Cleaning a black car

[Benji]

Alright folks,

At the weekend i cleaned my car, then i thought i might aswell clean the V70 aswell, this belongs to the mother and i find it one hell of a challenge!

First of all it's an estate, im used to cleaning the Leon so there is a big difference.
Secondly it's black! Trying to keep this car wet, whilst cleaning it and then drying the lump was very challenging.

This was only my 2nd or 3rd time in cleaning it, but i know that a black car would be so much more difficult than just about every other colour.

I'm seruously thinking about getting a black car next and im curious as to how you go about cleaning them.
Do you black car owners have your routines? Is it all about speed?
What's it like cleaning the car in the summer?!

 

[jonnie5]

Assuming you already use a good wash and drying technique, then I find using a quick detailer (megs last touch) whilst drying leaves a streak free, with no water marks. Just try not to let the soap dry or the water air dry on the car. Also using a open ended hose or watering can to rinse will help to sheet the water off, aiding drying.

 

[Benji]

Yeah i think i've got a good wash and dry technique, my car looks pristine at the moment!

I forgot about the open ended hose until last week when i used it. It really does help with the drying.

That's a good idea using the quick detailer with drying. I'd like to not have to but then it would leave you with no doubt about water marks. There the last thing you want to see after you've washed and partially dried the car!

My main concern was keeping the whole car wet whilst washing, i found that tough and was surprised at how quickly water seems to dry on a black car.
It must be impossible to wash it in the summer? or during the daytime at least!

 

[dav3]

I find the best way to get rid of water marks when drying is to have a damp cloth to hand. Wipe an area with the damp cloth then go over it with the dry cloth. As to washing in the summer I only ever wash mine 1st thing in the morning or late afternoon early evening (coolest time of day), also I make sure the car is either in the garage or under a canopy (in the shade) if I do have to wash it during the day. Black take alot of work to keep clean but looks soooooo nice when clean

 

[phil3012]

I had black on my Cupra and hated it, never again.

I found a good way of making it look nice with little effort is with a micofibre drying towel.

I use this one:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_199187_langId_-1_categoryId_165609

 

[Jace]

Its easier to clean it early on or latter in the day during summer, I'm lucky as the drive is shaded by the house most of the morning.

The method I use is:

Start with wheels & then move on to the paint, using a fresh bucket

Snow foam
Rinse
Wash
Rinse (filtered water via watering can)
Dry
Quick detail

If your struggling to avoid watermarks, an AQUAGLEAM water filter will help, it removes the minerals which leave the ring marks.

 

[clarkeg]

A well waxed car will make all the difference when it comes to drying. I've had 2 black cars and they cause no problems, well waxed and a good quality drying cloth makes a world of difference. I got my last drying cloth from polishedbliss, one rub around the car and the remaining fine layer of water drys off leaving a 100% streak free finish.

Clarke

 

[Benji]

Its easier to clean it early on or latter in the day during summer, I'm lucky as the drive is shaded by the house most of the morning.

The method I use is:

Start with wheels & then move on to the paint, using a fresh bucket

Snow foam
Rinse
Wash
Rinse (filtered water via watering can)
Dry
Quick detail

If your struggling to avoid watermarks, an AQUAGLEAM water filter will help, it removes the minerals which leave the ring marks.

Jace,
Did you send cleanyourcar a picture of your 'snowed' Mk2?
Im putting 2 and 2 together here, but i saw that picture not long before i read your post.
It's either that or a big co-incidence.

I sometimes snow foam the car twice, so the routine was.

Snow foam
Rinse
Wash
Snow foam
Rinse (open hose)
Dry
Wax/Quick detail

Looked brilliant after that, and it was rather fun aswell.