Quick detailing question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Newtown PA
Quick detailing question
Sorry if this has been covered a million times, I am at work and didnt have a lot of time to scan through the old emails.
My question is which kind of towels to you guys use to dry the car?? And also what sort of "sponge" do you use?
My question is which kind of towels to you guys use to dry the car?? And also what sort of "sponge" do you use?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,516
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From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Car Care
Bob,
I use a California Water Blade to dry, then a micro-fiber cloth for the residue. Stan winds out 4th gear to dry his C6.
To wash, I use an old “T” shirt. Hesitant to use a sponge – traps dirt/grit that may scratch. 
Between washings I use the water blade and a California duster when dry.
I’m really impressed by the water blade and duster. You can buy them at Pep Boys or go to:
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/ They offer a package, 11” Water Blade, Large Duster for exterior, Sm for inside. (works out to getting the small duster for free). Comes with a stowage bag.
Keep the shinny side up.
I use a California Water Blade to dry, then a micro-fiber cloth for the residue. Stan winds out 4th gear to dry his C6.
To wash, I use an old “T” shirt. Hesitant to use a sponge – traps dirt/grit that may scratch. Between washings I use the water blade and a California duster when dry. I’m really impressed by the water blade and duster. You can buy them at Pep Boys or go to:
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/ They offer a package, 11” Water Blade, Large Duster for exterior, Sm for inside. (works out to getting the small duster for free). Comes with a stowage bag.
Keep the shinny side up.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,747
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From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 902
Likes: 21
From: Pensacola FL
C6 FAQ Master
Lamb's wool cleaning mit for body (can also use natural sponges if you clean them properly, but any sponge can trap grit.)
Different old mit for wheels, soft bristle brush for tires only.
Microfiber drying towel (large)
I *have* used a silicone water blade occasionally, but find it works best only on the large flat areas without creases, bumps, etc. Usually just slows me down, but work well on hoods, glass.
I NEVER use terry cloth -- it leaves microswirls. (Had been using them for a long time, until I discovered microfiber towels...)
I have occasionally used a leaf blower to blow off water droplets (easy if you have the car waxed properly).
Websites:
Washing: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=9
http://autopia.org/kb/index.php?page..._v2&id=35&c=16
Towel care: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=49
Microfiber: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=44
Different old mit for wheels, soft bristle brush for tires only.
Microfiber drying towel (large)
I *have* used a silicone water blade occasionally, but find it works best only on the large flat areas without creases, bumps, etc. Usually just slows me down, but work well on hoods, glass.
I NEVER use terry cloth -- it leaves microswirls. (Had been using them for a long time, until I discovered microfiber towels...)
I have occasionally used a leaf blower to blow off water droplets (easy if you have the car waxed properly).
Websites:
Washing: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=9
http://autopia.org/kb/index.php?page..._v2&id=35&c=16
Towel care: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=49
Microfiber: http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=44
Last edited by docrings1; Dec 3, 2004 at 09:03 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1
From: It's warm in Fla!
CI 6-7-8-9-10-12 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
I talked to Zaino, and based on their recomendation, I use Martha Stewart Egyptian weave towels to remove Zaino. To dry the car after washing I use my leaf blower. Cheap towels and rags can scratch the clearcoat.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
Originally Posted by JFTaylor
Bob,
I use a California Water Blade to dry, then a micro-fiber cloth for the residue. Stan winds out 4th gear to dry his C6. To wash, I use an old “T” shirt. Hesitant to use a sponge – traps dirt/grit that may scratch. Between washings I use the water blade and a California duster when dry.
I’m really impressed by the water blade and duster. You can buy them at Pep Boys or go to:
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/ They offer a package, 11” Water Blade, Large Duster for exterior, Sm for inside. (works out to getting the small duster for free). Comes with a stowage bag.
Keep the shinny side up.
I use a California Water Blade to dry, then a micro-fiber cloth for the residue. Stan winds out 4th gear to dry his C6.
To wash, I use an old “T” shirt. Hesitant to use a sponge – traps dirt/grit that may scratch. Between washings I use the water blade and a California duster when dry. I’m really impressed by the water blade and duster. You can buy them at Pep Boys or go to:
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/ They offer a package, 11” Water Blade, Large Duster for exterior, Sm for inside. (works out to getting the small duster for free). Comes with a stowage bag.
Keep the shinny side up.
I cannot find the package deal you refer to. I found a tire cleaning kit, but not a kit with the Water Blade.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,977
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From: Reno NV
Try this test. Get a surface microscope, Radio shack has one. Then take the softest terry you can find. Find a section of paint with no scratches with the microscope. Rub with the terry, look again, have a heart attack. Find another section, rub with a quality micro fiber. look again, Vow to never touch your car again with a terry.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: La Grange KY
Originally Posted by TedG
Try this test. Get a surface microscope, Radio shack has one. Then take the softest terry you can find. Find a section of paint with no scratches with the microscope. Rub with the terry, look again, have a heart attack. Find another section, rub with a quality micro fiber. look again, Vow to never touch your car again with a terry.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 10
From: Reno NV
Originally Posted by washcoll
What do you use to apply/remove polish?
I also use a microfiber to apply and remove the polish. Seems to go on alot more evernly. I found some good microfiber at Sam's club. Each time I go in there I buy a pack of 16 for $10.