Washing materials

[rtmozingo]

I bought a cheep folding drywall stand from Amazon it's so great for washing the top of the truck.

Yeah, that's definitely handy. I use a step ladder for front windshield and oil change/check, and a full ladder for top.

 

[Wolfeman]

Pressure washer is great if you have it. I've recently become more of a fan of using one bucket for soap and having multiple mitts vs doing the two bucket method. You have one bucket for soap that you never dip a used mitt back in. Once your mitt becomes soiled, move on to the next one. Make sure to have plenty available. Wheel woolies or wheel brushes are great for wheels (woolies almost required for getting the barrel of the wheel). Firm bristled tire brushes. I am a big fan of Adam's cleaning products and have spent a small fortune there over the years. I did buy the Obsessed Garage pressure washer package and have been using the foam cannon and love it. Try to wash your car on an overcast day or in the shade as it helps keep the soap and water from drying on the vehicle while you are still washing it. If you have a friend or family member that can help, it will definitely speed up the process. Don't feel like you have to get it perfect every time (maybe this is something that I really just need to tell myself) as a hand wash is probably going to look better than just about 95% or more of all the vehicles on the road.

 

[HeavyAssault]

Foam cannon user here. As a user I have learned there are variables to consider. 1) If it's going to be a quick wash to knock off the "dust"...it works great. 2) Deeper/heavier soils or deposits will need more than the cannon to get a great cleaning done. 3) Using the foam cannon over a straight bucket style wash has worked great for me.

So I'll prep with an all around pressure wash to prevent rubbing in the big grit. Follow that with a good pre-soaking foam wash all over. Then using a clean bucket with various microfiber cloths, I'll foam cannon a second time to do hand wash. Finally a full rinse pressure wash to clear the foam, then a dry micro wipe down. I have tried using my shop air compressor to help with the wheels and other areas that "hold" water to prevent those runs that appear when you think you are done. I end up using/applying two bottles of the foam cannon while doing the above. So maybe 3-4 oz of wash maybe more. On a smaller vehicle I'd bet you could use one bottle of the foam cannon to do the same procedure.

Yes, it takes some time to do it all but it works great for me. Not to mention pressure washer PSI, your soap and water temp will determine how good the foaming action is applied from the foam cannon.