Best car washing applicators according to redditors

If you have access to a drill, an eraser wheel is by far the easiest way. Just make sure the surrounding paint is clean to prevent scratches.
This is the one I have, I used it to remove body molding adhesive:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00488DDB8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Replying with something useful now. If you don't want it to happen again, use Imperial Sizing Wax, or if you want to use a spray lube, something Lanolin based such as Dillon or Frankfort arsenal.


You can also make it yourself for much cheaper; use these components and mix anywhere from 8:1 to 12:1, it really doesn't matter.

99% Alcohol:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWYNIDO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lanolin:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028MLKC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Spray Bottle:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KAU7DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


The only advantage to One-Stuck is that you don't have to tumble it off like you do the lanolin-based lubes. I still use one-shot for pistol brass (even using carbide dies; I like butter smooth sizing), but don't use it on rifle brass anymore. If you don't "shake well" and apply it liberally, you'll pay for it with stuck rifle brass.

My favorite method is an eraser wheel.

Yeah, it's way more than enough. I did my car and my girlfriend's car and wasn't even halfway through the bottle. I highly recommend using Optimum's applicator pad though, the suede stuff lays it down way too thick and makes it a paint to buff off. You save a ton of product that way too.

stepladder and a microfiber on a pole?

Heat the glue with a heat gun, or at the very least use a hair dryer (but that won't be as effective). Once you're able to pull an edge up, keep working your way around with a plastic scraper or dental floss. Don't just start pulling it off with your hands, as you might take some paint with it.

Once the piece is removed and you just have some adhesive left on the body panel, you can use adhesive remover and a lot of elbow grease, or use an eraser pad that has a drill adapter to make quick work of it.

Get yourself one of these. Eraser Wheel if you have a drill, these work great.

If you're only seeing large dust particles on the surface but not hearing much in terms of popping and crackling, then I'd go with just a basic carbon fiber brush like this AudioQuest one. If you're new to vinyl and don't already have one, it's a good thing to pick up anyway. It's good practice to brush each side before each spin. While these types of brushes won't clean a truly dirty record, they'll help your clean records stay clean.

If your records are noticeably loud and noisy then you'll probably have to go the route of wet cleaning. I see kits like this one a lot but I don't think they're really worth the money. You can do a better (and cheaper) job with:

• Microfiber Cloths - Run them all through a cycle in your washing machine (just water, no detergent) to get rid of any fuzz.
  
• Isopropyl Alcohol & Distilled Water - Put a solution of 1 part alcohol and 2 parts water into a spray bottle. You could even use as little as 1 to 4, I don't think it makes a huge difference. Make sure to get 90% plus alcohol and avoid any types of additives like menthol.
  
  You can lay one cloth flat to set the record on, spray it down and scrub around lightly with one of the cloths (it can help to dampen this with the distilled water). Personally I like to then dry the record with another cloth, spray it down with just distilled water to rinse it then dry again and repeat on the other side but you can find a method/system that works for you. If you're being super particular about it then remember to flip and replace the cloth the record is on so as not to contaminate the side you just cleaned. Also if you're worried about getting your labels wet, car applicator pads like these actually cover a label almost perfectly and they can also be used in place of a microfiber cloth to scrub the record, they work great.
  
  If you plan on sticking with vinyl for awhile though it's worth it to save up for a SpinClean. I was a skeptic for a long time but I'm glad I finally got one, it really is worth the money. It does a good job, it's well built and it's stupidly easy to use. If $80 seems too steep for a yellow plastic trough (which it really is, unfortunately) there are cheaper models such as this. Doesn't have a lid and comes with different cleaning fluid but it doesn't seem like a half bad option.
  
  Whichever option you go with always make sure you're putting your newly cleaned records into clean inner sleeves. If they were dirty in those sleeves it's very likely those sleeves are dirty too. Also remember to keep your turntable mat and stylus clean.

I can't chime in on the Purple Power, but I do have an emergency kit that I have in my trunk.

I bought a tote and couple clear spray bottles (16oz) that look like this: http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-ACC_121-16HD-Resistant-Sprayer/dp/B00ABYVT64/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412788019&sr=8-2&keywords=chemical+guys+spray+bottles

1. Quick Detailer (diluted ONR, but you can use what you like)
   
2. Glass Cleaner (Stoner's invisible glass)
   
3. APC
   
4. Microfiber towels from TRC
   
   I don't want to start putting too many things and these are the items I found that'll work until I get home and do actual maintenance if needed.

Hmmmm yes. One more. The GreaseNinja will make all your chain lubrications a breeze. I use that with Motul Factory Chain Wax.

For even easier chain cleaning once every 1k miles like I do, get a Tirox 360 brush and a chemical-resistant spraybottle and fill it with kerosene. Kerosene is amazing. It doesn't damage paint or anything and is totally safe on your chain, wipes away wax and lube fling in seconds, it's great, just make sure you have ventilation so it evaporates away quickly. Put the bike up on rear stand, put an oil catch pan under the chain, throw on some disposable work gloves, wrap the 360 around the chain, turn the rear and slide the 360 along the chain with sprays of kerosene. After some scrubs, wipe it down with a rag'll you throw away later. Your chain will shine like new in about 2 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes to have the kerosene evaporate, and then wax, let it sit for 5 minutes for the wax to set, and you're done. Clean, lubricated chain in 10 minutes.

Stole all of this directly from Canyon Chasers and they were absolutely fucking right about the GreaseNinja, the Tirox 360 and the kerosene. Chain cleaning went from chore, to breeze.

I use this for a spot-free rinse when I wash, and it dries off absolutely spotless as long as I made sure to spray my car good.

Eraser wheel. I used one on some molding adhesive and with a little time and patience it takes everything off without hurting the paint.

An eraser wheel will get that right off.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00488DDB8/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is what mine looked like about halfway through.
Imgur

What was left I clayed with nanoskin and then polished it up. You cant tell the wing was ever there.

For squeeze bottles I love Meguiar's Bottles.

For spraying I'm partial to Chemicalguys Sprayers although, you could probably find them for cheaper. They're Tolco sprayers on some bottle. They work well, but I need to get some Foaming sprayers soon for wheel cleaners and things of that nature.

Whenever I start getting through my gallon of ONR i'm probably going to buy a 16oz bottle of ONR, pour it into my gallon container, and then use the bottle with one of my CG/Tolco sprayers so it is nicely labeled. That's what I've done with my Adam's stuff. I buy a 16oz bottle for testing and then a gallon and just keep filling the 16oz so it stays nice and labeled. I think I've heard that you can talk to Adam's Customer Support about these bottles and get them to send you bottles with stickers of their actual products.

Chemical Guys Microfiber Applicators

Griots Garage Microfiber Speed Shine Cloth

Royal Auto Shop & Car wash towels 36 pack

Gummi Pflege Stift

Shurhold Buff Magic Compounding Pad 2 pack

Yacoto Microfiber Chenille Wash Mitt 2 pack

303 Fabric Guard

Invisible Glass 32 Oz - 6 pack

Griots Garage Microfiber and Foam Pad Cleaner

Chemical Guys Foam Cannon and Honeydew cleaner

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine 32 oz

Mothers Clay Bar Kit

Sonax Wheel Cleaner Full Effect 169 oz

Griots Garage Microfiber Drying Towel

303 Stain Guard

303 Speed Detailer

Detailer's Choice Leather Chamois

Natural Boar Hair Detail Brush Pack

303 Spray Wax

MATCC 5Pcs White Flannelette Polishing Wheel Cone-Shaped Wheel Grinding Head

Chemical Guys Premium Microfiber Applicators

If they're adhesive pinstripes, this thing will take the old stripe off in no time at all, and you could either get pinstripe tape, or take it to someone to run the lines with paint, shouldn't be too spendy. I'd talk to a painter if they're painted on, though.

A chemical resistant spray bottle to go with that starsan.

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-ACC_121-16HD-3PK-Resistant-Sprayer/dp/B004KAU7DQ?th=1&psc=1#nav-search-keywords

A hydrometer or refractometer and Immersion Chiller were my first upgrades.

After that Kegging since I was tired of bottling.

Get an eraser wheel off of amazon, I did it and it was super easy to remove the pinstriping.

http://www.amazon.com/AES-Industries-Smart-Eraser-Adaptor/dp/B00488DDB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419617431&sr=8-1&keywords=eraser+wheel

I'm fairly new, myself. I've driven clunkers most of my life. Spent about five years downtown where I didn't have a car. Now I'm back in suburbia, so I've got a brand new GTI, and it's the first one I've ever cared to take good care of. Here's what I started with:

• Meguiar's D101 APC - the D103 APC+ has apparently been discontinued.
  
• Two Chemical Guys detailing bucket kits, which each have a bucket, lid, grit guard, 16oz citrus wash, and some washing pad thing I didn't really want.
  
• Two-pack of Rag Company Dry Me a River towels
  
• Five-pack of Rag Company detailing towels
  
• Bottle of Stoner Invisible Glass
  
• Two-pack of Griot's Garage microfiber wash mitts
  
• A Nanoskin wash mitt
  
• 32oz Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax - for use as a quick detailer and easy maintenance washing.
  
• Lexol leather care kit
  
• Thee-pack of spray bottles
  
• A microfiber window towel
  
• A cheap electric blower
  
• 16oz Chemical Guys Jetseal
  
• Microfiber applicators
  
  I should have picked up some of Chemical Guys' citrus wash and clear, too, to help deal with a winter's worth of grime left by terrible touchless car washes. I've also got a tire brush, hand vacuum, and some assorted cheap microfiber towels around already.
  
  Your kit looks a lot more cost-effective, though. Throw in some cheap buckets, grit guards, wash mitts, and drying towel, and an extra stack of cheap microfibers and you're still under $100 for practically everything you would need for a proper two-bucket wash and wax.

They seem to have raised the price but this is what I use

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001DKM3SI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1395868983&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

Chemical Guys EQP_312 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon and Honeydew Snow Foam Cleanser (1 Gal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OA66IG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZGMCDbJ5YJ5FE

The bottle shape is a little different but same brand. This link is a package offer with the same soap

This is the gun, but it's way overpriced by itself. https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-EQP_312-Professional-Honeydew/dp/B00J5BUZIM/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=chemical%2Bguys%2Bfoam%2Bcannon%2Bkit&qid=1568080479&s=gateway&sprefix=chemical%2Bguys%2Bfoam%2Bcannon&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

I got it as part of this kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07PGQTNR6?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Well I've just started getting together my own kit and felt I HAD to get these:

1. Meguiar's Clay bars and quik detail spray
   
   
2. Butt-load of microfiber towels
   
   
3. Waffle-weave drying towel
   
   
4. Grit-guards
   
   
5. Iron X wheel cleaner
   
   
6. Industrial Spray bottles
   
   
7. Meguiar's Gold Class car wash soap
   
   
8. Meguiar's Gold Class Wax
   
   
9. Purple Power
   
   
10. Proper wash mitt
    
    I still feel like there are atleast ten other products that I NEED!
    
    -Pressure Washer
    
    -Foam Cannon
    
    -Detailing brushes
    
    -Sealants/Compounds combined with a proper rotor drill
    
    -ETC
    
    

Eraser wheel?

AES Industries 4" Smart Eraser Pad with Drill Adaptor Arbor [Made In USA]
http://amzn.com/B00488DDB8

FYI
Auto geek has the Meguiar Bottle's for $4.00 a piece + 15% coupon so it's cheaper to order from them. I have the same bottles and love em.

As far as the Tolco sprayer you're absolutely right THESE see to be the best value for the actual sprayer nozzle, as for bottles I haven't been able to find anything that will resemble THIS setup when complete. Any ideas?

In another thread someone suggested a smart eraser - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00488DDB8

They said that it worked really well. I'll be trying it out Monday on a large amount of adhesive

Correct! I usually just use liberal amounts of saran wrap since the water spray is low pressure. You can sometimes find the Mr Clean car wash system for cheap at Big Lots or the like for $5. It has an anti-spotting formula that makes cleaning extra easy. But it's hardly the best thing out there, so don't spend much money on it.

The foam cannon and a large bottle of Honeydew is $93, and it's awesome. You'll need a pressure washer.

I just love those fucking sweat stains on my glasses on a hot summer day.

Btw, this is the best thing ever for cleaning your glasses. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dodo-Juice-Supernatural-Window-Waffle/dp/B002OHXX4M

Professionally, I'd still recommend the chemical guys foam lance: http://amzn.to/1jW66PA It's amazing to use and really cover the whole car in foam. Clients love to see this stuff. lol But if you want a hobbyist's foam gun the gilmour will do just fine for half the price of a foam lance: http://amzn.to/1lXwutV

CR Spotless DI-120 Deionized Water System, 1 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056HDCUM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_UUZ4Ab3M63FGG

I’ve been wanting to pick one of these up for a while now. My buddy has one and loves it, I just can’t bring myself to spend that much cash to be that lazy. Washing a car with a foam cannon and then not having to worry about drying seems pretty awesome though!

This tool has worked well for me, removed a lot of stickers and decals

Really cool what you're doing! Although I did notice that you spend a ton of money on spray bottles...next time you can get quality bottles much cheaper. For example: https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-ACC_121-16HD-3PK-Resistant-Sprayer/dp/B00ABYVT64

In the past, I've been able to find great deals on eBay for the Tolco chemical resistant spray bottles, at around $3.16/24oz bottle.

Everything else looks pretty good. Keep up the good work.

Here's a link to one

Eraser Wheel

Grab one of these from Amazon or locally if you can find one and hook it up to a drill. People (myself included) use these to remove decals and such from vehicles. So if it is safe enough to use on automotive paint you can be assured that it won't hurt your flooring.

You will have it up in no time with one of these.

A plastic razor blade and some liquid adhesive remover will work as others have mentioned. Another alternative is a eraser wheel. You just need to be careful with these as they create a lot of friction and burn plastic fairly easily. They are the correct tool for the job though.

this is what I'm looking at:

cannon

washer

wash mits

adams kit 1

adams kit 2

adams applicator

I figure this setup will get me a few good washes under my belt before I need to buy more shampoo and detail. This puts me around $400, anything I'm missing?

This is what I use, and what I use on my car. Do your research first. These may or may not work with your vehicle.

Car Wash Soap: Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner

Clay Kit: Meguiar's G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit, In my experience, this clay is pretty mild, but I don't need anything stronger. I've seen very good reviews for the Mothers clay bar kit also.

Wax: Meguiar's G18211 Ultimate Paste Wax

Spray Wax: Meguiar's G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax (after every wash, in-between actual waxing)

Quick Detailer: Meguiar's G14422 Ultimate Quik Detailer (for door jambs, dust etc.)

Leather Care: I have heard very good things about Leatherique, I have also used Lexol in the past with good results

As for interior cleaner, it really just depends. Do a little research, Meguiar's has a line of interior cleaners, although I haven't tried them.

Glass Cleaner: Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner

As for wheels cleaners, I use a soft sponge and the car wash soap. It does an excellent job without using harsh chemicals that spray onto the brakes.
I personally have not found a tire shine I feel safe using, although I have not done much research into looking for a product for that.

House attachment: If you have a pressure washer safe for paint, this foam cannon seems decent. http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-EQP_310-Professional-Cannon/dp/B00J5BUZIM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1462673090&sr=8-6&keywords=foam+cannon
I personally use this: http://www.harborfreight.com/car-wash-nozzle-60773.html
My pressure washer is too high of pressure for my paint, and I don't feel like lugging it out every time I wash my car. So I go to my coin operated wash bay, pay the $2, and use only the rinse option. I come back and start my wash process.

If you have any more questions, let me know. The wiki does help, but sometimes I feel lost and overwhelmed looking at it.

Well, these are so dirt cheap that they separate from the yellow on the first go around basically...but they're cheap...

I use a paint brush and Sonax Tire Gloss Gel, I've got a few different sizes and now a lot of excess tire gel at the bottom of the basket I carry them around in ;)

If you want, you can use an MF applicator pad, as well.

Chemical Guys ACC_135 The Duck Foaming Trigger Sprayer and Bottle (32 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087EFYV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8O9ZAb5ANYYAX

I upgraded my method this time around and it went a lot better than my last car. I used a heat gun to warm up the badge (kept checking surrounding paint with my fingertips) then used some braided fishing line (25lb) with zip ties on each end to save my fingers. Sawing motion with the line behind the badge. After I carefully pop it off I did a combo of rolling the adhesive off (quick heat gun helps) with my fingers and using an eraser pad at low RPMs. Those things are amazing and it did zero damage to the paint. Rinse, wash and wax the area afterwards. If the truck wasn't brand new it might need some paint correction to make things look right.

Way cheaper than what the dealership wanted and only took me 30mins.

Decided to take my side business to the next level.


D120 smells amazing btw


griots bag - $49.99 amazon the bag fits 4 bottles outside and about 12 standing up inside


spray bottles surprisingly good, great control with this size

I did some 16oz stuff from Amazon early on that worked decently but never really saw use. I then went to get a bunch of these:

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=22899&catid=471

These are what I first got and have basically retired because capacity is too small for professional use: https://smile.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-ACC_121-16HD3-ACC_121-16HD-3PK-Resistant/dp/B00ABYVT64/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521490090&sr=8-3-fkmr3&keywords=us+plastics+spray+bottle+chemical+resistant

But basically looking for chemical resistant sprayer and the gray sprayers seem to be solid.

Thanks! Yes, I'm using this combo: https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-EQP_312-Professional-Honeydew/dp/B00OA66IG0

Here are links to all items used or mentioned in this video:

EQUIPMENT:

Sun Joe SPX4001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5 Amp Electric Pressure Washer w/ Pressure Select Technology & Hose Reel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBV3LPV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h74uCbXEB81HB

Sun Joe SPX-UQC Universal Brass/Aluminum Pressure Washer Garden Hose Quick-Connect Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HH3V1Z0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.74uCbWV6TH05

McKillans Foam Cannon Professional Grade Adjustable Lance Pressure Washer Jet Wash with 1/4” Quick Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6KPV3G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GN5uCbG88X0C2

Extra Bonus! Includes 3 Additional Filters - Metro Vac Revolution W/ 30 Ft Hose - Model MB-3CD SWB - 30 - Air Force Master Blaster Car & Motorcycle Air Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711L4Y6F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IS5uCbZ4QRY1C

https://simplechuck.com/

Amazon:
Double Chuck https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072QRNWY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5m5uCbRTN1SPV

https://www.autogeek.net/ps-beadmaker-sprayer.html?productid=ps-beadmaker-sprayer&channelid=FROOG&utm_source=CSEs&utm_medium=GoogleProductSearch&utm_campaign=CSE&utm_campaign=1504990722&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=287205172222&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzafHqKCb4AIVARx9Ch2RlwD6EAQYByABEgJcZvD_BwE


CHEMICALS:

Chemical Guys CWS_110 Honeydew Snow Foam Car Wash Soap and Cleanser (1 Gal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OTW646/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_594uCbGY470D2

https://www.theragcompany.com/p-s-bead-maker-paint-protectant-gallon-128-oz/

Optimum (NR2010G) No Rinse Wash & Shine - 1 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GG9FK2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RE5uCbVH68G0R

Hope's Perfect Glass Cleaner, 2 Piece, 32 Oz. Spray Bottle and 64 Oz. Refill Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ALK3I52/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bI5uCbW6A0HWF

Chemical Guys CWS_201 Microfiber Wash Cleaning Detergent Concentrate (1 Gal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001W91J8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9K5uCbQSX7V7A

OTHER SUPPLIES:

https://www.theragcompany.com/value-bundle-cyclone-wash-mitt-premium-korean-microfiber-2-pack/

https://www.theragcompany.com/value-bundle-eagle-edgeless-600-16-x-16-towel-grey-5-pack/

https://www.theragcompany.com/value-bundle-16-x-16-creature-edgeless-dual-pile-towel-5-pack/

https://www.theragcompany.com/value-bundle-16-x-24-eagle-edgeless-500-microfiber-towels-3-pack/

Similar Wheel Brush
AmazonBasics Wheel Brush, Long Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073P7FSW5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ml5uCb5R63RHP

Quik Shot - 16 Ounce Plastic Flask with a Built-in 1 Ounce Shot Glass Chamber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM5FI5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_STjvCb7H18HTF

Use one of these for the final rinse

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-AutoDry-System-Starter/dp/B0006M56CE

I bought a Chemical Guys spray bottle from Amazon. The sprayer has something that rattles inside, sounds like a tiny ball or something. If I take the sprayer and shake it, it's pretty obvious. Is this normal?

Personally, I would avoid using bleach for anything related to brewing.

Also, [these](Chemical Guys ACC_121.32HD Chemical Resistant Heavy Duty Bottle and Sprayer (32 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZATW42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9N62BbAGXZF0F) are by far the best spray bottles I've ever used. I've also had success with the pump style sprayers for insecticide.

A while ago I bought one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-AutoDry-System-Starter/dp/B0006M56CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501438127&sr=8-1&keywords=mr+clean+car+wash

It has a water filter which removes a lot of the hard minerals. After rinsing the car, I rinse again with the filtered water.

And don't forget the standard stuff - make sure your car is not in direct sunlight and not hot to the touch when you spray water on it, and dry quickly afterwards. Also, a good waxing will help keep spots from forming.

So basically this

Edit: did you use a pressure washer? and which one?