As a kid I used to assist my dad wash his cars. At the time it seemed more like a punishment, but slowly it grew on me. Now, 20 Years later, the same activity is therapeutic, greatly satisfying and never ending to the extent that my Parents have Labelled it as an 'OCD'. I can never seem to have enough of washing, cleaning and polishing my cars, bikes and cycles.
Now with the lockdown in place, I see it as a blessing. With the entire family back home, I am spoilt for choice between 4 cars, 2 bikes and cycle. Every other evening I get my two buckets and kit out to clean the dirtiest vehicle of the lot.
In my defense, no I don't go over board with polishing and waxing each vehicle every time (It might be every 3rd occurrence per vehicle, which falls to be once a week

).
I started reading about DIY detailing 2 years back and had a few products already lying around at the time to try my hands on. It wasn't too long before my search for better products started filling up my kart andthe need for better products grew. I still don't have everything I desire, but slow and steady wins the race.
My Arsenal Details are as below:
- Pre-Wash :
I first rinse the car lightly with a hose and then
1. Wavex APC and Degreaser - Spray On the Bumpers, Grills, Wheel Wells and front Cowl and agitate with soft Bristle brush (Tip - Get a few 3 Inch Paint Brushes, They usually have very soft bristles and don't cause any damage).
For my bikes I Spray this on the Rims to remove the slung lube, the hoses, the crash guard and Chain cover. Works like a charm to remove grease and oil stains.
2. Armor All Wheel Cleaner - I Spray it directly on the tyres and rims and let it sit for 2-3 Mins, then agitate it with my Plastic wheel Brush. I Use a soft Bristle Conical Brush to get between the rim spokes.
3. Motul Chain Clean C1- This is an additional step I follow for my Bikes before the actual wash stage. I use a chain cleaner brush to agigate and loosen the much before going for another round of spray to remove the much.
I follow this up with a thorough rinse to remove all the strong chemicals.
- Wash Process :
I mostly use a 2 Bucket Wash method using a Formula 1 Micro Fiber Mitt as I am yet to buy my own Pressure washer, but once in a while I borrow my Neighbor's Bosch Aquatak when the need arises.
4a. Formula 1 Wash and Wax Concentrate - Two Good Squirts in about 4-5 Liters of water, Dip my wash mitt and start washing it from Top to bottom, rinsing my mitt in clean water every time.
4b. Turtle Wax Carnauba Tropical Wash and Wax - I recently ordered this product and took more than a week to deliver. I am very eager to try it out, Its not as viscous as the Formula 1 but seems sticky and smells amazing.
5. Drying Towel - I dry all painted panels using a thick 840 GSM drying towel. The absorption power is amazing, dries streak free with a single swipe and I don't even need to flip sides.
6. Regular Micro Fiber - For the Wheels, Bumper use Regular 320 GSM Microfibers by SoftSpun. I have been very happy with their performance.
- Post Wash :
I ordered a set of Micro Fiber Application pads from Softspun, I have kept one pad for each product.
7. Meguairs Ultimate Polish - This polish is used every 3 months. It give a very clean smooth surface, This is one of the best Consumer grade polishes out there according to me.
8. 3M Premium Liquid Wax - This is a topping I use over the Polish to give that extra shine and sheen. This Wax is nothing to write home about, its quick, does a decent job that is it. Its easy to spread, dries to a haze and buffs off easily.
9. Formula 1 Carnauba Paste Wax - This is the Wax I use when I have a lot time on hand. The paste is thick, requires some elbow grease to spread, and dries to a haze that requires a little more effort o buff off, but the shine is considerably better that 3M's Liquid Wax.
I'm searching for a good Wax to replace these two.
10. Meguairs Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax - Got this from US back in 2019 for a Mere 7$ at a discounted sale, haven't really used it much. Spray Waxes don't really inspire confidence. I plan to use this over my wax as a sealant.
11. Turtle Wax Trim Restorer - I follow up the wax with this trim restorer on all the cladding, the front wiper cowl, bumper inserts, ORWM Plastics and Roof Rails. I like how it works and gives that rich depth to plastics, although I would've liked better longevity as the effect lasts only a month.
12. Wavex Matt Finish Tyre Dresser - I prefer Matt Finish Tyre dressers over the Wet Finish ones. Wavex was one of the only ones found out there that was economical and gave a good Matt Finish. The finish is very pleasing and doesn't pick as much dirt. I dress my tyres in every wash.
13. Motul Chain Lube C2 - I had been using this lube for Bike's Chain, does the job but leave s a pathetic mess all over the bike and is a pain to cleanup on every wash. I have stopped using this as my Primary Lube.
14. Putoline Tech Chain - Was recently introduced to this amazing Dry lube. No Slings, no Mess, doesn't pick up dirt and lasts longer. All this totally justifies the higher price. A new practice ive started, is that I Lube the O-rings very Lightly with my Motul C2 and Top it off with the Putoline to lock it into place.
- Clean Up
After every wash I Spray a bit of APC on my Wash Mitt, Micro Fibers cloths and the Application Pads. Leave for a bit and agitate it lightly with hands. Next I rinse it thoroughly under water and leave them out to hang dry. The APC helps remove all the dirt, grease, brake Dust, Oils, Wax and Polish from the Cloths and Pads without damaging the Fibres. Next, Soak the Brushes in APC, followed by agitation and a thorough rinse.Once everything is dry I put them back in my tray and store it in a cupboard to avoid dust getting in.
I go out for a good 20 Kms spin everyday after work either on the bike or on my car, which ever is cleaner
My cycle gets a free clean with the other vehicles once every week. I use the same shampoo and a Microfibre Cloth to apply it. I do not use APC as it can damage the bearings and remove the grease, hence i agitate the shampoo itself using a soft bristle brush. This is followed by a through rinse and wipe down. I apply the left over Tyre dresser on the pads onto the cycle tyres and yes you can call me crazy.
I Usually don't polish my interiors, I just clean all surfaces using a damp microfiber towel, and in extreme cases, use a very Diluted APC with soft Brush to get into the depths.
All this takes me anywhere between 30 Mins to an hour depending what I'm working on, and the satisfaction at the end of it priceless and yes there are days i go overboard too.
Wishlist
I know there are a lot of places I can and should improve, so looking for a review from the experts on this thread. Also need suggestions for products that I should add to the kitty.
I have a wish list for the following products :
1. 303 Aerospace Protectant - As a UV protectant and coating for all Plastic and Leathers Inside the Cabin. I love that it leaves a matt finish and is dry to touch.
2. Paste Wax - I am looking for a good replacement for my 3M and Formula. I have currently ordered a Turtle Wax Hard Shell Paste wax to try it out. Meguiars are expensive but would love to get a Ultimate Wax or the Gold Class. Any suggestion, for something that is good and pocket friendly?
3. DA Polisher - Want to get my hands at machine polishing, I bought a rotary Polisher and within no time packed it and kept it aside, learning that it is more harmful than useful if used without proper skill. DA Polishers are known to be more forgiving. Rupes is the leading manufacturer and comes at a hefty 24k. Are there any other alternatives?
4. Pressure Washer - I have been researching on the ones from Bosch and Karcher. However, i find more value in the ones from JPT and StarQ not just economically, but also with the flexibility of getting Foam Lances, and quick adaptors.
5. Meguairs Ultimate Compound - This shall be added once I get my hands on a DA polisher, go get rid of those swirls and haze.
6. Sealant/Detailer - Whether I should buy a proper paint Sealant or a detailer.
Ending this long post with a few random pictures of the results, Apologies for the quality and that all weren't clicked to highlight the finish..
