt
- a couple of drying towels
- shampoo eg megs gold class

It aint much but it allows you to wash your car and meanwhile youcan build up your armory. There's no reason to be scared of detailing other than that it can sap lots of £££. I don't know what your chap does for £55 but ordinarily I'd recommend a full enhancement detail and then speak to the detailer abou maintenance.

[TJM]

Nothing like the satisfaction of giving your own car a good clean.

My method:

Rinse
Snow foam when possible
Rinse
Shampoo by hand with 2 bucket method (wouldn't do it any other way)
Clay bar when nesessary
Dry by hand
Autoglym Super resin polish & glass cleaner
Megiuers tyre dressing

I could spend hours, but could be done quickly - 1hr / 1.5hrs tops.

Looking to start waxing by hand, anyone recommend a good product to start with?

[stealthwolf]

Ag Hd, Ag EGP and collinite 476s will all happily sit on top of ag srp.

[wacky]

i used zymol car shampoo for years (much better than autoglym), then I discovered Meguiars Gold Class car shampoo which is even better !
wash mit and drying towel and that will give you the basics for a nice clean and shiny car.

[JoeDarKa]

Super resin polish is great and easy to apply by hand. I would get some wax in there to give it some more protection. My more in depth cleaning regime is:

Rinse off
Snow foam (more than once if its vile)
Wheels
Rinse off again
Wash with 2 bucket method, top to bottom
Rinse off
Clay bar / tardis
Wash and rinse off
Dry with towels
Super resin polish
Glaze
Jetseal 109
Diamond white dodo juice wax
Plastics / windows / exhausts

Took me 8 hours last week 

[keendean]

8 hours ! I have an hour free if I'm lucky :)