^^^
Thanks. Yep for wheels, after my simple hose "soaper" I have to use the large wheel cleaner and a soap bucket!

 

IMO the pressure washer doesn't make it easier, and a good contact wash ultimately cleans better too. I like to physically touch my car as little as possible though, and that's where the pressure washer shines for me. My wash mitts don't touch the car without a touchless pre-wash first. I don't even spray plain water on the car without first applying foam/soap/lubrication. There are arguments for and against pressure washers, but this method works for me. My rule of thumb: Pressure washer is safe for the car if you can put your hand directly in the water stream. A correctly sized 40 degree tip is a must.

Also, foam cannons are just plain FUN!

 

People don't realize that using the right soap has a lot to do with limiting scratches and swirl marks. I use the pink stuff from chemical guys because it's very mild and makes a great lubricant for washing. I soap my car and use a quality micro mitt to scrub it then use the pressure washer to rinse and master-blaster to dry. The only time I'm touching my car is when there is soap on it.

 

A popular thing around suburban Atlanta are Hispanic families renting out the old wash tunnels from gas stations that used them years ago as a part of your gas purchase. They turn them into hand washes. I've been using them for my last three Corvettes and none of them have ever put a scratch on my car. They use a pressure washer in the tunnel, use wash mitts to soap the car down, then spray it off with a pressure washer. I then drive the car outside and they use freshly cleaned microfiber towels to dry it. They also apply a spray shine with freshly cleaned microfiber towels. They do a great job and the only complaint I've ever had was they get a bit exuberant with the tire shine from time to time. $40 - and that's leaving a $10 tip - gets my C8 clean inside and out.

When I was getting ready to sell my C7 in 2019 I took it to one of these places and told the guy who was about to dry it and clean the inside that I was about to take it home to take pictures for my sales ad. I couldn't believe what a great job he did. I kept it on my garage until after the sale and when the transport driver showed up to take it to it's new owner in PA. he told me it was one of the cleanest cars he had ever transported. He specialized in exotics and had just dropped off a Lambo in Atlanta.

I know this sounds scary but these people are good, hard working people who take pride in their work and want to have a good reputation. I make sure I always leave them a good tip and they remember and take care of me.

 

Funny, I bought Rain-X car soap for the wife's SUV because it's tougher to use my special water absorbing towels. It woks mostly as described:

• Deep cleaning high foam soap cuts through dirt
• No spots after water evaporates; no towel drying necessary
• Spot-free formula sheens water off vehicle
• Leaves a bright shine on the vehicle
• Concentrated formula

Used it on the C8 and water did run off with minimal toweling needed. I usually use Meguires Gold but may switch!