Cleaning

[scottdk]

Re: Cleaning?

I have used the "Mr. Clean Kit" ever since it came on the market. I have found it to be the best way of getting salt off my boat and it saves me over an hour of drying time. I had the same residue problem and when I called their hot line they told me that it was wash/wax residue and that it would rub right off. I found that after the wash/wax I just used the rinse setting for awhile longer and then the spot free setting. This cut down on the residue almost completetly. I have not tried it yet on the Genny.

spot free setting? I thought all the settings were ran through the filter correct? Spot free setting=the mist setting?

 

[dataguy]

Re: Cleaning?

spot free setting? I thought all the settings were ran through the filter correct? Spot free setting=the mist setting?

No, only the mist setting goes through the filter. There's an uncomfortable delay when shifting to that setting where the water cuts out, there's a slight jolt, delay, and then the water that's forced through the filter starts to mist out. Soap and regular rinse use the regular water at full pressure.

 

[scottdk]

Re: Cleaning?

No, only the mist setting goes through the filter. There's an uncomfortable delay when shifting to that setting where the water cuts out, there's a slight jolt, delay, and then the water that's forced through the filter starts to mist out. Soap and regular rinse use the regular water at full pressure.

I guess I'm stumped. What the heck is the unit for then? I can't wash my cash with the mist setting, It will take days to get it wet. This of course if there is something I'm missing, and it seems there is. Help?

 

[jwaters943]

Re: Cleaning?

Anyone have any suggestions for cleaning/polishing the "wood" trim? I've been super careful to only use lint-free microfiber towels and my usual favorite for plastic trim (Plexus), but I have many visible swirl marks/light scratches on the wood trim.

I have to say, I'm not too satisfied w/ the durability of the chrome exterior trim and "wood" interior trim.

 

[TJPark01]

Re: Cleaning?

Anyone have any suggestions for cleaning/polishing the "wood" trim? I've been super careful to only use lint-free microfiber towels and my usual favorite for plastic trim (Plexus), but I have many visible swirl marks/light scratches on the wood trim.

I have to say, I'm not too satisfied w/ the durability of the chrome exterior trim and "wood" interior trim.

I've been using Plexus on the radio area and clear plastic covering the gauges. For the rest I have been using
Quik Detailer Interior
I ran out so I bought a gallon of this...
DP Total Interior Cleaner

both work well and are comparable, smell good and are water based so they should be fine. Meguiars is easier to find. I'm not sure what could have scratched those surfaces you mentioned, since you seem to be pretty careful, and since you know about Plexus, I'm sure know what you're doing.

 

[dataguy]

Re: Cleaning?

I guess I'm stumped. What the heck is the unit for then? I can't wash my cash with the mist setting, It will take days to get it wet. This of course if there is something I'm missing, and it seems there is. Help?

The instructions are:

1. Wet the car down while on the rinse setting (high volume, unfiltered)
2. Soap the car down with the soap setting (medium volume, soapy)
3. Use a wash mitt to clean the soapy car
4. Use the rinse setting to rinse away all of the soap. The water will sheet, not bead like normal due an additive to the soap.
5. Use the spot-free rinse mist to finish the car.

It take far less time to do this than to bucket wash and towel dry, though obviously Mr. Clean is not a replacement for a good wash.

 

[dataguy]

Re: Cleaning?

I've been using Plexus on the radio area and clear plastic covering the gauges.

Does Plexus take care of the dust that gets pushed into the corners of the display? It's annoying and I'm tempted to take a can of compressed air to get rid of the dust that accumulates at the corners.

 

[scottdk]

Re: Cleaning?

The instructions are:

1. Wet the car down while on the rinse setting (high volume, unfiltered)
2. Soap the car down with the soap setting (medium volume, soapy)
3. Use a wash mitt to clean the soapy car
4. Use the rinse setting to rinse away all of the soap. The water will sheet, not bead like normal due an additive to the soap.
5. Use the spot-free rinse mist to finish the car.

It take far less time to do this than to bucket wash and towel dry, though obviously Mr. Clean is not a replacement for a good wash.

Excellent! Thank you very much for your help. I will try this tomorrow when I wash it.

FYI, I do squeegee the car off directly after I'm done washing it, that's why I'm so surprised that I'm having this problem.

 

[scottdk]

Re: Cleaning?

Anyone have any suggestions for cleaning/polishing the "wood" trim? I've been super careful to only use lint-free microfiber towels and my usual favorite for plastic trim (Plexus), but I have many visible swirl marks/light scratches on the wood trim.

I have to say, I'm not too satisfied w/ the durability of the chrome exterior trim and "wood" interior trim.

What TJ mentioned is great advice. I personally use just plain old water and towel. I've found that cleaners leave a film on the wood (yes, I know not all of them do).

Water is almost free too

 

[Turanacus]

Re: Cleaning?

What are we using to clean the Nav screen? I have fingerprints from people assuming that it is a touch screen. Greasy little bastards.

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[jwaters943]

Re: Cleaning?

I'd recommend either Plexus or Philips cleaner.

Plexus can be a tiny bit tricky to get 100% streak free (multiple coats helps IMO) but it works great on more than just plastic and seems to add a tiny bit of protection. I use it on my black kitchen stovetop to get it shiny and free of smudges. The Philips cleaner is also great for NAV screens as well as Plasma/LCD TVs, computer monitors, and even eyeglasses. Plexus can sometimes leave faint streaks on larger screen TVs and eyeglasses so that's when I turn to the Philips cleaner. FWIW, both seem to work just fine on items like headlights/taillights, gauge clusters, NAV screens, iPods, and cell phones.

Plexus:
http://www.autogeek.net/plexplasclea.html?gclid=CKqC3sfn3ZsCFRZCagoduw6l-w

Phillips Cleaner:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Philips-HDTV-CRT-LCD-Cleaning/dp/B00196VI3M"]Amazon.com: Philips HDTV TV CRT LCD Cleaning Kit: Electronics[/ame]

 

[dataguy]

Re: Cleaning?

Just StumbledUpon this: http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-brag/120927-slk-32-amg-extreme-shine-write-up.html

 

[GripperDon]

Some year ago..... or Once upon a time.......

I decided that I wanted crystal clear ice cubes (hold on a minute it really does belong here)

After many months of effort I got them. I am in Arizona ( Arid Zone) and the water is hard enough to break glass.

I had ended up installing a water softener, A Reverse Osmosis water treatment unit and a special Ice Maker that uses zone freezing.

NOW we get to the punch line.

So I hooked a water spigot up to the outlet of the reverse Osmosis unit and I use the RO water to fill the bucket, and rinse the Car with RO water. This mineral free Ph neutral water is great for mixing with various soaps etc. and by it's self evaporates without leaving stains or marks. I am sure to let the water pool together and run off in rivulets.

All that is really required is the RO filtration of the water to remove all the minerals and you have water better than any filter ( IMO ) can make it. The cost of the RO unit at a COSCO or Sam's is about $99 and it will out last many dozens of cartridge systems, Plus you have great water for spot free window cleaning.

Just a thought for your consideration. If you add the Ice maker you can have a cool while you wash, which is very handy down here.

Actually it is so hot and sunny here that I many times have to wash the car while in the garage. ( epoxy the floor and and ran the epoxy up about six inches all around so the water runs out.

 

[dataguy]

O detailing gurus: Any suggestions on the best way to remove tree sap? Not anything as serious as pine tar, but with the trees in full bloom, there's a sprinkling of sticky sap that either smears when wet or dries in a hard dot.

 

[Calvin]

I have found the fastest and easiest way to handle annoying sap is to pull the car into the shade and use a spray bottle of filtered water, spary the car liberally and let sit for about 5 min. or so, then use a damp towel to wipe off, followed immediatly with a dry towel. That usually takes care of about 95% the last 5% may take some more water and a little more rubbing. Good luck, hope it works for you as well as it does for me!

 

[TJPark01]

O detailing gurus: Any suggestions on the best way to remove tree sap? Not anything as serious as pine tar, but with the trees in full bloom, there's a sprinkling of sticky sap that either smears when wet or dries in a hard dot.

There are two types of sap that are most common. The first is what looks like sap mist from large evergreen trees, that ends up on the top of the car but not really the side. It's basically glue and a real b**ch to get off. If it's been sitting there you basically have to wash the car. If it's recent a microfiber towel and some Meguiars Quick Detailer will work wonders.

Secondly there is tree sap that for some reason looks like someone took a paint brush and smeared it on. For this (and road tar by the fenders), I like Stoners Tarminator works well. Follow the instructions as this is powerful stuff.

Any more detailing questions bring it on, I've taken a bunch of classes and I do it for fun on my free time.

 

[TJPark01]

Re: Cleaning?

Does Plexus take care of the dust that gets pushed into the corners of the display? It's annoying and I'm tempted to take a can of compressed air to get rid of the dust that accumulates at the corners.

That will work, but all you are doing is moving it from there to someplace else in the car. I would try shop vac with the corner attachment. If you don't have access to a strong vacuum with an attachment, I would then try a interior detailing brush.

 

[dataguy]

There are two types of sap that are most common. The first is what looks like sap mist from large evergreen trees, that ends up on the top of the car but not really the side. It's basically glue and a real b**ch to get off. If it's been sitting there you basically have to wash the car. If it's recent a microfiber towel and some Meguiars Quick Detailer will work wonders.

Secondly there is tree sap that for some reason looks like someone took a paint brush and smeared it on. For this (and road tar by the fenders), I like Stoners Tarminator works well. Follow the instructions as this is powerful stuff.

Any more detailing questions bring it on, I've taken a bunch of classes and I do it for fun on my free time.

Thanks! I'll have to order some Tarminator. Looks like it comes bundled with some glass cleaner too. Appreciate the pointer. I was going to try either WD-40 or Goo-Gone to get the glue like stuff off.

 

[TJPark01]

Thanks! I'll have to order some Tarminator. Looks like it comes bundled with some glass cleaner too. Appreciate the pointer. I was going to try either WD-40 or Goo-Gone to get the glue like stuff off.

All 3 of those products (wouldn't use WD-40 on paint, too corrosive), will strip the wax off the car. Make sure to apply a good wax after you use those products.

 

[gipp]

My almost year old Black 4.6 came from the showroom with swirls in the paint. I also have been using Zaino products and you can not find a fllaw in the finish anywhere now. Once you get the base coats of Zaino on you can layer additional coats on in just minutes.It takes about 1/3 ounce to do the whole car. Wipes on and off with incredible ease. The Z5 is specially designed to eliminate swirls. The whole key with Zaino products is the less you use the better. It just takes some practice. I can do the whole car with about 6 sprays of Z8 Grand Finale Spray Seal and it takes about 4 minutes for a relection that is beyond mirror quality. I think it goes back to the old saying that you get what you pay for and that the best quality is always cheapest in the long run. This winter I will try the Zaino CZS Clear Seal which they say last up to 9 months. The Zaino z-10 Leather in a bottle is just an amazing product. Even my wife says that Worf looks and smells better than when new.