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Sponge, brush or something else whe washing your truck?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by CBoy808, Apr 11, 2013.

  1. Apr 11, 2013 at 12:57 AM
    #1
    CBoy808

    CBoy808 [OP] The Original Sticker Dude

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    I have always had small cars and have used grout sponges to wash my cars. This truck is so much bigger I was wondering if most people are using a small sponge, or one of those brushes on a broom stick style.

    What are your tricks?
     
  2. Apr 11, 2013 at 9:01 PM
    #2
    conquistador

    conquistador Well-Known Member

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    Stay away from brushes on the paint. The more you touch the paint the more the likely hood you will scratch the paint. You want to be as gentle as possible. I always use a good quality sheepskin wash mitt they cost about $15. Check out page 1 of the ask a detailer thread at the top of the page. It goes over how to properly wash your truck.


    Unfortunately I have no real tricks. I actually enjoy cleaning my truck. My normal weekly maintenance exterior wash takes me about 2hrs to clean the wheels, tires, inner fender wells, wash the truck, and dry.
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2013
  3. Apr 14, 2013 at 8:36 AM
    #3
    ppham444

    ppham444 Well-Known Member

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    I would not use a sponge. It's probably not soft enough and may just drag the dirt on the surface and eventually make those spider-web fine scratches. Instead, use a cotton wash mitt like it.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. Apr 17, 2013 at 7:45 AM
    #4
    On An Island

    On An Island Assimilated

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    Micro-fiber wash mitt

    I use two mitts, one for the tires/wheels and one for the body although the one for the wheels doesn't have to be micro-fiber. Also, be sure to use the two bucket method.
     
  5. Apr 18, 2013 at 3:00 AM
    #5
    Hektor

    Hektor Well-Known Member

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    Two bucket method????
     
  6. Apr 18, 2013 at 3:03 AM
    #6
    Warputer

    Warputer Dirt Road Inspector

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  7. Apr 18, 2013 at 4:08 AM
    #7
    THE SCHIRMINATOR

    THE SCHIRMINATOR Well-Known Member

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    A quick scrub with the foamy brush at my local car wash does the trick. Lather it up, stand back and rinse. The paint on these trucks isn't any different than any other car on the road so don't let these guys freak you out. Just don't hulk out when your hand washing.
     
  8. Apr 18, 2013 at 4:22 AM
    #8
    TreeFortRichard

    TreeFortRichard Barcelona Red is the best red...

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    I have 2..One big micro fiber tassle-ey sponge for wheel areas, bumpers, grill area and lower doors (dirty areas) and a glove for the rest of the truck...works great. Got them all in a kit from ace hardware that was reduced to $9.99 from $15
    Peak Microfiber Complete Carwash Kit (PKC0GL)
    http://www.acehardware.com/product/...36&cp=2568443.2568455.2629364.2631166.2631170

    HEre it is on Amazon for $19
    http://www.amazon.com/Peak-Microfiber-Complete-Wash-Storage/dp/B0056CIJN2
     
  9. Nov 18, 2015 at 5:31 AM
    #9
    Wannabee

    Wannabee Well-Known Member

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  10. Nov 19, 2015 at 12:03 PM
    #10
    VermontTaco

    VermontTaco Well-Known Member

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    I use two different mitts when washing my truck. I use a simple small microfiber mitt to clean my wheels and tires. I use a merino wool mitt for the paint and glass. I always use the "two-bucket" method and grit guards in both buckets. Follow up with air drying via a small electric leaf blower. No swirl marks on my paint.

    http://www.autogeekmobile.net/merino-wool-car-wash-mitt.html
     
    idahbro likes this.
  11. Nov 19, 2015 at 12:07 PM
    #11
    idahbro

    idahbro Well-Known Member

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    Chamois for main body, sponge for caked on bugs and tar. I agree w/ above about the 2 bucket method.
     
  12. Nov 19, 2015 at 6:14 PM
    #12
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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  13. Jan 23, 2016 at 11:01 AM
    #13
    Para8291

    Para8291 Well-Known Member

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    I would not use a brush. Think of all the people that had filthy cars who use that brush. All that crap gets stuck into the brush and it keeps building up with each and every person using it. Plus when they drop it on the ground that's more crap that is stuck in there. They it will be destroying your paint. Animal hair wash pads or mitts are the best.
     
  14. Feb 1, 2016 at 1:33 PM
    #14
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    o_O
    Why would a bunch of people be using your car brush?
     
  15. Feb 1, 2016 at 2:47 PM
    #15
    Para8291

    Para8291 Well-Known Member

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    The brush that's at the car wash. Plus I never use a brush on my truck. Except for my tire brush or fender brush. They never touch the paint.
     

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