What do you guys use to clean your Civic?

[Malakius]

I don't want to take it to the carwash because I waste money and the job is not done as I please. I was asking more of what would I need to clean my own car. What stuff should I need to buy?

[8695Beaters]

Car washes actually damage your paint. Never take your car there if you value it.

It's pretty simple, first off buy a new bucket, a car sponge, and some car soap (make sure it is specifically for cars. Some people use dish soap and that will scratch the paint). Take a magic marker and write "Car Only" on the bucket, so you don't put dirt or anything corrosive in it. Then fill it up with some warm water and add some soap. Rinse the car with a hose, wash it, and hose it off again. If you are really detail oriented, you would have a second bucket to rinse the sponge in before soaping it back up again.

Every 6 months or so, you should also wax the car. There are lots of waxes out there that can make just about any car in the world look good. If you can go for broke, by caranuba wax. I have used it and I must say it really does the trick. It actually made my 20 year old Integra shine again. It's expensive, but it will go a long way. You will also need an applicator pad (some wax kits will come with one) and a clean shop towel. Add the wax with the applicator, and wipe it off a minute later with the towel. Don't let it sit too long though.

If you have a white car, you can use baking soda to remove old tars and any other organic stains that are stuck on (my Integra had leaf spots from leaves sitting on the car and the color seeping into the paint. Even after 8 years on the paint, some baking soda wiped it all off). Don't try this on a car that isn't white, since it may fade the color. One day I will try this on my current Integra, because the paint on it is sacrificial.

That's about the bare necessities. You can buy a buffer, but that's only if you want a show car shine. There's also dozens of other car cleaners you can buy, but most of them are unnecessary. I would also invest in some vinyl/plastic cleaner, tire cleaner (sometimes the plastic cleaner will work too) and a metal/chrome shiner. You can use the chrome shiner on your exhaust tip and the logos of you car. It will also work on antennas ot any other metal parts you have on your car that are exposed. I wouldn't use it one engine parts though, since it may burn off (the muffler tip is cool enough not to burn, I've used it there). Oh and make sure the plastic cleaner is low gloss, or you won't be able to see out the window from the glare. And make sure you use some glass cleaner on the inside of the windows. I use a squegee before a paper towel. After vacuuming, you are ready for the car show.

[MugenEJ6AutoX]

If your really interested go to the local detail shop. Don't pay, but ask for a tour and look at their products. Detailing is all about taking your time, and doing it right. I worked for a Caddy dealership for 3 years doing it. Its easy, but if you spend less than 2hours on the exterior its not done right.

[8695Beaters]

That's true. But you don't need to spend that much time every time you wash your car. Then again, I will wash my car when it's raining outside. Hey, why not let nature do the work?

[Malakius]

Originally Posted by 8695Beaters

That's true. But you don't need to spend that much time every time you wash your car. Then again, I will wash my car when it's raining outside. Hey, why not let nature do the work?

Actually, raining doesn't seem to clear most of the actual dirt on my car. It might look nice when it is raining but thats it.
I want it to shine so I am prolly going to get a wax and a buffer and put it on the electric screwdriver (putting it on low of course).

[8695Beaters]

I meant I soap up the car when it's raining outside. The car is already wet and the rain rinses everything off. My dad started doing that a few years ago when we were in a drought and you couldn't wash cars. So he did it during the rain. It's not wasting water since it's already coming down right?

The best shines come from the hand (I hope that doesn't sound too awkward). A hand shine will beat a machine any day.

[93HondaSI]

I just went and bought that Mr. Clean Carwash Sprayer thing and it works prety well actually.

[PrimeTimeV6]

One tip on cleaning the windows on the inside of your car is try not to use any solvents. The best way to clean the inside of your windshield is with a dry paper towel. You can feel the grime being pulled off and it won't leave streaks at night if done correctly. I find in the humidity of South Louisiana if I put Windex on the inside of my windshield it will fog up. Also if you have tint on your windows you never wanna use any kind of glass cleaning products. The ammonia will actually kill your tint after time. If you have to use anything just use a little water.

[8695Beaters]

I usually take two passes with glass cleaners. One to get rid of the dirt and one to get rid of the streaks.

[Superman]

I recommend Invisible glass for the windows, its the best glass cleaner ive come across. I only have to do 1 pass although I end up doing 3 or 4 anyways, prolly my obsessive compulsive side trying to scratch its way out.

As for the washing. I always hand wash, twice a week or 3 times depending on the weather and quick detailing in between. Using the lint/fuzz free cloths I've found that using quick detailing spray works great. And then a quick wax. I over do it on the wax but hey, there's nothing wrong an almost radioactive shine ;p Armor all on the interior, dust the vents vacuum the carpet and seats. replace air freshener every other week. Engine compartment, Ill use simple green or a degreaser along with power washing. be sure to block up all the holes in the firewall and bag up your intake, battery and dizzy. let the degreaser soak in if you don't or haven't done this in a while. While ive got the power washer out I like to hit up the wheel wells too. Then I hit up the chrome with polish and all the abs plastic with Z-14 Plastic Magic Cleaner & Polish. Great stuff!

So yeah that's my routine.