How do you clean your truck?

Rewillia · June 25, 2014

when/if using cotton towels to dry your vehicle or remove dried wax/polish - be certain to 1st cut the edges off as well as any portion of the towel(s) that have cross-stitching in their design.....its a common known fact that textile manufacturers (even the best) use nylon finishing thread to close the ends of towels and in cross stitch patterns that if not removed will cause swirl marks or mirco-size scratches on automotive paint finishes including clearcoats. Likewise, avoid using fabric softeners when drying towels as the chemicals in them can equally be damaging.

Pure soft cotton works great provided you take the precautionary steps.

Retired Bob · June 25, 2014

Okay - 1st, I do like to keep my truck exterior in good condition, 2nd, I am not a perfectionist or even religious about cleaning my truck. I do was it when it needs washing. I do use 303 Aerospace Protectant on the dash about twice a year in SC.

A poster said there are good and not so good qualities of micro fiber towels. A certain big box store sells Microtex Microfiber Cleaning towels in their automotive section - Made in China, 80% Polyester / 20% Polyamide for $5. 50% of the posters said 'excellent' and 50% said 'don't use on your cars'. What about the different brands - does it really matter or are all microfiber cleaning towels okay to use. Being over 70 years old and being that roof over the cab is pretty tall and the center of the hood is a stretch to reach, I use an RV/boat long handle soft cleaning brush for a quick cleaning.

So, what about cleaning and drying microfiber towels - are the $5 towels okay to use, if not, what am I looking for when I buy at a discount store?

Likarok · June 26, 2014

Throw the Chamois in the garbage. They are nothing but paint scratchers!

Rewillia · June 26, 2014

So, as it stand here, many opinions and suggestions and clearly the consequence of what one regards properly (or sufficient) cleaning/polishing vs another's opinions.

Bottom line seems to be;

- don't use mechanical drive thru or machine brush type car-washes as they will most certainly damage paint and finishes

- don't use dish-washing detergents as they are too strong and strip any polish or wax off as well as cause damage to the chemical properties of OEM paint

- don't use brushes as they are either all nylon or contain nylon fibers which cause scratches

- don't use chamois as the attract and retain harmful debris during the drying process and simply do more harm that good

C6Bill · June 26, 2014

Exactly what he said, except I use Mother's Polish, and Collinite for the wax, look it up, Jay Leno swears by it (not that I'm a Leno fan, but he does have a few cars in his stable...).

Look up Collinite 476s wax, long lasting and low price. It's a great winter wax. Just work in really small sections, 2 foot by 2 foot max. Put it on the first area then apply to a second area and go back to wipe off the first area. It sets up fast. And don't even think about applying in the sun, you'll need a jackhammer to wipe it off, ask me how i know lol

bdbake01 · June 26, 2014

Why go through all of that trouble when Z-CS is ridiculously easy and works just as well? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy working on the vehicles. But I like doing other things too. Like a beer in the hammock.

CANDenali · June 27, 2014

Gave the Denali a quick wash yesterday. Drove to a client site today and just got back from lunch. Parked my big guy in the corner to avoid idiots who don't give a shit. When I looked back I couldn't help but smile and think that front end rocks. I would park this guy next to a Ferrari with pride! Call me crazy but DAMN I Love my truck!

Luster · June 27, 2014

Gave the Denali a quick wash yesterday. Drove to a client site today and just got back from lunch. Parked my big guy in the corner to avoid idiots who don't give a shit. When I looked back I couldn't help but smile and think that front end rocks. I would park this guy next to a Ferrari with pride! Call me crazy but DAMN I Love my truck!

I always look back. You can see what I proudly park next to, in my sig!

colton_m · July 3, 2014

I bought a ton of Zaino products when I got the truck and have finally fine tuned my method.

www.zainostore.com

1. Wash with Z-7 (I'm sure any other brand would be fine)

2. Rinse quickly, dont let the water evaporate!

3. Leaf blower most of the water off

4. Z-6 and a towel on any water spots

5. Z-8 everywhere to shine it up

6. Z-16 on the tires with a sponge

7. Z-9 and then Z-10 on the interior leather with a clean cloth

BUT...

Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the outside of the windows? I've tried Windex which sucked, I've tried this foamy glass spray which also sucked, I've tried plain water which didn't work and I've used Zaino Z-7 which I use on the entire truck but it wont seem to clean the glass. I'm going to try the vinager trick mentioned earlier but still I wonder... The windows have strange spots of what look like dried up something, it's worse on the rear tinted windows. I don't really feel like using a clay bar on the windows, but I might have to. Scrubbing ain't working! I'm using well-water and it's pritty hard, not the best but everything else comes out nice if I dry it quick enough. The windows are pissing me off...

Rewillia · July 3, 2014

Using old print newspaper works well for cleaning/drying window glass.

white1500 · July 3, 2014

I just run mine through the full service car wash. You don't notice the swirls as bad on the white diamond. I was really into detailing when I was younger, even did it on the side for some extra cash, but I don't have the time to spend 3-4 hours going over my truck every weekend anymore.

I'm in the same boat now, since I moved too far away from my parents house I can't just drive over to use their driveway. And with literally no self serve car washes near me I don't have a choice but to use a drive through. I feel so guilty because I had only hand washed for as long as I can remember.

Living in an apartment and working 50+ hours a week means that my truck now comes last.

And she now sleeps outside compared compared to being garaged before. Although she gets covered parking at work all day long and full shade at home so its not a big deal. And it only rains three times a year here lol.

Newm · July 3, 2014

I bought a ton of Zaino products when I got the truck and have finally fine tuned my method.

www.zainostore.com

1. Wash with Z-7 (I'm sure any other brand would be fine)

2. Rinse quickly, dont let the water evaporate!

3. Leaf blower most of the water off

4. Z-6 and a towel on any water spots

5. Z-8 everywhere to shine it up

6. Z-16 on the tires with a sponge

7. Z-9 and then Z-10 on the interior leather with a clean cloth

BUT...

Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the outside of the windows? I've tried Windex which sucked, I've tried this foamy glass spray which also sucked, I've tried plain water which didn't work and I've used Zaino Z-7 which I use on the entire truck but it wont seem to clean the glass. I'm going to try the vinager trick mentioned earlier but still I wonder... The windows have strange spots of what look like dried up something, it's worse on the rear tinted windows. I don't really feel like using a clay bar on the windows, but I might have to. Scrubbing ain't working! I'm using well-water and it's pritty hard, not the best but everything else comes out nice if I dry it quick enough. The windows are pissing me off...

Sounds like you have some staining or etching on your glass which requires a little bit more work to remove. I have used Diamondite in the past with great results. Here is a link...

http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-glasswork-kit.html

I know there are a lot of products out there that will work but this is the only one I have used.

Luster · July 4, 2014

Using old print newspaper works well for cleaning/drying window glass.

I never believed this and always considered it to be "BS", until my daughter-in-law cleaned the windows in my house with Invisible Glass and newspaper! I can't believe how clean and clear that glass was! All grand-kid prints gone and no streaks... Now my main cleaner for Vette and Silvy!