There have been a bunch of posts lately asking what's you favorite wax, window cleaner, leather treatment, etc., so I though I'd list what I've found to be my favorite detailing products, after many, many years of obsessing over my cars...

This is a subject where you'll get many opinions--like what's your favorite color, but here's my preferred detailing products.

I used Zymol on my Porsches for 15 years. It has a beautiful depth of color and shine, and smells like a day at the beach , but I got tired of the difficult application/removal process and lack of durability (didn't seem to last more than a month or 2). And has anybody ever looked at you funny when they see wax in your refrigerator??!! A few years ago, I heard good things about One Grand Blitz wax, so I tried it and love it. Very easy application/removal and lasts a very long time (I generally wax every 3 or 4 months):
http://www.carcareonline.com/detail....oduct_id=10201

To prep the car before waxing, I wash it with a sheepskin mit. Start from the top and work your way down and toward the rear, rinsing the mit frequently:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10222

I use Zymol Clear auto wash--not cheap, but a bottle lasts forever:
http://www.zymol.com/clear2.htm

I dry with a high quality chamois. Many now prefer microfiber towels, but I continue to use a chamois...isn't this a great country?
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=164

I wash the wheels with a wheel brush I got from Pep Boys. I don't use any special wheel cleaners, only the same bucket of sudsy water--as the last step--after I've washed the rest of the car.

Twice a year, I clay the surface with Clay Magic after washing (be sure to wax after, since it removes the wax), which removes the surface gunk that washing won't remove--it leaves the surface silky smooth:
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/awc-88256.html

I apply the wax with a foam pad--apply to entire car, then buff off with a microfiber towel.

To minimize brake dust sticking to the wheels, I apply RejeX a few times a year. It also works great at minimizing windshield bug splats and exhaust tip discoloration:
http://www.corrosionx.com/rejex.html

The Griot's window cleaner wipes clean the windows better than anything I've used, and you don't get any overspray on your dash and door panels:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=H11192

Their lint free towels are great as well:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?SKUupsell=14910

Between washings, I use a California mini duster to remove brake dust from the wheels:
http://www.calcarcover.com/product.aspx?id=1021&cid=101

I use the California car duster on the painted surfaces between washing--works great. Also use a dash duster on the interior--gets all the dust off the black interior.
http://www.calcarcover.com/product.aspx?id=1014&cid=101

I've use Lexol on the leather interior parts for years with great results.

303 Protectant is great for the tires--keeps them black with a matte finish (I don't like shiny tires!) and lasts several washings:
http://www.performanceproducts.com/Product...tectant&type=10

 

I am a new member on this site, although I've been enjoying the fourm for couple of weeks. I want to thank you, JDN and other members for their insight. Lots of good stuff on this fourm.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

stream; i see you use MF to remove wax...do you find this to be better than a good 'ole 100% cotton bath towels? if so, how?

all the MF ive seen seems like it wouldnt be as good as cotton to wipe off wax (not as thick and plush)...though it looks great for final buffing.

 

I find that buffing off wax with MF is easier than with cotton (I formerly used the Zymol cotton buffing towels). With MF I have less of an issue with the wax caking on the cloth (which causes the cloth to stick while you're buffing).

MF is also much finer and there's less of a risk of scratching the paint. Be aware that most bath towels have polyester threads on the edges (which can scratch the paint) and are also treated with sizing (which is abrasive), so if you prefer cotton, use a towel such as the Zymol which is pure, untreated cotton.

I've also found that applying as thin a coat of carnauba as you can (while still fully coveribg the surface) goes a long way toward easy removal.

 

stream
Great info on detailing. I see you use a duster for the dash. Are you aware of any treatment that would make the rubber less like a dust magnet?

Regards,

Mark
'06 525 Titanium Silver/Blk

 

Stream-Doesn't your duster get filthy dirty from cleaning your wheels with it? Do you clean the duster somehow?

 

Sorry, no, but the duster makes quick work of it.

 

It is pretty black, but still works great. I shake it out around twice as I clean each wheel, but no other cleaning. Just don't confuse it with the one you use for the interior...