I can't go on like this!!

I have to 2nd your voice. I haven't clean my dear Prius since february....

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BellBoy @ May 11 2006, 11:55 AM) [snapback]253631[/snapback]</div>

1) I use the Mr. Clean system for cleaning outside.
2) I don't have tinted windows, but I use Invisible Glass for cleaning.
3) I have a dash cover so I don't have to clean the dash itself.
4) For the MFD I use the stuff (spray and cloth) I got to clean my LCD monitor.

I should be cleaning my car (and my wife's) this weekend.

 

Mine had 6000 miles before the first bath. Actually, I had freeway debris damage about 1200 miles, and the body shop washed it after new bumper, foglight, and repair to pass. side door. I now have over 8K and washed it again last week-end. I just used somekind of armorall product with wash and wax built in to a gel tab. ( I think it was Armorall). It worked OK.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BellBoy @ May 11 2006, 02:55 PM) [snapback]253631[/snapback]</div>

For the tinted windows: use any window cleaner that DOES NOT contain Amonia. Amonia will cause damage to the plastic and weaken the adhesive.
Tim

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ May 11 2006, 02:12 PM) [snapback]253646[/snapback]</div>

Just wanted to mention about #4 above - as with computer monitors please spray the cleaner on the cloth and then wipe the monitor clean; don't spray directly on the MFD.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BellBoy @ May 11 2006, 01:55 PM) [snapback]253631[/snapback]</div>

You have an interesting perspective... which would change after spending just 10 minutes in the north country during the winter. Pretty much all the vehicles here look like they've been having way too much fun. No showroom shine for us.

In fact, looking like they've engaged in battle is something to be proud of. Might as well make the best of an unbeatable situation, eh? Check out at my photo album. There are many shots like this...



...so many of us don't even try. We just learn to live with the fact that clean is only associated with the warm season.

 

wash: once a week (unless something comes up like the current situation) blue coral concentrate... don't know if i'll continue using it once i run out
sponge: microfiber covered sponge
dry: the absorber/aqua dry towel
wax: we had zaino on it, then some $(*&^^ construction company got paint overspray on the car, we had it claybarred and re-waxed and i HATE the stuff they put on it, so we're going to re-zaino sometime soon.
dash: i have an 05 so the dash doesn't have that texture to it, but i use mother's back to black and it makes it look nice- not that dull look it has from the factory
windows: tinted windows are wiped down with a wet (water only) paper towel, windshield with stoner's invisible glass a couple of times (also use this on outside glass)
mfd: water on a soft cloth- i use a t-shirt rag
i vacuum with a shop vac now and again, and spray off the a/w mats when they start to look dirty.

 

Outside I'm using Zaino. I'm one of the types who had never purchased care care products like that before getting my Prius. When it was dirty I drove it to a car wash. Now I really like Zaino. I don't like the manual labor involved, but I'm happy with the results.

I purchased the California Car Duster for when it gets dusty, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet because you are supposed to wrap it in Newspaper for 48 hours before you use it the first time.

I just ordered a nushield protector for the MFD. I'll have to find a way to clean the fingerprints off before installing that.

 

well, i could see that with dry paper towels, but wet ones are too soft to scratch anything. heck, use a soft cloth, i'm sure that would work fine too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BellBoy @ May 12 2006, 11:20 AM) [snapback]254118[/snapback]</div>

Salt is inert as long as it remains dry. So for surprisingly long stretches, that white crust doesn't cause any damage. Later when it does get wet, the layer of hard wax protects the paint. The catch is to use the type that can endure the entire winter with only a single application. NuFinish works great for that.

As for setting a priority, how? When water only takes a few seconds to freeze, that is simply impossible sometimes. All the doors would bond shut, trapping you inside. So you have no choice but to wait for warmer weather... which can actually take weeks to return.

 

I use Meguiar's.

>What do you clean the inside windows with tint applied?

I use Meguiar's NXT glass cleaner is safe for tint and smells wonderful!

>How do you clean that textured stuff on the dash without leaving little linty thingies all over the place?

Well, I have a dash cover so don't. But I wouldn't use ArmorAll. I have some Meguiar's interior wipes I use on the exposed plastic interior parts. If I need to wipe anything I use a microfiber towel.

>What do you clean the nav display with?

Again, I don't. I put a screen saver on it. I use Kensington Screen Guardian for laptops and a lint free cloth.

>What's the best cloth products to use inside and out?

I use microfiber towels. I use the Meguiar's for detail, polish, wax etc. I use their white microfiber terry for glass. And I use an Absorber to dry the car after washing.

 

I am just starting to keep this car nice.... Winter is rough, I usually just resort to those self service pump the quarters for time car washed in the winter..

I have been using Mequiars Crystal wash with a wool wash mit, the Absorber or natural chamois to dry
I use Stoner Glass Cleaner, followed by RainX.
The MFD I clean with the cloth you use for eyeglasses
A Swifter Duster on the small handle stays in the upper glove box & does a great job on the dash dust/clutter.
Formula 303 protectant on the vinyl/plastic surfaces inside the car

I used NuFinish originally, but was advised out of using it further (after reading). While it does protect, it seems a bit harsh for a new car finish. I ordered and will use Klassse AIO (removed with microfiber cloth) and then Sealant....