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Removing initial coarse grime before wash/wax...

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Old May 24, 2007 | 10:54 AM
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Default Removing initial coarse grime before wash/wax...

Let's say you drive through a serious mud puddle, and the mud dries on the door and rear panels. In a situation like this would you all use high pressure water to remove the initial caked dirt, and then just remove the excess with soap and a microfiber towel? I have heard that high pressure hoses can actually "press" the dirt particles into the paint/finish.

Thanks.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by SecondFate
Let's say you drive through a serious mud puddle, and the mud dries on the door and rear panels. In a situation like this would you all use high pressure water to remove the initial caked dirt, and then just remove the excess with soap and a microfiber towel? I have heard that high pressure hoses can actually "press" the dirt particles into the paint/finish.

Thanks.
I would NEVER use high pressure spray on my car. It will blast the grit into the clear coat and will remove some of the wax. High pressure spray is very hard on the finish. Just wet the dirt and gently remove it using a quality car wash soap and warm water.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:20 AM
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Anyone who has ever professed to be an expert in car finishes has stressed to me to stay away from the high pressure wash. A good wash mit, hand washed efforts with a quality mild soap and warm water and seasonal clay bar application followed by a wax job is all you need to gently keep it clean.

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Old May 24, 2007 | 11:40 AM
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Thanks for the feedback guys. I now know what I most do!

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Old May 24, 2007 | 12:19 PM
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Loosen that stuff up with hose water. Don't rub too hard or try to rub it off , you will scratch the paint.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Wayne88
Loosen that stuff up with hose water. Don't rub too hard or try to rub it off , you will scratch the paint.
Lots of water, very little pressure. I've found that the "shower head" nozzles you can get at garden centers for watering delicate plants are good for this, as well as rinsing the car.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 02:32 PM
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Remove heavy dirt and road film by gently rubbing with a sponge while holding moderate hose flow (no nozzle required) right on the sponge to keep plenty of lubricating water flowing...this will flush away the abrasives to keep them from being trapped under the sponge. Pause to rinse the paint and the sponge every few seconds. Simply spraying the paint with full hose flow adjusted to high pressure stream will not remove road film.

Soap will help, but the flowing water is more important in my opinion. Once you make the initial pass to get the coarse road film off, discard any wash water, and start over with fresh soapy wash water and a clean mitt.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Wayne88
Loosen that stuff up with hose water. Don't rub too hard or try to rub it off , you will scratch the paint.
I'm with Wayne.
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