Depending on the circumstances, contamination and time available, I break down washes and upkeep into levels. Lighter levels of dirt and film I do quicker less involved washes most time touch less. As time length between washes such as post winter, mileage, other factors like after driving on freshly paved roads where you see the pavers laying new blacktop tar and fresh road oils are involved I spend more time and use heavier cleaners you don’t want tar and black top to harden to paint its a pain to remove once it hardens. I will break down the levels as well as sprayers and the cleaners I use. Some stuff is detailer grade at the moment bug remover and tire cleaners I will be testing and recommending automotive store or commonly found brands as well as variety if one isn’t available a second as a backup.

Pictured below is a lite wash selection a good wheel cleaner to break up lite amounts of brake dust remove light amounts of dust pollen or road dust that settles on paint and a tire wet to finish off the tires with a nice gloss to give it some pop.

Lite Level Cleaning

As dirt levels increase heavier duty cleaners are required to loosen dirt on surfaces,stubborn stuck on stuff tar and bug splatter etc. This is medium clean selection a bit more cleaners selective with common contaminants encountered usually the result of film build ups on surfaces. A bug cleaner helps loosen the dried remains from the paint by breaking down the proteins left behind. In addition is a Iron remover, tire cleaner and a detailer of choice to refresh coatings and give added shine.

Medium Level Cleaning

Last is the heavy cleaning. These are more involved need more elbow grease or you’ve run into some heavy contaminates dirt road grime like a motor oil spill/spray from another vehicle, post winter washes, a wax strip prior reapplication, prior paint correction/polishing. This is more like a clean slate to paint and surfaces. These aren’t required often and usually reserved to special cases. In addition to the medium level added is a de-greaser citrus or a purple power grade to break down greases and oils or break down old wax coatings, tar remover which also acts as adhesive remover or other heavy oils, tar, greases etc. DO NOT let de-greasers dry to paint I usually do a presoak with water prior to prevent spotting they will leave stubborn water spots or white stains that are difficult to remove. I have 2 soaps pictured below. If recoating with a wax or sealant don’t use a wax or ceramic infused soap until after coating is applied it wont help the bonding during the application process to surfaces.

Heavy Duty Cleaning

Sprayers

When using products for your vehicle a good quality spray bottle is a must. Cleaners and de-greasers can break down the spray mechanism in sprayers causing them to leak or crack. A Chemical resistant professional type is best, they are generally more ergonomic have adjustable spray nozzles and are more versatile. You can reuse household Windex bottles and other cleaner sprayers. Some companies actually provide decent ones good for more than 1 bottles worth of product. CAUTION When reusing any sprayer be sure to rinse clean of any previous chemicals. Mixing different chemicals can be dangerous. Exothermic or chemical reactions are not fun and can be deadly by inhalation or fire risk in extreme circumstances. I will link below ones I use most chem resistant types will work I use Amazon for convenience. Most Local hardware stores should have. I prefer ZEP type for quality and durability and ergonomics and are comfortable to use over long periods of spraying. Chemical Guys type a close second best bang for buck choice. I will link to a good chemical sprayer for de-greaser or other preferred cleaners and dressings. I will cover soaps and ceramic infused soaps at a later time.

Cleaners

Be sure to use neoprene gloves with these cleaners Iron-X and Tar Removers they STINK! no seriously they work good but smell horrible they are very drying to skin and can be an irritant especially sensitive skin. Gloves are sometimes a hard commodity to find during the Covid outbreak. Local Automotive stores usually have a good supply.

Dressings and Toppers