A few people have asked me about my non-marring “extreme wash regimen”. I’ve altered it a bit recently (losing the problematic siphon-feed), so here’s the current version. I’ve used this on a few vehicles and it will NOT mar the finish in any way *IF* the paint is protected with something that’s...

Great write-up, well thought out.

What are you reasons for the chenille over the lambswool?
I'm going to assume because they are 'water tight' on the inside (the lamb is very grateful for this, otherwise his insides would be waterlogged LOL)

I'll try to answer the Qs as best I can.

The chenille vs. wool issue is just personal preference. I used to use wool and I plan to try it again (not necessarily with this method), but as TOGWT suspected, the chenille allows better water flow from the inside out. Other reasons include the ease of maintaining the chenille ones (just toss them in the washer and dryer) and the simple fact that I have a bunch of them (I can go through a LOT of mitts during each wash). Heh heh, this is extreme enough without five or seven lambswool mitts getting handwashed and hung up to dry

MF mitts- I like them VERY much except for the way some kinds of dirt seem to really stick to them. They just don't rinse clean enough for me. Note the optional step of rewashing with a MF mitt- I don't mind using them once I've cleared any major contamination from the surface. As to the length of knap, that's just another personal preference issue. *I* like having long knap that better allows me to just barely contact the surface of the paint.

6cyl's_of_fury- I haven't tried QEW yet, though Lynn and I have discussed how it might be a good idea for the rust-prone Jag. Heh heh, if I ever DO try it, I'll probably come up with some extreme version of how to use THAT too. I sympathize with your situation; I'm truly spoiled by comparison. I go through a *LOT* of water (high volume, boosted pressure, etc.). You wouldn't believe my water bill

Jesstzn- That's a good point, and one I sorta glossed over. I've gone both ways, and settled on brass disconnects due to their durability. I have plastic shutoffs right before them, and that was the area where I used to hit the wheelwell lips (the part of the hose just past my hand). I stay well back when rinsing the "regular" panels, and when I work in the wheelwells, etc. (up close) I attach plastic hose ends to the disconnects. Not as safe as your approach, but I'm pretty careful and I've gotten used to how I have to do it.

But yeah, most people might be better off with all plastic fittings. Too bad they don't hold up (I go through 6-8 plastic shutoffs each year). Gotta watch they don't launch the nozzle when they go bad!

Gonzo- Heh heh, very funny Nah, it's not easier on an Audi and I'm running out of paint on the Jag. But on the beaters (or even Accumulatorette's A8), yeah, it *IS* easier; remember, on those I even use BHBs!

percynjpn- Yeah, they're a sweet pair of cars. They're pretty special, in different ways, and true "keepers".

andriver- Yeah, concise for a long-winded guy like me

When it comes to something as important as properly washing a car, be as long winded as you'd like

Accumulator, you're a sick, sick man

My garage is already overrun with buckets. A wheel and tire bucket, an engine bay bucket, wash buckets, rinse buckets, a bucket to hold dirty towels/applicators, a bucket for washing PC pads, buckets in my cart to hold tools/product, etc... and those are just the car buckets If a bucket brigade is needed, I'm your man.

As the inevitable age creep continues it's attack, the idea of not carrying the buckets around and around the vehicle is enticing.

Chenille vs Wool vs Sponge vs BHB...A discussion for the ages

Both very good tips

Yeah, I have a fair number of buckets too Got most of 'em on casters. Don't remember what *that* cost, but I appreciate the easy mobility every time.

OMG !!! You're Insane !!!
How long does this take you ?
Do you have pics of these nozzles ? Is this what Griot's use to sell ? I wanted to get one to help me "dry with water".

SK2003TypeS- Heh heh, yeah, I'm sorta out there when it comes to washing those two cars. Washing the S8 takes a minimum of three hours, usually more, but I REALLY keep it clean. The Jag, well, it takes as long as it takes- that one's a labor of love and time stands still

Yep, those are Griot's hoze nozzles. I got a pair of them for Christmas back when they first came out and I don't care what anyone says about the price, I love 'em. And every week, I think about what a thoughtful gift they were.

No pics to post (I gotta get modernized some day..), but I got the shutoffs at Sears in the lawn and garden dept. Craftsman pn 71-69429. Gray and black plastic, sold on a black and green cardboard card. The plastic ones are easier to use than the metal ones, but when the break they can launch the nozzle, so replace them as soon as they start to leak. One year warranty, which I take full advantage of.

You might be interested in this. At my local Wal-Mart, in the automotive section, they have a black rubber coated fireman's nozzle for $5. After using cheaper, well, not really cheaper, stuff for a long time. The style of nozzle that everyone else seems to use worked nice. The problem was no cut off. Spent $4 on a brass one.

It is my understanding that the Griot's nozzle is the same one they sell at Costco for $20. You'd still need a cut off.

Thanks for the tips. I gotta get a cut off valve and a rubber nozzle.

Get more than one shut-off if you get the Sears one (which is SO easy to operate). Trust me on this, you'll be glad you did when the first one start leaking at the exact wrong time. You just GOTTA change it when it starts to leak; I'm not foolin' about how it'll launch the nozzle!

Ok, now you're scaring me....what if the nozzle would launch ...onto the.....P***T....doh !:scared