sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 (edited) We had our suv detailed today. They did a great job but it was pricier than we thought it would be. So that we don't pay out that much money again for this service and to keep our interior looking new-like, does anyone here have any ideas what products are used specifically for glass, vinyl and leather? The glass had no streaks. We've tried newspaper, soap/water, red cider vinegar but those have never yielded the look the detailers offered today. We didn't ask because they would not tell us what they used. The leather was cleaned and looked nice! And, the vinyl once again looked restored and new: dark, moist, etc. I'm REALLY hoping someone here has some answers. Maybe you're a car detailer or know someone who is. Thanks! Edited November 27, 2022 by sheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 I’ve never tried their tips but maybe a year ago a DS got really into YouTube car videos. I’m sure there’s dozens of DIY detailing ones out there. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Microfiber rags for detailing window squeegee for perfect windows ( wipe it with a microfiber rag) Chemical guys products for outside and 303 for the dash and other inside. I use windex or it’s alternative for windows Cleaning putty for those tiny places TeSabMi Cleaning Gel Car Accessories Car Cleaning Kit Car Detailing Kit Automotive Dust Car Crevice Cleaner Air Vent Interior Detail Removal Putty Cleaning Keyboard Cleaner for Car Vents, PC Yellow https://a.co/d/edHYzqy 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 6 minutes ago, Katy said: I’ve never tried their tips but maybe a year ago a DS got really into YouTube car videos. I’m sure there’s dozens of DIY detailing ones out there. Katy, right. After I posted this that idea came to me. Still, if anyone here has first hand knowledge I'd be interested in hearing what they have to say. THanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 5 minutes ago, itsheresomewhere said: Microfiber rags for detailing window squeegee for perfect windows ( wipe it with a microfiber rag) Chemical guys products for outside and 303 for the dash and other inside. I use windex or it’s alternative for windows Cleaning putty for those tiny places TeSabMi Cleaning Gel Car Accessories Car Cleaning Kit Car Detailing Kit Automotive Dust Car Crevice Cleaner Air Vent Interior Detail Removal Putty Cleaning Keyboard Cleaner for Car Vents, PC Yellow https://a.co/d/edHYzqy I will look in to each one. Windex streaks. Need something else for glass. 🙂 303 is used for what material? Vinyl? Leather? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Just now, sheryl said: I will look in to each one. Windex streaks. Need something else for glass. 🙂 303 is used for what material? Vinyl? Leather? Try the squeegee. No streaks 303 is used on plastic and vinyl. Leather I use leather 911. A local classic car shop turned me on to it. Fantastic product. Even removed the pen marks from the leather DH forgot he had in his back pocket . 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 1 minute ago, itsheresomewhere said: Try the squeegee. No streaks 303 is used on plastic and vinyl. Leather I use leather 911. A local classic car shop turned me on to it. Fantastic product. Even removed the pen marks from the leather DH forgot he had in his back pocket . Thanks for this! I will add them to the consideration list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 One summer, I had three cars to sell. For youtube car detailing videos . . . i would recommend Ammo NYC. He has a list, and does high end cars. (including some that have been garaged - and not driven - for decades) the detail geek stauffer garage if you want dramatic before and after. He has some good info. There are many others, most are . . . . meh. I had the 3m clear protectors put on. bumpers, mirror housing, door edges. front hood, etc. It's great protection from rock chips. gak - similar is great for cleaning out crevices. Most of the stuff sold in your local autoparts store . . . the detailers don't use. Chemical guys Meguilers 303 were the brands I came across the most in detail vids. get good brushes. I couldn't believe the difference after cleaning my leather seats with them. (leather cleaner AND a leather conditioner) oh - I even learned I could use leather paint to touch up my leather steering wheel. Looked great when I was done. If you have a little green clean machine - it's much easier to wash carpets. extraction is very important. I also got a separate sprayer instead of relying upon the lgcm. I had to try different things to get bumper stickers off. the fact the rear seats were made to come out of my van - made my life easier. . . . thought RIGHT AFTER I detailed the van . . . . 1ds spilled a thing of pop on the carpet so I had to clean that area all over again. And because he was so distracted by the spill - he didn't *turn off the car all the way*, and left the keys in the ignition. I came out to a dead battery . . . . 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 23 minutes ago, gardenmom5 said: One summer, I had three cars to sell. For youtube car detailing videos . . . i would recommend Ammo NYC. He has a list, and does high end cars. (including some that have been garaged - and not driven - for decades) the detail geek stauffer garage if you want dramatic before and after. He has some good info. There are many others, most are . . . . meh. I had the 3m clear protectors put on. bumpers, mirror housing, door edges. front hood, etc. It's great protection from rock chips. gak - similar is great for cleaning out crevices. Most of the stuff sold in your local autoparts store . . . the detailers don't use. Chemical guys Meguilers 303 were the brands I came across the most in detail vids. get good brushes. I couldn't believe the difference after cleaning my leather seats with them. (leather cleaner AND a leather conditioner) oh - I even learned I could use leather paint to touch up my leather steering wheel. Looked great when I was done. If you have a little green clean machine - it's much easier to wash carpets. extraction is very important. I also got a separate sprayer instead of relying upon the lgcm. I had to try different things to get bumper stickers off. the fact the rear seats were made to come out of my van - made my life easier. . . . thought RIGHT AFTER I detailed the van . . . . 1ds spilled a thing of pop on the carpet so I had to clean that area all over again. And because he was so distracted by the spill - he didn't *turn off the car all the way*, and left the keys in the ignition. I came out to a dead battery . . . . Yes, thanks for that. After itsheresomewhere's last reply and before reading yours, I watched 3 YT tutorials. The first one I watched was stauffer garage. He was quite good. So, leather "cleaner" AND leather "conditioner". I'm not sure how much $$ we'll invest as we do drive older cars. But, my 2010 Highlander looks new again (except the few scratches on the exterior). Chemical Guys for the leather cleaner and cond? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 Thanks to all of you! The YT tutorials or at least the first one I watched recommended the same products! Kudos to y'all! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 Used Chemical Guys TVD 107 on the tires, dash, and all plastic parts on my wife's and son's cars for the first time and I earned a few "bonus points." Very happy with the results. Not sure how it compares with 303. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJIT9BO?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Bill 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 1 hour ago, Spy Car said: Used Chemical Guys TVD 107 on the tires, dash, and all plastic parts on my wife's and son's cars for the first time and I earned a few "bonus points." Very happy with the results. Not sure how it compares with 303. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJIT9BO?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Bill OK, Bill, thanks! Late here but will add to list and check tomorrow. What did you use for glass, vinyl? Leather? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 12 minutes ago, sheryl said: OK, Bill, thanks! Late here but will add to list and check tomorrow. What did you use for glass, vinyl? Leather? Vinyl was the same Chemical Brothers. I don't have a glass or leather recommendation. Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 I like mcquires for a quick clean up. A clean microfiber rag and soap/water followed by 303 for more intense dash cleaning. Leather Honey cleaner and conditioner. Used with microfiber cleaning pads to remove old debris before conditioning old dirt into leather. Carpet shampooer to really get carpet clean and extract dirt. Chemical guys cleaner for rubber for mats and water spot cleaner for headlights. Tire polish ( prob chemical guys brand) but I don’t remember. Grease cleaner for wheels . Don’t remember brand. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 2 hours ago, Spy Car said: Used Chemical Guys TVD 107 on the tires, dash, and all plastic parts on my wife's and son's cars for the first time and I earned a few "bonus points." Very happy with the results. Not sure how it compares with 303. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJIT9BO?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Bill So I looked up 303 and discovered that's what I used the last time. LOL Both are good. To me the finish on the Chemical Brothers is more natural looking, a bit less shiny, and less greasy feeling than the 303 (which really which isn't bad). Did my wife's car two weeks ago. Got into it today and thought, "dang, this looks good." Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easypeasy Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 https://www.amazon.com/Sprayway-Glass-Cleaner-15-Ounce/dp/B07K1ZD36P/ Sprayway Glass Cleaner & a microfiber cloth - you'll be streak free! Smells awful, though, so make sure you aren't in your garage or something - good ventilation is a must. Is it safe on tinted windows? Safe on OEM tinted windows. If using on aftermarket-tinted windows, test in an inconspicuous spot before use. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 I use the Chemical Guys VRP--- for the interior. Works great and doesn't leave a strong bad smell either. It's much easier to keep one clean than to get it clean. I got a newer car and although 4 yrs old it still looked new. It's not too much effort to keep it looking that way (helps a lot I no longer have little kids 🙂 ). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 Thanks everyone! So, it seems the same product can be used on plastic, vinyl and rubber???? The tires need two products? One for rubber and the other for - is it chrome? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 We have had great luck using two microfiber towels with just water on windows. Use a chunky one to scrub, then a fine dry one (meant for windows) to dry. Clean and streak-free. It seemed too simple to be true, but it is. Works on household windows too. Just replace your cleaning water very frequently. It might take 2-3 iterations the first time you do it to cut through all previous waxy coats. We had one car that we had to use dish soap on first to cut previous wax, but once that was done, the water/towel method worked for all future cleanings. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 3 hours ago, skimomma said: We have had great luck using two microfiber towels with just water on windows. Use a chunky one to scrub, then a fine dry one (meant for windows) to dry. Clean and streak-free. It seemed too simple to be true, but it is. Works on household windows too. Just replace your cleaning water very frequently. It might take 2-3 iterations the first time you do it to cut through all previous waxy coats. We had one car that we had to use dish soap on first to cut previous wax, but once that was done, the water/towel method worked for all future cleanings. do you have a link for a good one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, sheryl said: do you have a link for a good one? https://us.e-cloth.com/products/10615-window-cleaning-pack This is the kit I bought about 10 years ago. It looks the same. I have been using it ever since and it has changed my window life! Just remember that most windows and mirrors have been exposed to Windex-like waxy stuff so you have to cut that first. Once that is gone (I used dish soap) I never had to do it again. I'm guessing I could also have just e-clothed it a few times for the same results. Edited August 24, 2022 by skimomma 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 3 minutes ago, skimomma said: https://us.e-cloth.com/products/10615-window-cleaning-pack This is the kit I bought about 10 years ago. It looks the same. I have been using it ever since and it has changed my window life! Just remember that most windows and mirrors have been exposed to Windex-like waxy stuff so you have to cut that first. Once that is gone (I used dish soap) I never had to do it again. I'm guessing I could also have just e-clothed it a few times for the same results. But, is there anything to cut through since car was detailed yesteday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 1 minute ago, sheryl said: But, is there anything to cut through since car was detailed yesteday? What I have seen happen is that the window can get smeary when trying to clean (with anything, really) because there is wax sitting on the surface. YMMV. It really depends on what they used and how much your car interior off-gases. I would try it first and see what happens. Nothing to lose. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted August 24, 2022 Author Share Posted August 24, 2022 3 hours ago, skimomma said: What I have seen happen is that the window can get smeary when trying to clean (with anything, really) because there is wax sitting on the surface. YMMV. It really depends on what they used and how much your car interior off-gases. I would try it first and see what happens. Nothing to lose. I appreciate that! Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted September 3, 2022 Author Share Posted September 3, 2022 I'm now focusing on this post in detail. itsheresomewhere, you mentioned squeegee with microfiber towel. For windows (interior and exterior) you use window/alternative, squeegee and wipe down with microfiber towel? But, how do you keep the window from "run off" inside? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, sheryl said: I'm now focusing on this post in detail. itsheresomewhere, you mentioned squeegee with microfiber towel. For windows (interior and exterior) you use window/alternative, squeegee and wipe down with microfiber towel? But, how do you keep the window from "run off" inside? After every swipe with the squeegee, wipe the squeegee with the microfiber cloth. Maybe I am faster at doing windows from all the years of training at a young age ( I wanted to watch the Saturday morning cartoons lol), but I don’t have run off. A few sprays of cleaner is all you need and use the scrub side of the squeegee. If you do have a nice dog nose print, I do wipe that with a cloth first with window cleaner to scrub the print away as I find a really good nose print needs a bit more of a scrub first. Edited September 3, 2022 by itsheresomewhere 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted September 3, 2022 Author Share Posted September 3, 2022 12 hours ago, itsheresomewhere said: After every swipe with the squeegee, wipe the squeegee with the microfiber cloth. Maybe I am faster at doing windows from all the years of training at a young age ( I wanted to watch the Saturday morning cartoons lol), but I don’t have run off. A few sprays of cleaner is all you need and use the scrub side of the squeegee. If you do have a nice dog nose print, I do wipe that with a cloth first with window cleaner to scrub the print away as I find a really good nose print needs a bit more of a scrub first. OK, then, got that! Noted! Much appreciated! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted November 27, 2022 Author Share Posted November 27, 2022 Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! I decided to google making a homemade batch of the automotive cleaning gel and found a couple of good recipes. There is one I favor over the other but since DH and I will "probably" need to clean out the cars a bit with an easy technique I decided to make our own. $5-10 is cheap but when we need to use it as much as we will probably need to, it will hopefully be more economical to make our own. There is the cost of supplies, of course, but the supplies will make the equivalent of several jars of the store bought for same price. Instead of our 1 and done jar for $5-10 we'll spend that on supplies and have quite a bit to use. Wanted to mention that in case anyone is interested. I've heard using food coloring may discolor the interior so I'm looking to add maybe 1 drop of blue so it will be ever so faint. Hopefully it won't discolor. Still need to buy the other products mentioned, products for leather, vinyl, towels for windows, etc. We did buy 2 of the "rakes" that ITSHERESOMEWHERE first mentioned. Have yet to use these but it looks like it will work on the car's carpet. Thanks again! We'll get the other detail products but this year has been a busy one for us and it will settle down a bit now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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