Chemical Confusion

JustJesus

JustJesus

New member
I hope someone at 3D/HD can clear something up for me. Or anybody else who might have an idea.

Last night, I received my order of Bug Remover from Amazon. I was happy. Haven't tried it out yet, but I like getting things shipped.

During my lunch break today, I went over to 3D Santa Ana to get more chemicals. I ended up picking up some brushes, and two more chemicals. I bought the Yellow Degreaser (since your printed catalog said it's good for tires) and the Uplhostery & Carpet Shampoo. I'm still at work, but I'm itching to get home to "play" with these new products.

So I'm perusing your website to get the dilution ratios (they're not listed on the 24oz bottles) and figured I'd check out what other chemicals I can buy in the future.

Well, here's where I went into a confused state. I was reading about the APC on your website and saw this:

"3D All Purpose Cleaner is totally paint safe and also makes for a great bug remover too. Dirty wheels, tires [emphasis added], engine compartments and door jambs are no match either. Just watch as APC loosens up grease & grime to make removal a breeze. No other cleaner has such a multitude of uses that make your cleaning chores more enjoyable. This handy cleaning product guarantees to get the job done no matter how easy or difficult it is. It should be the 1st cleaner that you choose for all your cleaning needs."

That left me wondering, why the heck did I just buy the Bug Remover and Yellow Degreaser? And I was also considering the Orange Degreaser, along with the APC! So you see where my confusion is? Why buy several products, when just ONE can take care of various needs?

That is one of the things that turned me off about Chemical Guys: wayyyyy too many products that seem to be doing the same thing!
 
That's how they get you. You have to read reviews and buy what is best for your needs. My first advice get a bug block/bug sponge. They are yellow sponges with a very open cell structure. I had my pair for 10 years work like a charm and I never scratched paint once. You can use them while washing for bugs and tar on paint or with a healthy dose of QD on dry paint.
I have a few APC's. I try to buy double duty. I know it's pricey but Optimum Power Clean is the best when it comes to interior and exterior for tough grime. It's pricey but it's one less product I have to buy.
I'm still working on overhead these days. I always research and buy based on reviews samples if I can get them and what it can do for me as far as lessening products. It's like having 6 different LSP's what's the point. Have a sealant maybe two and a wax.
 
I hear ya. I read and read, and read, the reviews. As many as I can find. I saw a few of those bug sponges you mentioned. Just recently, but don't know squat about them! I'll have to look into them now.

So far, I'm liking Optimum (I use No Rinse, and soon their tire gel), so I won't have any reservations buying Power Clean. Pricey or not, if it works, it's worth it, right? :)

I'm totally the same way with researching and trying things if possible. I went to one of the free seminars from 3D, and I liked Speed so much, i bought one there. It also turned me on to the Nanoscrub! Good stuff :)

Thanks for the tips/advice. Much appreciated.
 
Get the bug sponges over at detailing dot com in lake forest. They are like $3. Pre-treat the area with the bug remover you already have then give the area a light swipe once you soap it up during normal two bucket wash. Tip, soak the yellow bug sponges in the soap bucket for several minutes to soften gem up before use.
 
There is a lot of similarities between degreasers. Most can be used for multiple applications.

While most detailers can get by with 2 or 3 degreasers, there are a lot of business that require more. We also cater to car washes, dealerships, and other high volume shops. These places will usually buy all the degreasers. They don't want their employees diluting so they give them prediluted product in the concentrate they want. They then will say, "Use the Red Stuff for The engines. Use the Yellow stuff for tires, use the orange stuff for bugs, etc..."

Also, the 24 oz bottles are not concentrated and ready to use.
 
So many products can do the same thing, but many are designed specifically for a certain purpose. Manufacturers (3D specifically) tend to be broad with their descriptions/product uses as possible, but that doesn't mean that that product will work optimal for a specific condition. For example, 3D Waterless Wash can remove bugs and clean wheels. But not as efficient/effective as say our bug remover or yellow degreaser. If we never listed that WW had the capability of remove bugs people wouldn't ever try it.

If you ever need help on selecting the right product for the job at hand don't hesitate to ask us for advice.
 
Thanks for chiming in, David.

I had a chance to use the Upholstery Shampoo on a filthy and nasty looking seat. Worked good, though I should probably give it another go-over. My gf said, "WOW, it looks soooo much better" when she saw the seat.

Next up, I'll be trying the Yellow Degreaser on my friend's off-road dirtied 4Runner's tires.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top