In need of recommendations for a good car wash soap for intense cleaning

[randomevent]

I was hoping you guys and gals would be able to give me some good recommendations for car wash soaps for the following situations:


Cars that haven't been washed for a long time
Cars that are going to be decon/sealed/waxed

I'm running into situations in which I'm washing cars that haven't been washed in who knows how long, but don't have time for a full paint correction. Ideally I will able to at least wash, decon, then wax afterwards.

I don't feel that my normal go to soaps will be enough (OCW, Mr. Pink, and DG901). Plus, this gives me a reason to try new soaps. I'm game to try anything, so long as it's good for cars that aren't washed frequently.

Thanks in advance.

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

Use Mr.Pink at ratio of 1oz per gallon and add an oz of APC.

Alternatively, i like CG Citrus Wash and Gloss at same ratio with 1oz of APC.

[TurboToys]

why add the apc... seems like an unnecessary step. it would do better to remove dirt to just use a strong dilution of soap, and do a jet stream spraydown of the car, let it set for a minute so dirt can soak up the water, and then do a second spray. and then wash, a lot of dirt comes off after the first hose down, and a lot more after the second if its stuck on dirt.

i can't imagine the apc would do anything but help dull whatever wax/sealant is on the surface.

can anyone confirm that something like meguiars apc actually removes a wax or sealant, and not just covers it up?

[conman1395]

I have used CG Citrus Wash (Red) successfully. I love it.

[JHL88]

cg citrus wash red.

[randomevent]

Thanks guys. I'm also thinking about getting a foam gun. I've been eyeing them lately, so I'll probably get one as well.

Keep the suggestions coming.

[EVOlved]

Yep I still have a half gallon of red waiting for my next strip down sessions. Or maybe some friends rides.

[Kengo123]

I like pretreating with apc on nasty car lot straight from the auction cars. IMO it dissolves that nasty layer of filth that you would otherwise spend extra extra time soaping/washing off. But I guess if you had a pressure washer it wouldn't matter much

[Just02896]

I find that CG wash clear and wash red work best for really grimy vehicles.

[FUNX650]

Here's a few:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/image489.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/79467)http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/image486.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/79463)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/image487.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/79465)http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/image488.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/79466)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/image485.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/79462)

Bob

[Audios S6]

why add the apc... seems like an unnecessary step. it would do better to remove dirt to just use a strong dilution of soap, and do a jet stream spraydown of the car, let it set for a minute so dirt can soak up the water, and then do a second spray. and then wash, a lot of dirt comes off after the first hose down, and a lot more after the second if its stuck on dirt.

i can't imagine the apc would do anything but help dull whatever wax/sealant is on the surface.

can anyone confirm that something like meguiars apc actually removes a wax or sealant, and not just covers it up?


Different chemistry involved with a detergent (soap) vs. an alkaline/caustic (APC). Strictly anecdotal: I imagine that you would agree that a bug wash is more effective at removing bugs than a soap, the bug wash is often a glorified APC.

You certainly could use a strong soap and power washer, but an APC and power washer would be the next step up in aggresiveness. It sounds like these cars fall into the production detailing relm and the speed and economy of an APC would be the best solution.

If the cars are going to be waxed again anyway, dulling the current LSP is a moot point. But to answer your question, I think Swanic or Klasse (forgot which) could confirm that meguiars APC does not remove fresh sealant from glass, based on bench testing. An acid containing "truck wash" would be more likely to remove a sealant.

[runrun411]

Me too for Citrus Wash Red.

[randomevent]

Seems like CG CitrusWash red is the way to go. I'll get some of that.

Thanks for all the recommendations, everyone. I'm always willing to field more.

[FUNX650]

Seems like CG CitrusWash red is the way to go.
Not in my opinion!

Bob

[conquistador]

Not in my opinion!

Bob

I'm curious Bob, which of the examples provided is your preferred car wash?

I have been looking into trying the Meguairs line of shampoo and can't decide which one.