MK5 Golf GTI

General => Detailing => Topic started by: 08micsta on November 25, 2008, 08:09:29 am

Title: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: 08micsta on November 25, 2008, 08:09:29 am
Hello guys

Quite a few of you lot are pretty OCD about your vehicles **Looks at Newgolf, Greenouse and Phil** so I figured I would create a write up of what to clean without becoming an OCD victim and yet still have an amazing GTI.

So here goes. I did this in as much detail as I could (Excuse the Pun) so I hope its undestandable. First off. To complete this you may want to have about two or so hours free. If you rough the job you can do it quicker but nobody likes rushing.

I have split this clean up into two sections. Both Exterior and interior will be focused on. So starting with the exterior:

The golf has bnot been cleaned for about a month now due to me writing my exams and telling my mom that I will murder her if she gets its cleaned elsewhere. So the car was pretty mucky with lots of salt and road grime.

The exterior:

The rims looking a bit sorry for themselves:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6055.jpg&hash=c4818d7864dd801901d957e80381e6ff6fde941e)

Sand and dirt on the boot:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6056.jpg&hash=6114394cf6668f696adaf6f56c7d8e0c93aa5d65)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6059.jpg&hash=c33ed4d0e79390c10075522ccd0364572e4612f1)

Calipers that are filthy:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6064.jpg&hash=1387ee38f46c056ce63a40a515ce0c9d68a15374)

Some pretty sooty exhaust pipes:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6058.jpg&hash=1e54db9bd00ece69d56fd0db5680953135230c5b)

And so the clean up began. Using a normal paint brush (Lets not be too posh about this) and some degreaser I began with spraying and rubbing each rim down. Im a tad OCD so did the insides of the rim too but most people dont bother really. While you are at give the tyre walls a good scrubbing as this helps the tyre gel to last longer and look better. Dont forget that the calipers also need some love.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6067.jpg&hash=11b2c6f5ba3af8f5abd76f115cf380abd6ac735a)

I then moved along to the engine bay. Although you dont need to do this I felt it needed some TLC. So using the same brush and some desgreaser I gave the engine bay a good wipe down. ATTENTION! If you have a high pressure washer then please do not spray the engine bay down with it. This leads to corrosion etc and damage. Just use a jug of water or normal tap pressure.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6071.jpg&hash=63933c85c55823a66a4e32c98a3554a7955e6bd4)

The car was then foamed down with a product called APC 3000. Its a cleaner and degreaser my dad supplies that gets rid of grease stains etc and as you can imagine its pretty potent at destroying the Kamikaze flies and road grime without stripping the paint.

After leaving the car for five minutes (to allow the APC to really get working) I then blasted the car off paying close attention to the rims, arches and door linings. Also focus on the grille and badges to remove dirt trapped amongst them.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6074.jpg&hash=5f11413a85a5f43ee84243a31873ed712e0c94a0)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6078.jpg&hash=160976a45c53b48736bda5e88d0f876c160a70fc)

Usually at this point you would dry the car off with a Microfibre cloth but I didnt do this... My dad has six bikes and keeps them in tip top condition (In one year his bikes have actually gained value) and has bought us a blower thing. Basically it blows hot air at extremely high pressures and is used mostly on bikes cos it is able to dry all the water etc which you normally cant reach. I used it on the golf and the results were fantastic.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6082.jpg&hash=8b96a35454df12f9f43064ba900f862e2c8bb099)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6086.jpg&hash=09b1138d8b7388cd5295b4a4168c2804280becb5)

Getting a car looking good is not just about cleaning the obvious places. Attention to detail is needed. Focus on your door seals and arches and do as I did above. After drying the car and the door sills etc down leave the doors open so that the seals can dry properly and get some fresh air into the vehicle.  Door sills:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6087.jpg&hash=00e62be4f3bc22a47f8efd98e40a554fde7e19b1)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6089.jpg&hash=718b019d8620dc7f8dcfbbfae2586e706266e391)

As I have already mentioned the small details are what gets a car looking good. Firstly the tyres need to be dressed. For this I used an ordinary tyre gel. As you can see below the results are fantastic giving the car a fresher, newer and deeper look.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6097.jpg&hash=60c0afb77991bdaf72d7009487ef5a2688f2ad6f)

Due to the South African sun the bumpers on the GTi have a habit of fading very quickly. Once again. Dress the bumpers with some shoe polish or any other product you have, The difference is very much noticeable.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6096.jpg&hash=34f03dc539f5a86672d84b444f5cd39123a3ecc7)

The exhausts although a small part of the car can be what lets the entire car down. I often degrease the exhaust after doing the rims. For better results use a scrubbing brush and some Autosol or any other metal polish.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6114.jpg&hash=3325dd5db7b8d432119987956b5a5f7a5bc9ff55)

And lastly the final touch to any vehicle like this is the badges. Using a soft cloth give each of the badges a good wipe so that they shine like the paint on Blues car. Of course some of you Edition 30 owners may have about ten badges to clean now depending on how trigger happy you got with the supplier :P The difference is very much noticeable.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6109.jpg&hash=2062e0c5052820c905175c3804944eb925ad517d)

Now that the outside is complete move onto the interior.

Interior:

Transporting two kids, a teenager and others around can get the car looking pretty shoddy inside. The VW carpets seem to attract dirt like cr*ap attracts flies which is rather annoying. Some befores:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6120.jpg&hash=ba3b4ee6b740b5b3b46b706a27282a94fa09042e)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6119.jpg&hash=7a6303cc4fddbdf592fa9cd73bdbec6ca22a319b)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6055f.jpg&hash=e7114069798f6f2c486c11e70e324db5acffbf68)

I began with the actual dashboard itself. Using a dry brush and my little air blaster friend I blast most of the dust off the controls, knobs and gearstick surround. Then taking a damp microfibre I gave everything a good wipe making sure to remove everything out the door pockets, centre console and glove compartment.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6127.jpg&hash=f164477aaf393481ab0c32ba3de5f64b92e1140a)

Before vacuuming make certain that you focus on the following. Slide the back seats forward as you will surprised at the amount of grime that gets trapped there especially if your family involves children sitting in the car.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6139.jpg&hash=2a210ce3bfde1d10fd7c08be2135933490cb4260)

Attention to detail is also important with the interior. Using a damp microfibre cloth run your finger between the linings of the leather and remove the dirt trapped in there i.e the stitching lines.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6121.jpg&hash=b802f0898b0957f635fec98fb82663c06e5d2f68)

The clocks need some cleaning too and the steering wheel coloumn.

The pedals. These seriously enhance the look of the car when clean and should be given a good wipe.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6124.jpg&hash=305104d8bf717f10bc97a236a2f02f2010d513ba)

After wards vacuum the vehicle and take the mats out too. You will be surprised at how much dirt is under those mats. If you want tyour leasther to last adn have the time. Give the leather a wipe down with some leather wipes etc and restore them to their former glory.

Some afters:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6145.jpg&hash=394292db5dd07a4f2e6ad5fec2e720579234fb7f)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6150.jpg&hash=85594909253e1b61ac6b43b2a3fe68e9c7fce93e)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6153.jpg&hash=2e2cc7a1bd3355751c86adce640768f1a410e23c)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6147.jpg&hash=5555e2220592a05529accc4d604ada703de92ecf)

And last but not least something that is important for both driver vision and cosmetic appereances... Please give the windows a good clean:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6159.jpg&hash=d67a8fd4c6606ef6deb8a2080dd553ea5343e712)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6160.jpg&hash=ab2cfc9bee3790888156b96929c3203bd0bdc673)

And the last few finals that I have of the vehicle. I had to speed it up near the end as my dad returned after his 200 mile ride through cape Towns top Mountain passes and such (Only takes him two hours and thats with stopping for breakfast) and wanted the blue bike in the bakground cleaned too. And the Pajero  :scared:.

Some general tips:

1. After spraying th car down open the boot and leave it open whilst drying the rest of the car. Water accumilates under the lining of the boot and window and when you open the boot drains on either side usually wetting the bumper and such all over again.
2. Clean the mirrors. Most people forget to clean the mirrors.
3. Dont bother about trying to dry the grill. Rather take the car for a spin and so some heavy braking. This removes the water on the grill and elsewhere on the vehicle.
4. Set your products etc out neatly before you start cleaning. This makes your turnover time much quicker and more organised.
5. Listen to some music when cleaning the car. It gets you into a good tempo and makes the time go quicker. :P :drinking:

Some general afters:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6170.jpg&hash=d26c0cd59b12e1ed5fc86010fab23e932b3624a9)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6172.jpg&hash=a15ae06cfef1dc14d5dc83de416a4787f8c72737)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6187.jpg&hash=a2643fd33700375c00fbbca93fc8bec61855cc6c)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6183.jpg&hash=d56c1b71db06b1ce6c5bbcf8bb6115856aa73b3b)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6180.jpg&hash=ec5b70a0ded573ac0183a2050edbab7fd4218086)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fx255%2F08micsta%2FPicture6184.jpg&hash=43384b0740cd141fcc6e561d368f1a7a6ca58819)

I hope you guys can make some use of the information provided here and that it makes cleaning your MK5 more effective and rewarding.

Mike
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: T88OMM on November 25, 2008, 03:41:00 pm
Great write up Mike. Im sure people will learn a lot from that  :happy2: :jumpmove:
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: v2brett on November 25, 2008, 08:27:03 pm
good how to  :happy2:  just wish i had the weather to do mine  :signLOL:
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: veedub18 on November 26, 2008, 09:04:44 pm
Awesome write up Mike, thoroughly enjoyed that  :happy2:

Just taken ownership of 2 Zaino buckets here, (I asked Santa, and I've been really good all year...), cant wait to give them a try!

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino/zaino-bucket-screw-seal-lid-grit-guard/prod_492.html

Will post some detailing tips up myself soon, just very busy at work at the moment...
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:12:14 pm
Ah only just seen this.  :drool:

Micsta that must have taken you ages to put together, really great write up. And how lucky is your Mother having her son doing great details like that.
I wouldn't even tidy my own bedroom at your age.  :driver:
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: veedub18 on November 26, 2008, 09:14:48 pm
Quote from: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:12:14 pm
Ah only just seen this.  :drool:

Micsta that must have taken you ages to put together, really great write up. And how lucky is your Mother having her son doing great details like that.
I wouldn't even tidy my CAT BASKET at your age.  :driver:

LOL!
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: JPC on November 26, 2008, 09:19:25 pm
haha!!
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:20:04 pm
Quote from: veedub18 on November 26, 2008, 09:14:48 pm
Quote from: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:12:14 pm
Ah only just seen this.  :drool:

Micsta that must have taken you ages to put together, really great write up. And how lucky is your Mother having her son doing great details like that.
I wouldn't even tidy my CAT BASKET at your age.  :driver:

LOL!

HaHA Zaino madness.  :angry015:

what did you have for tea.  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: Greeners on November 26, 2008, 09:24:02 pm
Great write up and a 'decent' clean  :wink: :grin:

A quick tip for you regarding the dash area. Try using the vacuum with the brush attachment on the end of the hose as this will then take the dust etc away rather than pushing it around the car  :happy2:

It's all I've ever needed to use on the dash/centre console etc  :drinking:
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: 08micsta on November 27, 2008, 06:07:45 am
Quote from: veedub18 on November 26, 2008, 09:04:44 pm
Awesome write up Mike, thoroughly enjoyed that  :happy2:

Just taken ownership of 2 Zaino buckets here, (I asked Santa, and I've been really good all year...), cant wait to give them a try!

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/zaino/zaino-bucket-screw-seal-lid-grit-guard/prod_492.html

Will post some detailing tips up myself soon, just very busy at work at the moment...


Thank you
Your buckets... Are those the ones with that grit guard stuff that traps the sand or is it just an inflated version of a normal bucket?

Quote from: veedub18 on November 26, 2008, 09:14:48 pm
Quote from: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:12:14 pm
Ah only just seen this.  :drool:

Micsta that must have taken you ages to put together, really great write up. And how lucky is your Mother having her son doing great details like that.
I wouldn't even tidy my CAT BASKET at your age.  :driver:

LOL!

 :signIWS: :driver:

Quote from: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:20:04 pm
Quote from: veedub18 on November 26, 2008, 09:14:48 pm
Quote from: Top Cat on November 26, 2008, 09:12:14 pm
Ah only just seen this.  :drool:

Micsta that must have taken you ages to put together, really great write up. And how lucky is your Mother having her son doing great details like that.
I wouldn't even tidy my CAT BASKET at your age.  :driver:

LOL!

HaHA Zaino madness.  :angry015:

what did you have for tea.  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Tea for me wa Pilchards, hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin  :signLOL:

Quote from: Greenouse on November 26, 2008, 09:24:02 pm
Great write up and a 'decent' clean  :wink: :grin:

A quick tip for you regarding the dash area. Try using the vacuum with the brush attachment on the end of the hose as this will then take the dust etc away rather than pushing it around the car  :happy2:

It's all I've ever needed to use on the dash/centre console etc  :drinking:

I would normally just use the vacuum cleaner but this air blower things makes life so much easier. Just gotta make sure the doors are all open when you use it else yes.... You do get full of dust. lol

Mike
Title: Re: How to clean your GTi without being OCD- Everything you should know.
Post by: veedub18 on November 27, 2008, 07:12:53 am
The Zaino buckets have a grit guard at the bottom. You rub your wash mitt on it when dunking it in the water, you'd be amazed how much stuff it traps at the bottom of the bucket!
They also have a screw on lid that makes the bucket watertight, you could carry water in them in the car without any spills, to a show for example. They are transparent, well made and you can use them as seats for polishing the sides of your car.  :happy2:

Fish and chips for tea TC, did you have your usual Whiskas and some cat milk? Lol!  :laugh: