Let's talk about cleaning these beautiful trucks!

[Rymack10]

I couldn't seem to find a thread about cleaning these trucks. If there is a thread already for this could someone please link it?

 

I live in an apartment, so I don't have access to a water hose. Therefore, I have put this truck through a drive through car wash a couple times. I don't want to do this any more, so I will be getting a water hose for my gf's place so I can wash it there.

 

Sure you could look up online about washing and detailing vehicles, but I figured it'd be nice to hear from the people on these forums. So, why don't we share tips on how we clean our trucks? These are gorgeous trucks and nothing makes them look better than a good wash! I've never owned a new vehicle until this truck, so I want to try to keep it in the best shape I can.

 

How about we list our do's and don'ts of car washing and any other tips we may have for our fellow chevy/gmc owners?

 

[timstech]

I use only Adams car care products on mine. They have a great website with a lot of instructional videos on each product and how to use it

[Robert.jean1]

I use only water and a micro fiber cloth to clean my truck unless running through a touchless automatic car wash.

[Surge-214]

Same here....in the first month of owning my truck I only high pressure rinse it with water and dry it with a towel. Went from washing it 3 times the first week I got it, to once a week now.

[theloneracer86]

Optimum no rinse. all you need are 1 or 2 buckets and a bunch of microfiber towels

[Dropsix]

I recently just washed, clay barred and waxed my truck. Waxed all side windows and rain x'd the windshield and back window.

 

Thing looks brand new. Hasn't spent a night outside the garage since haha.

[SouthpawHD]

You're supposed to wash them?

[agentf]

I use two buckets with gravel guards. One bucket of water to rinse the microfiber glove, the other for the soap.

[tnchevy]

I am partial to black trucks but they are a pita to keep clean and looking good but after nearly 20 years of dealing with it I have learned to just not wash them that much! When I do wash mine I used two buckets with a filter catch in both of them, one with soap and the other to rinse the wash mitt. It helps to keep debris off the mitt but my truck is covered in swirls from the dealership washing it with dirty wash mitts before I bought it. I clay my truck twice a year and have recently been using a "black" wax but I don't think it does any better than the Meguirs Gold Class I have been using for years.

[Rymack10]

That's one thing I want to get into is waxing. I have never done that before and would definitely like to start. I've got 2 wash buckets and a mitt and some microfiber towels. I don't remember what all cleaners or car wash soap I have. I think I ended up get Meguiars Gold Class car wash soap and Invisible Glass for the windows.

 

Any tips on wax and the best process for it and how often to do it? I've never done any clay barring either.

[Rymack10]

I am partial to black trucks but they are a pita to keep clean and looking good but after nearly 20 years of dealing with it I have learned to just not wash them that much! When I do wash mine I used two buckets with a filter catch in both of them, one with soap and the other to rinse the wash mitt. It helps to keep debris off the mitt but my truck is covered in swirls from the dealership washing it with dirty wash mitts before I bought it. I clay my truck twice a year and have recently been using a "black" wax but I don't think it does any better than the Meguirs Gold Class I have been using for years.

 

So do you just rinse it somewhat often or just drive it around dirty?

[timstech]

It really needs to be washed- clayed-sealed-waxed in that order,this is very easy to do and not too laborsome

[nadrojcote]

I like Mothers, Meguiars and Chemical Guys products. I use Meguiars quick interior detailer because it smells great and doesn't leave an oily finish. Mothers leather wash for the steering wheel. Chemical Guys instawax and sealer and Meguiars ultimate polish for the exterior. Then lastly I use Chemical Guys matte detailer for my wheels.

 

I'm currently looking for a good tire cleaner that doesn't leave them greasy. Even the ArmorAll foam that says it has no/little shine is too glossy for me and ends up collecting dust.

[Stonewall11]

Well here's some techniques I've learned. I have a Crew Cab with a 6.6 ft bed. So it's a massive truck. I've learned you have to slowly make your way down a vehicle that big and not even get it wet until ready to scrub it. Black obviously attracts the sun and drys the water leaving horrible water spots that need to be removed with rubbing compound and no one wants to do that. So I usually start at the back and spray a section, scrub it, rinse it, dry it. Move along. Water spots are my worst enemy. I use Meguiars products as well and they work great. They have soap, interior cleaner, leather cleaner, wax all the good stuff. If you're gonna get into waxing make sure you do it well. Last thing you want is all the white left in the cracks between the different panels. Mostly just if you have a dark color be sure to dry quickly.

[Silverado Steve]

I normally go through the touch less automatic wash and finish with Turtle Wax Ice Detailer spray. For the inside, Meguiars Leather cleaner on the seats, arm rest and steering wheel, followed by Leather conditioner on the seats. In between that regiment, I use Turtle Wax Ice Interior a Detailer spray. I know there are way better products then Turtle Wax, but the Ice line is readily available at Wally World and won't empty your pocket, plus it's really easy to use. I can finish my truck start to finish in 30 minutes.