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

[Ohio Detailing]

Friends - what's up?

I am increasing my workload and taking on some additional clients for detailing, and had two specific questions I know the pros here will be able to help me out with! HERE is the AutoGeek product page for their wash solutions.

1. Aggressive Wash:
What's the optimum choice for a really strong "once-over" wash product that will save the most time and headache really tackling everything possible from road grime and bugs etc? I will be using this product as the first wash in a two-step system, and would like something economical (by the gallon if possible) as well as dependable to really provide a dramatic cleaning performance to 'prep' the cars from their filthy condition to be ready for the second-step (below) the 'Finesse.'
*Would Meguiar's D108 Super Degreaser be 'too much' here? (See it HERE)

2. Finesse Wash:
What's the premier pampering (it's subjective I know, but I'm looking for thoughtful insight) 'car spa' super-glossing, and super-sud wash solution that would be ideal for cleaning an "already cleaned" car as the second step in my two-stage wash process for daily-driver type cars to condition the paint and really enhance the depth and brilliance of the car's surface, getting it ready for the ongoing detail process (clay, sealant, carnauba...) with as much meticulous precision as possible?

Note: I have been using, for quite some time now, Meg's NXT Generation Car Wash (click HERE to see it) since it's very cheap and seems to be very good (I double wash all my cars anyway, but I'm really looking to refine and hone-in my technique)!

My ideas at this point before you fellas lend your advice and voices of expertise are:
1. Meg's Mirror Glaze #62 Car Wash gallon (see it HERE) or Meg's D108 Super Degreaser maybe (see above - is it 'too' harsh for wash step-1)?
2. Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo (although I'm weary because it only talks about "dark colored" cars on the webpage seen HERE)
--or--
2b. Ultima Waterless Wash+ Super Concentrate @ 4oz per gallon dilution ratio (see it HERE)

I'd like to possibly (?) avoid the 'wax as you dry' type products, since I'll be hand waxing all of my customers cars upon request, BUT, please suggest one or two of your favorites if any truly good ones actually exist. I would always rather spray something like Optimum's spray Car Wax (HERE) which I prefer over Duragloss's AquaWax spray since Optimum's contains BOTH carnauba AND a sealant, on by hand right before drying with microfibers. THANKS

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Bump

Aside from the two questions above, I'm curious about whether or not there is any useful function of the car washes with wax built in? I know nothing can or should ever replace hand/machine waxing and buffing of course, but perhaps the wax in the solution can at least serve a basic purpose of avoiding spotting or boosting gloss in one step - better preparing the car for the hand wax applications?

Also, what would using a Rinseless Wash like Duragloss's Rinseless (see it HERE) Wash with Aquawax as a traditional wash solution in a bucket with hot water offer as far as benefits over 'regularly' formulated car washes with or without wax?

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I started a thread about this topic here,

Do you wash cars differently?


And then included the topic in my how-to book because there are two different ways to wash a car and it is important, especially when washing a cars in the first 3 categories for the condition of the paint.

Paperback






I didn't get into specific products for the different types but your questions are good...


:dblthumb2:

 

[Lasthope05]

Dawn with a zep citrus(4:1) sprayed on as you work each panel for the first wash and any maintentance shampoo after, i.e. dj btbm, wolfs shampoo..etc.

Spray wax ocw is fine but I like AW better. OCW has a high streaking if accidentally used excessively. AW goes on crystal clear and never leaves any streaks.

 

[Ohio Detailing]

I started a thread about this topic here,

Do you wash cars differently?


And then included the topic in my how-to book because there are two different ways to wash a car and it is important, especially when washing a cars in the first 3 categories for the condition of the paint.

Paperback

I didn't get into specific products for the different types but your questions are good...


:dblthumb2:

Thanks Mike - I AM buying your book!

I am torn between digital download or paperback. Digital would be great to have on my laptop at any given time while detailing (is it 'searchable' and/or have clickable links in the index to pull up pages)?

 

[rider9195]

Dawn with a zep citrus(4:1) sprayed on as you work each panel for the first wash and any maintentance shampoo after, i.e. dj btbm, wolfs shampoo..etc.

Spray wax ocw is fine but I like AW better. OCW has a high streaking if accidentally used excessively. AW goes on crystal clear and never leaves any streaks.

Agreed with the AW. This stuff is awesome.

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Dawn with a zep citrus(4:1) sprayed on as you work each panel for the first wash and any maintentance shampoo after, i.e. dj btbm, wolfs shampoo..etc.

Spray wax ocw is fine but I like AW better. OCW has a high streaking if accidentally used excessively. AW goes on crystal clear and never leaves any streaks.

Agreed with the AW. This stuff is awesome.

Thanks for the suggestion... I have been wondering if I should switch to AquaWax when this gallon is almost out. I guess I haven't really noticed any streaking, but then again my car is silver, and I only spritz it when it's already extremely clean. The only drawback I saw was that Optimum's Spray Car Wax has both carnauba and sealant built in, and AquaWax is only the carnauba - so the longevity and UV protection and perhaps gloss intensity might not be as great?

Any other options for a spray wax that has both sealant and carnauba that doesn't streak, or, is AquaWax the best bet and the included spray sealant doesn't matter?

 

[Lasthope05]

Thanks for the suggestion... I have been wondering if I should switch to AquaWax when this gallon is almost out. I guess I haven't really noticed any streaking, but then again my car is silver, and I only spritz it when it's already extremely clean. The only drawback I saw was that Optimum's Spray Car Wax has both carnauba and sealant built in, and AquaWax is only the carnauba - so the longevity and UV protection and perhaps gloss intensity might not be as great?

Any other options for a spray wax that has both sealant and carnauba that doesn't streak, or, is AquaWax the best bet and the included spray sealant doesn't matter?

Carnauba or sealant. It doesnt really matter what it is. Its their formulatiosn that make up its durability. With that being said, AW is a spray sealant and a booster product, not a lsp like OCW. AW lasts 3 weeks max for me in the north east. OCW lasts about 2 months. For the price and ease of use both are good in their catagories(stand alone spray lsp and lsp booster). What exactly are you looking for? a lsp or booster product?

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Carnauba or sealant. It doesnt really matter what it is. Its their formulatiosn that make up its durability. With that being said, AW is a spray sealant and a booster product, not a lsp like OCW. AW lasts 3 weeks max for me in the north east. OCW lasts about 2 months. For the price and ease of use both are good in their catagories(stand alone spray lsp and lsp booster). What exactly are you looking for? a lsp or booster product?

Now that you break it down like that, a last step product, and a last step product BOOSTER, it makes MUCH more sense. I could lay down Optimum's Spray Car Wax and then top it every week or two with a nice spritz of Duragloss's AquaWax. Awesome advice, thanks. I'll definitely commit that to memory when it comes to sealants.

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Just found this product online, would have added it to my massive Memorial Day order last night if I knew about it.

It's called Chemical Guy's GlossWorkz High-Foam Gloss Booster, here: Chemical Guys Glossworkz Hi-Foam Gloss Booster & pH Neutral Auto Wash 128 oz.

Can this be added to a traditional wash bucket with the shampoo I already use to add more gloss and lubrication during the wash?

So, what is this product, silicon injected?

 

[kline39]

If u want a heavy-duty cleaner, go for Chemical Guys citrus wash or citrus wash and gloss. Also, look into optimum no rinse (ONR). great versatile product.

 

[Ohio Detailing]

If u want a heavy-duty cleaner, go for Chemical Guys citrus wash or citrus wash and gloss. Also, look into optimum no rinse (ONR). great versatile product.

Great suggestion, thank you. I have been purposefully using a two-step system recently, doing a Dawn wash initially, and then following that up with a high-end ph balanced glossing shampoo the second time around with of course a totally cleaned out new bucket solution.

As far as the ONR, I've always heard good things about it, but I've become a raging advocate of Ultima's Waterless Wash+ over the year or two I've been using it

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Can Chemicla Guys GLOSS WORKS be added to my normal wash shampoo, since it isn't a cleanser, but a lubrication aid and gloss enhancer - it seems like the perfect car wash booster! Chemical Guys Glossworkz Hi-Foam Gloss Booster & pH Neutral Auto Wash 128 oz.

 

[bmwgalore]

As much as I don't like Chemical Guys, the "No more bugs and tar shampoo" works very well.

Removing tar and bugs while washing with no extra steps required? Oh yeah!
And the 128oz gallon is like $24... Not bad.

 

[dougaross]

If u want a heavy-duty cleaner, go for Chemical Guys citrus wash or citrus wash and gloss. Also, look into optimum no rinse (ONR). great versatile product.

+1 Also a great maintenace wash with 1oz/gal dilution

 

[Meticulous-Detail]

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.

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Can Chemicla Guys GLOSS WORKS be added to my normal wash shampoo, since it isn't a cleanser, but a lubrication aid and gloss enhancer - it seems like the perfect car wash booster! Chemical Guys Glossworkz Hi-Foam Gloss Booster & pH Neutral Auto Wash 128 oz.

Bump on adding Glozzworkz to my normal wash solution (above)?

 

[TroyScherer]

1. Glozzworkz is a maintenance soap.... You can add it to your wash to make a hybrid but it is overkill. IME Glozzworkz is overrated. The cleaning ability was only ok at best and the gloss enhancement was only average in my eyes.



2. I don't totally understand your original question / purpose...

If you are using a "strong" cleaner soap the chances are that you are going to strip the protection from your vehicles quicker. If so there is no need for a 2 stage wash process because you will need to re-apply your LSP. And after your 1st wash your car should already be clean.


I personally do have a few soaps for multiple purposes. I have CG CW / Megs Hyper Wash + APC for stripping protection. For regular maintenence washes I have CG CW&G, CG CW&C, DJ B2BM, and a few others.

 

[Ohio Detailing]

1. Glozzworkz is a maintenance soap.... You can add it to your wash to make a hybrid but it is overkill. IME Glozzworkz is overrated. The cleaning ability was only ok at best and the gloss enhancement was only average in my eyes.



2. I don't totally understand your original question / purpose...

If you are using a "strong" cleaner soap the chances are that you are going to strip the protection from your vehicles quicker. If so there is no need for a 2 stage wash process because you will need to re-apply your LSP. And after your 1st wash your car should already be clean.


I personally do have a few soaps for multiple purposes. I have CG CW / Megs Hyper Wash + APC for stripping protection. For regular maintenence washes I have CG CW&G, CG CW&C, DJ B2BM, and a few others.

Thanks for the good response. Seems like Chemical Guys is really hit and miss. I haven't had the chance to try their products yet, but I just ordered some last week, and they are in the mail. Excited about the V7 Optical Spray Sealant, which I believe is better and easier to apply and wipe than the acrylic Blitz by Chemical Guys. All in all though, it might all be moot somewhat, because I have read RAVE reviews about Ultima's Paint Guard Plus spray sealant, and I also ordered a bottle of that, for the price they don't even offer a gallon, haha!

As far as my original question... I was just asking about what a good aggressive car wash shampoo would be to strip all wax with some benefits over Dawn regarding ph balance and lubricity etc, or if the old standby Dawn was basically fine?

Then secondly my question was what the best 'finesse' shampoo was to use on a basically already clean car, to simply add outrageous gloss and slickness?

 

[Ohio Detailing]

Thanks for the good response. Seems like Chemical Guys is really hit and miss. I haven't had the chance to try their products yet, but I just ordered some last week, and they are in the mail. Excited about the V7 Optical Spray Sealant, which I believe is better and easier to apply and wipe than the acrylic Blitz by Chemical Guys. All in all though, it might all be moot somewhat, because I have read RAVE reviews about Ultima's Paint Guard Plus spray sealant, and I also ordered a bottle of that, for the price they don't even offer a gallon, haha!

As far as my original question:

1. I was just asking about what a good aggressive car wash shampoo would be to strip all wax with some benefits over Dawn regarding ph balance and lubricity etc, or if the old standby Dawn was basically fine? I have heard it can be very harsh to paint, so what would the absolute best substitute be for an aggressive car wash to remove all wax and paint protection to START FROM SCRATCH?

2. I have a few gallons of other products I've already purchased, but what is the best finesse shampoo to use on a basically already clean car, to simply add outrageous gloss and slickness?

Bump
(especially on Q #1)