What do you use?

[Guyver1]

Baxlin

I use it on the bumper trim, door trims, even the metal divider between the large and small rear door windows too, it's pretty good on everything apart from the paintwork

Just apply and leave for a few minutes and then buff away

If you look on the Renapur website they have loads of uses for it.

[Max Headroom]

For my Parchment Silver paintwork:

A two-bucket method wash using Meguiars Gold Class shampoo and lambswool washmitt

 Meguiars Clay kit if needed (once every two three yrs)

Auto Glym Super Resin polish followed by...

Two applications of Conollite 845 Insulator wax with about 45 mins of dwell time between coats

Interior

Vax wash the mats & carpets using Vax AAA shampoo

Wipe down plastics & trim with damp microfibre cloth...
with Meguiars all-purpose cleaner if required

Clean windows with Meguiars glass cleaner and blue paper roll

Clean leather with Gliptone leather cleaner followed by Gliptone leather conditioner.

Wheels & Tyres

Wash as bodywork

Valet Pro Bilberry Safe Wheel Cleaner if required

Polish with Autoglym super resin polish...
followed by a coat of Smart Wax Rim Wax Alloy wheel Polish.


Engine Bay

Wash as bodywork where possible
or Meguiars All -Purpose cleaner with brush

Polish & wax as bodywork

Aerospace 303 on plastics as required.

Hood
Not done it yet but will do the following:

Vacuum very thoroughly

Clean with Renovo Soft Top Canvas Cleaner

Reproof with Renovo Ultra proofer when required.
 

[moncheeka]

I've been recommended a product by a friend in a bodyshop  called 'Zaino Z5', he said its brilliant. Looks expensive though, £85 odd for the full kit. You get a fair bit in it, but thats alot to spend i say.

[Max Headroom]

I have never used it, but it is well liked in the DW forums.

At the end of the day it's a case of what you feel you like, and what works for you juxtaposed with what you want to pay. Personally I have no brand loyalty regarding these kinds of products, I read as much info about what is available, then buy to try.

You also find there are plenty of people having a clearout and have part used tins of stuff to sell - a cheap way of trying different stuff 

[stevetreacy]

For me its AutoGlym Fast Glass,Autoglym vinyl & Rubber Care, Mer Ultimate for washing and waxing, Autoglym  Super Resin polish for waxing also. Gliptone for leather, smells lovely and Autosmart VIF Auto dry foam shampoo for carpets, It works for me. Only 112000 and ten years old

steve

[stevetreacy]

I use the Saab dealer. Guarantees it gets washed at least once a year. 

lol, theyve never made a good job of mine yet.

[David]

For a quick 'top up shine'....

Get one old spray bottle.
Clean thoroughly.
Add 70% water - I use distilled ionised from the dehumidifier, though tap water is OK.
Add around 15% liquid car wax - a cheap wax such as Colourmagic is OK or Meguiars if you want a bit better finish.
Shake well using the 15% of space still left in the bottle.
Spray panels lightly after washing and wipe off with a cloth for a light wax & shine.

[bignick]

I cleaned the interior of my car last weekend as it was getting a bit grotty.

I use Turtle Wax Platinum Leather cleaner for the leather (obviously... ) which I am happy with but have been disappointed with the cleaners I have used on the fabric bits until now!

I have tried the foams and autoglym spray(smells nice but thats about it) but didn't like the results.
So I had a look for a household cleaner with no bleach (for obvious reasons).

I found and would highly recommend 'Astonish Shampoo for carpets and upholstery', got it from Wilkinsons for about a £1.

It got rid of the dog's paw marks and other grime with ease. Quality!!!

[Max Headroom]

Nick, you really shouldn't let the dog drive your car 

[bignick]

I know but she gives me those puppy dog eyes.......

I give in too easily, weak I know..... 

[Max Headroom]

Heheh - Great answer - I nearly split my sides laughing!

A good product for general use is Meguiars All Purpose cleaner. It comes in a 5Ltr can unfortunately, but as it has to be diluted it lasts for ages.

[bignick]

Its good to know some people get my jokes.

I'll have a look at the Meguiars, there stuff is usually good. My Fiances car has fabric seats so it may work out cheaper to bulk buy.

[Kev_Mc]

Holy thread resurrection

Would you do anything different on a new car? Not sure if I'd need to treat it any differently, or slap on the Auto Glym /whatever as normal.

[Max Headroom]

I would do nothing different on a new machine than I do now.

Pressure Wash
Snow Foam - 20 mins dwell
Pressure wash
Wash (two bucket method with Lambswool washmitt)
Hose down then towel dry
Polish (Auto Glym)
Wax (Colinite 845)