Civic cleaning regime?

[sw65]

Originally Posted by Robbieee

As there has been alot of talk lately about waxing and making your car look the best, it got me thinking-i need to know everbodys civic cleaning regime!!!!

1. How often you clean/wax/polish
2. The process's used
3. The materials/products used
4. How long you take (on average)
5. How much you spend
6. Any tips

I really dont have a clue about waxing and cleaning a car as i have never had a car before worth spending time on. How hard can it be?? haha!

1 wash it every 2 - 3 weeks, wax every 3 - 4 months
2 hose down wash with mitt, dry with vileda and magnet
3 meguiars gold
4 1 and half hours
5 £40 initially
6 use meguiars
I enjoy washing cars but know it has no impact on trade in price.

[robbo51]

Stop asing questions now and get out there and get it washed!!!

[Munro]

This is what I currently do:

1. How often you clean/wax/polish

• Wash once a week
• Wax / polish @ every 2 to 3 months

2. The process's used for a thorough job

• Jet wash or hose down to get the worst muck off first / minimise scratching later
• Water fed brush wash with shampoo
• Dry with a slightly damp microfibre cloth
• Polish / wax

3. The materials/products used

• Shampoo - Turtle wax Extreme wash /wax (cheap to buy in bulk and works well)
• Bodywork - Mer Polish then Collinite 476s*
• Wheels - Mer Polish then Poorboys wheel sealant*. Minimise use of acidic cleaners.
• Black Plastic trim - Autoglym bumper care
• Tar spot removal - tried credit card/ claying white spirit etc. They are a B****r to remove, but if you wax regularly they come off more easily
• Glass - any handy glass cleaner then Rainx

4. How long you take (on average)

• Weekly wash @ 30mins
• Every 2 to 3 months wash wax etc @2 hours

5. How much you spend
Not sure - but most products seem to last a long time.

6. Any tips
- To avoid scratching when cleaning:
http://www.civinfo.com/forum/cleanin...paintwork.html
- Good advice for silver colours*:
http://www.civinfo.com/forum/cleanin...r-colours.html
- Experts advice*:
http://www.polishedbliss.com/
- General
- Clean your wiper blades with vinegar on a microfibre cloth
- Keep your wheels protected by regular sealant (now using poorboys*) on the Honda - the brake pad dust is VERY corrosive especially on the rear wheels.
- Clean awkward parts on the dash like vents, with a paint brush - quick and effective.
- Clean the inside of your windows and use an anti misting product - its amazing how dirty they get - it makes night driving visibility much better.
- Recent ideas for products picked up on civinfo *

[robbo51]

Very comprehensive Munro.
BTW
I wouldnt use Mer polish so often.
It has abrasives in it

[Munro]

Originally Posted by robbo51

Very comprehensive Munro.
BTW
I wouldnt use Mer polish so often.
It has abrasives in it

That may be why its so good at removing the grime on the rear wheels that ordinary washing wont budge.

I have used it on previous cars with no problems, but agree it's not wise to polish too often.

I have only used it once on the Civic bodywork and am hoping the collinite wax will minimise the need for a polish in future.