I'm a new Fit owner (Black, 09, Manual) and was starting to wonder what others are using to wash their cars. For the past month I've been using the local 'do-it-yourself' carwash with sprayer and foamy brush. However I want to start doing it at home. Washing the outside is pretty straight forward. And quite enjoyable, as the Fit is very easy to wash. How about the detailing work? The dash appears to be a plastic-rubber that i've never dealt with before. Has anyone had good results washing that?
After reading this recent thread, I'm willing to bet most of you would cringe at using the local carwash foamy brush.

So, what do you think?

 

welcome to the forum, you might find that it will be slow to have your thread answered because the topic has been discussed so many times therefore i will refer you to the fit care section. browse and search the forum, there is a lot of information here on our cars and many already answered questions.


https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-care/

 

i wash at home, a soft sponge for the body and stiff bristle brush on the wheels... as for interior, i know some people on here hate it but armorall...

 

well... you most likely already scratched your car with the brush. what makes things more prevalent is that your fit is black... get some good wax to cover those scratches.

the only times i use the foam brush is to wash my wheels.

 

Like mole mentioned using that brush even once will swirl your paint pretty bad. Some good synthetic sealant followed with a coat of wax will hide them but not remove them. Youll notice them in direct sunlight. Check out this article on how to properly wash your car without inducing swirl marks or scratches.

Car Wash Guide, Car Wash how to - easy steps to shampoo and dry your vehicle using paint-safe mitts and towels, plus sponges, the Grit Guard and

They have really good write ups on everything. Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides

 

I wash mine every week and always with two new microfiber towels. One for scrubbing and the other one for drying, then discard.

 

You can reuse microfiber towels, although you have to wash them. I have about a total of 200 microfiber towels. Some I've had for about 2 years. Although I never reuse them more than once without washing. I have a bin for all the dirty towels and just wash them with micro-restore when the bin gets full.

All my microfiber towels are color coded for a different purpose got some just for doing wheels, tires and engine bays. Usually the older really dirty microfibers get retired to that dirty work. Got some for removing wax, some for removing polish etc...

Get some waffle weave microfibers for drying, and a microfiber mitt vs microfiber towels for washing the car.

 

has anyone try using a shamwow or the absorber??

 

Please don't ever let those things touch your car. They will ruin your paint. Pick up the meguiars water magnet at walmart. Best thing that can be found locally.

I use a 265mph leaf blower to get all the water out of the nooks and crannies like door jambs, mirrors, handles etc... Then I follow up with either a waffle weave micofiber or just a light mist of quick detailer and a regular microfiber towel.

 

are you talking about a shamwow?

 

Yes shamwows are horrible. Have you felt one? They feel like automotive carpet. Microfibers or waffle weaves are the ONLY way to properly dry your car without inducing swirls.

 

alright imma look up meguiars water magnet

 

as for drying... i use a california water blade to get most of the water off... then microfiber... if u dnt knw the water blade its a soft flexy silicon blade that just peels the water off... very fast and no way to damage paint with it... i think it is a must have...