Cold weather washin'

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oldgeek

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Its getting about that time here in Ohio that we put away our wash buckets for the winter.

I always want to wash my car one last time on a nice day in October or even November but I always get myself soaked when I wash the car. I'm only 5'6" and even on a small car, I have trouble reaching the center of the roof without doing a full body press on the wet sides of the car. Being soaked when the temperature is in the 50's or low 60's is not very healthy.

SO... my question is, what do you guys recommend as cold weather washing garb? Is there a good full length vinyl or rubber apron that would keep me dry OR perhaps, waterproof coveralls?
 
Let's face it, during a long winter, function is the rule rather than finesse. When washing my truck, I use a wash brush and handle in order to get the entire roof. It's soft and meant for washing so it works and gets the job done.

I try do do as much when I'm home but there are those times that I need to be creative!

If one of my vehicles need a bath and it's too cold here's what I do.

Home

I mix up a 5 gallon bucket of hot water, my favorite car wash then pop the top on it and in the back of the truck it goes. Included in my arsenal is a car wash brush, wash mitt, and a pair of rubber gloves.

Car Wash

Use their pressure washer with high pressure water only. This blasts allot of the grime, salt, and debris off the finish.

Next the car wash brush and my soapy solution. I wash the surface liberally cleaning it with the soapy solution dipping the brush several times so that the dirt particles fall from the bristles. Rinse the surface with high pressure water only.

Follow this up by washing the entire vehicle thoroughly with the mitt and soapy solution paying particular attention to all areas. Rinse the surface with high pressure water only and be sure to clean under the fender wells.

Home

Drive home and dry the truck in a heated garage. For additional protection and shine, give the the finish a thorough treatment using a quality spray wax...
 
OP, I'm the same height but if you use rinseless wash you'll not have that problem, just a thought.

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
I wash my cars all winter long. Easiest method I know is put on gloves and go to a coin op. use their pressurized water and rinse the car thoroughly for a few minutes. Then I clean the wheels and wells with some brushes and a safe wheel cleaner, since they won't be rinsed until all 4 are done. Then, put in 2 bucks and rinse wheels/wells and car again.

Then, do a waterless wash. This method works great for me, doesn't scratch anything,and the wheels and wells get cleaned thoroughly. Of course, you could just do a rinse less wash inside. But, I never will do that without pressure rinsing/foaming the car first. I just can't see dragging dirt across paint that I can easily rinse off. Also, of you rinse or foam first, your towels don't get filthy dirty and you only need to do a use a few of them.

Using the pressurized wash at the carwash saves me from having to drag out my hose, buckets, psi washer, grit guards, etc... In the freezing cold. This way, I can drive there with a few bottles (wheel cleaner, waterless wash, spray wax), some towels, and some brushes and still do a first class job.

I have also done a full hose wash in the freezing cold. I've actually had the water freeze on the car. I don't understand when people stop detailing their car just because the weather gets cold. Maybe I'm way too into it.
 
Thanks guys, but my question is, more specifically, if you are going to perform a full hose wash in your driveway, what clothing do you find best to stay dry and warm?
I'm looking at either full waterproof insulated coveralls or a separate rain pants/coat set? Like I said, I can't seem to wash my car without getting myself wet. I just want to stay dry for those last couple of washes late in the season.
 
I have some Nike shirts I like to wear. They are made out of a different material. They make pants that are the same material too.

Maybe a wet suit would work? I was looking at wet suit gloves the other day for washing. It should keep you warm and dry.
 
I use a two piece rain suit and rubber boots for the feet. Fold the sleeves of the suit into the palm.of your hand and then into a gauntlet rubber glove. Wash as you would normally do. I find I get less water in the glove with the suit sleeve inside the glove than outside of it.

Dress in breatheable clothes under the suit since it does not breathe or you will get overheated very quickly and risk getting sick just as you would with wet clothes.
 
Random piece of advice slightly not related:

try not to wash just before a freeze. I made that mistake once and will never make it again. I had to pour warm salt water over the door locks to get the car open the next day.

110% Ugh:
2291684108.jpg


(that can't be bad for rust, right?!)
 
oldgeek said:
Thanks guys, but my question is, more specifically, if you are going to perform a full hose wash in your driveway, what clothing do you find best to stay dry and warm?
I'm looking at either full waterproof insulated coveralls or a separate rain pants/coat set? Like I said, I can't seem to wash my car without getting myself wet. I just want to stay dry for those last couple of washes late in the season.
Click to expand...

Easy - wear your duck hunting clothes.
 
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