Cleaning Noob-Advice Needed

bef18ZL1 · 07-14-2022, 10:50 PM

I'm a novice to cleaning a vehicle the correct way. I was one of those who used cheap microfibers, etc from Walmart. New (used) ZL1, so I figured it is time to learn. Car will be garaged year 'round in Midwest. Likely just be normal dust on car.

I found Glen E's old Rinseless posts, but they are old. Here is my cleaning list so far. BTW, I'm not into electric polishers and stuff yet, but suggestions welcome. I know tons of products work well, but I know there are ones ppl agree on disliking. Good YouTubes to follow is welcome as well. I know nothing about how often to do something, etc. Since used car, unsure if it has ceramic coat or ppf.

-Cobra Supreme 530 microfiber 16x16 12 pk
-Duragloss Rinseless w/ Aquawax (Pink stuff) (or McKnees?)
-Cobra Supreme Guzzler Waffle Weave 20x40 3pk
-Gold Plush Wash Mitt
-CarPro Essence Enhancer
-CarPro Reload
-Sonax for wheels (Essence after this?)
-Poorboys Natural Look for interior
-Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax...on-the-go touch ups, i.e. birdpoop, quick detail, etc

Future products:
-Foam gun/pressure washer
-White Hand Applicator CCS Euro
-Griots Orbital

RamAir02 · 07-14-2022, 11:49 PM

I'm a fan of the YouTube channels Pan the Organizer and Ammo NYC.

Everyone will have different opinions on what products they prefer. I like Adams & Chemical Guys for most stuff. As a novice, it's probably best to start off learning the two bucket wash method (with a grit guard ideally) and how to use a foam cannon.

Wuiquen · 07-15-2022, 08:29 AM

Here you go

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...sses+beginners

For products as mentioned above, everyone will have different opinions. I use all Meguiar's products with great results over many years.

Spaceme1117 · 07-15-2022, 09:28 AM

I've been using Meguiar's Waterless Car Wash and Wax for the last several years for when my cars are dusty or have water spots after driving in the rain. I use some higher quality microfiber towels as well.

Saves a lot of time and while my cars aren't perfect, they do look pretty darned good.

I do hand wash when necessary but the Meguair's spray is really good.

PrinceNieves · 10-13-2022, 10:05 AM

Personally, a good microfiber cloth and a good washing liquid work perfectly for me. I have been using this method for an extended period, and I am very satisfied with it. Truth be told, cleaning your car is not that big of a deal. Still, whenever I do more deep cleaning, I usually call the guys from https://sparklewash.com/woodlands/ to help me with that. So mate, if you need some advice, you better speak with people who are much more experienced in this field. They will certainly help you with good advice.

bitwise · 10-14-2022, 08:43 PM

A leaf blower will save a lot of work on grill, engine compartment and tail lights. Amazon Basics Snow Foam Lance is another thing I would recommend. Electric pressure washer with a green tip is fine. Your not trying to blow paint off or sandblast the car. Look for used washers on Facebook Marketplace if your on a budget.

In terms of product, everyone has their favorites and some blow their budget out on fancy brands. There is lots of hype with these products so try a few and see what you like. Some of the better chemicals aren't that expensive. There are only a few products that make a big mess or can't be undone. Be careful with the suede alcantara. Cheap microfiber rags are ok for everything but you will probably like larger or softer ones for specific tasks. I wash my rags and them move from very clean duty to tires only over time. There are plenty of YouTube videos to watch. Enjoy your car.

07-14-2022, 10:50 PM	#1
bef18ZL1 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Join Date: May 2022 Location: Midwest Posts: 41	Cleaning Noob-Advice Needed I'm a novice to cleaning a vehicle the correct way. I was one of those who used cheap microfibers, etc from Walmart. New (used) ZL1, so I figured it is time to learn. Car will be garaged year 'round in Midwest. Likely just be normal dust on car. I found Glen E's old Rinseless posts, but they are old. Here is my cleaning list so far. BTW, I'm not into electric polishers and stuff yet, but suggestions welcome. I know tons of products work well, but I know there are ones ppl agree on disliking. Good YouTubes to follow is welcome as well. I know nothing about how often to do something, etc. Since used car, unsure if it has ceramic coat or ppf. -Cobra Supreme 530 microfiber 16x16 12 pk -Duragloss Rinseless w/ Aquawax (Pink stuff) (or McKnees?) -Cobra Supreme Guzzler Waffle Weave 20x40 3pk -Gold Plush Wash Mitt -CarPro Essence Enhancer -CarPro Reload -Sonax for wheels (Essence after this?) -Poorboys Natural Look for interior -Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax...on-the-go touch ups, i.e. birdpoop, quick detail, etc Future products: -Foam gun/pressure washer -White Hand Applicator CCS Euro -Griots Orbital

07-14-2022, 11:49 PM	#2
RamAir02 Shadow Gray '19 ZLE M6 Drives: '19 ZL1 1LE M6 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1,440 View My Garage	I'm a fan of the YouTube channels Pan the Organizer and Ammo NYC. Everyone will have different opinions on what products they prefer. I like Adams & Chemical Guys for most stuff. As a novice, it's probably best to start off learning the two bucket wash method (with a grit guard ideally) and how to use a foam cannon. __________________ 2019 ZL1 1LE \| M6 \| SGM \| PDR \| CF Dash \| Nav \| Wheel Locks PPF \| Paint Correction \| ZL1 Addons Rock Guards \| ZL1 Addons Lift Pads \| ZL1 Addons Feather Lite Tow Hook \| JWM Smoked Sidemarkers \| Wildhammer Smoked Rear Reflectors \| JWM License Plate LEDs \| RotoFab CAI \| ADM IC Reservoir v2 \| BC Forged RZ05 \| SPL Toe Arms \| BW Brake Deflectors \| CMS Roll Bar \| Schroth Profi II ASM Harnesses . Sold: '99 Trans Am (bolt-ons & cam) \| '00 WS6 (bolt-ons, heads, cam, 12 bolt) \| '05 CTS-V (bolt-ons, short throw) \| '10 SS/RS M6 (short throw, CAI, coilovers, LTs, catback, JRE tune) \| '01 WS6 YouTube

07-15-2022, 08:29 AM	#3
Wuiquen Drives: 2018 Hot Red ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 3,599	Here you go https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...sses+beginners For products as mentioned above, everyone will have different opinions. I use all Meguiar's products with great results over many years. __________________

10-13-2022, 10:05 AM	#5
PrinceNieves Drives: lexus Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: uk Posts: 1	Personally, a good microfiber cloth and a good washing liquid work perfectly for me. I have been using this method for an extended period, and I am very satisfied with it. Truth be told, cleaning your car is not that big of a deal. Still, whenever I do more deep cleaning, I usually call the guys from https://sparklewash.com/woodlands/ to help me with that. So mate, if you need some advice, you better speak with people who are much more experienced in this field. They will certainly help you with good advice. Last edited by PrinceNieves; 10-18-2022 at 09:02 AM.

07-15-2022, 09:28 AM	#4
Spaceme1117 Drives: 2017 Camaro SS, 2011 Corvette GS Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 Posts: 815	I've been using Meguiar's Waterless Car Wash and Wax for the last several years for when my cars are dusty or have water spots after driving in the rain. I use some higher quality microfiber towels as well. Saves a lot of time and while my cars aren't perfect, they do look pretty darned good. I do hand wash when necessary but the Meguair's spray is really good.

10-14-2022, 08:43 PM	#6
bitwise Drives: 2020 2SS Conv, 2022 Cherry ZL1 Conv Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 27	A leaf blower will save a lot of work on grill, engine compartment and tail lights. Amazon Basics Snow Foam Lance is another thing I would recommend. Electric pressure washer with a green tip is fine. Your not trying to blow paint off or sandblast the car. Look for used washers on Facebook Marketplace if your on a budget. In terms of product, everyone has their favorites and some blow their budget out on fancy brands. There is lots of hype with these products so try a few and see what you like. Some of the better chemicals aren't that expensive. There are only a few products that make a big mess or can't be undone. Be careful with the suede alcantara. Cheap microfiber rags are ok for everything but you will probably like larger or softer ones for specific tasks. I wash my rags and them move from very clean duty to tires only over time. There are plenty of YouTube videos to watch. Enjoy your car.

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