New to detailing and building my kit of supplies/equipment from scratch

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BlackObs

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Okay, so I'm about to become the owner of a 2007 Mazda 3 Sport (hatchback) in whatever they're calling the bright blue color. I've been driving a Chevy Malibu to date, and my cleaning regimen has consisted of the occasional stop at one of those garage-shaped DIY spray washes, or the Esso touchless thing. I don't think it's ever seen a coat of wax in its short, totally unloved existence.

Obviously that's going to change with the new car. After reading just about every guide on Autogeek.com, I've assembled a list of the stuff I think I'll need to properly care for the exterior and interior of my car. I'd like some critiquing of my list of stuff (which is expensive, but I can live with that). A few minor details: I live in northern Canada, and we pour literally tons of salt on our roads in the winter, which is damn cold and can run 4-6 months. I don't have access to a heated garage, so basically whatever wax I apply in October has to last until March or April, which is why I've gone synthetic. I'm open to applying some sort of carnauba stuff over the synthetic for the summer months, but that's in the future. Also, the seats are leather.

It might seem like my list of stuff is huge, but also assume that I have absolutely nothing already, except for me and a hose. Also a single bucket, and some cheapy MF towels to dry the wheels/tires after they're cleaned.
My current detailing skills? Zero, but I can follow instructions really well.

Washing
OXO Caddy & Bucket Combo (I need a second bucket, and also somewhere to store all this stuff)
Pinnacle Wheel & Tire Kit
Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad
Cobra Total Microfiber Tool Kit
DP Wheel Glaze
Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash (this won't take off the NXT wax, will it?)
California Water Blade (not so much for washing as for a quick water-removal after it rains)
Cobra Waffle Weave MF Glass Towel x2
Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (this is relatively equivalent to the Stoner's Invisible Glass, yes?)
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay (is this fine stuff okay? There's no industrial fallout where I live)

Waxing
The Edge 2000 Foam pads & Porter Cable 7424 Complete Kit
Meguiars #80 Professional Speed Glaze (I shouldn't need anything more heavy-duty for a brand-new car, should I?)
Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax

Interior
Mat & Carpet Scrub Brush
Two Way Mini Detailing Brush
Metro Vac N'Blo® Portable Vacuum
DP Interior Surface Protectant
Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

Miscellaneous
Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator (I'll have to clean all that MF at some point)
OXO Windshield Care Trio (because I need a brush and ice scraper for the car anyway)

Looks like my spreadsheet imported the hotlinks to the main site. That's handy. I've got a ton of MF products on the list, mainly because I'd like to use a separate one for each product being wiped off, to avoid any corss-contamination. Anyway, what do you think? Is anything there redundant or am I missing anything of importance?
 
Looks like you've got everything. Heres what Id change.

Get rid of the CA blade, it can and will scratch your car. Use the Cobra Guzzler to dry. The only thing Id use the blade on is windows.

Stoners is cheaper then NXT.

Does Megs #80 have fillers in it? Or does it actually REMOVE swirls?

Get rid of the NXT Tech Wax. Id go with Klasse sealant or DG #105.

For the interior I dont see anything that can be used to clean it. I recommend DP total interior cleaner as that can be used on EVERYTHING except glass. I have the DP interior protectant and I dont like it. Smells bad and just doesnt do it for me. Might want to get some opinions on Poorboys Natural Look.

I also dont like the Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator. Doesnt clean the MF very well IMO. Id try this, Micro-Restore doesn’t just clean microfiber, it restores microfiber!
 
I second the part about the Guzzler it's an amazing drying towel.

I just used the Pinnacle Ultra Poly clay kit on my new Tacoma, and it's great. I was impressed by how much dirt it removed from what I thought was clean paint.

Havent' used the Meg's glass cleaner but I love the Stoner's IG - after years of using Windex and other such products, I HATED cleaning auto glass, after trying Stoner's, cleaning the galss is one of my favorite things, it's hard to believe it makes cleaning that easy and makes glass look that good.
 
Welcome. Something to consider. Many on here that deal with harsh winters talk of using a rinseless wash like DP 4 in 1, or Optimum No Rinse.
A protection combo that seems to be mentioned for northern climates is DG #105 topped with a Collinite wax.
 
Hmm, okay, no CA blade. I was planning just to use it to clean the car off after it rains. Would you suggest just getting a second Cobra Guzzler instead, and keeping it in the back? Rainwater drying on cars here leaves spots, for no reason I can fathom, since there's no air pollution to speak of.
I see that Stoner's spray is marginally cheaper than NXT. People seem to speak highly of the aerosol, but I can't get that (shipping to Canada is via air, and they can't ship aerosols that way).

Meg's #80 claims to remote swirls. Actually, what it says from the AG main page is "Speed Glaze has a cut of 4 on Meguiar’s scale of 1 to 10. With a light cutting foam pad on a polisher or an applicator pad, Speed Glaze has enough cutting power to smooth out light swirls and oxidation, and improve the appearance of moderate blemishes."

Is there any particular reason why you recommend the Klasse sealant over NXT? I'm just curious; I happen to have a bottle of the NXT laying about, after an abortive attempt at learning to wax on my own last year (note to self, read guide first and don't apply in bright, burning sunlight), but I'm certainly open to getting the Klasse instead if it's a better product.

As to the interior, I assume you mean nothing to clean the non-leather stuff. The DP Interior Protectant claims that it "contains a mild cleaner to remove surface dust and dirt. In most cases, this may be the only product you need to clean and preserve your interior". Is that untrue?

I'll replace the Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator with the Micro-Restore. How do I clean the MF, anyway? Is it going into the washing machine with this stuff in place of detergent?
 
Welcome aboard mate.

I am still in the learning process myself and reading your list, it sounds fine.
The thing I would like to highlight for changes are as followed.

Washing
OXO Caddy & Bucket Combo (I need a second bucket, and also somewhere to store all this stuff) -- add a grit guard to the buckets to minimize the chance of swirls while washing the car

Pinnacle Wheel & Tire Kit
Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad
Cobra Total Microfiber Tool Kit
DP Wheel Glaze

Meguiars NXT Generation Car Wash (this won't take off the NXT wax, will it?)
from what i read, this could some what strip your wax but not totally removing it all, suggestion would be gold class or soap from any of the brand avail. @ autogeek.net (they have plenty of choices and anyone brand will do)

California Water Blade (not so much for washing as for a quick water-removal after it rains) -- No need as mentioned

Cobra Waffle Weave MF Glass Towel x2

Meguiars NXT Generation Glass Cleaner (this is relatively equivalent to the Stoner's Invisible Glass, yes?) -- Stoner is way cheaper and it comes it two types; foam or liquid
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay (is this fine stuff okay? There's no industrial fallout where I live)

Waxing
The Edge 2000 Foam pads & Porter Cable 7424 Complete Kit -- the UDM is highly recommended, plus it goes for around the same price of PC kit. The same learning curve applies to the UDM as if you were learning with a PC
Meguiars #80 Professional Speed Glaze (I shouldn't need anything more heavy-duty for a brand-new car, should I?) -- new car i suggest XMT line, the 360 or Xmt2 would be more than sufficient
Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax -- there are so many types so read for more opinion on which will fit your needs

Interior
Mat & Carpet Scrub Brush
Two Way Mini Detailing Brush
Metro Vac N'Blo® Portable Vacuum -- it is very nice vac but not necessary(at least i my case cause i am budget, do a search on vacs and there are few recommended choices)
DP Interior Surface Protectant
Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

Miscellaneous
Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator (I'll have to clean all that MF at some point)
OXO Windshield Care Trio (because I need a brush and ice scraper for the car anyway)[/QUOTE] :D

I hope this help you on your journey, one more tip - read, read, read
This forum is like a bible for detailing and one stop shop for all your detailing needs.
Click to expand...
 
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Jimmie: The DP 4in1 looks quite interesting. Think I'll add that to my list, it should help in the winter months.
 
Here's my revised list

Washing
OXO Caddy & Bucket Combo (I'd like one of the bigger ones more, but theyr'e on back-order)
Pinnacle Wheel & Tire Kit
Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad
Cobra Total Microfiber Tool Kit
DP Wheel Glaze
DP Four-In-One Rinseless Wash & Shine (thanks Jimmie!)
Cobra Waffle Weave MF Glass Towel x2
Stoner Invisible Glass Pump Spray (everybody!)
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay

Waxing
The Edge 2000 Foam pads & Porter Cable 7424 Complete Kit (I really like the Edge pads and everyone talks about the PC, so I'm sticking to this one)
XMT 360 (light swirl remover/polish) (scoobe!)
Duragloss Total Performance Polish #105 (D&D, Jimmie!)

Interior
Mat & Carpet Scrub Brush
Two Way Mini Detailing Brush
Metro Vac N'Blo® Portable Vacuum (expensive, but I can use it for nooks and crannies in the apartment, too)
DP Total Interior Cleaner (D&D!)
DP Interior Surface Protectant (this one's hanging in there for now, but subject to change)
Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

Miscellaneous
Micro-Restore (D&D!)
OXO Windshield Care Trio

A question: What in the devil do I use to clean the Edge pads? There's this cleaning machine available at AG, but that seems like overkill.
 
A question: What in the devil do I use to clean the Edge pads? There's this cleaning machine available at AG, but that seems like overkill.
Click to expand...

I have some different pad cleaners but most often use XMT Pad Cleaner (spray on and knead in by hand or Pad Brush). Your "Micro-Restore" can also be used.
 
BlackObs said:
Hmm, okay, no CA blade. I was planning just to use it to clean the car off after it rains. Would you suggest just getting a second Cobra Guzzler instead, and keeping it in the back? Rainwater drying on cars here leaves spots, for no reason I can fathom, since there's no air pollution to speak of.
I see that Stoner's spray is marginally cheaper than NXT. People seem to speak highly of the aerosol, but I can't get that (shipping to Canada is via air, and they can't ship aerosols that way).

Meg's #80 claims to remote swirls. Actually, what it says from the AG main page is "Speed Glaze has a cut of 4 on Meguiar’s scale of 1 to 10. With a light cutting foam pad on a polisher or an applicator pad, Speed Glaze has enough cutting power to smooth out light swirls and oxidation, and improve the appearance of moderate blemishes."

Is there any particular reason why you recommend the Klasse sealant over NXT? I'm just curious; I happen to have a bottle of the NXT laying about, after an abortive attempt at learning to wax on my own last year (note to self, read guide first and don't apply in bright, burning sunlight), but I'm certainly open to getting the Klasse instead if it's a better product.

As to the interior, I assume you mean nothing to clean the non-leather stuff. The DP Interior Protectant claims that it "contains a mild cleaner to remove surface dust and dirt. In most cases, this may be the only product you need to clean and preserve your interior". Is that untrue?

I'll replace the Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator with the Micro-Restore. How do I clean the MF, anyway? Is it going into the washing machine with this stuff in place of detergent?
Click to expand...

Lets say you're driving along and it starts raining. You get home and pull out the blade OR the guzzler and start drying the car. Youll swirl the hell out of it. The best thing to do would be rewash it in the rain, then pull it into the garage and dry it.

Glazes usually have fillers in them which hide swirls, not remove them.

Id go with the Gold Class soap instead.

Need some wheel stuff. DP gel wheel cleaner is good. Then get a Edge wheel shmitt and the white/ yellow one for washing the car.

Dont forget about a degreaser. I love Amazing Roll Off, can be used on pretty much anything.

Id also get a brush to use on fender wells. I like the brush from Mothers. Dress the wells with Armor All tire foam. Then you might want to get some exterior plastic dressing. Id go with Duragloss for that.

To clean microfiber you put them in the washer on a cold gentle wash, then dry gentle low heat.

I clean the pads with Dawn by hand. Simple and cheap. To dry I stick them on the PC and spin dry on speed 6. Then store in plastic bin.
 
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Okay, I've moved to the Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner for the outside (cheaper than the no-rinse, which I can always pick up if the hot-water-and-quick-drying-in-the-winter doesn't pan out.

As for wheel stuff, that Pinnacle Wheel & Tire kit contains wheel cleaner, tire cleaner, applicator foams, a wheel & tire brush, and a pair of MF gloves, so I think that's got the cleaning part covered.

What's the degreaser for? I mean, I obviously know the answer is "grease," but how would I end up with grease on my car? I know there's road tar and that crap, but I figured the "Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad" would cover that.
 
Dont use the water blade unless you have washed the car as it will scratch the paint if there is any crap on it.
 
keep looking at kits and special value area ... both help to build a collection rather quickly !
 
you should order some of the NTS7 stuff, they send you free things a lot of the items.

Some things that I use that I think are necessary:
DP 4 n 1 you can always hose off your car if its really dirty before you use this and you can use it as a QD or clay lube, so you really get your money worth with it.

DG aquawax, this stuff is a great mix between a qd and a spray sealant, I use it maybe bi-weekly between the monthly waxes and it does a great job of bringing back that just waxed look. I also really like it on glass.

I didnt look at what comes in the MF kit that you ordered but my guidelines for doing a car from beginning to end would be
2 Medium Guzzlers-Drying
2 for claying
2 for first polish
2 for glaze
2 for wax
1 cobra WW for glass
2 mangos for wheels
2 mangos for door jambs and interior work

As for the soap look into the DG soap, its cheap and works very well

the DP degreaser is great for cleaning up the engine compartment.
 
I was in the same boat as you and decided to go a little simpler, but you've got it right I'd say.

If you plan on washing multiple cars in one sitting, I'd get another Guzzler for the other car. I have the Supreme Guzzler (20x40 I think) and it wasn't up to the task of drying two cars in a row.

Lots of people here seem to like the UDM over the PC. Less vibration, more powerful motor. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either, but for me the UDM seemed to be the better choice.

The DP Universal clay is a better bargain than the Pinnacle, $3.12 per ounce compared to $5/oz with the Pinnacle. I'm getting the DP personally.

What is your main wash soap going to be? I see the 4-in-1, but not a primary-purpose shampoo. I tried Poorboy's Super Concenrated Suds & Soap off the bat and love it - not as many suds as I expected (but I may not have diluted properly), however it cleaned very well and left a great shine on two cars that have little to no wax on them and hadn't been washed in a month or more. Highly recommended!

I noticed your Cobra toolkit has some duplicate parts that are in the PInnacle wheel kit. You will probably be better off assembling your own MF towels. Be careful with these "bundles," take the time to calculate building your own kit vs buying a pre-built as you may be paying for things you won't use or don't need.

Good luck!
 
I did not see a mitt or sponge on the list. I just got my Sheepskin Wash Mitt, man is it soft!! I thought my Meguiar's was soft until I got this one. Maybe you have this part covered. Just wanted to make sure you were not missing anything.
Tonya - a newbie as well
 
Sheep skin is an abrsive I ut swirls in a swirl free car cause of the sheepskin. I got a micro mitt to take care of it.
 
for mitts I highly recommend the schmitt or the new LC mitt looks promising.
 
WHAT??? Sheepskin can cause swirls????? WHAT, but it is so soft!!!! Darn it now I am sorry I bought one.
Tonya
 
some of them have been known to have hard bunches of the fabric where the "fur" meets the glove portion, and they seem to trap dirt in them very well. I used to use them religiously but now I only use them for wheels.
 
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