Waxed the Edge for the 1st time: Cleaning product recommendations

[Bossross]

Hand washed and applied the first coat of wax to the Edge this weekend (Phew its a beaut!) Cleaned interior, wheels etc. Thought I would see what everyone else recommends and give my 2 cents on products used.

 

Wax - McGuires

Wash - McGuires gold

Used pressure wash to apply a good layer of soap then hand washed in prep for wax application.

Griot's Garage heavy duty wheel cleaner - This stuff is the bomb

Leather - Black Fire leather conditioner - works very well!

Cleaner - Black Fire interior cleaner - Highly recommend

Protectant - Black Fire protectant - again I highly recommend Black Fire products they do not put a heavy shine on the dash, interior stays clean longer.

 

Edited June 30, 2015 by Bossross

[richy]

There's lots of roads that lead to Rome. I use completely different products but as long as you're happy with them, that's all that matters.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Nice job, Bossross, nothing better than being hands-on with your fav vehicle Can be agonizing to find flaws, but really therapeutic fixing them. And if it's flawless, awesome!!!

 

You might be interested in this thread (there are other, smaller threads also related to how folks detail their vehicles):

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/5535-ask-a-professional-detailer/

[WingNut]

This is an edit of a post I made in the detailing section:

 

Everybody's criteria and budget are different. I tried a TON of different products over the past 10 years and while most of them produced a nice result, most of them don't meet my current criteria. Criteria that I developed over the years that was influenced by the process, my environment, and my life changes.

I wanted a product(s) that:

- Was reasonably priced. So mid-grade type pricing.

- Was easy to apply. This meant not a bunch of steps requiring too many products.

- Could be applied in the sun. I now have a garage, but I prefer the extra room of being outside.

- That left my car protected for a few months.

- That I could apply within my time availability. I have a job. I have a daughter. So free time to spend hours upon hours on my car is hard to come by.

Wash: Optimum No Rinse (ONR). This is a 'rinseless' wash. Once you switch to this method, most people swear by it. I love this product and, when done correctly, leaves a great finish.

Dry: Microfiber Waffle Weave Towels.

Tire Coating: Opti-Bond diluted 1:1

Sealant: Opti-Seal. So easy to apply. Great protection. Great lasting shine.

Wax: Aqua-Wax or Optimum Car Wax. Both are spray waxes that can be applied to a clean car or used while drying. Prior to the winter I may use a more durable wax like Collinite (sp?)

Leather: I usually just wipe it down with a damp microfiber after a wash. Haven't had to "clean" leather in a while. Not sure if conditioners do much on the fake leather they put in cards these days.

Vinyl / Dashboards: Wipe with a damp microfiber towel. Then apply Aerospace 303. Leaves a nice sheen that makes it look new...but not greasy. Doesn't leave a greasy feel neither. Great UV protection.

LCD Screens: Clean microfiber and distilled water.

Glass: Stoners Invisible Glass and Microfiber

Other: I only use Microfiber for drying, cleaning, buffing, etc. Microfiber is cleaned separately from other laundry using a detergent with no fabric softner. Dried on low for a few minutes with no fabric softener sheets.