Some cleaning questions

[68stang351]

Since you guys are so good at cleaning/detailing your cars, I have a few questions that I would like for you to answer.

What do you guys use to dry the car off with? I use a microfiber "waffle pattern" cloth, but it always seems to leave lint behind. I think my mistake here is that when my wife washes it, I think she washes it with other garments instead of by itself.

Also, I would like to know what you guys clean the instrument panel lens with. It has very light scratches on it from the previous owner using too harsh of a cloth I guess. Is there a way to take care of the light scratches and what should I use to make sure it doesn't get scratched again? I was thinking of the meguiars or blue magic plastic lens cleaner and a fine polishing cloth.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[03gtdrkpny]

I use 100% cotton terry cloth to dry and I throw them away when I'm done (or keep them for oil spills, but never to touch the car again). I also use a 100% cotton polishing cloth with Windex for the instrument panel. Those scratches are near impossible to completely get rid of once they're there.

 

[04fullitgt]

you could try using plastix, I cant think of who makes it though, I used it on mine and it got rid of some of the scratches in it. And to dry my car off I usually use an electric leaf blower then pick up whatevers left with a microfiber cloth. I usually wash all my towels seperate from everything so I never really dealt with the lint problem.

 

[smokin00GT]

I use an Absorber to dry the car. It is like a shami (sp?) but is washable. They are at auto zone for $10.00.
For the instrument pannel, I use black majic protectant and a cotton rag. It seems to fill minor scratches and dries to a clear finish. I also use it on the dash and door pannels.

 

[2013 Geee T]

I use 100% cotton terry cloth to dry and I throw them away when I'm done (or keep them for oil spills, but never to touch the car again). I also use a 100% cotton polishing cloth with Windex for the instrument panel. Those scratches are near impossible to completely get rid of once they're there.

You throw away the towels each time you use them? That seems kind of wasteful. Remember its just a Ford paint job.

 

[Crzyhrse]

I've never washed or dried my microfiber towels with any other clothes. Just throw the couple towels you use in the washer alone, and them dry them alone. No lint or anything on them ever.

 

[03gtdrkpny]

You throw away the towels each time you use them? That seems kind of wasteful. Remember its just a Ford paint job.

The wax towels I pitch. The wash towels I use without touching the wheels I'll wash sometimes and use them on the wife's cars. The towels that touch the wheels usually end up picking up spills in the garage. I also store my towels and wax applicators in rubbermaid containers. I guess I'm anal about it. 100% cotton terry towels you can get in 24 packs at autozone and pepboys, I buy a few bags each season when they're 7.99 or 8.99.

 

[2013 Geee T]

But have you had them tested to make sure they are 100% terrycloth and not 99%?

 

[03gtdrkpny]

But have you had them tested to make sure they are 100% terrycloth and not 99%?

No, I take their word for it. LOL

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

I use 100% cotton terry cloth to dry and I throw them away when I'm done (or keep them for oil spills, but never to touch the car again). I also use a 100% cotton polishing cloth with Windex for the instrument panel. Those scratches are near impossible to completely get rid of once they're there.

Get some Microfiber and wipe gently. Use an interior cleaner specific product... Meguiars makes a bunch along with many others.

you could try using plastix, I cant think of who makes it though, I used it on mine and it got rid of some of the scratches in it. And to dry my car off I usually use an electric leaf blower then pick up whatevers left with a microfiber cloth. I usually wash all my towels seperate from everything so I never really dealt with the lint problem.

+1 on PlastiX by Meguiars. Try a small area first.

Use Microfiber on the cars to avoid scratches. They work fine. Try www.autopia.org for a bunch of info.

Good luck,

Matt

 

[DTNODYA]

I use a leaf blower or air hose to dry the rims, tires and side view mirrors. I use an 'absorber' to dry the car. I use microfiber applicators to wax/polish and microfiber cloths to buff the wax off. They work 100 % better than any type of cloth!!!