What have you learned by happenstance while detailing?

[SANTA3013]

I was detailing a late model Toyota Camry recently and learned something strictly by accident. I just said WOW! This particular model had the plastic silver wheel covers. The covers had what appeared to be rust stains or brake dust. I cleaned with APC but it was not very effective. At this point I knew the wheels, tires and wheel covers were clean (but still stained) so I proceeded to dress the tires.

I used Turtle Wax tire gel and applicator sponge with a fine scrub surface on one side. While I was applying the gel my hand slipped and the sponge with gel on it went across the wheel cover. I took the sponge to wipe it off and noticed some of the stain had come off the cover. I then proceeded to clean/scrub the stain with more tire gel. I could not believe my eyes. The stain came completely out!

So before I did anything else, I took some before and after pictures and note the before pictures were AFTER I had cleaned with APC. The pictures below tell the story. This got me to wondering what some of you may have learned entirely by happenstance while you were detailing. Would like to hear your stories with pictures if you have them.

[dcjredline]

Ill have to keep that in mind, I wonder if all tire gels will do this. Did you get that stuff on clearance at Walmart?

[SANTA3013]

Ill have to keep that in mind, I wonder if all tire gels will do this. Did you get that stuff on clearance at Walmart?

Actually I got this at a local Big Lots. It's been $3.50 there for a couple of months now.

[dcjredline]

Thanks Ill have to see if I go by a BL soon. Just incase I run across a detail with stained hubcaps.

[anarchy]

Im obsessed with dropping into Big Lots. Cleared the shelf a few months back of Mothers quick detailer.

[FUNX650]

It is amazing how the chemistry/chemicals of car care products,
for different vehicle surfaces, are ofttimes "related"!!

BTW...
Could you take a look at, and post-up, the ingredients/chemicals listed
on the label for us to take a peek at?

Thanks.



Bob

[SANTA3013]

There are no ingredients or chemicals listed on the label that I could find. I'll Google for an MSDS and see what happens.





I did find it interesting that it did state on the label, Made in the USA.

[Vegas Transplant]

Brilliant discovery!
What else have you stumbled upon lately?

[Setec Astronomy]

I did find it interesting that it did state on the label, Made in the USA.

Although there is a bunch of stuff that is imported (and more stuff they'd like us to think is imported) most detailing chemicals come from the good old US of A.

[netoje]

I've been looking for a dedicated tire cleaner and decided to try Bleche-Wite based on some positive reviews on this board. I sprayed it on a dirty, dry tire, just as the directions state, and used a tire brush to agitate. I was extremely disappointed with the results. No foaming action and no cleaning at all. Frustrated, I accidentally sprayed the next tire with water before spraying the tire cleaner.
What a difference! Contrary to the very directions printed on the back of the bottle, water was all I needed for some thick suds and great cleaning action. Brown grimy foam was replaced with thick white clean foam on the second application. Love it so far.
If you have tried Bleche-Wite and you were disappointed with the results, try spraying the tire with water first!