Wash

We’ve always said it; the wash stage (or the ‘wet work’) is likely the most important part of detailing process. This is because it not only lays the foundation for every stage that comes post wash – by cleansing all surfaces to prevent any interference from contaminants with key processes like paint correction and finishing – but doing it correctly also ensures that any effort you may have put into enhancing and adding protection to your paintwork (and other surfaces) during the rest of your detail is safeguarded the next time you clean your car, truck or SUV.

The truth is that the very best car care always revolves around ongoing maintenance, and washing your vehicle as safely as possible is crucial to avoid inflicting swirl marks and other paintwork defects. Poor wash techniques will inevitably mean dragging grit and grime across the most sensitive surfaces, scratching and swirling as you go. This is why observing the correct processes and procedures is vital. Performing a ‘safe wash’ is also essential to prevent damage to any previously applied protection layers – both in regards the procedures you carry out and the products you choose along the way.

All of our powerful pre wash cleaning agents (like Citrus Power  Bug & Grime Remover and Dynamite Traffic Film Remover), along with our Avalanche Snow Foam and Car Shampoo are non-stripping, meaning they won’t remove or degrade wax, sealants and ceramic coatings, keeping your previously applied protection layers intact every time you wash.

Safe exterior cleaning is broken up into four main categories – wheel cleaning, pre wash, snow foam and contact washing. Each of these has plays their part in safely removing soiling without causing damage and requires specific detailing products to obtain the best results.

Wheels and tyres are typically the dirtiest part of any vehicle, and these should be cleansed first to avoid spreading road grime and harmful contaminants to other parts of the vehicle. We offer a range of cleaning agents and accessories for all types of wheels, even those with expensive specialists finishes. These products include Imperial Wheel Cleaner and Revolution Wheel Soap, along with a selection of brushes specifically suited to cleaning wheels. We also offer a heavy-duty product for cleaning your rubber sidewalls – Tread Tyre Cleaner.

The next stage is the paintwork, and arguably the most important stage of all. The idea of a pre wash is to remove the heaviest soiling without physically touching the surface, in order to avoid dragging contaminants. The harsher the contamination, the more harmful it is to surfaces and, after an initial rinse, the best method is to utilise a dedicated pre wash cleaner. Our specially-selected cleaning agents, Citrus Power and Dynamite are both capable of breaking down the harshest soiling, lifting contaminants and allowing them to be safely rinsed away.

Snow Foam is technically part of the pre wash stage, but should always be performed after utilising a pre wash cleaner. Our thick, luscious Avalanche Snow Foam is designed to linger on surfaces for as long as possible, breaking down any remaining soiling. Avalanche also works its way into panel gaps and shuts cleaning away any hidden soiling. For the best results Avalanche must be applied using a suitable Snow Foam Lance.

Only when a thorough pre wash and snow foam has cleaned surfaces of the riskiest particles is it safe to make contact with your vehicle. This contact wash phase is to remove the last of the light soiling and a ‘two bucket’ wash method should always be employed here, using two detailing buckets a suitable wash mitt, and a solution of Lather Car Shampoo.

Of course, that’s by no means all we have to offer. The decontamination stage is also an important part of preparing a car for polishing and paint correction, so we have a range of specialist products specifically designed for removal of the kind of ingrained and embedded contaminants that washing alone isn’t able to eliminate.

Other areas that may be more suited to some of the alternative cleaning formulas in our range are engine bays, wheel arches and fabric convertible roofs.

No matter the job, we have you covered with the essential products and accessories for every stage from cleaning the wheels, right through to drying your vehicle. We also have a full selection of comprehensive product kits to see you on your way.