Wondering if we could get a sticky thread of procedures from our expert "E" owners who detail their own E's??

I know I am IN THE DARK when it comes to handwashing my vehicle. And this is one
I am planning on keeping for a while, so I want to do it right. I usually take it to the carwash
and use the sprayer, NOT the Automatic.

What products are recommended, don't use under any cost (Armour All, I do know that one!), etc.

Since there are alot of newbies, it might help us all. And it would be right there at the top, in case a seasoned EOC member might want to try something new.

Just a thought! No big deal if it can't be done either, just seemed to be searched challenged lately!
Katrina

Wondering if we could get a sticky thread of procedures from our expert "E" owners who detail their own E's??

I know I am IN THE DARK when it comes to handwashing my vehicle. And this is one
I am planning on keeping for a while, so I want to do it right. I usually take it to the carwash
and use the sprayer, NOT the Automatic.

What products are recommended, don't use under any cost (Armour All, I do know that one!), etc.

Since there are alot of newbies, it might help us all. And it would be right there at the top, in case a seasoned EOC member might want to try something new.

Just a thought! No big deal if it can't be done either, just seemed to be searched challenged lately!
Katrina

Katrina, we can put something together... but it will take a little while to do it.

Larry,

Thanks! I don't mind waiting a bit. It just seems people have started asking (I was one getting ready to!) what's the best cleaner, etc. and I thought it might help.

Thanks for thinking of working on it.
Katrina
who wonders how you get to be more than just a "member"? number of posts???

When you hit 100 posts your status changes.

Larry,

Thanks! I don't mind waiting a bit. It just seems people have started asking (I was one getting ready to!) what's the best cleaner, etc. and I thought it might help.

Thanks for thinking of working on it.
Katrina
who wonders how you get to be more than just a "member"? number of posts???
When you get to Senior status, you can't change your name cause we all know you then. Heck, we all know you now and there's something cute about your screen name and your car color!:)

Until the folks get the info together, You might learn from this: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

I got this link somewhere on EOC and found it really good.

There is a download on this site that is worth printing should you want.

Until the folks get the info together, You might learn from this: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

I got this link somewhere on EOC and found it really good.

There is a download on this site that is worth printing should you want.

There is a lot of good info there.
Here is the specific link (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html).
Or here (http://autopia-carcare.com/freeguide.html) for a download.

I guess another thing to throw in the mix here is that if we recommend how to care for your E, we are endorsing the product(s) and at this point, I know there's not any one product that we endorse. So many members and so many opinions have been shared over the three years we have been online. Based on that, I recommend using our Search feature so you can read some of the past posts about this topic because there have been many.

When you get to Senior status, you can't change your name cause we all know you then. Heck, we all know you now and there's something cute about your screen name and your car color!:)

IRV-
Did I detect a compliment here????? :shock: :-D

Katrina
BoxyBluChic (soon I hope!)

When you get to Senior status, you can't change your name cause we all know you then....
You also get 10% off at Denny's.

I guess another thing to throw in the mix here is that if we recommend how to care for your E, we are endorsing the product(s) and at this point, I know there's not any one product that we endorse. So many members and so many opinions have been shared over the three years we have been online. Based on that, I recommend using our Search feature so you can read some of the past posts about this topic because there have been many.

Hey TMac
I can understand not wanting to endorse a product. I guess maybe just a sticky for the steps from start to finish.

I had NEVER heard of claying before and thought when I first saw something about it, someone had clay all over the panels and trying to figure out how to get it off!!!

Like, do you do a prewash with something, then a wash, then claying, or should claying come before actual washing, etc.

Give me a break I am a girl! lol lol But, am willing to learn! (no comments IRV no comments!)
Katrina

"You also get 10% off at Denny's"

But isn't that only with your AARP card and if you drive an Elderment?


I'd be really suprised if your E needed claying. Some where in that article it says that it done when you can't wash any little stiples off the finish. And further none of us should wax the paint jobs for at least 6 months or the off gassing wil make the paint look like it has poison ivey.

Hey TMac
I can understand not wanting to endorse a product. I guess maybe just a sticky for the steps from start to finish.

I had NEVER heard of claying before and thought when I first saw something about it, someone had clay all over the panels and trying to figure out how to get it off!!!

Like, do you do a prewash with something, then a wash, then claying, or should claying come before actual washing, etc.

Give me a break I am a girl! lol lol But, am willing to learn! (no comments IRV no comments!)
Katrina

Katrina:

Here is a basic rundown on how to care for your vehicle. It isn't detailed and won't include the panels and such...

1. Wash the Element using Dawn dishwashing liquid. This will remove all grease and other waxes. Yes, I am "endorsing" Dawn, they are a sponsor of mine. :) lol

2. Claybar is sold by many companies. It requires a lubricant in order to work and not stick to the paint. You can use liquid carwash soap along with water in something like a 10:1 mixture of water to soap. You don't want it to get bubbles, just use as a lubricant. The water acts as a transport.

3. After claying you wash the Element with your liquid car soap. Note I am stating liquid soap, powder soap never fully dissolves and can cause scratches in the paint.

4. The proper way to wash your Element is to wash the body from the top down. This way the dirt and dirty water flows down and you don't have to wash anything twice.

5. Leave your wheels for last and use a different sponge/towel for them as well. The reason for this is the metal material from the brake pads and rotors will get into the sponge and if used on the body itself it will scratch and ruin your paint.

6. Hose your Element off from the roof down to run the dirt down from clean to dirty areas.

7. You then dry the vehicle leaving the doors open and the hood open, etc as you dry them. This helps with drips, etc.

8. After this wax the car using your favorite product(s).

Hope that helps for now. :)

Katrina:

Here is a basic rundown on how to care for your vehicle. It isn't detailed and won't include the panels and such...

1. Wash the Element using Dawn dishwashing liquid. This will remove all grease and other waxes. Yes, I am "endorsing" Dawn, they are a sponsor of mine. :) lol

2. Claybar is sold by many companies. It requires a lubricant in order to work and not stick to the paint. You can use liquid carwash soap along with water in something like a 10:1 mixture of water to soap. You don't want it to get bubbles, just use as a lubricant. The water acts as a transport.

3. After claying you wash the Element with your liquid car soap. Note I am stating liquid soap, powder soap never fully dissolves and can cause scratches in the paint.

4. The proper way to wash your Element is to wash the body from the top down. This way the dirt and dirty water flows down and you don't have to wash anything twice.

5. Leave your wheels for last and use a different sponge/towel for them as well. The reason for this is the metal material from the brake pads and rotors will get into the sponge and if used on the body itself it will scratch and ruin your paint.

6. Hose your Element off from the roof down to run the dirt down from clean to dirty areas.

7. You then dry the vehicle leaving the doors open and the hood open, etc as you dry them. This helps with drips, etc.

8. After this wax the car using your favorite product(s).

Hope that helps for now. :)

Huh? Are you telling Katrina to wash her Element twice? My approach:

1. Find a shady spot. Never wash a car in the sun.

2. Before you soap up your Element, rinse it off first. This gets rid of any heavy deposits, and washing a wet car helps prevent scratching the finish with the surface dirt.

3. Use the liquid car wash of your choice. I've always been told to wash a car from the bottom up, so the vehicle stays wet as you wash it. Wash and rinse about 1/4 of the vehicle at a time so the soapy mixture has no chance to dry before you get to the rinse phase. If it's especially dirty, use one bucket of suds for the really grimy areas below the belt line and a fresh one for the upper surfaces. If the panels have a lot of accumulated dirt, Simple Green spray and a scrub brush (not too stiff bristles) does a good job.

4. Do the wheels last per Larry's instructions.

5. I'm a big fan of "Wax As You Dry", but use it sparingly and just mist the surface you are drying. Dry the car from the top down.

6. I also give the panels a Back To Black treatment a couple of times a year (or before a local EOC gathering). The B2B name is misleading...it will not turn your panels black. Some people prefer 303 Aerospace Protectant.

***Never use Armor All on the panels***

7. I prefer the "wipe on" tire dressings and just buy whatever's on sale. The "no touch" spray ons get all over the wheels and are a dirt magnet (although you can cut a mask out of an old cardboard box to protect the wheels as you spray). Alternate: Just clean the tires/wheels thoroughly and forget about the shiney stuff.

8. I still wax the Element a couple of times a year. I have never used a clay bar, even on a previous black car that was immaculate.

9. If you go to a car wash, avoid the mechanical monsters that spray a little juice on your car and then beat the dirt off with brushes.

10. There is no "one way" to wash your Element. Everybody has their own technique. You'll develop yours over time.

Never wash from the bottom up. The dirt that runs off the top will just run down clean panels and make them dirty again.
Here is my routine:
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Safe Washing Techniques
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Below we have outlined some helpful washing techniques. Other people have similar or totally different techniques but these are the ones that have worked for us.
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Take care in the way you wash your car.
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Wash your vehicle by hand with a good wash mitt or sponge. I prefer a wool or chenille wash mitt or a chenille covered sponge.
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A lot of people use the “two bucket method” of washing. This is when they use two buckets filled with water, one for rinsing the sponge or mitt in and the other for the soap. I personally don’t like this method. I don’t like carrying two buckets around the car. So instead I use a Grit Guard Insert in my bucket. This keeps the sponge or mitt up out of the dirt at the bottom of the bucket.
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Always make sure to use a good quality automotive shampoo/wash, NOT dish soap. I hear people brag about getting a gallon of soap at the local parts store for 2 bucks and it cleans the car just as good as anything else. I have used that soap in the past and found some of it to be so-so and I have found a lot of it strips wax off of the vehicle and leaves it unprotected! So don’t skimp on your car wash solution!
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Something that is often overlooked and not thought about is the hose nozzle you use. I use a “fire hose style nozzle”. Most come with a lifetime warranty and most are almost indestructible. This is great for people like me that leave their hose lying in the driveway and run it over time after time. You want to make sure that your hose nozzle has a rubber coating on it also. You will thank me when you accidentally smack it off the side of your car one day. The metal nozzles are not as forgiving and will leave a nice scratch for you to repair.
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Ok, you have your wash bucket filled and a good quality car shampoo in it along with your Grit Guard Insert, wash mitt and rubber coated hose nozzle. Now comes the fun part, washing! Before you wash the exterior surfaces of the car always clean the tires and wheels first (see “Proper Care for Your Wheels and Tires in our How-to Section). Cleaning the tires and wheels first prevents you from getting tire and wheel cleaner all over your freshly washed car.
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Always start at the top of the car using your mitt in a back and forth motion across the paint, not in a circular motion. Make sure that you keep your wash mitt clean and soapy at all times. Once the roof is done rinse it off and move on to the windows. Rinse the windows off when you are done and move on to a lower panel until the entire vehicle is done and rinsed off. Now, here is a little trick to help in the drying process. Use a steady stream from your hose and rinse your vehicle off again. Rinse the entire vehicle off using a nice steady stream with no pressure. The water, especially on nicely waxed paint, will glide right off leaving you much less water to dry.
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Now it’s time to dry the vehicle. To avoid scratches I recommend using a good quality Waffle Weave Drying Towel or some other form of high quality drying device. Just like when you washed the vehicle, start at the top and work your way down. I fold the waffle weave in quarters flipping it over to a dry side often. If it gets too wet and is not doing as good of a job just ring it out or grab a fresh towel and continue. Once the car is cleaned and dried now it is time to protect the tires (see “Proper Care for Your Wheels and Tires in our How-to Section). After you put protectant on the tires then you can go ahead and clean the windows (see "Streak Free Glass Cleaning in our How-to Section ").

:D Maybe the E should come with washing instructions.:D

Huh? Are you telling Katrina to wash her Element twice? My approach:

1. Find a shady spot. Never wash a car in the sun.

2. Before you soap up your Element, rinse it off first. This gets rid of any heavy deposits, and washing a wet car helps prevent scratching the finish with the surface dirt.

3. Use the liquid car wash of your choice. I've always been told to wash a car from the bottom up, so the vehicle stays wet as you wash it. Wash and rinse about 1/4 of the vehicle at a time so the soapy mixture has no chance to dry before you get to the rinse phase. If it's especially dirty, use one bucket of suds for the really grimy areas below the belt line and a fresh one for the upper surfaces. If the panels have a lot of accumulated dirt, Simple Green spray and a scrub brush (not too stiff bristles) does a good job.

4. Do the wheels last per Larry's instructions.

5. I'm a big fan of "Wax As You Dry", but use it sparingly and just mist the surface you are drying. Dry the car from the top down.

6. I also give the panels a Back To Black treatment a couple of times a year (or before a local EOC gathering). The B2B name is misleading...it will not turn your panels black. Some people prefer 303 Aerospace Protectant.

***Never use Armor All on the panels***

7. I prefer the "wipe on" tire dressings and just buy whatever's on sale. The "no touch" spray ons get all over the wheels and are a dirt magnet (although you can cut a mask out of an old cardboard box to protect the wheels as you spray). Alternate: Just clean the tires/wheels thoroughly and forget about the shiney stuff.

8. I still wax the Element a couple of times a year. I have never used a clay bar, even on a previous black car that was immaculate.

9. If you go to a car wash, avoid the mechanical monsters that spray a little juice on your car and then beat the dirt off with brushes.

10. There is no "one way" to wash your Element. Everybody has their own technique. You'll develop yours over time.

Yes, I told her to wash her Element twice. She asked about using a claybar and in order to use a claybar and not ruin your paint and the clay itself it has to be used on a clean car, so you wash the car first with Dawn then clay then wash the car again. Read what I wrote, it is all there. :)

If you are not claying then only wash the car once. But she didn't ask about that. Claying a car is done once or twice.year... up to the owner.

I hate washing the car twice so another option, and what I usually do, is after claying I go over the car with a quick detailer. That way I don't have to wash the car and dry it again.

I hate washing the car twice so another option, and what I usually do, is after claying I go over the car with a quick detailer. That way I don't have to wash the car and dry it again.

But that doesn't get the clay and the dirt it lifted off the paint off the car. That's why it is recommended to wash after you clay as well as before.

The times I have clay'd my cars I generally make a day of detailing out of it. Generally 6-8 hours to completely detail the car, but that includes removing the wheels and claying them and waxing them both in and out too. :) I once spent 10 hours detailing my TT. lol But that's because I use Zaino and put on multiple coats of various product to get the shine I was after. I have done similar with the Element.

But that doesn't get the clay and the dirt it lifted off the paint off the car. That's why it is recommended to wash after you clay as well as before.
The times I have clay'd my cars I generally make a day of detailing out of it. Generally 6-8 hours to completely detail the car, but that includes removing the wheels and claying them and waxing them both in and out too. :) I once spent 10 hours detailing my TT. lol But that's because I use Zaino and put on multiple coats of various product to get the shine I was after. I have done similar with the Element.
Actually it will. I use Poorboy's Spray and Wipe whichis basically a waterless wash made to lift dirt from the car. ;)

Never wash from the bottom up. The dirt that runs off the top will just run down clean panels and make them dirty again....
Nah...it washes away as you rinse. But if you want to wash from the top down, keep rinsing from the top. Don't let the top dry as you hyperfocus on the rocker panels.

And I just wanted to applogize if I seem like I am coming off as a know-it-all prick. It was not my intentions.

And I just wanted to applogize if I seem like I am coming off as a know-it-all prick. It was not my intentions.

you weren't, no need to apologize.

And I just wanted to applogize if I seem like I am coming off as a know-it-all prick. It was not my intentions.

:) Hey , I know alot of know it alls , only some of them have pricks.:grin:

LOL Thanks! Sometimes you re-read things on the net and it just does not come out like you meant it to.

If I opened all my doors when I dried my E at the local car wash, the drug dealers using the pay phone would jump in and demand a ride! :shock: In that case, i will live with the spots!

anyone think of having an FAQ on how to use the search function? like, use "303 protectant" instead of just "303" when searching? I always get lost searching for things... :confused: but maybe thats just me :|

Hey TMac
I can understand not wanting to endorse a product. I guess maybe just a sticky for the steps from start to finish.

I had NEVER heard of claying before and thought when I first saw something about it, someone had clay all over the panels and trying to figure out how to get it off!!!

Like, do you do a prewash with something, then a wash, then claying, or should claying come before actual washing, etc.

Give me a break I am a girl! lol lol But, am willing to learn! (no comments IRV no comments!)
Katrina
It kills me not to make a comment...but you asked nice.:) I never heard of "claying" until coming here, but someday I might try it.:lol:

Man...I go to bed, then go to work, then come home and POOF info appears!!

Ask and you shall receive! I am trying to take it all in and digest it all later.

If you only need to clay once or twice a year, then maybe I will just get the wash/dry/wax down and once I get comfortable then try the claying. I know I read somewhere if you drop the clay, get new. I will have to work on my clumsyness issues if that is the case. LOL LOL:lol:

Keep the info coming! And trust me no one sounds like a know it all, especially to someone who doesn't know it all when it comes to cars!

Katrina
P.S. IRV, thanks for the no comments, you made my day!

Katrina,
You are right about dropping the clay. If you drop it, it is trashed.
That is why I separate my clay bars into several pieces. When it gets too dirty or won't fold anymore/falls apart, toss it and get another piece.
Claying is easy and you won't believe the stuff it pulls from your clean paint.

Man...I go to bed, then go to work, then come home and POOF info appears!!

Ask and you shall receive! I am trying to take it all in and digest it all later.

If you only need to clay once or twice a year, then maybe I will just get the wash/dry/wax down and once I get comfortable then try the claying. I know I read somewhere if you drop the clay, get new. I will have to work on my clumsyness issues if that is the case. LOL LOL:lol:

Keep the info coming! And trust me no one sounds like a know it all, especially to someone who doesn't know it all when it comes to cars!

Katrina
P.S. IRV, thanks for the no comments, you made my day!

Yes, if you drop the clay onto the ground toss it. That's why you use small pieces of the clay and not the entire piece at once. The reason you toss it is because it will pickup small rocks and dirt which will scratch the paint.

Man...I go to bed, then go to work, then come home and POOF info appears!!
Ask and you shall receive! I am trying to take it all in and digest it all later.
If you only need to clay once or twice a year, then maybe I will just get the wash/dry/wax down and once I get comfortable then try the claying. I know I read somewhere if you drop the clay, get new. I will have to work on my clumsyness issues if that is the case. LOL LOL:lol:
Keep the info coming! And trust me no one sounds like a know it all, especially to someone who doesn't know it all when it comes to cars!
Katrina
P.S. IRV, thanks for the no comments, you made my day!
Don't worry about claying. For some reason everyone acts like claying is some magical task that will take years to master. Here are my steps for claying:
Using a Clay Bar
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First let us explain what a clay bar does before we get into the directions for using one.
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A clay bar removes contamination / pollution from your paint. Some contaminants are on the surface of the paint and some is embedded in your paint. A lot of people try to remove these troubles with a polish and find that it is no match. A clay bar can usually remove the contaminants with very little effort. Some of the most common sources of paint contamination are pollutant from nearby factories often called fallout, acid rain, brake and rail dust, and paint overspray.
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Using a clay bar is not only easy but is safe to use on your paint as well. Some people think that a clay bar will scratch their paint and refuse to use one. Trust us when we tell you that using the clay properly and following our directions will not only be extremely safe but will have your paint feeling smoother than it ever has.
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Directions:
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1) Make sure to wash your car thoroughly first using one of our many high quality car washes.
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2) After you wash your vehicle be sure to dry it off good before you clay. Some people don’t feel the need to dry before claying but we feel it will make for a better and easier clay job and you won’t leave water spots for you to deal with on top of everything else.
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3) Take your clay bar and flatten it out a bit to give you more surface area and to make it a little easier to hold in the pal of your hand.
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4) Once your clay is flattened, and ready to go, take a high quality quick detailer or clay lubricant and spray the clay bar and the surface you are about to clay. We recommend doing a small area, approximately 2’x2’, at a time.
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5) Next take the clay in the palm of your hand and rub/glide the clay bar over the surface in a back and forth motion. Make sure you use enough quick detailer or clay lubricant so that the clay will glide safely and effortlessly over the surface. Keep the clay and surface well lubricated through the entire process never letting the clay or surface become dry.
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6) Once you are done with the section spray some quick detailer on the section and wipe it dry with a microfiber towel.
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7) You will notice that your clay bar will become dirty. When this happens kneed or fold the clay until you have clean clay to work with.
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8) Repeat this process for the entire vehicle. IF you happen to drop the clay onto the ground we highly recommend that you throw it away and get a new one. Dropping the clay on the ground could cause dirt and anything else to stick to the clay making it unsafe to use on your vehicle.
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9) You may also follow the above steps for using your clay on glass as well.

how about the inside? what do you guys use to wash and finish the inside? The dealers said not to hose out the inside, but should I use a wet rag, or is it safe to use a dripping sponge? What about the rubber on the door's arm rests? any special chemicals to avoid on those? etc... :)

thanks in advance!

how about the inside? what do you guys use to wash and finish the inside? The dealers said not to hose out the inside, but should I use a wet rag, or is it safe to use a dripping sponge? What about the rubber on the door's arm rests? any special chemicals to avoid on those? etc... :)
thanks in advance!
I would just use a good interior cleaner. If I become a sponsor of the site I will recommend what I use. Or a wet sponge would be fine if it were just dusty or something.