Subaru Crew - Cleaning Interior & Exterior Surfaces

mrdetailer · August 2002

but a good wife is there to stay. And well worth it I might add.

Here a few things I do to minimize conflicts over detailing.

1. In warmer weather do the weekly washings in the evenings, not on weekends.

2. Purchase a California Duster. Much faster in removing light dust.

3. Reserve some activities for early morning when she's asleep.

4. Detail her car.

5. Try to get her involved, or if that fails, the kids.

mrk610 · August 2002

No I havent't driven on any dusty roads . It seems to be just around the ac clutch area . I was going to ask the question on chat but I'm not able to get in .

mike k

soonersubaru1 · August 2002

I'm waxing my new Red 2003 Forester for the first time this weekend, and just wanted to ask the experts some questions before I get started.

On the advice of countless posts on these boards, I bought the Klasse All in One and the Glaze. Since the AIO states that it removes old wax, do I need to wash my car with Dawn first to remove the wax, or will it all be removed when I apply the AIO? About how many microfiber cloths should I plan on using for the AIO and the glaze? How many chamios cloths do you usually use to dry your car (last week I washed my car and I was confused by the chamois--it got really wet and I didn't know if I should keep using it or what. Unfortuanately, I am a 30 year old who has never actually washed a car by hand before. . .). And as for the tires--last week I used a wheel cleaner and the Meguires tire gel. I'm not sure if the tire gel actually CLEANS the tires, or just makes them look black. I was in Pep Boys today to get some bug and tar remover, but didn't see any specific tire cleaner. Do you all just use the regular car wash soap wash with a cloth?

Sorry, I know those probably seem like stupid questions. I've just never been quite as proud of a car as I am of my Soobie. . .

ateixeira · August 2002

There should not be any wax on there to remove, but go ahead and use Dawn because it's grease-cutting and will get the surface completely clean for the wax to adhere to.

Use Dawn on the wheels too, and I strongly recommend waxing those. Even a year later mine just take a rinse of water to get clean.

Ask Bob - he came by, and I had not washed my car in a long time because of the drought. I simply passed my finger on the (filthy) wheel, and all the gunk came right off, leaving a shiny surface behind.

-juice

jfl · August 2002

Ditto on waxing the wheels!

I made the mistake of re-washing the wheels w/ Dawn the last time I clayed my car. Now the wheels hold onto the brake dust. Hope to get them waxed this weekend.

BTW - have a safe and happy holiday everyone!

Jim

kens · August 2002

sonnersubaru1,

It's a great thing to detail your own vehicle. Not only will you do a better job than any car wash, but it also gives you a much better idea of your vehicles condition: owner-vehicle bonding, so to speak.

AIO does have cleaning properties so it will remove oxidization and wax, but since you need to wash your vehicle first anyway (ALWAYS wash your vehicle before any detailing), I'd suggest to go ahead and use Dawn in warm water.

I also prefer to use a California Water Blade squeege and terry cloth instead of chamois.

Plan on using two microfiber cloths each for the AIO and Glaze.

Here are some general tips for detailing newbies:
Washing:
- Spray the vehicle down first (top to bottom) with a hose to rinse off any loose dirt
- Use a natural fiber wash mitt to minimize swirl marks, never use a sponge
- Wash from top to bottom. Wheels and tires should be last
- Never wash in direct sunlight
- Rinse your vehicle from top to bottom
- After your rinse off the suds, gently dribble water from the hose and allow sheets of water to cascade down the sides. This step will remove any small water drops and make drying a lot easier and quicker.
- Use a car squeege (ie. California Water Blade) to speed drying
- If possible, wash once a week

Waxing
- Always wash your car before
- Never wax in direct sunlight
- Apply wax with a very soft cloth (microfiber applicators are awesome) to minimize swirl marks
- Apply wax in an up-down, side-side motion, not a circular pattern
- Work one section at a time

Finally, always stand back and admire your work at the end. Accent with a cold beer to heighten the effect.

Have fun,

Ken

hammersley · September 2002

Soonersubaru: Chamois are designed to be used wet (get it wet & wring it out before you use it on your car). You should only need one. When it gets saturated, simply wring it out and continue.

Cheers!
Paul

ateixeira · September 2002

I need a new chamois, mine gets rock hard when it dries, even if I rinse it clean.

-juice

subearu · September 2002

The 2 chamois I have come in a plastic container that seals after each use. There are warnings on the packaging to not let the chamois dry. You just wring it out, roll it up, and stuff it into the container.

Even after sitting all winter (inside, mind you) they come out damp and ready to use.

-Brian

ateixeira · September 2002

Hmm, didn't know that.

Mine's so worn (holes, even) that it's time for a new one anyway. Guess I'll try that idea with the new one.

-juice

subearu · September 2002

soonersubaru1 · September 2002

Thanks for all the help, everyone. I waxed her yesterday, but unfortunately I seriously underestimated the time it would take, and didn't get the passenger side doors waxed. And, I only got a coat of the AIO and not the glaze. It still looks nice, though.
I bought some Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover for the countless dead bugs on the front (I wash the car weekly, but somehow these bugs also get melded to the paint) and it was worthless. The AIO got some of them off, so it looks better. Any other ideas for cake on bug guts (weekly washes are doable for me, but cleaning the car daily will not work with my school schedule).

Brian, do you think keeping the chamois in a ziplock bag would have the same effect?

subearu · September 2002

There are a couple of vent holes at the top of the plastic tubes. So, a ziplock would work, maybe just leave a tiny part of the bag open or poke a couple of holes in it.

I routinely wash the chamois and the tubes to keep mold from forming. 3+ years and counting - no mold. At least with the ziplocks you can toss a 'bad' bag.

-Brian

lucien2 · September 2002

I think most of us would use a clay bar on those bugs. Most auto parts stores sell clay bar kits (bar plus lube) for $12 or so.

speterson1 · September 2002

I bought a synthetic chamois at Wal-Mart for roughly $5 that comes in its own plastic airtight tube for storage. It's advertised as mold-free; I've had it over two years and it's been great so far.

Steve

lark6 · September 2002

Is that "synthetic chamois" called "The Absorber"? If so, I have two. Love 'em - they're easier to maintain and leave fewer scratches than natural chamois. My old natural chamois now hangs from a hook in the garage looking like some sort of hunter's trophy.

Ed

ateixeira · September 2002

What do those cost? Does Costco carry them?

-juice

paisan · September 2002

Ok folks... You guys are the goods so here is my question for yah...

Leather, how does one keep it looking and feeling good? I have leather in the SVX and want to make sure it doesn't get messed up.

-mike

kate5000 · September 2002

I'm using Meguiar's No. 20 Polymer Paint Sealant and so far love it. On weekend, my Forester got a lot of pine sap on the hood. Then sap got baked at the 90 F up in the mountains. But yesterday I finally got to wash my baby -- and sap came right off, using a very mild car detergent and virtually no elbow grease.

speterson1 · September 2002

I can't remember off the top of my head if I've got the "Absorber" or not - I'll check and report back.

Juice, I don't know if Costco carries them or not (no Costco around here), but I got mine at Wal-Mart and I'll bet they sell them at other discount stores like Target too. Mine was about 5 bucks, much cheaper than the real chamois were going for. The price sold me and it's been great ever since!

ateixeira · September 2002

sap came right off...

That must be because you had a coat of wax on it before the sap got on it. Kudos to you.

Cheaper and better? You guys are speaking my language!

-juice

kens · September 2002

soonersubaru1: Don't worry about not being able to apply the glaze all in one day. You can still apply it without any problems as long as the paint surface is clean. Just wash and apply the glaze this weekend. One tip -- apply a very thin coat of the glaze. Otherwise, it will be difficult to remove. Also spending a little time buffing the glaze adds lots of shine.

Kate: I've heard good things about Meguiar's #20. The on-line store I buy my Klasse mentions it as a good alternative. I'm sold on acrylics!

Ken

babaoriley · September 2002

I use Lexol leather cleaner every few months and Lexol leather conditioner every month on my wife's Solara. It's a 99 with ivory leather that is soft w/ no cracks and still spotless.

Disclaimer: we have no kids and the dog is not allowed in her car. However, I do the maintenance and usually get some grease on it that comes right off w/ the cleaner.

-Brett

jregen7243 · September 2002

Can anyone recommend the easiest and best way to remove the dealer decal from car.

Thanks

mrk610 · September 2002

I used a hair dryer . I heat the decal up for a couple of mins and it came right off . I also used some goo be gone to get any left over glue . can't even tell were the decal was .

mike k

mrk610 · September 2002

last weekend I was down in my crawlspace ( don't get down there much I have to remove the couch and carpet in living room to get to trap door anyway). I found an old box with cleaning supplies in it . i must of ordered it from tv . The stuff in the box was that miracle wax they raved about 10 years ago . Its called autofom with fomblin a. Anybody remember it .Just wondering if anybody has used it and if it is good stuff .

thanks mike k

ateixeira · September 2002

WD40 will get the goop off if you have nothing else around, just wash the area afterwards.

10 years? Is there an expiration date, I wonder?

-juice

kens · September 2002

Mike,

I personally wouldn't use any cleaning product that is over 10 years old...

Ken

ateixeira · September 2002

Use it to wash your wife's car, LOL.

-juice

lark6 · September 2002

>>Leather, how does one keep it looking and feeling good? I have leather in the SVX and want to make sure it doesn't get messed up.<<

One word: Lexol. Use the cleaner and conditioner. Good stuff.

Ed

paisan · September 2002

Thanks. My uncle managed to keep it in near new condition for 10 years so Ihave to keep it looking good!

-mike

kate5000 · September 2002

Autofom did wonders for my old Loyale. I still have a bit left, from 1993 purchase. I used it last year, to prep Loyale for sale, and it worked great (you need to shake it really well).

It's truly regretful Blue Coral has discontinued AutoFom. BTW, Europe is still getting it and raving about it.

The replacing product from BlueCoral (now merged with RainX, I suppose) is Rain-X Ultra Wax. Much worse than AutoFom, in my view.

So far, the only product close to AutoFom that I found in Meguiar's #20 Paint Sealant -- but it's 3 times more expensive than AutoFom.

The bottom line:

if you have an unopened bottle of AutoFom, and want to dispose of it, please send to me instead. I'll gladly pay for shipping!

mrk610 · September 2002

Yes it is still unopened been in the box and dark place the whole time. Does it go on like regular wax ?

thanks mike k

kate5000 · September 2002

Basically goes on like a regular wax. Make sure car and applicator is dry, because water can make the surface streaky. Spread Autofom thinly, let it dry to the haze (not on the open sun, of course), then wipe off with a dry soft cloth. You should get an amazingly smooth surface as a result. Some white residue that may get on the black rubber and plastic exterior parts can be easily rubbed off and does not stain the rubber like carnauba does.

Very easy application, and results were surprisingly long-lasting.

Let us know how it worked. In the past, I even wrote to Blue Coral, asking them to return AutoFom to the market, but they suggested to use their other products instead.

mrk610 · September 2002

It just so happens I have Monday off.So I guess you all know what I'll be doing .

thanks Mike k

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Forget about real chamois and get the absorber, I have been using them for a long time, best product I have ever used, they mop up water like you would not believe and best of all they are very kind on the finish.

Cheers Pat.

ateixeira · September 2002

I was going to already, but when Pat says that you can be sure I'll get one.

Anyone see pics of his old Honda wagon? Didn't look old, did it? Exactly.

-juice

lark6 · September 2002

I have two absorbers, one dedicated solely to the Stude. Used it frequently on Labor Day at a car show where the drizzle never quite burned off the way the forecasters predicted.

Ed

masan · September 2002

With these recommendations, I'll have to pick up The Absorber. I was initially hesitant because I thought the synthetic might scratch and that the real chamois would be easier on the finish.

I also picked up a Water Blade. Heard of any problems with a Water Blade scratching the finish?

crashton6 · September 2002

I have used the Absorber for about 3 years & it's great. Got a water blade about 2 years ago. They make a great team. No scratches with this combo.

kate5000 · September 2002

Hey Pat, welcome back!

are you still happy with that wax you've tried before taking off for summer? I think it was Eagle One Wet, wasn't it?

[Deleted User] · September 2002

Yep, it was Eagle one Wet, and yes I am still very impressed, thanks for the welcome back, I am heading to the lake for two more weeks then back for the fall and winter.

Cheers Pat.

ateixeira · September 2002

You're supposed to use the Water Blade on an already clean car, just to dry it. That shouldn't cause any scratches.

Don't use it on a dirty car, though.

-juice

kens · September 2002

Also make sure the blade itself is clean before using it on your vehicle.

The water blade is made from a very soft silicon unlike shower squeeges. I use it all the time on my Forester and have never seen it create any scratches. My paint's black and I'm pretty anal about keeping my Forester looking shiny so I could have easily spotted any scratches.

It's also a good indicator of how clean your paint is. Only clean and smooth paint will make the Blade squeak.

Ken

hhugel · September 2002

Hello! I'm the proud owner of a new soob Outback and am preparing to give her the treatment soon. I'm going to try the Klasse AIO and glaze for the exterior. The tires and the interior is what I have questions on. The soob is pearl blue with a grey fabric interior and I was considering ScotchGuarding the seats and carpets. I'm gonna use the little beast for Mtn Biking and Snowboarding trips and would like to keep her as spiffy looking as she is now. Has anyone tried this? Also I've heard evil things about Armor All and want to avoid it. What is a good protector for the dash/console area and my tires. As long as the tires look black, not sticky black, just black that is what I'm after. I would like to try claying her, but having never done it. I'm a bit hesitant to try it on a new car. Does the clay help in protecting the paint or is it really just to prep it for wax? And one last question about waxing: Since I'll be going to the Sierra Nevadas almost every weekend this winter how often should I wax her? I know she's gonna get messy from the trips, I just wondered how long the wax would would last.

Harry

lilbluewgn02 · September 2002

I recommend Vinylex for the interior, and I started using it for the tires also...two coats on the tires last a few weeks, even in South Florida rainy season weather

ateixeira · September 2002

Ken's like my editor, he never lets me forget anything! :-)

Harry: get a tarp, seriously. Protectants are great and I use them too, but preventing the mess is better than anything.

-juice

jfl · September 2002

is really easy. I used the Mother's kit which ran about $15. Just spray a section and glide the clay over it. (Exactly what the directions say.)

It's primarily "prep" but gives you a glass smooth finish to polish and wax. The increase in smoothness is quite amazing. (At least on my car.)

Congrats on the new car!

Jim

mrdetailer · September 2002

Clay Bar. Actually it is critical that you use a clay bar at this time to remove any small iron particles (rail dust) that may be on the finish from shipping.

properautocare.com has excellent instructions on applying Klasse. The Sealant Glaze hazes if not applied thinly.

If you're really concerned about a good combination of protection and looks, put on several layers each of All in One and Sealant Glaze. You didn't mention your color. Some with darker colors have complained about the silvery "candy apple" finish they get with Acrylics like Klasse.

I have a friend who uses AIO as a base then tops with a Carnauba. Looks fabulous and the AIO still seems to be on even after a year without polishing. He found that if he put on the sealant glaze that it neither looked as good nor lasted as long with a Carnauba topper.

mrk610 · September 2002

Whats the best to use to get out fine scratches and swirl marks . harry I have the same suby as you just bought .Got mine in Sept 01 ,runs great only problem is the dreaded piston slap on cold mornings .

mike k

Subaru Crew - Cleaning Interior & Exterior Surfaces

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