Car Wash Solution: Best of Both Worlds? (Aggressive & Finesse)

I always wash a car twice. First very gently to get the big dirt off, and then a second time when I rub harder to get it completely clean. I would always start with a shampoo with great lubricity and then use another strong shampoo to strip wax and such if I wanted to do what you are suggesting. Frankly if it were me, I would just do my regular two stage wash and then use another product to strip the wax with after it is completely clean.
 
I always wash a car twice. First very gently to get the big dirt off, and then a second time when I rub harder to get it completely clean. I would always start with a shampoo with great lubricity and then use another strong shampoo to strip wax and such if I wanted to do what you are suggesting. Frankly if it were me, I would just do my regular two stage wash and then use another product to strip the wax with after it is completely clean.

This is really interesting... so you're doing the reverse order of what I was thinking, but, it makes sense the way you explained it. "Pamper" the paint first, to loosen the dirt and contaminants, and THEN, do a more aggressive wash for presealant/wax application. Actually, it REALLY makes sense, thanks Blackhorn, I'm going to adopt that strategy, really useful!

I think to some degree, since I have yet to hear otherwise, all the higher-end car wash shampoos are the same by and large, so I guess I have that covered... BUT... I am still looking for at least a few suggestions of Dawn replacements that are aggressive in stripping off all wax/sealants/paint protection to start FRESH. THANKS :)
 
I like Chemical Guys citrus wash or citrus wash and gloss for a wax strip, bugs and road grime and DG 901 or Majestic Solutions Ultra Gloss for a maintenance wash.

These are the only ones I have been directed to as a suggestion... what is the difference between the two, will they both strip wax and sealants/paint protection of any sort effectively?

Also, are the Chemical Guy's product claims on dilution rations REALLY accurate? Some of the 20:1, 100:1, and even higher (Ultra Suds II I think) seem pretty unreal. I don't mean from the standpoint that I don't "trust" them, I just mean basic physics of how a cap full of something can supply the washing, cleansing, and glossing power of an entire car's exterior!?
 
These are the only ones I have been directed to as a suggestion... what is the difference between the two, will they both strip wax and sealants/paint protection of any sort effectively?

Also, are the Chemical Guy's product claims on dilution rations REALLY accurate? Some of the 20:1, 100:1, and even higher (Ultra Suds II I think) seem pretty unreal. I don't mean from the standpoint that I don't "trust" them, I just mean basic physics of how a cap full of something can supply the washing, cleansing, and glossing power of an entire car's exterior!?

The ratio on the bottle of CG shampoo is accurate.
Some of their shampoo can be diluted up to 1:4000.
However sometimes their website contradicts itself...
You may take a look with the table I created some time ago for reference:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/45059-shampoo-dilution-ratios-table.html
 
The ratio on the bottle of CG shampoo is accurate.
Some of their shampoo can be diluted up to 1:4000.
However sometimes their website contradicts itself...
You may take a look with the table I created some time ago for reference:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/45059-shampoo-dilution-ratios-table.html

Thanks a lot! I will check it out now. What would you suggest for a good safe yet aggressive car wash to strip all wax, sealants, and paint protection to start from scratch and get a good visual appraisal of paint condition? What's the difference between CG Citrus Wash, and the Wash and Gloss - are both the same aggressiveness for wax and sealant stripping and removal? :)
 
Thanks a lot! I will check it out now. What would you suggest for a good safe yet aggressive car wash to strip all wax, sealants, and paint protection to start from scratch and get a good visual appraisal of paint condition? What's the difference between CG Citrus Wash, and the Wash and Gloss - are both the same aggressiveness for wax and sealant stripping and removal? :)

I only have Citrus Wash & Gloss.
People have reported that both CWG and CW will work for stripping if you are using at the stripping ratio. The diff btwn CWG and CW is that CWG will leave behind something that can enhance the gloss of your vehicle after the wash. In other words, it might change the look of your car.

Some how I like to use shampoo at proper ratio and add a few oz of OPC or APC+ in the wash bucket if I am stripping. APC+ can be bought cheap locally so I dont waste high end "online shampoo", but thats just for me. But make sure to wear gloves if you are stripping or it may dry your hands out.
 
Yup, 2oz of Optimum Power Clean in the wash bucket to remove wax, tree sap, bugs and stuff. Just don't let it dry on the paint.
 
I only have Citrus Wash & Gloss.
People have reported that both CWG and CW will work for stripping if you are using at the stripping ratio. The diff btwn CWG and CW is that CWG will leave behind something that can enhance the gloss of your vehicle after the wash. In other words, it might change the look of your car.

Some how I like to use shampoo at proper ratio and add a few oz of OPC or APC+ in the wash bucket if I am stripping. APC+ can be bought cheap locally so I dont waste high end "online shampoo", but thats just for me. But make sure to wear gloves if you are stripping or it may dry your hands out.

Could an All Purpose Cleaner be something as simple as a degreaser or something like Mr. Clean? Sam's Club - In Clubs Now - ProForce Cleaners

Sam's Club has a Pro Force line that makes carpet cleaner and degreaser, along with glass cleaner etc.
 
While I have never used Sams club to strip car wax, I dont see the reason why it cant. However you might want to do a test panel first??

I used CG Citrus Wash and Gloss today on a client's Acura for the first time, and I REALLY liked it, so I'm just going to stick with it. I used a strong dilution to make sure I stripped the wax.
 
I used CG Citrus Wash and Gloss today on a client's Acura for the first time, and I REALLY liked it, so I'm just going to stick with it. I used a strong dilution to make sure I stripped the wax.

Glad u liked it. It gets everything squeaky clean. You can use it in a weak dilution for maintenance washes too. I haven't tried it yet for a maintenance wash.
 
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