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  1. #1
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    Share useful and weird tips

    As I was detailing today, a few weird things came into play, and as insignificant as they may be, I thought I'd share and then get you to share your insights about little tips, tricks, and lessons learned from the front lines. Ok, I'll go first.

    Tip #1: lay out your garden hose first thing on the hot pavement before you start washing and you have nice warm water in the soap bucket.

    #2: take those old sheepskin wool wash mitts (that have become obsolete now with a change to microfiber mitts) and use those to wash wheels. Wool can be scrunched and agitated on wheel while being gentle enough. Gives you enough cleaning power especially if you have sealed wheels but allows you to get in all crevices.

    Interested in your experiences.

  2. Likes Jay's 128i liked this post
  3. #2
    Super Member RevitalizeAutoSpa's Avatar
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    Buy one of the cheap folding plastic tables from Wal-Mart (about $40) to move around your work space. I use one to set the buffer down on, keep pads\compounds\drink nearby, etc.

    I'm sure I'll think of more...

  4. #3
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    To keep water hose and electric cords from getting stuck in tires, place full 5-gallon wash bucket as shield off car corner.

  5. #4
    Super Member swanicyouth's Avatar
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    Some things I do (mostly already posted)

    1. get 4 pieces of 2x4" and drive the car up on it when cleaning/dressing tires like this:



    That way you can clean/dress the whole tire without having to roll the car around or drag your tools on the ground.

    2. buy cheapo applicators from eBay for tire/trim dressing - or cut up a grout sponge. The eBay ones are like $4 delivered for 12 (at least when I bought them).



    When your done with one - just throw it out. That way you always have a fresh & clean applicator.

    3. if you are maintenance cleaning wheels, just put an ounce of an aggressive car wash soap in a 32oz spray bottle with a foaming sprayer and fill with water. You just made 32oz of mild wheel cleaner for under a dollar.

    4. invest in foaming sprayers. They make almost any chemical that is "soapy" cling better to whatever you are using it on. Griots sells a pretty good one.

    5. IMHO the best tools to clean wheel wells are Wheel Woolies. The get in areas on lower cars a brush can't
    even touch. No need to jack up the car or turn the tire.

    6. when washing your car, turn your side mirror assemblies (if possible) so the glass faces downward. That way, water will start dripping out as soon as you are done rinsing and while you are drying - so it doesn't drip for hours.

  6. #5
    Super Member EVOlved's Avatar
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    Quote Originally Posted by swanicyouth View Post
    Some things I do (mostly already posted)

    1. get 4 pieces of 2x4" and drive the car up on it when cleaning/dressing tires like this:



    That way you can clean/dress the whole tire without having to roll the car around or drag your tools on the ground.

    2. buy cheapo applicators from eBay for tire/trim dressing - or cut up a grout sponge. The eBay ones are like $4 delivered for 12 (at least when I bought them).



    When your done with one - just throw it out. That way you always have a fresh & clean applicator.

    3. if you are maintenance cleaning wheels, just put an ounce of an aggressive car wash soap in a 32oz spray bottle with a foaming sprayer and fill with water. You just made 32oz of mild wheel cleaner for under a dollar.

    4. invest in foaming sprayers. They make almost any chemical that is "soapy" cling better to whatever you are using it on. Griots sells a pretty good one.

    5. IMHO the best tools to clean wheel wells are Wheel Woolies. The get in areas on lower cars a brush can't
    even touch. No need to jack up the car or turn the tire.

    6. when washing your car, turn your side mirror assemblies (if possible) so the glass faces downward. That way, water will start dripping out as soon as you are done rinsing and while you are drying - so it doesn't drip for hours.
    Lots of great advice here, thanks Swanic and #6 is definitely one I should have found because it is one of my biggest problems even with my metro sidekick. Next wash I will see how that goes.
    It's all in the details

  7. #6
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    Quote Originally Posted by swanicyouth View Post
    Some things I do (mostly already posted)

    1. get 4 pieces of 2x4" and drive the car up on it when cleaning/dressing tires like this:



    That way you can clean/dress the whole tire without having to roll the car around or drag your tools on the ground.

    2. buy cheapo applicators from eBay for tire/trim dressing - or cut up a grout sponge. The eBay ones are like $4 delivered for 12 (at least when I bought them).

    .
    Great idea!!

    On the same plane, I picked this up from the car wash dudes in NYC, pre seeing the light here on AG..

    I apply tire shine with a cheap 4' paint brush. I use a old Country Crock spread tub, pour 4/5oz in. Dip my paintbrush and wipe around couple times. The bristles also get into the bead where the tire and rim meets.

    No waste, no fling....... I've had a .32 oz bottle of tire wet last about 6 months. (3cars)

    I like the low gloss, so this works perfect for me. When done replace the top and done.

    I trying those sponge applicators and they always get my fingers dirty.

  8. #7
    Super Member beamerstrumpet's Avatar
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    Quote Originally Posted by LRC3 View Post
    Great idea!!

    On the same plane, I picked this up from the car wash dudes in NYC, pre seeing the light here on AG..

    I apply tire shine with a cheap 4' paint brush. I use a old Country Crock spread tub, pour 4/5oz in. Dip my paintbrush and wipe around couple times. The bristles also get into the bead where the tire and rim meets.

    No waste, no fling....... I've had a .32 oz bottle of tire wet last about 6 months. (3cars)

    I like the low gloss, so this works perfect for me. When done replace the top and done.

    I trying those sponge applicators and they always get my fingers dirty.
    This is why latex or nitrile gloves are handy.

  9. #8
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    Quote Originally Posted by beamerstrumpet View Post
    This is why latex or nitrile gloves are handy.

    True.

    But one less thing you have to use and more importantly to BUY.

  10. #9
    Super Member beamerstrumpet's Avatar
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    Quote Originally Posted by LRC3 View Post
    True.

    But one less thing you have to use and more importantly to BUY.
    But you will spend 13 to 20 bucks on wax or compound and a bunch of Micro fibers??? They are not that expensive. You can use orange kitchen gloves and you can get many uses out of 1 pair.

  11. #10
    Super Member RobertJ34's Avatar
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    Re: Share useful and weird tips

    3 Pack Microfiber Applicator Pads

    Love using these (I use a different, more cost effective one I get from another site) when I apply a cleaner or dressing. I prefer it over using a microfiber towel. I am able to hold it/handle it better.

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