[Simple5]

1) Wash with Dawn dishwasher soap
2) Dry Car with Chamois
3) Lube and Clay
4) Wash with car soap
5) Polish
6) Wax

Everything done by hand. Am I golden or is there room for improvement?

[Brentster]

I always wash after polishing to get rid of the oils so the wax doesn't slide off. In the 6 hour scheme of things, what's 15 more minutes.

[Simple5]

Thanks for the tip!

[tbracing]

Are you serious that you wash your car with dishwasher soap? Be careful with that stuff!

[Simple5]

Originally Posted by tbracing

Are you serious that you wash your car with dishwasher soap? Be careful with that stuff!

To my knowledge dishwasher soap. Especially Dawn removes the old wax and any kind of oily residue.

[tbracing]

Originally Posted by Simple3

To my knowledge dishwasher soap. Especially Dawn removes the old wax and any kind of oily residue.

Yeah, you just need to be careful. dish soap can do more bad than good if not diluted properly, left on too long or not fully washed off.

[Express]

polishing by hand is a waste.

[sorryiwasnapping]

Originally Posted by Simple3

To my knowledge dishwasher soap. Especially Dawn removes the old wax and any kind of oily residue.

I would look into Chemical Guy's Citrus Wash & Gloss, it's cheap and depending on dilution it can be used to strip off previous wax/sealants or as a maintenance soap. Also, a bit safer than Dawn.

[DavC5000]

Originally Posted by Simple3

To my knowledge dishwasher soap. Especially Dawn removes the old wax and any kind of oily residue.

that is also the case for the clay bar and polish so no need for dawn imo. use soap made for cars

[335xi_zer0]

Originally Posted by sorryiwasnapping

I would look into Chemical Guy's Citrus Wash & Gloss, it's cheap and depending on dilution it can be used to strip off previous wax/sealants or as a maintenance soap. Also, a bit safer than Dawn.

+1 Chemical Guys stuff is pretty sweet.

Also, with the chamois, be extra careful and keep it clean if you are going to use it. Most detailers will cringe at the thought of using a chamois. They claim they are great for drying, which they are, but they are VERY prone to leave micro scratches on the car because even though it picks up the dirt, it doesn't mean it's eliminating it. Essentially you'll want to either dry by blower or the sheeting method and patting it dry with a waffle weave microfiber towel.

For the second wash, I would use either CM Maxi Suds or Meguiar's Gold Class. I usually don't do an extra wash, but I will go over the car again with a quick detailer.

[Express]

gold class is good stuff..

[thetedderbear]

I have to admit, I cringed at seeing dawn on here. Yes, it removes old wax, but I prefer getting a stronger car specific soap at walmart and mixing it strong for stripping, I use chemical guys car was inbetween waxes, and so I don't strip my sealant off. If your car isnt sealed, I recommend that too.

[Bobble]

No need to strip if you are claying and polishing that will strip everything with those processes. Do an IPA wipedown after polish before waxing to remove oils or rewash(can use preps all or something like that if IPA is not your preference).
The problem with dish soap is it wil dry out your rubber bits if left on or used too often. Also does not have the lubricity of car wash soap. If you need OTC stuff Meg Gold Class is everywhere and DG 901 at some Auto parts stores.

[Simple5]

Thanks for the input guys! No more Dawn for me!