need DIY on car wash.wat tools?

[Kaotic Lazagna]

i go with Meguiar's car wash (the one is the purple bottle). a long hair wash mitt (you want long hair so that you don't scratch your paint/clear coat with the crap you trap on the mitt). and then i use either Meguiar's or Mother's car wax (make sure it's clear coat safe). use lint-free finishing towels (they're very soft and lint-free, and pretty cheap). for drying, i use the Absorber.

and if you want to make it shine like crazy (you've seen my threads), buy Mother's clay bar pack (Showtime, clay bar, and wax), and be ready to spend several hours (took me 4 hours) on washing your car.

here's the steps i take (with clay bar)

1. rinse off the entire car (i use the "jet" setting on the hose head)
2. soap/wash panel by panel at a time; i start with the roof, then the front windshield and hood, then the rear window and trunk (hatch for you). then i go with the side away from the side and wash front to back. repeat on side facing the sun, and ending with the bumpers.
*make sure you soap in straight lines, avoiding circular motions (you don't want to see those circular marks on your car, do you?)
*and make sure you constantly keep the entire car wet (on a hot/sunny day) to avoid water stain/marks
3. dry off with the Absorber
4. clay bar with Mother's Showtime
5. make sure any remaining residue from clay bar/Showtime are wiped off
6. wax
7. rinse off to rid of polarity caused by waxing
8. dry with the Absorber

enjoy the shine and smoothness of your paint.

[Mead]

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

3. dry off with the Absorber

+1

This thing is awesome especially for a black car, zero water spots with almost no effort.

[forpinks]

Ouch! black Yaris+dirt= dusty sand with pearl underneath in 4days! (Your lookin sexy in those 4 days though )

Anyway this is what you need:
Exterior:

water (don't start without it!)
hose and nozzle
2 buckets
car wash soap (if old wax isn't good & car is 12wks old, use dish washing liquid.)
microfiber cloth, chamois, and some cheap foam (to wipe the excess tire shine.)
clay bar and (lubricant/detailer) DO NOT USE "ASTROGLIDE" please...
detailer
Porter cable random orbital polisher with variable speed or something pricier.
some good show quality detailer grade polish set... (also some good bonnets for the polisher.)
high quality detailer grade wax or sealant!
metal polish (optional)
window cleaner and Rain-X
Your choice of "happy" drink!

Interior:
steam cleaner (optional)
paper towel and real towel
fabric dry cleaner
all purpose cleaning spray
armor all
leather conditioner (if you have leather)
air freshener
carpet cleaner and deodorizer
window cleaner

HAPPY DETAILING!!!