need some help choosing some cleaning/detailing products.

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nl2134

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I have some of the essentials, but I'm looking at rounding out my cleaning/detailing supplies for my new car.

Items I already own:

Car Wash - Eagle One - NanoWax As-U-Wash (got it from O'Reilly's a year or so ago)
Wax - Zymol Cleaner Wax
Detail - Zymol Detail (both Zymol products I got with my previous car)

Items I'm looking at getting:

Grit Guard - The Grit Guard, grit guard insert, bucket grate, car wash bucket grid,
Rims - SONAX Wheel Cleaner, all wheel cleaner, chrome wheel cleaner, aluminum wheel cleaner, full effect wheel cleaner
Rims cleaner - Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush Special
Interior - Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer is a pump spray detailer for all car interior rubber, plastic and vinyl surfaces.
Interior glass - Stoner Invisible Glass Pump Spray: Non-aerosol formula cleans automotive glass to crystal clarity! clean glass, windshield cleaner, window cleaner,
Clay Bar Kit - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars
Applicator Pad - Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator - 2 Pack: 2 microfiber applicator pads that are excellent at applying Meguiars products.

Questions I have:

1) Is there everything I need there to maintain my car? If not, let me know what other products I should consider.
2) Seems most of the great reviews for Sonax are for the cleaning of rims. Should I use it to clean my tires or should I actually get a tire cleaner?
3) Regarding cleaners - I'm thinking of getting the Gold Plush Microfiber Kit, or a combination of Meguairs' Mitt/Drying Towel/3pack of Microfiber towels. Anyone have one suggestion regarding one over the other?

The car is a Mazda 3 sedan. I've had it for a month, presently wash it every week and being that we're heading into the Summer, don't see this stopping anytime soon. I was brought here from the Meguiars' forums and was given some great advice, but since I'm looking to purchase from here, am looking for opinions before I pull the trigger.

Thanks.
 
Welcome to the forum!

I am far from an expert, but have learned an awful lot from the experts that have helped me.

You may want to add an interior sealant like Ultima Interior Guard Plus. And don't forget glass sealant like Auqapel, incredible sheeting action for rain. I don't have to run the wipers at speeds above 45 mph.
 
For the wheels there are many different things you could do, I have heard great things about sonax full effect, but IMO its a little expensive, I use eagle one a2z wheel cleaner you can find it OTC and works great. It can be used on both wheels and tires. P21s wheel gel is also a good cleaner for less$$$. Another way to clean the whole wheel is with an all purpose cleaner, I recommend megs apc+ and it has so many other uses. For maintenance cleaning some of your car wash soap works good. Hit them with a little wax and your all set your wheels will sparkle!!!!

Just some of my favorites if your looking to add to your list:
Spray wax- duragloss aquawax(great for drying aid also)
Sealant- blackfire wet diamond
Carnuba wax- poorboys nattys red
Tire dressing- armor all tire gel OTC
Interior protection- aerospace 303 (also good for outer trim)
 
Welcome to the geek!!!!!
Just noticed it was your first post lol
 
I would get some quality microfiber towels for drying, removing wax and some super plush ones for final wipes. I would also get all purpose cleaner plus. Otherwise looks great and welcome!
 
I agree , some good mf towels for your tasks . also how about a good 1-2 waffle weaves to dry after u wash , if u to that route how about a drying aid , ultima waterless wash + , if u get that u can then do a waterless or rinseless wash also .
 
:welcome: To Autogeek Online! :props:

There are literally a ton of great products available through Autogeek. Select a brand name, choose the products based on their function, and they'll be delivered right to your door.

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Thanks a lot for the responses. Added Aquapel to my list, and am thinking a bit more about my tire/wheel cleaners.

Regarding MF's -

I was thinking of getting either:

Gold Plush Microfiber Kit, Microfiber wash mitt, microfiber towels

or

Meguiars X3002 Microfiber Wash Mitt
Meguiars Water Magnet is a soft waffle weave microfiber drying towel that's softer than terry towels and more absorbent than a chamois. Attracts water
Meguiars Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels, microfiber buffing towels, micro fiber, detailing towels

The mitts are both self explanatory, so is the waffle weave from Meguiars (as I have used those to dry my car in the past). However, if I get the Gold Plush MF kit, will those MF's do everything? AKA, drying after a car wash, waxing and wiping down the interior? Or should I stick with the waffle weave to dry and MF's solely to wax/clean the interior?

Sorry if this may seem obvious...before, I just used an old rag, but I want to start doing this right!
 
I would have certain towels for certain jobs. The golds are good for removing waxes, polishes and using spray on products. I wouldn't use them for drying a car, they will work but not as well as a waffle weave and if you have any products residue, lets say wax, left on it it could make things more complicated. The arctic white towels are very similiar to the cobra golds and are on bogo right now. I would pick up those instead and buy the wash mitt seperately. You save a couple bucks as opposed to buying the 3 cobra golds and mitt together. But either way it's a good deal.

Just going by the review and what I have heard I would go with the cobra guzzler instead of the meguiars drying towel. One review said "it seems to clog easily and fails to attract water after several month." I've had one of my cobra guzzlers since March of last year and it's still perfect. I bought just one and wish I had more. On my civic 1 may cover the entire vehicle but usually I reach for another one so I would recommend getting a 3 pack.

3 Pack The Supreme Guzzler Waffle Weave Towels, 20 x 40 inches

I have these towels and I like them:
Super Soft Deluxe Blue Microfiber Towels, microfiber detailing towels, buffing towels, micro fiber towel, detail cloth
Great value for the money. I use them for interiors and trim. I prefer the cobra golds for wax and sealant removal but these will work too.
 
Thanks Brad. That was helpful. Was actually looking at those Blue MF's, so thanks for the confirmation on those.

Amazon.com: Zymol Z519 Detail Spray: Automotive - that's the spray wax I have. I've been told to use that after my car washes, between waxes. Is that correct?

Also, looking for any other suggestions on what to get. I'm going to order later today. I think the sealant may be out of my league at this moment, so just basic stuff I may be missing.

Again, thanks a LOT for all of your guys' responses. Really appreciate the help in getting me started.
 
Welcome!

You may want to get plastic storage tubs for keeping your microfibers in. They can be labelled for towels for each use.

Don't worry, your collection of supplies will grow. (LOL)
 
The zymol wax you have is fairly expensive and there are some cheaper quality option on autogeek. The most popular ones Ive seend are meguiars d156, optimum car wax, duragloss aquawax and mothers pure carnauba spray wax.

I mention sealant because it lasts longer and is a better value in my opinion. I use klasse high gloss sealant glaze, lasts 6-8 months, looks great and is super cheap because it goes a long way. Then Ill top that with a wax once a month or a spray wax every two weeks for added protection and better shine. If you can do a wax you can do a sealant. If you decided to get klasse, best value in my opinion, let me know.

So for the basics for your own personal use I would get or make sure you have shampoo, clay, quick detailer or onr, polish mf towels, drying mf towels, plush mf towels, tire and trim protectant like optibond or perl or meguiars all season (started using all season and like it so far) or hyper dressing, wash mitt, interior protectant like 303 or meguiars, spray or liquid or paste (on the higher end side but just mentioning) wax and some yellow applicators. Maybe get a mothers wheels brush, tire brysh and a dayton jr. Not needed but worth mentioning. I can give you a product list of the stuff I prefer for on the budget or go with what you already know. Enjoy!
 
Thanks.

I have two bottles of the Zymol Cleaner Wax and a bottle of the Detail spray, so I think I'm set in that respect. I guess I got a bit lucky - I was given their premium care kit when I purchased my previous car around 8 years ago.

Regarding the sealant - I saw a g thang also recommended the sealant. Because I still have a significant supply of wax to use up, do you think the sealant would be a bit too much? Or do you think it's essential to use it like you said, perhaps ever 6-8 months, then wax more frequently (every 1-2 months)?

Also, would you suggest using an applicator pad like the Meguiars I had picked out, or will the MF's suffice for both application and removal?

Finally, saw you and a g thang both also suggested APC+. I'm guessing if I get the interior detailer for the insides and the Sonax for the wheels, should not be necessary. However, are there other good uses I'm forgetting this for?

Really helpful advice thus far. Thanks again.
 
Save yourself the aggravation and get the Wheel Woolies instead of the Daytona Wheel Brush.
 
Yes you did get lucky, cool of them to do that also lol

So it mainly comes down to preference for the sealant. Most people on here apply a coat or two of sealant for the armor or protection then they later add wax for the looks. I always have sealant on my car because it's more durable and I'm not worrying if the wax is there or not, I'm worry free for 6 months. So I would recommend it, I think you would like it and just as you said if you go with it just wax it every 1-2 months or when needed for more protection and a better shine.

The meguiars one's are better quality than the pinnacle so those work great. I have a couple and like them.

An apc can be used for carpets, rubber, engine bay, vinyl, help remove old wax and I personally use it around the house lol. An interior detailer won't clean like an apc. I've had my car for a year and used an apc on my steering wheel and it felt brand new. I didn't realize how bad it was, and I keep my ride clean. I also use it on tires before I apply a dressing to make sure they're as clean as possible and my time and product doesn't go to waste.
 
BradsDetailing said:
So it mainly comes down to preference for the sealant. Most people on here apply a coat or two of sealant for the armor or protection then they later add wax for the looks. I always have sealant on my car because it's more durable and I'm not worrying if the wax is there or not, I'm worry free for 6 months. So I would recommend it, I think you would like it and just as you said if you go with it just wax it every 1-2 months or when needed for more protection and a better shine.
Click to expand...

So, when you say 'wait', do you mean clean, use sealant when dry, then a few hours later, wax? Or is it used in a different sitting? I think you've convinced me to try it out and will probably use the one you suggested!

Pinnacle Polishin’ Pal is an ergonomically shaped urethane handle that holds specially designed foam pads using tough hook & loop backing.

Is that the pad you're referencing? If not, could you lead me to the one you're using...

Finally, the APC+ is this, right?

Meguiars D103 All Purpose Cleaner Plus

Going to ask some rather idiotic questions, so bear with me.

I assume it comes in a thicker liquid. As such, will I need to get a spray bottle after diluting the formula in order to apply it to the interiors/wheels?

Saw it cleans floor mats too. Will I have to buy a steam vacuum for that purpose?
 
Yup that is it apc+ it is not thick at all its like water. You won't need a steamer to clean the carpets you can easily clean a little spot with the apc, a brush, and a towel sometimes a wet dry vac. To add to brads list of things you can use apc+, I also use it to clean app and polish pads, presoak microfibers before washing, use it to clean exhausts, gas caps, and door jambs. There are so many uses for it! Another little thing about sealants are they don't attract as much dust as a nuba does
 
Hjfowler said:
Klasse is a good sealant? I'm new to detailing.
Click to expand...
Klasse is probably the most trusted sealant on here. I don't think anyone would disagree with it at all. It lasts up to 12 months, usually 6-8 if you wash every week, and it goes a long way. A 33oz bottle will last you 8 years or more on your own car.

nl2134 said:
So, when you say 'wait', do you mean clean, use sealant when dry, then a few hours later, wax? Or is it used in a different sitting? I think you've convinced me to try it out and will probably use the one you suggested!

After you apply a sealant you want to wait for it to cure to the paint. Similiar to waiting for paint to dry before touching it. You typically want to wait overnight and then apply wax. It's a great product. Only gripe some people have is it's hard to remove. I find it easier to remove by doing a couple swipes and then buffing it off. If you wait for it to dry like the directions say it takes some elbow grease to buff it off.

Pinnacle Polishin’ Pal is an ergonomically shaped urethane handle that holds specially designed foam pads using tough hook & loop backing.

Is that the pad you're referencing? If not, could you lead me to the one you're using...

This one: Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicator- Great applicators- Great results!
I see a lot of people including myself using these. Otherwise its a red foam pad on a dual action polisher. The meguiars are of a thicker foam, haven't tried the lake country ones but it looks like they would be similiar to the meguiars, but not totally sure.
Lake country ccs applicators, wax applicator, sealant applicator

Finally, the APC+ is this, right?

Meguiars D103 All Purpose Cleaner Plus

Yes

Going to ask some rather idiotic questions, so bear with me.

I assume it comes in a thicker liquid. As such, will I need to get a spray bottle after diluting the formula in order to apply it to the interiors/wheels?

It's no thicker than your average household cleaner. It's just really concentrated. And yes to the spray bottles, you will need a couple. I use 4 for tire shine, window cleaner, apc and instant detailer. I use a foaming head on my apc spray bottle so it clings to vertical surfaces better and doesn't soak in as much to upholstery. I use Home Depot spray bottles as mentioned before because they're $.96 and they have measuring lines on them. Everyone here despises them. I'm guessing because of the spray head but I replaced the original spray head with the one's in the link below. They work good and I've heard other people like them a lot too. Only thing is you can't squeeze the trigger too softly otherwise the liquid sputters out rather than sprays. So I'll usually spray into a towel if I'm working in a tight spot and wipe the towel on whatever surface rather than spraying directly onto the surface. May sound like an issue but it really isn't, just pointing it out. and I haven't messed with the nozzle so maybe that'll effect it.
High Output Chemical Resistant Sprayer
Griot's Garage Foaming Finest Sprayer

Saw it cleans floor mats too. Will I have to buy a steam vacuum for that purpose?
Click to expand...

You don't need a steam cleaner for floor mats. Just use the apc and a horse hair brush with a wet/dry vac or a bissell little green to suck up the liquid, or even a couple cotton towels. Steam cleaners and extractors are more for people who make money doing this as they get more use out of it. Get one if you want to and you can use it in your home to but it's not needed.
Natural Horse Hair Interior Upholstery Brush
 
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