Bobby G
11-10-2006, 04:22 PM
Many well-intentioned car enthusiasts use one cleaner as a general-purpose tool for detailing. I often hear people say they use a product like Simple Green or an engine degreaser to clean everything from wheels to carpets. In my opinion, this is both dangerous and harmful to the car. After all, none of us would bathe with laundry detergent, so why would we treat delicate car surfaces with harsh chemicals?
For the most part, you can adequately detail your car with just a few chemicals. Yet there is a seemingly endless variety of car care products available, each with its own little twist. In this chapter, I will explain the basics of car detailing chemicals so you can make better decisions about the products you choose.
<h3>The Dirty Car Basics</h3>In the science of car detailing, dirt can be classified as organic soil, non-organic soil and petroleum soil. Not much else exists in the car world. If you can figure out the type of soil, you can select the proper cleaner. With the proper cleaner, 99% of all stains will come out.
Organic soil is anything that contains carbons. This includes all proteins, animal fats, body oils, mold, yeast, bugs, bacteria, animal and bug excrement, and carbohydrates. Those chili-cheese fries you spilled on the front seat are a classic organic soil.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber24" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/BMW%20318i%20Floor%20Mat%20Before.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">These floor mats have an organic stain.` Because I know what`s on this floor mat, it`s very easy to clean.` Ten minutes with a vacuum, scrub brush and carpet cleaner was all it took to make the floor mat look good again.</td></tr></table>
Non-organic soil is soil that does not contain carbons. This is most commonly found on the exterior of a car in the form of water spots and acid rain spots.` Scale and lime deposits are the most common form of non-organic soil.
Petroleum soils are substances that do not contain water and will not mix with water. Petroleum soils do not have a pH factor. Petroleum soils include common chemicals like motor oil, grease and road tar.` By the way, chewing gum also falls into this category.
It is also possible to have a combination of the three soils. This is a nightmare, as combination soils are difficult to identify. How do you choose a cleaner for something you can`t identify?` It`s very difficult unless you have a general-purpose cleaner that works well on all soils.
<h3>Car Detailing Cleaning Chemicals</h3>The car care industry is full of chemicals for cleaning. There is no such thing as a do-it-all cleaner (no matter what you saw on some crazy infomercial!). It simply does not exist. Detailing chemicals are mixtures of different ingredients formulated to do a particular job. The most common types of chemicals include surfactants, solvents, wetting agents, saponifiers and chelators.
The word surfactant is a fancy, two-bit term for any soap or detergent. Surfactant molecules are created with two compounds. One molecule is attracted to the soil itself, and the other is attracted to water. The chemical compound that`s attracted to water is called a hydrophile. Its job is to surround the soil. Likewise, the chemical compound that`s attracted to soil is called a hydrophobe. Its job is to break soil into smaller pieces that the hydrophile can surround and float away.
Every cleaner needs a solvent to dissolve soil.`The most common solvent is one you might not even think of: water. Some solvents, such as mineral spirits, work great on petroleum soils (like tar and grease) and may be necessary on surfaces that might be damaged by water. Other solvents that are common in car care chemicals include d-limonene (made from orange and lemon peels) and butyl. Although a bit more expensive than other cleaners, d-limonene is a safe solvent to use throughout the car.
Chemists modify the hydrophile and hydrophobe molecules to change the characteristics of a surfactant. `For example, a surfactant that is a good detergent (detergents break a soil`s bond to a surface) will not be a good penetrating agent. Penetrating and wetting allows water to surround soil so it can be removed. As you might have now surmised, the chemist can improve the performance of a good detergent surfactant by including a second surfactant that has good wetting and penetrating qualities.
Did you know that animal fat is used in the manufacturing of soaps? Boil some pig fat, add a handful of lye, and you can make a bar of soap. The same chemical process that makes soap can be used to remove fats and oils. Chemists use an agent called a saponifier (basically a strong alkaline substance) to convert fats and oils into soap. Once transformed to soap, fats and oils can be washed away with water.
Speaking of soap, have you ever noticed how much better soap does in soft water? If you`re used to hard water conditions, using a bar of soap in soft water feels much different. Hard water, which is any water that contains high concentrations of calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals, thwarts the cleaning ability of a chemical. This is because the cleaner reacts to the minerals in hard water as soil, which uses up the cleaning agents.
To combat this problem, chemists add chelating agents to their cleaners to bind the minerals so the cleaner can go after the real soil. This is why some car wash shampoos seem to hold the suds longer than others. Good suds have very little to do with how much car shampoo you use.
<h3>Understanding pH in Car Detailing</h3>The term pH is a measurement of the relationship between hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions.` When you have more hydrogen ions than hydroxyl ions, you have an acid.` Likewise, if you have more hydroxyl ions than hydrogen ions you have an alkali.
Any solution with a water base has a pH measurement.`The pH scale runs from 0 to 14.` The first half of the scale (0.0 to 6.9) represents acids, and the second half (7.1 to 14.0) represents alkalis.` Pure water is neutral and has a pH of 7.0.` If a substance does not contain water ( mineral spirits is an example), it does not have a pH.
If you know the pH of a cleaner you will know if it is acidic or alkaline.` This will help you know where to use the cleaner.`For example, a carpet shampoo would have a pH around 8 or 9, whereas a wheel cleaner would be between 12 and 14. `Use the wheel cleaner on your carpet, and you`ll have a real mess.
Now that you know the basics, here are some tips to remember when selecting a cleaner:
Organic soil is cleaned with alkaline cleaners. Non-organic soil is removed with acids. Petroleum soil must be removed with a petroleum-based cleaner. Never use a cleaner that is too strong for the soil you`re trying to remove. When in doubt, test a new chemical on a hidden part of the surface you want to clean to verify compatibility.<h3>CAR CLEANERS, POLISHES & PROTECTANTS</h3>Go to your average retail automotive parts store, and you will find a dizzying array of products.` Likewise, many web retailers have so many products that it`s hard to understand the differences between them.
Let`s break down product function into some basic terminology that will make products easy to classify.`` In my mind, there are three basic categories: cleaners, polishes and protectants.` Some products have a dual function, such as a leather protectant that cleans your leather as you apply the product.` Most common is a wax (protectant) that also polishes and cleans the paint.
Let`s talk about different car care chemicals that you will need to properly detail your car.` Just keep in mind the primary purpose of each.
<h3>Car Wash Shampoos (soap) & Wash Mitts</h3>A car shampoo is a mild soap (not detergent) formulated to gently clean, lubricate and restore gloss.` Choose a car shampoo based on what works best for you.` All of the major brand names are close in quality and results.` In my experience, you`re not going to see a huge difference until you start getting into some of the smaller, lesser-known enthusiast brands.` My personal favorite is Sonus Gloss Shampoo.` The reason I like the Sonus car wash is because it has everything I look for in a good wash shampoo.` It has nice suds (not too much), good lubrication (to reduce the risk of scratching), it`s free-rinsing, and it leaves a wonderful gloss that makes the car look like it was just waxed.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Sonus%20Der%20Wunder%20Wash%20Kit.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">Your choice of drying towels, wash mitt and wash shampoo are equally important.` A wash shampoo that`s too harsh will remove wax protection.` Poor quality wash mitts and drying towels create swirl marks in your paint.</td></tr></table>
<h3>Car Tire & Wheel Cleaners</h3>A tire cleaner is a detergent that removes old tire dressing and the nasty brown film that forms on tires.` Read the label on tire-cleaning products carefully.` If a tire cleaner contains petrochemicals, bleach or abrasives, I don`t recommend using it.` They will harm your wheels and cause your tires to dry out and prematurely crack.` Likewise, I`m not a fan of using wheel cleaner to clean my tires.` While it works okay, most wheel cleaners are too expensive for cleaning the tires, and the cleaning formula is not exactly right.
Wheels need a strong cleaner that can break the bond between brake dust, road tar, road grime and the wheel.` Wheel cleaners come in two basic formulas: acid cleaners and acid-free cleaners.` Acid cleaners are very strong and work without much agitation.` Care must be taken not to use acid cleaners on wheels with pitted or chipped surfaces.` The acid will migrate into any fissures and accentuate flaking and peeling of surface coatings.` Non-acidic cleaners are mild solutions of alkaline solvent.` These solutions creep under brake dust to loosen and lift.` Non-acidic cleaners require some surface agitation (brush or sponge), but are safer to use than acidic cleaners and will not etch the wheel`s finish. A few years ago, some wheel cleaner manufacturers started making gel formulas.` The idea is that the wheel cleaner needs time to work on the dirt in order to clean.`Gel wheel cleaner formulas allow the cleaner to cling to the wheel, which gives the cleaner more time to do its job.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top" align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Wheel%20Cleaning%204.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">
Most wheel cleaners will begin working on brake dust and road grime as soon as they are applied, however, it should not be so strong that it etches, dulls or discolors your fine wheels. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners on factory painted or polished wheels!</td></tr></table>
<h3>Engine & Undercarriage Cleaners</h3>Some people would never think to clean their engine or undercarriage, even though it`s the dirtiest part of their car. `I think it`s a good practice for preventive maintenance to regularly detail these areas. It takes strong chemicals to remove dirt, grease, oils and grime from the engine and undercarriage.` When you clean these areas, you have three basic choices for cleaners: petrochemicals, detergents and d-limonene (a natural cleaner made from the rind of oranges and lemon oil).` I am strictly against raw petrochemicals because of what they do to our environment.`We don`t need this junk in our rivers and oceans.` If you`re going to use a petrochemical formula, make sure to use it at a wash facility that has a waste trap.` Detergents and d-limonene solvents work great at home and will not harm the environment like petrochemicals.
<h3>Car Leather & Vinyl Cleaners</h3>Leather and vinyl are both very durable materials.` Their number one enemy, however, is oil from the human body.` The oils from your skin will cause vinyl and leather to break down, age and discolor.` To prevent this from happening, you should use a mild interior cleaner to clean your interior vinyl and leather surfaces.` There are many good leather and vinyl cleaners available for this very purpose.` Avoid using household cleaners, such as Formula 409 or Simple Green, for this task, as most household cleaners contain very harsh detergents.` Detergents will damage vinyl and leather by dissolving the protective coating, causing the material to prematurely lose its sheen, dry and crack.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"> <p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Sonus%20Leather%20Kit.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top"> Sonus makes specialty cleaners and protectants for leather interiors.` Their Cockpit Detailer is a cleaner and light protectant spray designed for weekly use on all vinyl, plastic and leather surfaces.</td></tr></table>
<h3>Car Upholstery & Carpet Cleaners</h3>Fabric and carpet take the brunt of soiling inside a car.` Unlike leather and vinyl, spills, dirt and dust can`t be wiped away from fabric and carpet.` You can vacuum, but by the time you do, dirt and dust have already been ground in.` Likewise, your carpet is subject to everything your feet drag in and kids spill.` To combat this force of dirt, fabric and carpet cleaners need to be tough enough to loosen and remove the dirt, but not so harsh that they ruin the fabric.
Carpet and fabric cleaners come in two basic forms: foam and liquid.` Both have their advantages.` Foams tend to push more dirt and soil to the top of the carpet or fabric where it can be vacuumed away.` Liquid sprays do a better job of thoroughly wetting the fabric for deep cleaning.` I`m a bigger fan of the liquid cleaners, because I can mix them with water to regulate the amount of cleaning strength I need.
<h3>Automotive Glass & Plastic Cleaners</h3>Even a washed and polished vehicle does not truly sparkle until the glass has been cleaned thoroughly.` Perfectly clean and clear glass is easy if you choose the right products and know how to use them properly.
In the car, there is only one wrong type of glass cleaner: ammonia.` Avoid using ammonia-based glass cleaners.` Ammonia is very harsh on interior car surfaces and poses a potential danger to you as well.` It`s very easy to become asphyxiated from ammonia if you don`t have proper ventilation.` Some glass cleaners also use alcohol as a cleaner, which is not as big a problem as ammonia, but it can cause headaches.
With the new generation of microfiber towels, it is possible to clean your glass without using any cleaners at all. `A little water and the microfiber towel do a great job.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Waffle%20Weave.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">This is a close-up picture of a waffle weave detailing towel that works great on glass.` The waffle pattern and the tufting of the fibers allow the towel to dry smooth surfaces, like glass and plastic, streak-free.` The variation in fabric height creates a natural wicking action that pulls water and glass cleaners into the cloth and away from the surface being wiped.</td></tr></table>
Plastics can be cleaned with glass cleaners as long as the cleaner does not contain ammonia, alcohol or detergent.` Ammonia and detergent cause plastics to yellow and turn hazy, whereas alcohol will dull the surface.` Plastics, including modern headlight covers, window tint film, taillight lenses and convertible top windows also require regular polishing to remove minor scratches.` I find the best product for regular maintenance of clear plastics is Plexus.
<h3>Paint Polish</h3>Many people mistakenly think that waxing is what makes a car look good.` While it`s true that a quick coat of wax will make a car shine for a while, it`s polishing that really makes paint look sharp.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Polishes.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Selecting a polish can be most confusing of any detailing supply.` There are glazes, swirl removers, scratch removers, cleaners, rubbing compounds and more.` When choosing a polish, be sure to use a product with the lowest abrasive necessary to accomplish the job.</td></tr></table>
Choose a polish that matches your car`s needs.` If your car is new, chances are that it simply needs a good paintwork cleaner with mild polishing capability.` If your car has swirl marks or water spots, choose a formula that specifically addresses these issues.` Never use a polish that`s more abrasive than required to do the job.` Make no mistake, paint polishes do remove fine layers of paint or clearcoat.` A fine polish can be used for years without noticeably reducing paint or clearcoat thickness.` A coarse polish, such as a rubbing compound, will rapidly reduce paint or clearcoat thickness.
<h3>Car Detailing Clay ("clay bar")</h3>Paint-cleaning clay, also called a detailing clay bar, is a mildly abrasive material mixed with a plastic or elastic clay base.`Originally developed for the body shop industry, paint-cleaning clay removes contamination from the exterior surfaces of the car (paint and glass).
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width="100%"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Detailing%20Clay.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Detailing clay comes individually wrapped in a variety of sizes, colors and levels of abrasiveness.</td></tr></table>
The clay works mostly by pulling and shearing off foreign materials that are stuck to your paint and glass.`Unlike a polish, clay requires only two or three light passes over the paint to leave the surface perfectly smooth.` However, clay does not have the ability to remove scratches or other paint imperfections.` The long-term benefit of detailing clay is that it allows you to quickly and safely clean your car`s paint without reducing paint thickness.` This is very important on modern clearcoat finishes.
<h3>Last Step Products (Car Wax)</h3>The last step in paint finish care is waxing.` Wax is a protective substance, natural or synthetic, that provides a thin layer of protection over painted or polished metal surfaces.` Waxes can be paste, cream or liquid.` A pure wax does not contain solvents or abrasives for cleaning like a cleaning wax.` Many people mistakenly assume the term pure wax means that the wax contains nothing but pure carnauba wax or pure beeswax, but this is not the case.` All waxes are blends of different substances.
Synthetic waxes, often called sealants, serve the same purpose as natural waxes.` However, they are often formulated with superior durability.` Most commonly, synthetic waxes contain polymers or acrylic compounds to create a sophisticated surface coating` with exceptional gloss and slickness.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/KlasseAIO.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">Over the years I`ve recommend Klasse car wax products more than any other. Klasse is an acrylic sealant technology that can be layered to enhance gloss and the final finish.</td></tr></table>
Ask any professional or enthusiast detailer which is better, wax or sealant, and you`re likely to get something that sounds like a sermon.`Detailers, both professional and enthusiast, can be quite passionate about their choice of wax.
<h3>CAR DETAILING CHEMICALS SUMMARY</h3>This chapter has given you a very small glimpse of the hundreds of products the car care industry has to offer.` Good detailing requires a little knowledge of chemistry.` I hope I have provided you with enough information to understand the basics of cleaning and detailing.
Please beware of gimmicks and "snake oil".` Unfortunately, mixed in with many great products are an equal number of bad products with fancy marketing.` Hype abounds in the detailing chemicals and supply industry.` If it sounds too good to be true, it is.` Don`t be a victim of the car salesman trying to sell you a lifetime sealant and interior protection for $300 to $600.` Do it yourself with good products and save.
For the most part, you can adequately detail your car with just a few chemicals. Yet there is a seemingly endless variety of car care products available, each with its own little twist. In this chapter, I will explain the basics of car detailing chemicals so you can make better decisions about the products you choose.
<h3>The Dirty Car Basics</h3>In the science of car detailing, dirt can be classified as organic soil, non-organic soil and petroleum soil. Not much else exists in the car world. If you can figure out the type of soil, you can select the proper cleaner. With the proper cleaner, 99% of all stains will come out.
Organic soil is anything that contains carbons. This includes all proteins, animal fats, body oils, mold, yeast, bugs, bacteria, animal and bug excrement, and carbohydrates. Those chili-cheese fries you spilled on the front seat are a classic organic soil.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber24" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/BMW%20318i%20Floor%20Mat%20Before.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">These floor mats have an organic stain.` Because I know what`s on this floor mat, it`s very easy to clean.` Ten minutes with a vacuum, scrub brush and carpet cleaner was all it took to make the floor mat look good again.</td></tr></table>
Non-organic soil is soil that does not contain carbons. This is most commonly found on the exterior of a car in the form of water spots and acid rain spots.` Scale and lime deposits are the most common form of non-organic soil.
Petroleum soils are substances that do not contain water and will not mix with water. Petroleum soils do not have a pH factor. Petroleum soils include common chemicals like motor oil, grease and road tar.` By the way, chewing gum also falls into this category.
It is also possible to have a combination of the three soils. This is a nightmare, as combination soils are difficult to identify. How do you choose a cleaner for something you can`t identify?` It`s very difficult unless you have a general-purpose cleaner that works well on all soils.
<h3>Car Detailing Cleaning Chemicals</h3>The car care industry is full of chemicals for cleaning. There is no such thing as a do-it-all cleaner (no matter what you saw on some crazy infomercial!). It simply does not exist. Detailing chemicals are mixtures of different ingredients formulated to do a particular job. The most common types of chemicals include surfactants, solvents, wetting agents, saponifiers and chelators.
The word surfactant is a fancy, two-bit term for any soap or detergent. Surfactant molecules are created with two compounds. One molecule is attracted to the soil itself, and the other is attracted to water. The chemical compound that`s attracted to water is called a hydrophile. Its job is to surround the soil. Likewise, the chemical compound that`s attracted to soil is called a hydrophobe. Its job is to break soil into smaller pieces that the hydrophile can surround and float away.
Every cleaner needs a solvent to dissolve soil.`The most common solvent is one you might not even think of: water. Some solvents, such as mineral spirits, work great on petroleum soils (like tar and grease) and may be necessary on surfaces that might be damaged by water. Other solvents that are common in car care chemicals include d-limonene (made from orange and lemon peels) and butyl. Although a bit more expensive than other cleaners, d-limonene is a safe solvent to use throughout the car.
Chemists modify the hydrophile and hydrophobe molecules to change the characteristics of a surfactant. `For example, a surfactant that is a good detergent (detergents break a soil`s bond to a surface) will not be a good penetrating agent. Penetrating and wetting allows water to surround soil so it can be removed. As you might have now surmised, the chemist can improve the performance of a good detergent surfactant by including a second surfactant that has good wetting and penetrating qualities.
Did you know that animal fat is used in the manufacturing of soaps? Boil some pig fat, add a handful of lye, and you can make a bar of soap. The same chemical process that makes soap can be used to remove fats and oils. Chemists use an agent called a saponifier (basically a strong alkaline substance) to convert fats and oils into soap. Once transformed to soap, fats and oils can be washed away with water.
Speaking of soap, have you ever noticed how much better soap does in soft water? If you`re used to hard water conditions, using a bar of soap in soft water feels much different. Hard water, which is any water that contains high concentrations of calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals, thwarts the cleaning ability of a chemical. This is because the cleaner reacts to the minerals in hard water as soil, which uses up the cleaning agents.
To combat this problem, chemists add chelating agents to their cleaners to bind the minerals so the cleaner can go after the real soil. This is why some car wash shampoos seem to hold the suds longer than others. Good suds have very little to do with how much car shampoo you use.
<h3>Understanding pH in Car Detailing</h3>The term pH is a measurement of the relationship between hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions.` When you have more hydrogen ions than hydroxyl ions, you have an acid.` Likewise, if you have more hydroxyl ions than hydrogen ions you have an alkali.
Any solution with a water base has a pH measurement.`The pH scale runs from 0 to 14.` The first half of the scale (0.0 to 6.9) represents acids, and the second half (7.1 to 14.0) represents alkalis.` Pure water is neutral and has a pH of 7.0.` If a substance does not contain water ( mineral spirits is an example), it does not have a pH.
If you know the pH of a cleaner you will know if it is acidic or alkaline.` This will help you know where to use the cleaner.`For example, a carpet shampoo would have a pH around 8 or 9, whereas a wheel cleaner would be between 12 and 14. `Use the wheel cleaner on your carpet, and you`ll have a real mess.
Now that you know the basics, here are some tips to remember when selecting a cleaner:
Organic soil is cleaned with alkaline cleaners. Non-organic soil is removed with acids. Petroleum soil must be removed with a petroleum-based cleaner. Never use a cleaner that is too strong for the soil you`re trying to remove. When in doubt, test a new chemical on a hidden part of the surface you want to clean to verify compatibility.<h3>CAR CLEANERS, POLISHES & PROTECTANTS</h3>Go to your average retail automotive parts store, and you will find a dizzying array of products.` Likewise, many web retailers have so many products that it`s hard to understand the differences between them.
Let`s break down product function into some basic terminology that will make products easy to classify.`` In my mind, there are three basic categories: cleaners, polishes and protectants.` Some products have a dual function, such as a leather protectant that cleans your leather as you apply the product.` Most common is a wax (protectant) that also polishes and cleans the paint.
Let`s talk about different car care chemicals that you will need to properly detail your car.` Just keep in mind the primary purpose of each.
<h3>Car Wash Shampoos (soap) & Wash Mitts</h3>A car shampoo is a mild soap (not detergent) formulated to gently clean, lubricate and restore gloss.` Choose a car shampoo based on what works best for you.` All of the major brand names are close in quality and results.` In my experience, you`re not going to see a huge difference until you start getting into some of the smaller, lesser-known enthusiast brands.` My personal favorite is Sonus Gloss Shampoo.` The reason I like the Sonus car wash is because it has everything I look for in a good wash shampoo.` It has nice suds (not too much), good lubrication (to reduce the risk of scratching), it`s free-rinsing, and it leaves a wonderful gloss that makes the car look like it was just waxed.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Sonus%20Der%20Wunder%20Wash%20Kit.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">Your choice of drying towels, wash mitt and wash shampoo are equally important.` A wash shampoo that`s too harsh will remove wax protection.` Poor quality wash mitts and drying towels create swirl marks in your paint.</td></tr></table>
<h3>Car Tire & Wheel Cleaners</h3>A tire cleaner is a detergent that removes old tire dressing and the nasty brown film that forms on tires.` Read the label on tire-cleaning products carefully.` If a tire cleaner contains petrochemicals, bleach or abrasives, I don`t recommend using it.` They will harm your wheels and cause your tires to dry out and prematurely crack.` Likewise, I`m not a fan of using wheel cleaner to clean my tires.` While it works okay, most wheel cleaners are too expensive for cleaning the tires, and the cleaning formula is not exactly right.
Wheels need a strong cleaner that can break the bond between brake dust, road tar, road grime and the wheel.` Wheel cleaners come in two basic formulas: acid cleaners and acid-free cleaners.` Acid cleaners are very strong and work without much agitation.` Care must be taken not to use acid cleaners on wheels with pitted or chipped surfaces.` The acid will migrate into any fissures and accentuate flaking and peeling of surface coatings.` Non-acidic cleaners are mild solutions of alkaline solvent.` These solutions creep under brake dust to loosen and lift.` Non-acidic cleaners require some surface agitation (brush or sponge), but are safer to use than acidic cleaners and will not etch the wheel`s finish. A few years ago, some wheel cleaner manufacturers started making gel formulas.` The idea is that the wheel cleaner needs time to work on the dirt in order to clean.`Gel wheel cleaner formulas allow the cleaner to cling to the wheel, which gives the cleaner more time to do its job.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top" align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Wheel%20Cleaning%204.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">
Most wheel cleaners will begin working on brake dust and road grime as soon as they are applied, however, it should not be so strong that it etches, dulls or discolors your fine wheels. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners on factory painted or polished wheels!</td></tr></table>
<h3>Engine & Undercarriage Cleaners</h3>Some people would never think to clean their engine or undercarriage, even though it`s the dirtiest part of their car. `I think it`s a good practice for preventive maintenance to regularly detail these areas. It takes strong chemicals to remove dirt, grease, oils and grime from the engine and undercarriage.` When you clean these areas, you have three basic choices for cleaners: petrochemicals, detergents and d-limonene (a natural cleaner made from the rind of oranges and lemon oil).` I am strictly against raw petrochemicals because of what they do to our environment.`We don`t need this junk in our rivers and oceans.` If you`re going to use a petrochemical formula, make sure to use it at a wash facility that has a waste trap.` Detergents and d-limonene solvents work great at home and will not harm the environment like petrochemicals.
<h3>Car Leather & Vinyl Cleaners</h3>Leather and vinyl are both very durable materials.` Their number one enemy, however, is oil from the human body.` The oils from your skin will cause vinyl and leather to break down, age and discolor.` To prevent this from happening, you should use a mild interior cleaner to clean your interior vinyl and leather surfaces.` There are many good leather and vinyl cleaners available for this very purpose.` Avoid using household cleaners, such as Formula 409 or Simple Green, for this task, as most household cleaners contain very harsh detergents.` Detergents will damage vinyl and leather by dissolving the protective coating, causing the material to prematurely lose its sheen, dry and crack.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"> <p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Sonus%20Leather%20Kit.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top"> Sonus makes specialty cleaners and protectants for leather interiors.` Their Cockpit Detailer is a cleaner and light protectant spray designed for weekly use on all vinyl, plastic and leather surfaces.</td></tr></table>
<h3>Car Upholstery & Carpet Cleaners</h3>Fabric and carpet take the brunt of soiling inside a car.` Unlike leather and vinyl, spills, dirt and dust can`t be wiped away from fabric and carpet.` You can vacuum, but by the time you do, dirt and dust have already been ground in.` Likewise, your carpet is subject to everything your feet drag in and kids spill.` To combat this force of dirt, fabric and carpet cleaners need to be tough enough to loosen and remove the dirt, but not so harsh that they ruin the fabric.
Carpet and fabric cleaners come in two basic forms: foam and liquid.` Both have their advantages.` Foams tend to push more dirt and soil to the top of the carpet or fabric where it can be vacuumed away.` Liquid sprays do a better job of thoroughly wetting the fabric for deep cleaning.` I`m a bigger fan of the liquid cleaners, because I can mix them with water to regulate the amount of cleaning strength I need.
<h3>Automotive Glass & Plastic Cleaners</h3>Even a washed and polished vehicle does not truly sparkle until the glass has been cleaned thoroughly.` Perfectly clean and clear glass is easy if you choose the right products and know how to use them properly.
In the car, there is only one wrong type of glass cleaner: ammonia.` Avoid using ammonia-based glass cleaners.` Ammonia is very harsh on interior car surfaces and poses a potential danger to you as well.` It`s very easy to become asphyxiated from ammonia if you don`t have proper ventilation.` Some glass cleaners also use alcohol as a cleaner, which is not as big a problem as ammonia, but it can cause headaches.
With the new generation of microfiber towels, it is possible to clean your glass without using any cleaners at all. `A little water and the microfiber towel do a great job.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Waffle%20Weave.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">This is a close-up picture of a waffle weave detailing towel that works great on glass.` The waffle pattern and the tufting of the fibers allow the towel to dry smooth surfaces, like glass and plastic, streak-free.` The variation in fabric height creates a natural wicking action that pulls water and glass cleaners into the cloth and away from the surface being wiped.</td></tr></table>
Plastics can be cleaned with glass cleaners as long as the cleaner does not contain ammonia, alcohol or detergent.` Ammonia and detergent cause plastics to yellow and turn hazy, whereas alcohol will dull the surface.` Plastics, including modern headlight covers, window tint film, taillight lenses and convertible top windows also require regular polishing to remove minor scratches.` I find the best product for regular maintenance of clear plastics is Plexus.
<h3>Paint Polish</h3>Many people mistakenly think that waxing is what makes a car look good.` While it`s true that a quick coat of wax will make a car shine for a while, it`s polishing that really makes paint look sharp.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr> <td width="100%"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Polishes.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Selecting a polish can be most confusing of any detailing supply.` There are glazes, swirl removers, scratch removers, cleaners, rubbing compounds and more.` When choosing a polish, be sure to use a product with the lowest abrasive necessary to accomplish the job.</td></tr></table>
Choose a polish that matches your car`s needs.` If your car is new, chances are that it simply needs a good paintwork cleaner with mild polishing capability.` If your car has swirl marks or water spots, choose a formula that specifically addresses these issues.` Never use a polish that`s more abrasive than required to do the job.` Make no mistake, paint polishes do remove fine layers of paint or clearcoat.` A fine polish can be used for years without noticeably reducing paint or clearcoat thickness.` A coarse polish, such as a rubbing compound, will rapidly reduce paint or clearcoat thickness.
<h3>Car Detailing Clay ("clay bar")</h3>Paint-cleaning clay, also called a detailing clay bar, is a mildly abrasive material mixed with a plastic or elastic clay base.`Originally developed for the body shop industry, paint-cleaning clay removes contamination from the exterior surfaces of the car (paint and glass).
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width="100%"><p align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/Detailing%20Clay.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Detailing clay comes individually wrapped in a variety of sizes, colors and levels of abrasiveness.</td></tr></table>
The clay works mostly by pulling and shearing off foreign materials that are stuck to your paint and glass.`Unlike a polish, clay requires only two or three light passes over the paint to leave the surface perfectly smooth.` However, clay does not have the ability to remove scratches or other paint imperfections.` The long-term benefit of detailing clay is that it allows you to quickly and safely clean your car`s paint without reducing paint thickness.` This is very important on modern clearcoat finishes.
<h3>Last Step Products (Car Wax)</h3>The last step in paint finish care is waxing.` Wax is a protective substance, natural or synthetic, that provides a thin layer of protection over painted or polished metal surfaces.` Waxes can be paste, cream or liquid.` A pure wax does not contain solvents or abrasives for cleaning like a cleaning wax.` Many people mistakenly assume the term pure wax means that the wax contains nothing but pure carnauba wax or pure beeswax, but this is not the case.` All waxes are blends of different substances.
Synthetic waxes, often called sealants, serve the same purpose as natural waxes.` However, they are often formulated with superior durability.` Most commonly, synthetic waxes contain polymers or acrylic compounds to create a sophisticated surface coating` with exceptional gloss and slickness.
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" align="center">http://www.autopia.org/ebook/KlasseAIO.jpg</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">Over the years I`ve recommend Klasse car wax products more than any other. Klasse is an acrylic sealant technology that can be layered to enhance gloss and the final finish.</td></tr></table>
Ask any professional or enthusiast detailer which is better, wax or sealant, and you`re likely to get something that sounds like a sermon.`Detailers, both professional and enthusiast, can be quite passionate about their choice of wax.
<h3>CAR DETAILING CHEMICALS SUMMARY</h3>This chapter has given you a very small glimpse of the hundreds of products the car care industry has to offer.` Good detailing requires a little knowledge of chemistry.` I hope I have provided you with enough information to understand the basics of cleaning and detailing.
Please beware of gimmicks and "snake oil".` Unfortunately, mixed in with many great products are an equal number of bad products with fancy marketing.` Hype abounds in the detailing chemicals and supply industry.` If it sounds too good to be true, it is.` Don`t be a victim of the car salesman trying to sell you a lifetime sealant and interior protection for $300 to $600.` Do it yourself with good products and save.