What Are Your Must-Have Brushes?

[cjbigcog]

I like this for brushing out around seat tracks and between seat and console:

 

[Accumulator]

Just stopped by, but thought I'd say/ask opinions...



I've taken to cleaning wheels (where I can) using wash mitts.

I *really* like my little washmitt from griot's, made just for cleaning wheels (link: Lambskin Four-Finger Mitt - Griot's Garage ). I bought it expecting to think "eh, what a waste of money!" but was pleasantly surprised how much I like it.

 

[Jean-Claude]

The Envy boars hair brushes are some of the best we have found.



http://metropolitandetail.com/boutique/shop-by-brand/envy/envy-detail-brush-set/

I am going to place an order for those in the next few days. That totally fits the bill.



I am also a huge fan of some brushes I found at Lowe's. Smooth wood handles, plastic binder for the bristles and soft horse hair. They were $2 a piece and totally worth it. I purchased a number of them and they have done amazing.

 

[peacemaker]

Hm... I will be keeping an eye out for those cheap brushes and toilet brushes you guys pointed out. Honestly, I have the MOST trouble trying to clean the corners (in each spoke) of those wheels. The dirt just doesn't want to come out. Additionally, I have pretty much given up on trying to clean the barrels of my wheels. I can't get complete coverage and it bugs me. I don't want to do a partial job... I would love to rig up a drill brush, but that power brush is way too pricey for me (since this is for personal use).



I think a good idea is also picking up some cheap horse hair brushes and taping the metal bits.

 

[Brad B]

It sounds like you need to do a thorough, wheels off, cleaning then protect the wheels with a sealant to help keep the brake dust from sticking. Makes them MUCH easier to clean. You can get the overpriced wheel wax products everyone sells or do what I do and use the good ole Nu Finish (cheap stuff in orange bottle at Wal Mart) which does a wonderful job.



Also, if your car is putting out copious amounts of dust then consider low dust brake pads. A moderate investment can be life changing! My OEM Audi pads were a joke. Black wheels in one day. I changed pads (in my case EBC Green, but there are many options) and now I just wash my wheels with regular car wash shampoo. No wheel cleaner necessary. Life is good!

 

[Accumulator]

Peacemaker- What kind of wheels are you dealing with? The BBS ones on my older Audi are a bit of a PIA, especially their barrels, but are doable ever since I (did as Brad B. suggests and) got 'em really clean to start with.



Also, while I'm not much of a coating guy, I will say that Opticoat has made all the wheels I've used it on *VERY* easy to keep clean.



Oh, and note that brushes that are soft enough to be safe can also be *too* soft for effective cleaning of really dirty surfaces.