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View Full Version : HOW-TO: Wash you car like a PRO (using CarPro Reset)



Dr_Pain
11-10-2014, 04:51 PM
The shop was ROCKING this weekend, and actually had something happen that had not happen in a looooooong time. What happened?? Well, a customer asked if they could drop off their car, stay and watch the whole process from start to finish, so they could learn. This is definitely a departure from our "usual" maintenance washes, since we normally shuttle the cars (or the car gets dropped off). In any case, I always welcome my customer to stay if they watch. This always pay off in the end, from fact that they see what their hard earned money is paying for, over going to a "tunnel of swirl" or a production shop.

The process of washing her 2014 Black Mustang was uneventful, but a couple of questions were asked which got me thinking. It is interesting the hear the misconceptions and falsehood that are floating around in people's mind, even more funny to see the lightbulb moments when they hear the "truth".!! So let's tackle some of those questions:

1) Are you actually going to wash my black car in the full mid day sun??? (it was 2pm, not a cloud in the sky, and about 75 degrees)
2) Aren't you afraid the soap will dry on the paint?
3) Aren't you afraid of water spots?

Although I didn't have time to take pictures of the process on her Black Mustang, I thought it would be great for our forum membership to see the process in action, and to try and debunk some of the fallacy (or better described as misconceptions). So yesterday I took care of my daily driver (2103 Tuxedo Black Ford Raptor), and did everything "wrong". LOL!.

First I went to church and made sure to stay parked in an uncovered area (to cook it). I then brought the truck to the shop and left it outside, while I was tending to another vehicle which was left overnight for a long detail. It was about 1:30pm when I finally got around to start the process. Time of day was about the same (as the mustang), conditions and ambient temperature were about the same, and brand and color were identical. It is sugarcane season down here so a LOT of field mud on the road.

** NOTE: I am not going to describe in details the "3 bucket technique", wash methodology and drying theories, but if there is enough interest I may create a specific How-To on those subjects. Let me know!

Here is the truck as it stood (DIRTY DIRTY LITTLE BEAST!!!):

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=227&d=1415630174
http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=228&d=1415630208

This is the result of a light rain and all that field mud in the road. I should note that my truck is coated!!

Wash Tools and Products:
1) Chenille Microfiber wash mitt (all my Microfiber Madness wash products were dirty from the day before): LINK HERE! (http://www.carpro-us.com/mitts-brushes-applicators-tools/cuff-less-plush-chenille-microfiber-wash-mitt/)
2) CarPro Reset LINK HERE! (http://www.carpro-us.com/auto-wash/reset-intensive-car-shampoo-1-liter/)
3) Waffle weave MF towel: LINK HERE! (http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-towels/waffle-weave-drying-towel-25x36/)
4) Grit Guard LINK HERE! (http://www.carpro-us.com/mitts-brushes-applicators-tools/additional-tools/grit-guard-insert-blue/)

Washing of the paint was done using a traditional 2 bucket technique (and used 1 bucket for the wheels, fender wells and running boards)

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=229&d=1415630239

Do you need fancy pre-labeled buckets? Heck no! I got the blue bucket FREE when painting the football field at our highschool. I cleaned the inside well and put some grit guard in it and call it a day. A "Pro" is defined as a smart, extremely knowledgeable, and well seasoned individual, and let me be the first to say how smart it is to use FREE STUFF, ROFL! One bucket was my soap dilution and the other is my rinse bucket (each with a grit guard). I always have 2 wash mitt or Incredisponge (LINK HERE! (http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness-incredisponge/)) at all times. One being used, while the other is soaking in the rinse bucket, then soaking the wash bucket (to help dislodge the grit, and for the soap surfactants get to work on the wash mitt itself).

After a good wash (safe technique apply), I rinsed the soap off, and dry!

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=233&d=1415630612

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=234&d=1415630634


.... and that is it folks!!......WELL, not exactly!!!




QUESTION: How can you wash a WHOLE black vehicle in the full sun, using traditional soap without all hell breaking loose??

First, let's answer the second and third question (and the first question will answer itself)

QUESTION: What makes the soap dry on the paint?
ANSWER: #1 the ambient temperature plays a HUGE roll in that, but more importantly #2 the temperature of the panel.

What I did not show in the process was the "pre-rinse", which serves multiple purpose.


It loosens the surface debris
It pre-moisten the cakes on stuff and allows of easier removal
.... but BEST is that it actually cools down the panel


http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=230&d=1415630271

If you put your wash mitt on the panel and it is "smoking", or if you take the mitt off the paint and you literally see the water evaporating before your eyes, then you don't stand a chance. HOWEVER if you pre-rinse the panel until it cools down, then you can wash the panel and take your time. Make sure that you have a dripping wash mitt (which will also help). If you want to be technical about it, we could discuss the heat transfer thermodynamic laws as it pertains to water mass, but I think you get the idea. Did you catch the other trick? Yep, even with traditional washes you can wash panel per panel!!!!

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=232&d=1415630589

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=231&d=1415630375

Did you see how I keep my drying towel handy???

QUESTION: So how do you avoid water spots???
ANSWER: SIMPLE, have more than one drying towel, wring them out often, and rotate through them often. Water spots cannot occur if there is no water on the panel! The HUGE waffle weave I use (or Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy towels LINK HERE! (http://www.carpro-us.com/microfiber-madness-dry-me-crazy-25-x-17/)) are absolutely FANTASTIC at removing water off the paint quickly, before it has a chance to evaporate (leaving those pesky minerals on the paint in the form of a water spot)

Here is a handy little way to dry your towels "on the fly" (see how BIG that waffle weave is??)

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=239&d=1415630745

Before I forget, I always keep my Master Blaster on hand for those hard to reach places, body lines, gaskets, door handles (before they create those nasty mineral encrusted deposits).

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=241&d=1415630789
http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=240&d=1415630764

Compressed air or a leaf blower works also.

GENERAL RECAP:

Quality Products and Quality Tools (Reset, Microfiber Madness etc..)
Quality technique and understanding of those techniques (3 Bucket Technique, panel by panel, etc..)
"Cool" panel and keep it cool (with pre-rinse and dripping wet wash mitt, etc...)
Dry quickly with more than one huge towel



Did I miss anything??? Oh yea.... the after!!

http://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=255&d=1415631458

Disclaimer, the after picture is actually after I applied Reload 2014V1, for which I will have a How-To (based on some of my experimentation). As a teaser I will tell you that I applied FULL strength in the FULL sun (just to continue the trend of doing things "wrong"!! So be on the lookout

Old Tiger
11-10-2014, 07:41 PM
Great read Doc! I used to collect car washes until I tried RESET. It gets a coated car so clean it almost squeeks! Very spot resistant too IME. It is my exclusive wash now. I am all in on the Madness line too!

EVOlved
11-11-2014, 02:07 AM
A pair of great how to's Claude keep up the great work and the great contribution to our passion!

Corey
11-11-2014, 05:05 AM
Excellent and entertaining read Claude! Thank you for your always generous contributions to the community!!

Moldavite
11-12-2014, 12:54 AM
thanks for sharing :CarproRules:

fdresq4
11-12-2014, 01:17 AM
It gets hot in Louisiana? Nice truck BTW! Thanks for the very informative post.

Steve

Worthrj
11-17-2015, 12:08 AM
Can you please tell me what pressure washer you're using?

AceMartinez
12-01-2015, 11:19 AM
Excellent! I would have love to experience your service but unfortunately, I may live far from your shop and from where I live, the roads are filled with dust. I would love it if you shared more in detail of your technique. The soap always dries up on my paint and of course, the annoying watermark after all the cleaning, then I would need to wipe the entire car again, and I drive an SUV. Help

Genesis
12-05-2015, 01:05 PM
Dude you should use a Merino wash Mitt not that crap, but really appreciate you post!

fdresq4
12-05-2015, 07:20 PM
Dude you should use a Merino wash Mitt not that crap, but really appreciate you post!

1. If Claude uses it...it's not "crap" unless otherwise noted by him.
2. I use to use that particular mitt on the lower half of vehicles and will at times. Nothing wrong with it as long as it is used properly and cared for.

BTW...the original post is over a year old.

Sharpline Detailing
12-06-2015, 02:50 AM
Can you please tell me what pressure washer you're using?

Looks like Karcher k5.740 - I have the same one.

Genesis
12-06-2015, 07:12 AM
1. If Claude uses it...it's not "crap" unless otherwise noted by him.
2. I use to use that particular mitt on the lower half of vehicles and will at times. Nothing wrong with it as long as it is used properly and cared for.

BTW...the original post is over a year old.

I don't give a crap if the pope uses crap, it is crap, plus post is 1 year old and you are arguing. LOL

fdresq4
12-06-2015, 09:48 AM
I don't give a crap if the pope uses crap, it is crap, plus post is 1 year old and you are arguing. LOL

I would advise you to go to the Forum Rules.

http://carproforum.com/showthread.php?82-Forum-Rules&p=14689#post14689

Steve

Worthrj
12-06-2015, 11:13 AM
I've heard Karcher has poor customer service and to get parts for repair is difficult. However if you both are using Karcher that says alot, especially you and claude. I'll pm you sharpline for a few more questions.

DARK HORSE
12-06-2015, 03:23 PM
I don't give a crap if the pope uses crap, it is crap, plus post is 1 year old and you are arguing. LOL

I am interested to know if you have personally used the mitt referenced in this thread by Claude? or just assume all Chenille Microfiber mitts are "crap"?

"(1) Chenille Microfiber wash mitt (all my Microfiber Madness wash products were dirty from the day before): LINK HERE! http://www.carpro-us.com/wash-mitts-and-sponges/cuff-less-plush-chenille-microfiber-wash-mitt/)"

As he implied above, it may not be his all time "favorite" mitt. But I can assure you the Chenille Microfiber wash mitt (linked above) as you put it; is not "crap". If you did order one and actually feel that it is "crap" I certainly hope you let us know so we could remedy that for you. I do appreciate your enthusiasm towards the Merino wool mitt (one of my all time favorites, btw), and do agree that it is an incredible piece of wash media (as is the Microfiber Madness Incredimit), I also feel the Chenille Microfiber wash mitt is no slouch and has its place. I too use it frequently on lower panels, and other duties as well.

Please do take a moment to review the forum rules; as we require everyone to treat all with a high level of respect. Telling someone that they are using "crap" is not showing the level of respect that we require here.

fdresq4
12-07-2015, 11:01 AM
I've heard Karcher has poor customer service and to get parts for repair is difficult. However if you both are using Karcher that says alot, especially you and claude. I'll pm you sharpline for a few more questions.

Robert,

The biggest thing is "Save your receipt" if you buy one and check return policies. Your employer, if I remember, has a good one.


Steve

Worthrj
12-07-2015, 11:17 AM
I'll check the shelves today Steve and see what I can find. I may need a water supply tank as I do not have a water source anywhere near by at this time. haha. Gotta be creative and work with what you got.

fdresq4
12-07-2015, 11:39 AM
Water supply can be an issue...LOL!

Good Luck!

fdresq4
12-11-2015, 01:34 AM
I'll check the shelves today Steve and see what I can find. I may need a water supply tank as I do not have a water source anywhere near by at this time. haha. Gotta be creative and work with what you got.

Are you looking for a tank that will enable you to be mobile? Like in the back of a truck?

Tractor Supply has those types of tanks for farmers.

Steve

Worthrj
12-11-2015, 01:51 AM
Thanks, I'll look into tractor supply. I appreciate it.