I find it very interesting to see how you can clean and protect the car, my own car does not yet have ceramic protection, what and which steps can I follow before I can apply a ceramic coating. thanks in advance for your help Kind regards, Maarten Frans
Pan! 100% GREAT method up until you re-introduce your wash mitt into the wash media ! :-) For ULTIMATE PROTECTION from love swirls to that beautiful Porsche of yours (LOVE the colour BTW :-) it won't cost a THING to use multiple wash mitts or THICK MF cloths while NEVER re-introducing ANY mitt or cloth into your wash bucket - thus eliminating the need for that fancy expensive "grit guard LOL I've been using the 1 bucket method for the last 5 years and washing only one panel at a time with ONE surface of the cloth folded in four (which yields 4 surfaces for 4 panels - 8 if you turn it over :-) . . .. I REALLY like the pre-wash set ups you use and I'm WAY on board with you on THAT one!! Happy detailing to you and your fans!
Hey Pan, do you have any thoughts on this product: WORX WG633E.9 NITRO BL HYDROSHOT 56BAR 20V BRUSHLESS CORDLESS HIGH FLOW PORTABLE? I now live in an apartment complex, so am looking for portable options (have already gone down the rinseless rabbit hole and have a lot of equipment on order, including P&S Absolute), I am also considering mobile detailing as a side hustle
Love the testing and data you give - on your own vehicle. Keep up the great work. Love that you show lots of products that people can use, not just one. Gives people more options.
I was pleased to hear you say that a rinseless wash can be used instead the snow-foam method. I do not have a pressure washer or a snow foam cannon/gun, so my method is to pre soak the car with ONR in a pump sprayer, wash off with the hose* and then soak the car again in ONR leaving it on as I do the contact wash. Rinse off with the hose and then back to the ONR in the pump sprayer for drying as a drying aid. Entertaining video as always. * The hosepipe ban in England has ended at last!
Hi Pan! I do the same, but I don't see a problem with using both buckets after pre-washing. I consider it a step that requires no costs, nor is it a waste of time. But safety increases considerably by having a bucket of clean water to rinse the microfiber between processes.
Hi Pan. Top workshop you have there, I use a Citrus pre wash before snow-foam, then the lower section I use a fallout remover, as yourself just the 1 bucket. My car is PPF protected with a Halo coating. What are your thoughts on this method as debris/dirt just washes of the PPF? Thank you .
Hi Pan, this is pretty much exactly how I've been washing my car for a long time. The only difference is that I put some ONR in the wash bucket as well. I have limited storage space and minimising my products is key. I'm so happy it gets the Pan seal of approval, I've felt like an outlaw for so long! 😂
I’m not a professional detailer but I do enjoy detailing my own automobile and a few close friends and family. I just randomly found this video in my feed and I can say that I was already thinking in the direction you convey in this video. I have been a little timid to do things different from the standard but you really confirmed the conclusions I was forming on my own. This video should be mandatory for all professional detailers and really, for anyone who washes their own car. Awesome video! Subscribed! Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. How did you discover my channel by the way? Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 124 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
@@PanTheOrganizer I discovered your channel by scrolling through UA-cam videos looking for something to watch. Your video came up and it immediately sparked my curiosity. I’m glad I did and when I have time I’ll go back and watch your videos from the past. Thanks!
I have been using 1 bucket for the body and 1 bucket for the wheels for 10 years. I believe it comes down to preparation (using Grit Guards/washboard and foam cannon) and techniques. Great video, Pan. I am actually washing my car today.
@@hakk9961 I think using a grit guard to agitate and loosen the dirt is better than just rinsing under tap water. I've used pressure washer on my mitts and seen dirt debris still attached to my mitt, so I just agitate my mitts on the grit guard
@@JoeVargheseOrlandoFLthat's exactly how I use my "grit guard" - as a washboard to clean my mitts after the wash. Once a mitt comes out of the wash bucket, and after it's on the car, it gets tossed in the "washboard" bucket. No rinsing mitts. Once a mitt touches the car, it doesn't touch it again until it's been scrubbed clean.
I started a mobile detail business this year to supplement my income, I’m a fire fighter so I work 24 hours on 48 hours off. I went with the Koch Chemie soaps after watching your in-depth breakdown on them. It made sense to me to pre wash with active foam, foam again and then use GSF in my wash bucket (I only use one bucket). Fun fact, I’ve landed monthly subscribers because they liked the way the Koch Chemie soaps smell 😅.
Very cool! And thanks for your service to your community by the way. I have much respect for men and women of law enforcement, military, fire fighters and medical staff.
My absolute pleasure sir, we couldn’t do our job without the support of the communities we serve, so thank you for the opportunity to have this amazing profession.
Pan, I’ve used the wash over foam method and it presents two issues to me: First, on larger vehicles like SUV’s, it’s difficult to get around the whole vehicle before the agitated areas begin to dry. Especially with one that’s been previously coated and is creating dry areas naturally. I really feel like I need to rinse after agitation to prevent any streaking/spotting. Secondly, any vehicle needing a step stool or lean in to get to the roof results in a shirt full of foam. This method is quick and easy for a low slung coupe like your Porsche, but less practical for something larger. Food for thought! Love your content, from one Panteli to another!
Thanks. For larger and taller vehicles, you can use a microfiber head on an extendable pole like this: bit.ly/3tE3xvg Also, if you use a pH neutral snow foam, even if it dries a bit on the surface, it doesn't matter, it will rinse off well when it's time to rinse. Work in the shade or in a garage. And if you truly want zero water spotting issues, get a water deionizer. Zero minerals for a spot free wash experience. I love mine!
I do not agree. I use that method everyday to wash my truck ( ram 1500 ) and have no issue with parts that dries to fast ! The only challenge is when you got weather over 30 degrees outside then it might be tricky ( at this point you just dont wash a car when it’s to hot ) but in overall I have no problem using this method on big vehicles!
@@Challenger432 It does help that pickup trucks have a bed that gives access to the roof, full-sized SUV roofs however are a pain to clean without extended wash mitts or if you aren’t tall.
I do this method WITH two buckets, both with grit guards, and have been for a few years. Just makes sense to me. Costs me almost zero calories to fill an extra bucket of water. Maximize lubrication in every step.
I do almost same method.. Foam pre-wash. Wait and Rinse. Foam again. But on this step, I use One bucket and 8-9 different Wash mitts for all the sections. Never reuse same contaminated wash mitts in rinse/wash bucket = lower risks of any contaminant scratches. And the added benefit is that it’s much faster bc you eliminated need to thoroughly rinse your mitts. Once a mitt is done (front and back) on two sections of a car, it’s much faster to just drop on dirty pile and grab fresh new mitt.
For me, 1 bucket, 7 mitts. The grit guard at the bottom will unlikely remove all the particles of dirt embedded in the mitt. Some dirt particles aren't going to sink to the bottom of the bucket in time to escape the mitt as you draw the mitt out of the bucket. Give it a try. Your wash bucket water will remain sediment free.
Same. I did the two bucket method 10 years ago but for the past few years I found it so much easier to just use 1 mitt or microfiber per small section of car, and then just put those cloths aside. I’ve probably used about 12 per wash.
Love watching your videos. Always informative. I was in the US Navy and when I worked on F-14s, we were taught to wash them from the bottom to the top. They said it was because the dirt would just run right off the aircraft easily. I always have washed my cars from the top down.
I started watching your channel 3 years ago and was struck by your comment about soaps, snow foams, pressure washers and the two bucket method. I digested it all and decided the two bucket method was not necessary. I simply do an original snow foam and rinse, then another snow foam followed by a hand wash. The big difference is I bought a wash mitten for the hood, each side, the top and back (SUV), and one for the bottom area of the car, the latter of which which I rotate half way through. I have a different type of mitt for the wheels and use two for that, rotating at each wheel. I use a brush for the tires. It’s not more expensive because you don’t need a bucket or a grit guard at all. Everything I use was recommended by you (THANKS!), but I figured the buckets were not necessary.
Yvan Lacroix got me started on the 2 foaming method with great results. He’s a great resource for the channel and the industry. Thanks Pan for bringing him to my attention.
Pan I have used the 2 bucket method up until a few months ago. After watching Yvan's videos I switched to the 1 bucket. Typically depending on how dirty the car is I will either prerinse with DIY rinseless or as you used in this video Active Foam. Then after rinsing I have used Incredible suds, GSF or Pearl to do the contact wash. I typically use 2 mitts one for the lower panels and one for the rest of the vehicle. Thanks for really explaining the entire process.
I think the small amount of time that you save and extra laundry that you will have to do by using multiple wash media for the contact wash is worth it rather than scrubbing your one mitt/towel on the grit guard every time you go back to your bucket.
Just a thought on the contact wash. I think I would do the windshield either last or with a single towel/wash mitt. Rationale: when driving your windshield & bumper & mirror hoods see the most dirt, bugs and grime. In order to prevent dragging the contaminants over your roof I would recommend using only one mitt for the windshield. Thanks for your awesomeness!
I use a 2 bucket method with snow foam. I use a 2 sided mitt. Washing the roof with the lambswool side then turn it over and wash all the glass with the specialty glass side. Rinse then move on to the rest of the car. Been doing this for 3 years and NO love scratches. Paint is perfect. Mitt is a Maguiar's Lambswool mitt. I change the mitt annually. Hope this helps.
The thing I like the most about this cleaning method is that the majority of the "work" of cleaning the car is done by the products without the need of a lot of elbow grease. With the right products you can let the products go to work. A testament to the products used and application methods used here.
Correct. Things have evolved a lot and now we have effetive snow foams for the prewash that can actually do a great job of heavy lifting and remove a good portion of dirt and grime before the actual contact wash, making the contact wash safer and easier.
better to have two buckets w/ flowing rinse water over and out top and bottom top flows out the light stuff holes in bottom flush out the heavy ! + I use two bucket method as i frequently rinse out my sea sponge! lambs wool & microfiber wash mitts suck we use genuine sea sponges ! sustainably harvested by the greek hard hat divers for 75+ years in tarpon springs Fla . ! google sea sponges tarpon springs , FL FAR superior to any other method and the scientists and engineers of consumers reports agree w/ a real sea sponge fr the ocean it will NOT scratch ! it IS best method !@@PanTheOrganizer
I never imagined Pan Organizer not using the two-bucket wash method! Thank you for bringing up an important point about car cleaning. It’s all about using common sense. For cars that aren’t too dirty, the method of cleaning you described makes sense and makes detailing much easier. It’s good to know that the two-bucket wash method isn’t always necessary. Your experience and expertise in this field are invaluable, and it’s great to see you demystifying this topic. It's a good thing you clarified that using the multiple towels or mitt method, also known as the Gary Dean method, is best when dealing with very dirty cars. I find your method very useful for both soap and rinseless washing. Personally, I follow the same method as you, but I use rinseless wash instead of soap for some extra peace of mind. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights on this topic.
I just use a single bucket with at least 3 mitts: #1 - side 1 for hood, front end, then windshield, side 2 for roof and tailgate #2 - side 1 for top half of driver's side, side 2 for bottom half #3 - same as #2 for passenger side
Similiar. I use double cloth towell folded to 8 sides. 1 Roof and glasses 2 Bonnet, front bumper, front half of fenders 3 rear trunk bonnet 4 rear bumper , rear half of fenders 4 sides for 4 doors +part of fenders.
Hey Pan, what would be the most aggressive but safe weekly foam product to use with a TW Graphene flex wax base? I also live in Northern Ontario so thinking of the snow/dirt/slush I'll be facing this year on my new vehicle.
I LOVE the single-bucket method, and it's the one I most recommend. As long as you decontaminate the surface properly with a power washer, foam, or just a hose first..the single-bucket method is king. You're never re-introducing sand or debris into the washing step!
Yes finally an honest conversation about methods, and it does add to the clarification of when to use a two bucket method. I'm still going to use methods I'm used to and that have worked for me for 20 years plus. But I'm constantly trying new methods and chemicals and I love the direction things are going for DIY people and Professional detailers. I have never felt more comfortable being a professional and imagine DYI'ers have never had so many great options.
I've pretty much always used 2 buckets, but 1 bucket for the soap wooder, and 1 was just a little bit of water to throw the dirty mits in. Depending on the car I typically use 3 -5 microfiber wash mitts. Use one side for a specific area, and flip it. Use the other side, and toss it in the dirty water bucket. Then grab another mitt.
You mentioned you use one side for a specific area does that mean you have a color or number system in which you use to make sure you use the same mitt in the same specific area on the vehicle again or is that only for the wash at your currently doing?
@@justplanefred no, nothing specific. I'm really not one of those OCD type of guys lol. I don't detail professionally, just a diy at home. I basically use 1 mitt for the hood, top, and trunk. About halfway through those panels, I flip the mitt, and use the other side. Then I do the same on the sides of the vehicle. I'll use 1 mitt, sometimes 2, for those as well.
In pre rinsing it's not just about diluting the product, but about surface tension, which makes it difficult for the chemical to penetrate the cleaned surface.
Hi Pan and thanks for yet another great video! Is there any risk that you might dilute the schampoo with the pre wash? I mean so that the chemicals from the schampoo don't get really on to the paint. Would it be even better to do all the steps but then foam again with the schampoo instead? Replace the second foaming with a foaming with the schampoo, I mean.
When you squeeze the dirt out, @ 21:30, could you not also spray the dirt off? I spray both sides of my mitt after each area, and never have dirt in my bucket.
I use 2 bucket for a wash. 1 bucket is used for wheel cleaning the other is for cleaning the car. I havnet used the 2bucket method with a rinse/soap bucket in 5+ years. Rinseless wash is my wash method 95% of the time and a pre spray with rinseless is my pre soak and then wash. DIY is my favorite followed by Eco wash from OP. ONR use to be my goto untill DIY came out
What about rinsing the mit in your hand with a hose (pressure washer might be too strong) to rinse away the dirt in and then lather and touch wash again and continue like this for the whole car? The only dowside is using more water, but I think it might be safer for the paint.
better to have two buckets w/ flowing rinse water over and out top and bottom top flows out the light stuff holes in bottom flush out the heavy ! + I use two bucket method as i frequently rinse out my sea sponge! lambs wool & microfiber wash mitts suck we use genuine sea sponges ! sustainably harvested by the greek hard hat divers for 75+ years in tarpon springs Fla . ! google sea sponges tarpon springs , FL FAR superior to any other method and the scientists and engineers of consumers reports agree w/ a real sea sponge fr the ocean it will NOT scratch ! it IS best method !
I do the "Best of Both Worlds" method. 2 foam method AND 2 buckets but the rinse bucket also has soap and grit guards. 4 wash mitts used, only a fresh mitt touches the upper half is the car, so no mitt is reused if it touches the lower half.
I recently stopped watching the entirety of your uploads because of the seemingly endless expensive products that didn’t seem necessary. I appreciate the shift to mentioning cheaper alternatives and more testing snippets that show why the more expensive option can get that “last 10%”. It’s done more to shift my opinion when spending more on something designed to be left outdoors and more importantly, driven. :)
@@brendagottee6476 Geez man, give the guy a break. He's passionate about cars and detailing. We all spend a little extra when we're passionate about something.
@@michil75 it’s also his opinion just like your own and he’s not alone. I feel the same. I’m old-school and never got into this foam craze, it’s simply not necessary. I’ve been watching these car washing / detailing vids lately and it’s reminding me of the girls and their make-up videos. It’s entirely too much products and super obsessive. Over 20+ yrs ago, I was waxing my sports car as a college guy several times a week. On Autogeek and other forums looking for the best stuff. So been there, done that. Got a new sports car recently and that’s why started watching these vids again but just shaking my head at how things have “evolved”. It’s the state of today, information overload, excessive thinking and feels like everyone is trying to sell you something. Show cars, garage queens, etc have been maintained in pristine fashion, for many many decades long before all this new stuff.
@@Yielar1 Have you ever heard of Project Farm? It's a great example of how price doesn't always equal quality. Just because something has an expensive label or high price tag doesn’t mean it will perform better. I understand the value of investing in your passions, but what’s really wrong is when companies charge more for a product they know is worth less, simply because consumers aren’t aware. It’s even worse when these companies just dilute or rebrand an existing product and sell it at three times the price, all to line the pockets of CEOs. Channels like Project Farm help cut through this kind of misleading marketing and show which products are actually worth your money. You can easily achieve a great finish on your car without paying the inflated prices this guy is promoting.
17:00 I still use a car wash stall (as i dont have a garage.. apartment life) and their pre-rinse pressure is alot lower than their wash pressure for (what i imagine is) this very reason. I do use it just to wet the car down and gently get any very loose dirt off the car.
I feel like the small amount of extra effort required to set up a second rinse bucket is worth it. Even if it doesnt make much of a difference its so easy to do.
I Stopped two bucket methods 2 yrs ago since I foam the car twice before contact wash and my ceramic coating have been still amazing. But it’s all preference. Ty for you tips and tricks PAN!
Hi Pan, great video as usual. Watching it I had two questions. One you answered at the end about still using the two bucket method for the contact wash - not necessary but certainly the associated benefits and principles would still apply, so personal choice for benefit vs hassle. The other question related to the second snow foam application for lubrication. You stated the dwell time is 5 minutes for initial snow foam application and contact wash was 15 minutes (if you are efficient). Is there a risk that the second application of the snow foam will dry on the surface whilst completing the contact wash? How much of an issue would this be? I understand that is why you wash when the car is cool to the touch and out of the sun, but feel there is still the potential for the snow foam to dry whilst performing the contact wash and am wondering how much of an issue that may be?
I've struggled with this a lot. Even though I wash my car in the shade in the early morning when it's cool, I always have issues with the foam drying up as I was doing the contact wash if I try to do the whole car in one shot. The only way I've been able to work around it is to foam, wash and rinse the car in sections. It's probably something you'll have to experiment with.
@IMJOSHV has been using a 'one bucket and discard the microfiber towel' for some time now on his channel Always foams, too. Glad you're getting the word out too!!.
Just love how easy to watch and explanatory your feeds are, and this is no exception. There isn’t a thing you’ve not covered over the years and it’s great how you always develop certain methods and techniques 👌🏻 You’ve helped me countless times with product performance and methodology ensuring my money, time and effort goes where it’s going to count most. Thanks bro 🔥
I just tried this method with one bucket with a grit guard and one wash mitt and I agree it does a good job as well. Thank you so much Pan for making a video about this new method
I've never used the 2 bucket method. Never made sense to me. I have all the soap I need in my foam cannon, and all the water I need in my hose. I use towels and flip/fold once dirty
@@klasseact6663 depending on the vehicle I use a pre-wash like Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, then do a contact wash with 1 plush microfiber. If I need more towels I can add some
I throw my used wash mitt (both sides) in a empty bucket, and can always redunk one if i need an extra mitt. Totally defeats needing a second wet bucket. I felt w 2 wet buckets i never knew if i was using the wash mitt too much...
I use exactly the same method, with one difference - my car is not ceramic coated. Instead I use sealants. But at the end of the day the question is whether we want to extend the life of a certain coating or do we really want a potent shampoo. It all come down to the pH I think. I really like koch chemie and they have all the products I need as a hobby detailer. Very informative video, again, thanks!
Im new to this area but found it extremely interesting so thank you for the video. One question I still have is what is the difference between doing it this way vs. using the Optimum No Rinse (ONR) one bucket way? Any help from Pan or the community would be greatly appreciated, Cheers.
Hi Pan. 100% agree. I used one bucket and sponge for decades and never had an issue. Only tried the 2 bucket system based on your channel and several others 12 months ago and there was absolutely no proof as to why you would need it. I only have 1 separate bucket on its own for the rims and tyres. 2 bucket method is a waste of time. A good car enthusiast will always maintain good paint care. I recently converted to snow foam as well and makes a world of difference. After a good pressure wash and at least 2 mf mints, you only need 1 bucket and job done. Thanks for the video.
Hi Pan, thank you for this very informative video! One question if you don't mind. If you pre-wash with a high alkaline snow foam (e.g. Auto-foam), would you coat the car again with the Auto-foam or switch to a more pH neutral snow foam for the contact wash? Or could you even foam the car with the shampoo that you have in your one bucket? I'm only just starting on my journey down the detailing rabbit hole xD
Very good question I would normally use BH autofoam Ph13 but wouldn’t want to use it for the second foaming? Perhaps I will use DIY rinseless in an IK foamer as I only have a small car
This is by far the most detailed and informative wash method instructions on YT, wish this video was out a year ago before my ppf was fubar’d by improper wash advice of ppf shop 😢
Glad it was helpful! If you are using the two bucket wash method, that is still absolutely valid. Heck I have been using that method for 26 years now. Actually, I was using the three bucket method as I have a third bucket dedicated just for wheels. There is not one single best way of washing a car. As long as you use safe washing and drying methods, feel free to explore what works best for you. Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 945,000 subscribers and we have over 125 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
I started applying that first foam coverage to a dry car a while ago and prefer it now. Not only do I feel it better protects when giving the car it's first spray, but I also find I remove more grit because it's been lifted and broken down some by the soap. All in all I get a better first spray after a dry foaming. As far as an end to the 2 bucket method, I still do and will always use 2 buckets. I'm a regular guy who really enjoys detailing his own car and so the extra time involved is no skin of my back. Im not in any rush or on a clock. Washing/detailing my car has become a meditation/zen like experience for me. I actually wish it took me longer. It's one of the few times during life when I'm not bothered by life and can just be in my own head for a change. I'll throw on some music and just do my thing. I'm a 2 bucket guy for life... and I still foam before that first rinse.
Thanks for sharing Mike. And I share the same feelings about detailing. It's therapeutic and relaxing for me, even after 27 years of doing it. Takes my mind off things, I focus on the task at hand, play some good music in the background, and love the end result. I absolutely love driving a clean car.
Never got in to the 2 bucket method. Tried it but didn’t care for it. I’ve always rinsed the mitt before putting back in bucket. Recently started doing the foam, rinse, foam and then wash.
I started with the two bucket, but now just using one rinse bucket. I do a pre wash with a higher ph soap, then rinse it off...then just foam the car down again with a ph neutral soap and that obviously has all the soap and lubrication I need, start cleaning...rinse mit when needed.
I just watched DIY Detail video the other day (they mentioned you by the way), and was wondering what you thought. Love the fact that it saves time washing and with prep and cleanup. Thanks for all you do and you are my go-to guy!
13:58 about drying the residual and boosting gloss. Is it safe to assume that you are talking about contacting the vehicle minimally or is the goal to spread the QD over the entire vehicle after its been blow dried. Great video Edit: decided to watch to the end. Looks like you mean the entire vehicle!
Pan! (Joseph Han here), you almost gave me a heart attack saying that the 2 bucket method could be dead! But when you talked us through it, it definitely makes sense. These were things I was thinking to myself (mostly because I can get lazy when I do my car haha), but I'm glad you lay your knowledge here. There are these "touchless" car washes that you can drive your car in, and the robotic pressure washer arm goes around your car and blasts strong psi with water, and other super caustic (it's gotta be) "soaps". But like you said, if you want 100% clean, there's no such thing as touchless. I made the mistake of going thru one of those... Lovely video Pan! When you foam your car and it's completely blanketed snow white... do you ever think white could look sexy too.. ? =P
Been doing the one bucket for the past 5 years. This two-bucket method was a marketing to sell more stuff. My car is in very good no scratches or swirl marks.
There are good arguments for both sides. Pick a method that works for you. In the end it’s all good. We’re not saving lives here. This is just detailing. ;)
Hi Can i ask for whats the best method of washing a car in my circumstances Things i will use 1. Only Ph neutral soap 2. I have wash mitts & microfiber towels 3. I will not use foam canon Methods I'm considering to use A. 1 bucket no grit, multiple microfiber/wash mitts B. 1 bucket no grid guard, 1 wash mitts and pressure wash the mits after ever panel Or should a grit guard is a must for a car wash without foam cannon?
I havent used the 2 bucket method in at least 6 years. Only ever wash my car with ONR and one bucket and its never let me down regardless of the amount of dirt on the car. 2 bucket method and soap is old technology.
Hey Pan, i do it nearly the same since my beginning of detailing years ago..even more or less timelasting, 1 bucket for the whole car / wheels. Weekly wash or even 2 weeks of no wash! First rinse properly, than snow foam last for around 3 min, no rinse after that, than i go for the main wash from top to bottom. So i exclud the pre snow foam process. It works really well, my experience with that method goes over 10 years, no scratches or swirls. It takes around 15min. including the wheels for my AMG station wagon, so very quick and still a proper wash. The only thing i do with more attention as you show in the video is the lower part of the car, i use a lot more of shampoo/water in the wash mitt and going over small parts. On that part i let the mitt and the washing shampoo do their job, so more ist the better choice. In case there ist still some dirt, the amount of shampoo water washes it away. I also use a lot of Koch Chemie products as i'm from Germany ;-) ABDL, FX Protect and Carpro are also one of my favorites. Have a nice day!
Glad to hear this, finally. I use the foam cannon to lift the dirt and lubricate, and a soaped wash bucket with a wash mitt and a grit guard. I flip the mitt and return it to the bucket and grit guard often. If the vehicle is dirtier, I do a first spray wash and rinse before the actual contact wash cycle. I never apply pressure with the mitt. I use a separate bucket and separate tools for the tires and wheels.
As a mobile detailer, I usually work in direct sunlight. I understand that most of the products work better out of direct sunlight. I’d like to start pretreating my vehicles with a foam. Can you recommend any methods and products that would allow me to use this method? Am I restricted to using a rinseless wash in a handheld pump sprayer? Thank you for your advice and your excellent UA-cam videos
I have used 1 bucket and three wash mitts 6 sides for 5 years now, once a mitt has been used it never goes back in the wash bucket, thanks pan for all you do
From the bottom of my heart Pan, I appreciate all this content you’ve compiled and contributed. I’ve learned and spent so much in a week but plan to keep my first nice vehicle sparkling. Take care! 😊
Thanks! I appreciate it. Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 1 million subscribers and we have over 140 million views! I have been detailing for 27 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
This is interesting Pan... I used to do the 2 bucket method and then I started doing the one bucket method,, just like this... foam,, let dwell,,, rinse,, foam again and wash with one bucket... I've been doing that for the last 2 years on my car and my Harley... seems techniques and products change all the time. Good video Pan...
Congrats on your new car. What did you buy? Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 123 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
Your timing is perfect, I just bought my dream car and sorting out my wash method. I am ceramic coating it this week and want to make sure I am preserving that coating and my paint.
Cool. I use one bucket with multiple mits. Does this new method do a great job on winter road salt? Or do you add one step to start off by rinsing off as much salt as possible? As always, good video.
Great stuff Pan. I have enjoyed alternating between Rinseless washes and the 2 bucket method for over a year. This 1 bucket method makes total sense to me. I will need to step up to some of the newer foams. I typically foamed with Adams Car Shampoo, rinsed, applied ONR then contact washed with 2 bucket. I definitely can go to 1 bucket now. I used the ONR step because it always helped during summers here in GA when things can dry out quickly.
I've always used the 2 bucket method just to be sure I minimize the chance of swirling the paint work during the contact wash👍🏻. Sometimes but very rarely during the summer months I do use the one bucket method the way you demonstrated in this video. Great work Pan👍🏻.
Same for me, but I use 2 mitts. 1 for the top half down to the door handle. Then the 2nd for the lower section. Do the top of the car first, then the lower dirtier part of the car. I'd always wash top to bottom. Never swipe to the bottom and back to the top 😱. Enjoying the channel. Thanks Pan keep it up.
Thanks Stuart! How did you discover my channel by the way? Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 960,000 subscribers and we have over 130 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
Not too sure how I found the channel. Think I was searching for fusso coat reviews and came across your channel. I'm also using the MJJC foam cannons 2.0 + S3.0. Will look for more content on your channel. Loving the Porsche 👍
I just rinse the mitt each time with the hose on my step stool (tall van) instead of 2nd bucket seems to work good 100 percent clean rinse rinse each time . Simple and works for me.
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 1 million subscribers and we have over 140 million views! I have been detailing for 27 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
So…for me the BIG question remains. Do you pressure wash the dirt off first, then first foam coat?? Or first foam a dry car. Does it matter how dirty? Regular dirt and grime from day/night driving . Thanks Pan! Enjoy your good sharing and expertise always. OK - I now saw your opinion 👍on this.
Great vid! I have used this method and just rinse the media before dunking in the water.. a lot faster and if there is marring is very minimal and usually im buffing after soo.....
Thanks for sharing Milly. How did you discover my channel by the way? Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 124 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
@@PanTheOrganizer originally UA-cam is how I found you. Then, followed you through all of your social media after. Also, I found your informative video and knowledge you give us has helped my car detailing be more efficient while providing quality service at the end.
I think it al depends how dirty your car is. If my car is fairly dirty I will quickly rinse my mitt under the hose to get it clean in preventing scratching. With my car I wash it often, so then I don't need cleaning the mitt. Only afterwards.
Personally, the two-bucket wash method is usually a waste of time on most customer vehicles. 90% of the vehicles look like they have already been to swirl city. Also, if you are in Florida good luck making it through a two-bucket wash in the customers driveway especially when they have been letting it bake the entire day.
Pan, I have been doing this for a few years. I still use "2 buckets" but the second bucket is used for mitts that I have used for each section. For my S6 I use 4 mitts and for my wife's SUV 5-6. I use the mitts similar to you did with your one bucket method, but use a second bucket to collect my mitts before heading to the washing machine. I have always rinsed before using foam, thinking that WATER is a lubricant, if it was just 2000 PSI of air I would agree but water is a lubricant maybe not as slippery as soap but it is a lubricant just the same. If you think that the foam works to remove much of the lose dirt without the initial rinse it will save me a few minutes as long as it is just as good.
For my rinse-less wash, I use a modified "2-bucket" method - 1st bucket is my wash bucket (2 gallons of DI water with ONR) and 5 clean mitts. Those 5 mitts soak up nearly all the water. The 2nd bucket has grit guards (on the bottom and sides) and around 4 gallons of plain hose water. Each mitt gets a section to clean, and after each mitt finishes, it gets tossed in the 2nd bucket to soak and wait. I finish going around the car with the mitts, and I finish drying, spot checking, detail spraying, etc. When I'm done and satisfied the car is good, I go to bucket #2 and scrub all 5 mitts on the grit guards; changing the 4 hose water gallons as needed (usually 3-4 times until the water is clear again. Then I hang the mitts to dry and dump the water. The traditional 2nd "rinse" bucket has never made sense to me, nor has the grit guard method helped to separate clean water from dirty water. It was never enough for me to trust putting a dirty mitt back on the car. Once a mitt is dirty, that it. The mitt won't touch the car again until it's been scrubbed clean.
After I wash a small area with my mitt (e.g., both doors on one side of my SUV), I need to re-soap it. But what I do before dipping it in my wash bucket is spray off the mitt with the shower nozzle attached to my hose. Doing so removes most of any grit that my mitt may have just picked up. I've never used the two-bucket method because the rinse bucket will always have grit suspended in the water from the prior rinse that I did just a minute or so prior. That's why the second rinse bucket never made sense to me. I wasn't getting the maximum amount of the grit off my mitt, and the rinse water will always have some suspended grit in it that has not yet settled below the grit guard because the all the grit hasn't had time to settle (precipitate) to the bottom.
Pan, just found your channel the other day and I want to say I am highly impressed with the content! Just bought a new car last Saturday, so granted I want to take the best care of it I can and stumbled upon you! I have a handful of questions for you and I hope you can help me out. -Would a 3200psi gas pressure washer that I currently have, be ok for detailing as long as I move farther back and use the softest/soap attachment? Or should I just use my hose with a foam gun? -How can I tell if my dealer who apparently applied a 'ceramic' coating, actually applied that versus just a wax? There is clearly a nice hydrophobic barrier on the car with very nice beading. I just don't trust them haha. -What do you recommend for winter washing when my outdoor water source freezes? I'm sure I had more, but they slipped my mind. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!!!
Congrats on your new car! What did you buy? Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 124 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing. It’s never recommended to go above 2000 psi when washing cars. Also, a new car is never new until it's properly detailed. - at the factory, the paint defects are often corrected quickly by rotary polishing which can leave marks and holograms, so polishing corrects those, before you lock that in long term with a ceramic coating for example. - vehicles are then transported by truck, train and boat so they are exposed to the elements, industrial fallout, brake dust, rail dust, etc - vehicles are often left at boat docks (when transported by boat) or in exterior parking lots for weeks or months, again being exposed to the elements - at the dealership, the vehicles are almost always poorly prepped using the same dirty water that was used for all the cars on a given day, and poor washing and drying methods leading to swirls and scratches - at the dealership, a layer of cheap wax or paint sealant is usually applied to attempt to make the paint glossy prior to delivery. It's crucial to remove any previous protection before you apply a ceramic coating, as coatings need to bond directly to a virgin clear coat. If you only plan on applying a regular carnauba wax or paint sealant though, you could decide to skip machine polishing, as those protectants can be applied over existing protection and it's not as crucial to prep the paint as well. I explain all of this in this popular video: ua-cam.com/video/QgoyrC-5CMc/v-deo.html So you can better visualize the new car prep process, here are the steps I perform on a brand new car for my customers: Mercedes S 580: ua-cam.com/video/Vq_tfcwryVI/v-deo.htmlsi=whord2_UEFSg28UW Aston Martin Vantage: ua-cam.com/video/OKga3yZVTqo/v-deo.html Volvo XC60: ua-cam.com/video/tvDBBenhYFA/v-deo.html Tesla Model Y: ua-cam.com/video/gohks8xP5NY/v-deo.html Porsche 911 Carrera: ua-cam.com/video/2ckiivbFqs4/v-deo.html Mercedes AMG GT63S matte black: ua-cam.com/video/eU8zg1lXvXY/v-deo.htmlsi=oGxoCp8PWt7gTncV Audi Q7: ua-cam.com/video/t7HCBSVnizM/v-deo.html BMW M6 Gran Coupe: ua-cam.com/video/0lC9uyKXs8Q/v-deo.html BMW M340i: ua-cam.com/video/etXhJNaF0EE/v-deo.html Audi RS3: ua-cam.com/video/641mAJfKDLM/v-deo.html Golf R: ua-cam.com/video/jr19g4PWJsk/v-deo.html
This is without doubt the single best video on how to weekly wash your car and at the same time minimise marking the cars paint and safety for coated vehicles, However it would have been an even better video if you could have shown us your method for drying the car or atleast a linked video showing it
Omg….Thank God… i’m so glad I got to watch this video Pan, I actually was wondering for a while now if the two bucket system was really helpful and truly necessary ? Carrying two buckets from one side of the car to the other side, it’s sometimes can be a hassle and using extra bucket of water, it’s good to conserve a little water Now I’ll be doing the dual foaming system, single bucket and purchasing the Detail Guardz Dirt Lock Thanks for the awesome, educational video Pan
Hello. Great information here. Will definitely be trying it out. Could another alternative to the two bucket method, be a one bucket method and to add more safety to it just rinse the mitt with a water hose before dumping it into the soapy water? This would eliminate all the dirt and grime that is in the wash mitt before inserting and cleaning the car? Would love to hear your thought on this
I just want to make sure i got this right 1. Use a higher pH soap and foam the car 2. dwell for a few minutes, then rinse 3. refoam the car with the same higher pH soap 4. have a pH neutral soap in one bucket and use that for the contact wash. 5. rinse after contact wash does that sound right?
For regular weekly washes, you can stick to pH neutral in the foam cannon and in the bucket. You will only switch pH levels when doing a deeper cleaning once in a while. That's what we call a "decon wash". Decon wash: 1. Foam with higher pH snow foam (alkaline) 2. Rinse 3. Foam again with acidic pH snow foam (optional, for added lubrication) and use the same acidic pH soap in the wash bucket (that removes limescale and mineral deposits) 4. Rinse. See how I do all this in my spring maintenance tutorial here: ua-cam.com/video/oTaFE_p2OAw/v-deo.htmlsi=WaJFgDDUrfdavEOd
I just washed my car today, and happened on this video while watching videos on tire shine product (as today was the first time trying a brush with a tire shine product I wanted to try). You bring up good points about not being as concerned with the psi of a canon or high alkali solutions if you have a ceramic coating. In the past, I wasn't concerned with washing my car, but now have one in which I get some head turns (and I think worth a regular wash). I have PPF in the front, and only seem to be figuring out micro-swirls with painted gloss plastic window pillars and rear trunk area. I've used compound and will double check if my current drying towels are not introducing swirl. Since I'm aiming for doing regular washes, and am using a hose with soap canon, I think I'll try to keep it light debris that a rinse can take care of, then use one bucket with soap gun.
I basically follow this same process, except I like to use a bunch of small microfiber mitts (wheel mitts from Rag Company). It's even less time consuming as it negates the need for the grit guard/scrubbing. It also uses less water and product. Then you just throw them all in the wash when done.
Hello: I have a potential tip (you may already know) Florida "love bugs" are hard to remove I use 2 fabric softener dryer sheets wetted in water and rub the residue , works well. With your background you might study how to make love bugs into a super glue. Also Pan, some advice please, I(senior citizen) have a 2023 Subaru Outback touring xt, with Nappa leather seats. What to do about friction , not easy to slide into position getting in or out. They have not been treated . Enjoy sitting back and watching .
I just don't think its a big deal to have a rinse bucket and pretty clearly does its job on noticably dirty cars. For winter or washes where the car is hardly dirty I could see not using a rinse bucket, but otherwise it doesn't make a whole lot sense not to use one if you're hyper focused on avoiding scratches from dirt and contamination.
better to have two buckets w/ flowing rinse water over and out top and bottom top flows out the light stuff holes in bottom flush out the heavy ! + I use two bucket method as i frequently rinse out my sea sponge! lambs wool & microfiber wash mitts suck we use genuine sea sponges ! sustainably harvested by the greek hard hat divers for 75+ years in tarpon springs Fla . ! google sea sponges tarpon springs , FL FAR superior to any other method and the scientists and engineers of consumers reports agree w/ a real sea sponge fr the ocean it will NOT scratch ! it IS best method !
Another great video, always appreciate seeing wash strategy updates. I use a less aggressive pre-foam for my household cars that I wash every 1-2 weeks - usually use gtechniq citrus or adams car shampoo. Based on your previous videos, I also keep bilt hamber on hand for when I haven't been able to wash the cars in a while. Does an AMAZING job. I also use this for washing my friends' very neglected cars. Detailing became my pandemic hobby and it was a great way to hang out safely with friends outside while doing something productive. Still offer them details when I can to hopefully encourage them to take better care of their cars (they always participate or at least spectate). Between you, DIY Detail, and Obsessed Garage, I'm going to run out of cabinet space for detailing products (in the best way possible). Pretty sure my husband doesn't comment on the excessive products only because I detail his car every other week. Excited to try the Koch Chemie and DIY foams next!
@PanTheOrganizer This greatly ties in to your video the other week w/ Chelsea going to the DIY carwash. As a hobbyist, without a great place to wash, I gather up mitts etc, bug remover and Gyeon WetCoat. Start w their prewash (which is actually very powerful-Can't speak to the pH) keep walking around the car spraying so it gets a full 2min dwell time. Then the soap sprayer to add more lubrication, spray my mitt w the soap from sprayer, put the spraygun in its holster turning it back to water setting, turning it back to soap to spray out my mitt as needed. Often times I will use 2 mitts, 1 for the majority and another for the very bottom grimiest areas. Admittedly, without a light often time my white, black and silver cars look clean by the time I get to the contact wash. Because the chems at this dit are pretty good, I do use their spray wax & final rinse. Both do add decent beading and sheeting. Top it off w Gyeon WetCoat as I dry and bam i'm done in less than 30 minutes (minus wheels). Sometimes if I'm really into it I will power spray out their brush (which actually ISN'T garbage) and will just allow the foam to drop all over the car and then use my mitt for contact. The good part about my method is no one can yell at me about doing bucket washes because I have no bucket AND I'm paying the entire time. The bad news is that if I go hard in the paint on it (pun intended) it runs me about $12, But that is still the same or less than a drive-through wash. As a hobbyist I'm getting it done WAY quicker than in my own garage fussing with two buckets a sunjoe pressure washer, and fighting the hose as I make my way around the car in a cramped garage. About 1 year in with Gyeon CanCoat on 1 vehicle and even after using their potentially harsh products at the diy, CanCoat is holding up. When toppes off w their Chems and WetCoat It's slick as snot. But it is soon time for another CanCoat session
@@PanTheOrganizer Thank You sir! I know my scenario isn't perfect, but I think it can encourage other hobbyists who don't have great working conditions, and still give them a chance to familiarize themselves and work with some really great products! The fewer the barriers, the more folks will be encouraged to keep washing at some level. Here in Texas there's more carwashes on a block than Starbucks 😂 Keep up the excellent work Pan! -Ang
I have been detailing for over 50 years and have always used the 2 bucket method. 1 bucket for the wash mitt/soap solution and the 2nd bucket as a seat for when Im doing the wheels and tires. I always do the wheels/tires first using the 1st bucket, then flip the 2nd seat bucket and using that on the car. I never pre foam, just pre rinse very well. I can appreciate Pan's techniques if you live in a tough climate with alot of snow, road salt or salt water atmosphere.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. How did you discover my channel by the way? Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 1 million subscribers and we have over 135 million views! I have been detailing for 27 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers. You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
Foam twice, GSF with Green Star, one bucket of warm water without soap, couple of mitts and soap direct onto the mitts. The lubricity is off the charts! Used to use two buckets, never again.
Hi,why are you not using a dedicated shampoo for the contact wash in the lance? This will surely give you even greater lubricity? I myself wouldnt use a snow foam as part of the contact wash as there are no lubricants,i am very surprised that you have done this
I don't understand your comment. Any snow foam will add lubricity on the surface, it's no different than a bucket soap (in fact most shampoos can also be used a snow foams). Also, the soap in the bucket already has tons of lubrication. If you do the method right, even not using any snow foam isn't the end of the world. Many pros don't even foam cars, and still get great results. There are many ways to safely wash a car Simon. I have been detailing cars for over 26 years now, I think I know how to wash a car at this point haha. It's not rocket science and we're not saving lives here. We're just detailing cars. And it should stay fun and relaxing. Don't overthink the moment.
@@PanTheOrganizer i would say that snowfoam has no lubrication as its a pre-wash,i use the same method as you have done,but i use a shampoo in the lance which does have lubrication,but i do like the one bucket method though. I never mentioned anything about saving lives or that shouldn't be fun,it's only my opinion. I follow a few detailers in the uk and have never seen a contact wash with snowfoam,its on,off....and shampoo
Ah that makes sense now, as you guys in the UK often use different snow foams than in North America. If you use Bilt Hamber snow foams, I would absolutely rinse those off before the contact wash, and use a different soap in the wash bucket (I like CarPro Reset). But if you use Koch Chemie Gsf in the foam cannon, you can use that in the bucket as well, it's meant for both. So yes I get your point, and you are right depending on which snow foam you are using. Not all snow foams are also meant for use as a contact wash. So which snow foam are you using?
🔥 For more quality detailing products visit: tinyurl.com/bdehsjys
⬇️🔶 LINKS TO PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO ⬇️⬇️
🇺🇸 For people in USA:
Microfiber chenille wash mitt: bit.ly/3N9orcr
Microfiber chenille wash mitt: amzn.to/3YSwKhI
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MJJC Foam Cannon S V3.0: bit.ly/3Y9pUEP
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CarPro Reset: bit.ly/47UHDEd
CarPro Reset: bit.ly/44qnket
DIY Detail Incredible Suds: bit.ly/4es5qOd
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Gtechniq W4 Citrus Foam: bit.ly/3ooS68J
Koch Chemie Active Foam: bit.ly/47OzCjM
Koch Chemie Super Foam: bit.ly/3KWNsqs
Bilt Hamber Auto-Foam: bit.ly/3oNbecr
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CarPro Lift: bit.ly/47Pmqvr
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The Rag Company Creature edgeless towel: amzn.to/3FZS8I1
Kranzle 1122TST pressure washer: bit.ly/3d5kZeK
Mosmatic gun and wand solution: bit.ly/3ovIcPA
🇨🇦 For people in Canada:
Microfiber chenille wash mitt: amzn.to/47PAWmw
Microfiber Madness Incredimitt: amzn.to/3BkYlM0
Grit Guard: bit.ly/3YSwDmi
Detail Guardz Dirt Lock bucket filter: amzn.to/3FQ7VdP
Wash buckets: bit.ly/3cy5fAU
Adam’s foam gun: bit.ly/39mYiXh
MJJC Foam Cannon S V3.0: bit.ly/3OTTv1B
Koch Chemie Gsf: bit.ly/3K6uED1
CarPro Reset: bit.ly/3BZFUN4
DIY Detail Incredible Suds: bit.ly/3OaEWoL
Gtechniq W4 Citrus Foam: bit.ly/42ZYimL
Koch Chemie Active Foam: bit.ly/3VqeKcz
Koch Chemie Super Foam: bit.ly/3NpyvgW
Bilt Hamber Auto-Foam: bit.ly/3oNbecr
Bilt Hamber Touch-Less: bit.ly/3qSvqwl
CarPro Lift: bit.ly/3RWXwkA
EGO blower: bit.ly/3KsY1k7
Drying aid: bit.ly/3T4hKK9
The Rag Company Creature edgeless towel: amzn.to/3DVqpq3
Kranzle 1122TST pressure washer: bit.ly/3MgYINZ
Mosmatic gun & wand solution: bit.ly/3EBUZbI
🇬🇧 For people in the UK:
Microfiber chenille wash mitt: amzn.to/44sPOEu
Premium wash mitt: bit.ly/3YDjZrk
Grit Guard: bit.ly/3Pg9XJy
Detail Guardz Dirt Lock bucket filter: bit.ly/3Z9S7LP
Foam gun: amzn.to/45sLhTQ
MJJC Foam Cannon S V3.0: bit.ly/45ePsCr
Koch Chemie Gsf: bit.ly/3ALBppU
CarPro Reset: bit.ly/3RMhTjJ
DIY Detail Incredible Suds: bit.ly/45zth9M
Gtechniq W4 Citrus Foam: bit.ly/3q5TxJI
Bilt Hamber Auto-Foam: bit.ly/3cDutDm
Bilt Hamber Touch-Less: bit.ly/3Rrx6XG
CarPro Lift: bit.ly/3CRdLLn
EGO blower: bit.ly/3KsY1k7
The Rag Company Creature edgeless towel: bit.ly/3KZoR4o
🇫🇷 For people in France: c3po.link/Qh6f4MDbuk
Watch more of my videos:
✅ 1 bucket vs 2 bucket wash method: ua-cam.com/video/vVuRiyeazqQ/v-deo.html
✅ pH7 vs pH12 snow foam: ua-cam.com/video/I7z8ajojRVI/v-deo.html
✅ Is pre-rinsing stupid?: ua-cam.com/video/16SwGBQ29rs/v-deo.html
✅ Do snow foams actually work?: ua-cam.com/video/8j5dJUM8Fb4/v-deo.html
I find it very interesting to see how you can clean and protect the car, my own car does not yet have ceramic protection, what and which steps can I follow before I can apply a ceramic coating.
thanks in advance for your help
Kind regards, Maarten Frans
Pan! 100% GREAT method up until you re-introduce your wash mitt into the wash media ! :-) For ULTIMATE PROTECTION from love swirls to that beautiful Porsche of yours (LOVE the colour BTW :-) it won't cost a THING to use multiple wash mitts or THICK MF cloths while NEVER re-introducing ANY mitt or cloth into your wash bucket - thus eliminating the need for that fancy expensive "grit guard LOL I've been using the 1 bucket method for the last 5 years and washing only one panel at a time with ONE surface of the cloth folded in four (which yields 4 surfaces for 4 panels - 8 if you turn it over :-) . . .. I REALLY like the pre-wash set ups you use and I'm WAY on board with you on THAT one!! Happy detailing to you and your fans!
Hey Pan, do you have any thoughts on this product: WORX WG633E.9 NITRO BL HYDROSHOT 56BAR 20V BRUSHLESS CORDLESS HIGH FLOW PORTABLE? I now live in an apartment complex, so am looking for portable options (have already gone down the rinseless rabbit hole and have a lot of equipment on order, including P&S Absolute), I am also considering mobile detailing as a side hustle
What are the two ceramic and coating products used please?
Can you recomment me a good steam machine for India
Love the testing and data you give - on your own vehicle.
Keep up the great work.
Love that you show lots of products that people can use, not just one. Gives people more options.
Thanks! I always have my viewers in mind.
I was pleased to hear you say that a rinseless wash can be used instead the snow-foam method. I do not have a pressure washer or a snow foam cannon/gun, so my method is to pre soak the car with ONR in a pump sprayer, wash off with the hose* and then soak the car again in ONR leaving it on as I do the contact wash. Rinse off with the hose and then back to the ONR in the pump sprayer for drying as a drying aid.
Entertaining video as always.
* The hosepipe ban in England has ended at last!
Thanks!
never thought of doing it like this. may have to do this
Electric pressure washers with foam cannons are under $100
Hi Pan! I do the same, but I don't see a problem with using both buckets after pre-washing. I consider it a step that requires no costs, nor is it a waste of time. But safety increases considerably by having a bucket of clean water to rinse the microfiber between processes.
How dirty dose your rinse water get? That should be your tell tale if the two bucket method is worth it.
Hi Pan. Top workshop you have there, I use a Citrus pre wash before snow-foam, then the lower section I use a fallout remover, as yourself just the 1 bucket. My car is PPF protected with a Halo coating. What are your thoughts on this method as debris/dirt just washes of the PPF? Thank you .
Yup I agree. I also bought 4 microfiber sponges to switch as I do my vehicle which only adds extra precaution and is easy to implement
Hi Pan, this is pretty much exactly how I've been washing my car for a long time. The only difference is that I put some ONR in the wash bucket as well. I have limited storage space and minimising my products is key. I'm so happy it gets the Pan seal of approval, I've felt like an outlaw for so long! 😂
@@ULSB1969 please do not reply to my comment with your hateful drivel. Please remove your reply or it will be reported.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m not a professional detailer but I do enjoy detailing my own automobile and a few close friends and family.
I just randomly found this video in my feed and I can say that I was already thinking in the direction you convey in this video. I have been a little timid to do things different from the standard but you really confirmed the conclusions I was forming on my own. This video should be mandatory for all professional detailers and really, for anyone who washes their own car. Awesome video! Subscribed!
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. How did you discover my channel by the way?
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 124 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
@@PanTheOrganizer
I discovered your channel by scrolling through UA-cam videos looking for something to watch. Your video came up and it immediately sparked my curiosity. I’m glad I did and when I have time I’ll go back and watch your videos from the past.
Thanks!
Why mandatory? 2 buckets is an extra measure of safety. I see no reason to change to 1 bucket.
I have been using 1 bucket for the body and 1 bucket for the wheels for 10 years. I believe it comes down to preparation (using Grit Guards/washboard and foam cannon) and techniques.
Great video, Pan. I am actually washing my car today.
Enjoy your wash session!
Does grit guard gives the same function as rinsing and squeezing cloth on running tap?
@@hakk9961 I think using a grit guard to agitate and loosen the dirt is better than just rinsing under tap water. I've used pressure washer on my mitts and seen dirt debris still attached to my mitt, so I just agitate my mitts on the grit guard
@@JoeVargheseOrlandoFLthat's exactly how I use my "grit guard" - as a washboard to clean my mitts after the wash. Once a mitt comes out of the wash bucket, and after it's on the car, it gets tossed in the "washboard" bucket. No rinsing mitts. Once a mitt touches the car, it doesn't touch it again until it's been scrubbed clean.
I started a mobile detail business this year to supplement my income, I’m a fire fighter so I work 24 hours on 48 hours off. I went with the Koch Chemie soaps after watching your in-depth breakdown on them. It made sense to me to pre wash with active foam, foam again and then use GSF in my wash bucket (I only use one bucket). Fun fact, I’ve landed monthly subscribers because they liked the way the Koch Chemie soaps smell 😅.
Very cool! And thanks for your service to your community by the way. I have much respect for men and women of law enforcement, military, fire fighters and medical staff.
My absolute pleasure sir, we couldn’t do our job without the support of the communities we serve, so thank you for the opportunity to have this amazing profession.
timothyrogers5188 Don't get injured with your side hustle. There's a nationwide shortage of firefighters.
@@PanTheOrganizer Dans Pan what about us Police? Love you brother 😂
Which is the one that smells like a barbershop?
Thanks! Another nice video. I love how you try to evolve then pass the knowledge.
Thanks for helping to support the channel. Have a great weekend!
Pan, I’ve used the wash over foam method and it presents two issues to me: First, on larger vehicles like SUV’s, it’s difficult to get around the whole vehicle before the agitated areas begin to dry. Especially with one that’s been previously coated and is creating dry areas naturally. I really feel like I need to rinse after agitation to prevent any streaking/spotting. Secondly, any vehicle needing a step stool or lean in to get to the roof results in a shirt full of foam. This method is quick and easy for a low slung coupe like your Porsche, but less practical for something larger. Food for thought! Love your content, from one Panteli to another!
Thanks. For larger and taller vehicles, you can use a microfiber head on an extendable pole like this: bit.ly/3tE3xvg
Also, if you use a pH neutral snow foam, even if it dries a bit on the surface, it doesn't matter, it will rinse off well when it's time to rinse. Work in the shade or in a garage. And if you truly want zero water spotting issues, get a water deionizer. Zero minerals for a spot free wash experience. I love mine!
I do not agree. I use that method everyday to wash my truck ( ram 1500 ) and have no issue with parts that dries to fast ! The only challenge is when you got weather over 30 degrees outside then it might be tricky ( at this point you just dont wash a car when it’s to hot ) but in overall I have no problem using this method on big vehicles!
I rinse each section after agitation and I get no soap streaks like I do if I wait till the end
Move faster.
@@Challenger432 It does help that pickup trucks have a bed that gives access to the roof, full-sized SUV roofs however are a pain to clean without extended wash mitts or if you aren’t tall.
I do this method WITH two buckets, both with grit guards, and have been for a few years. Just makes sense to me. Costs me almost zero calories to fill an extra bucket of water. Maximize lubrication in every step.
I do almost same method.. Foam pre-wash. Wait and Rinse. Foam again. But on this step, I use One bucket and 8-9 different Wash mitts for all the sections. Never reuse same contaminated wash mitts in rinse/wash bucket = lower risks of any contaminant scratches.
And the added benefit is that it’s much faster bc you eliminated need to thoroughly rinse your mitts. Once a mitt is done (front and back) on two sections of a car, it’s much faster to just drop on dirty pile and grab fresh new mitt.
Ive always said that if your prewash stage is good enough to shouldnt need 2 buckets
For me, 1 bucket, 7 mitts. The grit guard at the bottom will unlikely remove all the particles of dirt embedded in the mitt. Some dirt particles aren't going to sink to the bottom of the bucket in time to escape the mitt as you draw the mitt out of the bucket. Give it a try. Your wash bucket water will remain sediment free.
7 mitts nigga wtf..
You can't be serious 🤣
@@jh.f30 agreed. Anyone who’s using less than 9 mitts is kidding themselves.
Same. I did the two bucket method 10 years ago but for the past few years I found it so much easier to just use 1 mitt or microfiber per small section of car, and then just put those cloths aside. I’ve probably used about 12 per wash.
@@jh.f30Small car.
Love watching your videos. Always informative. I was in the US Navy and when I worked on F-14s, we were taught to wash them from the bottom to the top. They said it was because the dirt would just run right off the aircraft easily. I always have washed my cars from the top down.
Thank you for your service to your nation! Much respect for men an women who devote their lives to keeping their countries and communities safe!
I started watching your channel 3 years ago and was struck by your comment about soaps, snow foams, pressure washers and the two bucket method. I digested it all and decided the two bucket method was not necessary. I simply do an original snow foam and rinse, then another snow foam followed by a hand wash.
The big difference is I bought a wash mitten for the hood, each side, the top and back (SUV), and one for the bottom area of the car, the latter of which which I rotate half way through. I have a different type of mitt for the wheels and use two for that, rotating at each wheel. I use a brush for the tires. It’s not more expensive because you don’t need a bucket or a grit guard at all.
Everything I use was recommended by you (THANKS!), but I figured the buckets were not necessary.
Thanks for sharing John!
Yvan Lacroix got me started on the 2 foaming method with great results. He’s a great resource for the channel and the industry. Thanks Pan for bringing him to my attention.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you!
Pan I have used the 2 bucket method up until a few months ago. After watching Yvan's videos I switched to the 1 bucket. Typically depending on how dirty the car is I will either prerinse with DIY rinseless or as you used in this video Active Foam. Then after rinsing I have used Incredible suds, GSF or Pearl to do the contact wash. I typically use 2 mitts one for the lower panels and one for the rest of the vehicle. Thanks for really explaining the entire process.
I think the small amount of time that you save and extra laundry that you will have to do by using multiple wash media for the contact wash is worth it rather than scrubbing your one mitt/towel on the grit guard every time you go back to your bucket.
The kind of grit guard he is using doesn't work also
@@cheesedoodle2327 Are you suggesting there is a better grit guard or that grit guards are not useful?
@@JeanPierreWhite The Detail Guardz one he shows in the video is far superior over the regular old grit guard.
Just a thought on the contact wash.
I think I would do the windshield either last or with a single towel/wash mitt.
Rationale: when driving your windshield & bumper & mirror hoods see the most dirt, bugs and grime. In order to prevent dragging the contaminants over your roof I would recommend using only one mitt for the windshield.
Thanks for your awesomeness!
I use a 2 bucket method with snow foam. I use a 2 sided mitt. Washing the roof with the lambswool side then turn it over and wash all the glass with the specialty glass side. Rinse then move on to the rest of the car. Been doing this for 3 years and NO love scratches. Paint is perfect. Mitt is a Maguiar's Lambswool mitt. I change the mitt annually. Hope this helps.
The thing I like the most about this cleaning method is that the majority of the "work" of cleaning the car is done by the products without the need of a lot of elbow grease. With the right products you can let the products go to work. A testament to the products used and application methods used here.
Correct. Things have evolved a lot and now we have effetive snow foams for the prewash that can actually do a great job of heavy lifting and remove a good portion of dirt and grime before the actual contact wash, making the contact wash safer and easier.
better to have two buckets w/ flowing rinse water over and out top and bottom top flows out the light stuff holes in bottom flush out the heavy !
+ I use two bucket method as i frequently rinse out my sea sponge!
lambs wool & microfiber wash mitts suck we use genuine sea sponges ! sustainably harvested by the greek hard hat divers for 75+ years in tarpon springs Fla . ! google sea sponges tarpon springs , FL
FAR superior to any other method and the scientists and engineers of consumers reports agree w/ a real sea sponge fr the ocean it will NOT scratch ! it IS best method !@@PanTheOrganizer
I never imagined Pan Organizer not using the two-bucket wash method!
Thank you for bringing up an important point about car cleaning. It’s all about using common sense. For cars that aren’t too dirty, the method of cleaning you described makes sense and makes detailing much easier. It’s good to know that the two-bucket wash method isn’t always necessary. Your experience and expertise in this field are invaluable, and it’s great to see you demystifying this topic. It's a good thing you clarified that using the multiple towels or mitt method, also known as the Gary Dean method, is best when dealing with very dirty cars. I find your method very useful for both soap and rinseless washing.
Personally, I follow the same method as you, but I use rinseless wash instead of soap for some extra peace of mind.
Thank you for sharing your valuable insights on this topic.
Thanks for your feedback! I hope you'll have a great weekend.
I just use a single bucket with at least 3 mitts:
#1 - side 1 for hood, front end, then windshield, side 2 for roof and tailgate
#2 - side 1 for top half of driver's side, side 2 for bottom half
#3 - same as #2 for passenger side
Similiar. I use double cloth towell folded to 8 sides.
1 Roof and glasses
2 Bonnet, front bumper, front half of fenders
3 rear trunk bonnet
4 rear bumper , rear half of fenders
4 sides for 4 doors +part of fenders.
Hey Pan, what would be the most aggressive but safe weekly foam product to use with a TW Graphene flex wax base? I also live in Northern Ontario so thinking of the snow/dirt/slush I'll be facing this year on my new vehicle.
Koch Chemie Active Foam. But for weekly washes all you really need is pH neutral.
I LOVE the single-bucket method, and it's the one I most recommend. As long as you decontaminate the surface properly with a power washer, foam, or just a hose first..the single-bucket method is king. You're never re-introducing sand or debris into the washing step!
Yes finally an honest conversation about methods, and it does add to the clarification of when to use a two bucket method. I'm still going to use methods I'm used to and that have worked for me for 20 years plus. But I'm constantly trying new methods and chemicals and I love the direction things are going for DIY people and Professional detailers. I have never felt more comfortable being a professional and imagine DYI'ers have never had so many great options.
Thanks for watching!
I've pretty much always used 2 buckets, but 1 bucket for the soap wooder, and 1 was just a little bit of water to throw the dirty mits in. Depending on the car I typically use 3 -5 microfiber wash mitts.
Use one side for a specific area, and flip it. Use the other side, and toss it in the dirty water bucket. Then grab another mitt.
You mentioned you use one side for a specific area does that mean you have a color or number system in which you use to make sure you use the same mitt in the same specific area on the vehicle again or is that only for the wash at your currently doing?
@@justplanefred no, nothing specific. I'm really not one of those OCD type of guys lol. I don't detail professionally, just a diy at home. I basically use 1 mitt for the hood, top, and trunk. About halfway through those panels, I flip the mitt, and use the other side. Then I do the same on the sides of the vehicle. I'll use 1 mitt, sometimes 2, for those as well.
@@atrain132 okay thank you
@@ULSB1969?? What?
In pre rinsing it's not just about diluting the product, but about surface tension, which makes it difficult for the chemical to penetrate the cleaned surface.
Hi Pan and thanks for yet another great video!
Is there any risk that you might dilute the schampoo with the pre wash? I mean so that the chemicals from the schampoo don't get really on to the paint.
Would it be even better to do all the steps but then foam again with the schampoo instead? Replace the second foaming with a foaming with the schampoo, I mean.
Yes, that's my question as well. Why isn't the 2nd foaming with your shampoo? I realize this is just details, but I'm still curious.
Im working my way through the comments to see if Pan has answered this one, my thoughts as well.@@larsenttif
That rinsing comparison with (I think was paprika) is genius. Always a great video.
Thanks Pan
Thanks!
I found that not washing the car saves a lot of money
😂😂
and it can't cause scratches on the paint.
😂😂😂
😂😂😂
I found that not owning a car saves even more money
When you squeeze the dirt out, @ 21:30, could you not also spray the dirt off?
I spray both sides of my mitt after each area, and never have dirt in my bucket.
I use 2 bucket for a wash. 1 bucket is used for wheel cleaning the other is for cleaning the car. I havnet used the 2bucket method with a rinse/soap bucket in 5+ years. Rinseless wash is my wash method 95% of the time and a pre spray with rinseless is my pre soak and then wash. DIY is my favorite followed by Eco wash from OP. ONR use to be my goto untill DIY came out
Onr still my favorite
What about rinsing the mit in your hand with a hose (pressure washer might be too strong) to rinse away the dirt in and then lather and touch wash again and continue like this for the whole car? The only dowside is using more water, but I think it might be safer for the paint.
better to have two buckets w/ flowing rinse water over and out top and bottom top flows out the light stuff holes in bottom flush out the heavy !
+ I use two bucket method as i frequently rinse out my sea sponge!
lambs wool & microfiber wash mitts suck we use genuine sea sponges ! sustainably harvested by the greek hard hat divers for 75+ years in tarpon springs Fla . ! google sea sponges tarpon springs , FL
FAR superior to any other method and the scientists and engineers of consumers reports agree w/ a real sea sponge fr the ocean it will NOT scratch ! it IS best method !
I do the "Best of Both Worlds" method. 2 foam method AND 2 buckets but the rinse bucket also has soap and grit guards. 4 wash mitts used, only a fresh mitt touches the upper half is the car, so no mitt is reused if it touches the lower half.
I recently stopped watching the entirety of your uploads because of the seemingly endless expensive products that didn’t seem necessary. I appreciate the shift to mentioning cheaper alternatives and more testing snippets that show why the more expensive option can get that “last 10%”. It’s done more to shift my opinion when spending more on something designed to be left outdoors and more importantly, driven. :)
@@brendagottee6476 Geez man, give the guy a break. He's passionate about cars and detailing. We all spend a little extra when we're passionate about something.
@@michil75 it’s also his opinion just like your own and he’s not alone. I feel the same. I’m old-school and never got into this foam craze, it’s simply not necessary. I’ve been watching these car washing / detailing vids lately and it’s reminding me of the girls and their make-up videos. It’s entirely too much products and super obsessive.
Over 20+ yrs ago, I was waxing my sports car as a college guy several times a week. On Autogeek and other forums looking for the best stuff. So been there, done that. Got a new sports car recently and that’s why started watching these vids again but just shaking my head at how things have “evolved”. It’s the state of today, information overload, excessive thinking and feels like everyone is trying to sell you something.
Show cars, garage queens, etc have been maintained in pristine fashion, for many many decades long before all this new stuff.
I'd rather hear about the best products not the cheapest, which I think most would agree
@@Yielar1 Have you ever heard of Project Farm? It's a great example of how price doesn't always equal quality. Just because something has an expensive label or high price tag doesn’t mean it will perform better. I understand the value of investing in your passions, but what’s really wrong is when companies charge more for a product they know is worth less, simply because consumers aren’t aware. It’s even worse when these companies just dilute or rebrand an existing product and sell it at three times the price, all to line the pockets of CEOs. Channels like Project Farm help cut through this kind of misleading marketing and show which products are actually worth your money. You can easily achieve a great finish on your car without paying the inflated prices this guy is promoting.
@AdonaiNate you shouldn’t either
17:00 I still use a car wash stall (as i dont have a garage.. apartment life) and their pre-rinse pressure is alot lower than their wash pressure for (what i imagine is) this very reason. I do use it just to wet the car down and gently get any very loose dirt off the car.
I feel like the small amount of extra effort required to set up a second rinse bucket is worth it. Even if it doesnt make much of a difference its so easy to do.
I Stopped two bucket methods 2 yrs ago since I foam the car twice before contact wash and my ceramic coating have been still amazing. But it’s all preference. Ty for you tips and tricks PAN!
Thanks for watching Marvin! Have a great weekend!
Hi Pan, great video as usual. Watching it I had two questions. One you answered at the end about still using the two bucket method for the contact wash - not necessary but certainly the associated benefits and principles would still apply, so personal choice for benefit vs hassle.
The other question related to the second snow foam application for lubrication. You stated the dwell time is 5 minutes for initial snow foam application and contact wash was 15 minutes (if you are efficient). Is there a risk that the second application of the snow foam will dry on the surface whilst completing the contact wash? How much of an issue would this be? I understand that is why you wash when the car is cool to the touch and out of the sun, but feel there is still the potential for the snow foam to dry whilst performing the contact wash and am wondering how much of an issue that may be?
I've struggled with this a lot. Even though I wash my car in the shade in the early morning when it's cool, I always have issues with the foam drying up as I was doing the contact wash if I try to do the whole car in one shot. The only way I've been able to work around it is to foam, wash and rinse the car in sections. It's probably something you'll have to experiment with.
@IMJOSHV has been using a 'one bucket and discard the microfiber towel' for some time now on his channel Always foams, too. Glad you're getting the word out too!!.
Just love how easy to watch and explanatory your feeds are, and this is no exception. There isn’t a thing you’ve not covered over the years and it’s great how you always develop certain methods and techniques 👌🏻
You’ve helped me countless times with product performance and methodology ensuring my money, time and effort goes where it’s going to count most.
Thanks bro 🔥
I appreciate that! Thanks for the positive feedback!
What’s your favourite video on my channel so far?
I just tried this method with one bucket with a grit guard and one wash mitt and I agree it does a good job as well. Thank you so much Pan for making a video about this new method
I've never used the 2 bucket method. Never made sense to me. I have all the soap I need in my foam cannon, and all the water I need in my hose. I use towels and flip/fold once dirty
@@klasseact6663 reread it🤦
@@klasseact6663 depending on the vehicle I use a pre-wash like Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, then do a contact wash with 1 plush microfiber. If I need more towels I can add some
@@klasseact6663 always pre-wash! Even with rinsless I pre-soak the whole car
I throw my used wash mitt (both sides) in a empty bucket, and can always redunk one if i need an extra mitt. Totally defeats needing a second wet bucket. I felt w 2 wet buckets i never knew if i was using the wash mitt too much...
@@whitegoodman7465 it's really not...FAR less annoying to flip a towel after a panel versus scrubbing a mitt in 2 different buckets
I use exactly the same method, with one difference - my car is not ceramic coated. Instead I use sealants. But at the end of the day the question is whether we want to extend the life of a certain coating or do we really want a potent shampoo. It all come down to the pH I think. I really like koch chemie and they have all the products I need as a hobby detailer. Very informative video, again, thanks!
Thanks Stefan!
Im new to this area but found it extremely interesting so thank you for the video. One question I still have is what is the difference between doing it this way vs. using the Optimum No Rinse (ONR) one bucket way? Any help from Pan or the community would be greatly appreciated, Cheers.
I use the two bucket in the winter or when the car is very dirty, I only use one for maintenance washes with a grate.
Great video Pan. It is always a treat when you detail your 911 Turbo S. In the 1970's our go-to washing solution was Joy dishwashing liquid.
Thanks John!
@PanTheOrganizer such a fantastic car
@@ULSB1969 you keep posting this same message on all the replies...
Hi Pan. 100% agree. I used one bucket and sponge for decades and never had an issue. Only tried the 2 bucket system based on your channel and several others 12 months ago and there was absolutely no proof as to why you would need it. I only have 1 separate bucket on its own for the rims and tyres. 2 bucket method is a waste of time. A good car enthusiast will always maintain good paint care. I recently converted to snow foam as well and makes a world of difference. After a good pressure wash and at least 2 mf mints, you only need 1 bucket and job done. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Pan, thank you for this very informative video! One question if you don't mind.
If you pre-wash with a high alkaline snow foam (e.g. Auto-foam), would you coat the car again with the Auto-foam or switch to a more pH neutral snow foam for the contact wash? Or could you even foam the car with the shampoo that you have in your one bucket?
I'm only just starting on my journey down the detailing rabbit hole xD
Very good question I would normally use BH autofoam Ph13 but wouldn’t want to use it for the second foaming? Perhaps I will use DIY rinseless in an IK foamer as I only have a small car
This is by far the most detailed and informative wash method instructions on YT, wish this video was out a year ago before my ppf was fubar’d by improper wash advice of ppf shop 😢
Glad it was helpful! If you are using the two bucket wash method, that is still absolutely valid. Heck I have been using that method for 26 years now. Actually, I was using the three bucket method as I have a third bucket dedicated just for wheels.
There is not one single best way of washing a car. As long as you use safe washing and drying methods, feel free to explore what works best for you.
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 945,000 subscribers and we have over 125 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
The DIY Rinseless Wash method from Yvan, is now my preferred wash method. One bucket, cheapest, safest and quickest method for a mobile detailer.
Thank you
The rinseless wash method is so much better as long as the vehicle is not filthy. Much less mess on the floor and more efficient.
Rinseless still suitable if the car is filthy. Just need to pre wash. I believe DIY did a video on that very subject @@b374mxg
I started applying that first foam coverage to a dry car a while ago and prefer it now. Not only do I feel it better protects when giving the car it's first spray, but I also find I remove more grit because it's been lifted and broken down some by the soap. All in all I get a better first spray after a dry foaming. As far as an end to the 2 bucket method, I still do and will always use 2 buckets. I'm a regular guy who really enjoys detailing his own car and so the extra time involved is no skin of my back. Im not in any rush or on a clock. Washing/detailing my car has become a meditation/zen like experience for me. I actually wish it took me longer. It's one of the few times during life when I'm not bothered by life and can just be in my own head for a change. I'll throw on some music and just do my thing. I'm a 2 bucket guy for life... and I still foam before that first rinse.
Thanks for sharing Mike. And I share the same feelings about detailing. It's therapeutic and relaxing for me, even after 27 years of doing it. Takes my mind off things, I focus on the task at hand, play some good music in the background, and love the end result. I absolutely love driving a clean car.
Never got in to the 2 bucket method. Tried it but didn’t care for it. I’ve always rinsed the mitt before putting back in bucket. Recently started doing the foam, rinse, foam and then wash.
I started with the two bucket, but now just using one rinse bucket. I do a pre wash with a higher ph soap, then rinse it off...then just foam the car down again with a ph neutral soap and that obviously has all the soap and lubrication I need, start cleaning...rinse mit when needed.
I just watched DIY Detail video the other day (they mentioned you by the way), and was wondering what you thought. Love the fact that it saves time washing and with prep and cleanup. Thanks for all you do and you are my go-to guy!
Awesome! Thank you!
13:58 about drying the residual and boosting gloss. Is it safe to assume that you are talking about contacting the vehicle minimally or is the goal to spread the QD over the entire vehicle after its been blow dried. Great video
Edit: decided to watch to the end. Looks like you mean the entire vehicle!
Pan! (Joseph Han here), you almost gave me a heart attack saying that the 2 bucket method could be dead! But when you talked us through it, it definitely makes sense. These were things I was thinking to myself (mostly because I can get lazy when I do my car haha), but I'm glad you lay your knowledge here. There are these "touchless" car washes that you can drive your car in, and the robotic pressure washer arm goes around your car and blasts strong psi with water, and other super caustic (it's gotta be) "soaps". But like you said, if you want 100% clean, there's no such thing as touchless. I made the mistake of going thru one of those... Lovely video Pan! When you foam your car and it's completely blanketed snow white... do you ever think white could look sexy too.. ? =P
Thanks! Yes I think a 911 looks great in almost any color!
@@ULSB1969 ?
@@auszatti665 this ole weird dude keeps posting the same message on all the replies.
Amazing spec on the Porsche. Informative as usual. Happy for your success Pan!
Much appreciated!
How about 7 buckets and 7 wash mits?
HAHAHAAH !
Been doing the one bucket for the past 5 years. This two-bucket method was a marketing to sell more stuff. My car is in very good no scratches or swirl marks.
There are good arguments for both sides. Pick a method that works for you. In the end it’s all good. We’re not saving lives here. This is just detailing. ;)
Hi
Can i ask for whats the best method of washing a car in my circumstances
Things i will use
1. Only Ph neutral soap
2. I have wash mitts & microfiber towels
3. I will not use foam canon
Methods I'm considering to use
A. 1 bucket no grit, multiple microfiber/wash mitts
B. 1 bucket no grid guard, 1 wash mitts and pressure wash the mits after ever panel
Or should a grit guard is a must for a car wash without foam cannon?
I havent used the 2 bucket method in at least 6 years. Only ever wash my car with ONR and one bucket and its never let me down regardless of the amount of dirt on the car. 2 bucket method and soap is old technology.
Hey Pan, i do it nearly the same since my beginning of detailing years ago..even more or less timelasting, 1 bucket for the whole car / wheels. Weekly wash or even 2 weeks of no wash! First rinse properly, than snow foam last for around 3 min, no rinse after that, than i go for the main wash from top to bottom. So i exclud the pre snow foam process. It works really well, my experience with that method goes over 10 years, no scratches or swirls. It takes around 15min. including the wheels for my AMG station wagon, so very quick and still a proper wash. The only thing i do with more attention as you show in the video is the lower part of the car, i use a lot more of shampoo/water in the wash mitt and going over small parts. On that part i let the mitt and the washing shampoo do their job, so more ist the better choice. In case there ist still some dirt, the amount of shampoo water washes it away. I also use a lot of Koch Chemie products as i'm from Germany ;-) ABDL, FX Protect and Carpro are also one of my favorites.
Have a nice day!
Thanks for sharing Andreas!
Bilt Hamber pre wash properly and single bucket shampoo since 2020. If your bucket is not clean then improve your prewash regime.
Glad to hear this, finally. I use the foam cannon to lift the dirt and lubricate, and a soaped wash bucket with a wash mitt and a grit guard. I flip the mitt and return it to the bucket and grit guard often. If the vehicle is dirtier, I do a first spray wash and rinse before the actual contact wash cycle. I never apply pressure with the mitt. I use a separate bucket and separate tools for the tires and wheels.
Thanks for sharing!
As a mobile detailer, I usually work in direct sunlight. I understand that most of the products work better out of direct sunlight. I’d like to start pretreating my vehicles with a foam. Can you recommend any methods and products that would allow me to use this method? Am I restricted to using a rinseless wash in a handheld pump sprayer? Thank you for your advice and your excellent UA-cam videos
I have used 1 bucket and three wash mitts 6 sides for 5 years now, once a mitt has been used it never goes back in the wash bucket, thanks pan for all you do
Thanks for sharing
From the bottom of my heart Pan, I appreciate all this content you’ve compiled and contributed. I’ve learned and spent so much in a week but plan to keep my first nice vehicle sparkling. Take care! 😊
Thanks! I appreciate it. Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 1 million subscribers and we have over 140 million views! I have been detailing for 27 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
This is interesting Pan... I used to do the 2 bucket method and then I started doing the one bucket method,, just like this... foam,, let dwell,,, rinse,, foam again and wash with one bucket... I've been doing that for the last 2 years on my car and my Harley... seems techniques and products change all the time. Good video Pan...
Thanks Barry! I hope you’re doing well.
Just got a new car and binged watched your videos for two weeks. Subscribed
Congrats on your new car. What did you buy?
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 123 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
Your timing is perfect, I just bought my dream car and sorting out my wash method. I am ceramic coating it this week and want to make sure I am preserving that coating and my paint.
Glad it was helpful!
Cool. I use one bucket with multiple mits. Does this new method do a great job on winter road salt? Or do you add one step to start off by rinsing off as much salt as possible? As always, good video.
For road salts, a good effective pre-wash like Bilt Hamber Touch-Less really helps.
Great stuff Pan. I have enjoyed alternating between Rinseless washes and the 2 bucket method for over a year. This 1 bucket method makes total sense to me. I will need to step up to some of the newer foams. I typically foamed with Adams Car Shampoo, rinsed, applied ONR then contact washed with 2 bucket. I definitely can go to 1 bucket now. I used the ONR step because it always helped during summers here in GA when things can dry out quickly.
I've always used the 2 bucket method just to be sure I minimize the chance of swirling the paint work during the contact wash👍🏻. Sometimes but very rarely during the summer months I do use the one bucket method the way you demonstrated in this video. Great work Pan👍🏻.
Thanks Konsta!
@@PanTheOrganizer 👍🏻❤️
Thanks!
For dirty cars that need a pre-wash I use vonixx/citron from Brazil
Thanks for helping to support my channel Jaime!
Same for me, but I use 2 mitts. 1 for the top half down to the door handle. Then the 2nd for the lower section. Do the top of the car first, then the lower dirtier part of the car.
I'd always wash top to bottom. Never swipe to the bottom and back to the top 😱.
Enjoying the channel. Thanks Pan keep it up.
Thanks Stuart! How did you discover my channel by the way?
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 960,000 subscribers and we have over 130 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
Not too sure how I found the channel. Think I was searching for fusso coat reviews and came across your channel. I'm also using the MJJC foam cannons 2.0 + S3.0.
Will look for more content on your channel.
Loving the Porsche 👍
Merry Christmas!
I just rinse the mitt each time with the hose on my step stool (tall van) instead of 2nd bucket seems to work good 100 percent clean rinse rinse each time . Simple and works for me.
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 1 million subscribers and we have over 140 million views! I have been detailing for 27 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
So…for me the BIG question remains. Do you pressure wash the dirt off first, then first foam coat?? Or first foam a dry car. Does it matter how dirty? Regular dirt and grime from day/night driving . Thanks Pan! Enjoy your good sharing and expertise always.
OK - I now saw your opinion 👍on this.
Thanks for watching!
Great vid! I have used this method and just rinse the media before dunking in the water.. a lot faster and if there is marring is very minimal and usually im buffing after soo.....
For me I use my foam cannon for contact wash and one bucket with 3 wash mitts and one disposable microfiber towel for the bottom panel
Thanks for sharing Milly. How did you discover my channel by the way?
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 124 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
@@PanTheOrganizer originally UA-cam is how I found you. Then, followed you through all of your social media after. Also, I found your informative video and knowledge you give us has helped my car detailing be more efficient while providing quality service at the end.
I think it al depends how dirty your car is. If my car is fairly dirty I will quickly rinse my mitt under the hose to get it clean in preventing scratching. With my car I wash it often, so then I don't need cleaning the mitt. Only afterwards.
Personally, the two-bucket wash method is usually a waste of time on most customer vehicles. 90% of the vehicles look like they have already been to swirl city. Also, if you are in Florida good luck making it through a two-bucket wash in the customers driveway especially when they have been letting it bake the entire day.
Pan, I have been doing this for a few years. I still use "2 buckets" but the second bucket is used for mitts that I have used for each section. For my S6 I use 4 mitts and for my wife's SUV 5-6. I use the mitts similar to you did with your one bucket method, but use a second bucket to collect my mitts before heading to the washing machine. I have always rinsed before using foam, thinking that WATER is a lubricant, if it was just 2000 PSI of air I would agree but water is a lubricant maybe not as slippery as soap but it is a lubricant just the same. If you think that the foam works to remove much of the lose dirt without the initial rinse it will save me a few minutes as long as it is just as good.
That's totally fine too! :)
For my rinse-less wash, I use a modified "2-bucket" method - 1st bucket is my wash bucket (2 gallons of DI water with ONR) and 5 clean mitts. Those 5 mitts soak up nearly all the water.
The 2nd bucket has grit guards (on the bottom and sides) and around 4 gallons of plain hose water.
Each mitt gets a section to clean, and after each mitt finishes, it gets tossed in the 2nd bucket to soak and wait. I finish going around the car with the mitts, and I finish drying, spot checking, detail spraying, etc. When I'm done and satisfied the car is good, I go to bucket #2 and scrub all 5 mitts on the grit guards; changing the 4 hose water gallons as needed (usually 3-4 times until the water is clear again. Then I hang the mitts to dry and dump the water.
The traditional 2nd "rinse" bucket has never made sense to me, nor has the grit guard method helped to separate clean water from dirty water. It was never enough for me to trust putting a dirty mitt back on the car. Once a mitt is dirty, that it. The mitt won't touch the car again until it's been scrubbed clean.
After I wash a small area with my mitt (e.g., both doors on one side of my SUV), I need to re-soap it. But what I do before dipping it in my wash bucket is spray off the mitt with the shower nozzle attached to my hose. Doing so removes most of any grit that my mitt may have just picked up. I've never used the two-bucket method because the rinse bucket will always have grit suspended in the water from the prior rinse that I did just a minute or so prior. That's why the second rinse bucket never made sense to me. I wasn't getting the maximum amount of the grit off my mitt, and the rinse water will always have some suspended grit in it that has not yet settled below the grit guard because the all the grit hasn't had time to settle (precipitate) to the bottom.
1 bucket multi pad/ mitt for me. A good prewash is key.
I only do a full wash once a month, other weeks i do a prewash and rinse only
Pan, just found your channel the other day and I want to say I am highly impressed with the content! Just bought a new car last Saturday, so granted I want to take the best care of it I can and stumbled upon you! I have a handful of questions for you and I hope you can help me out.
-Would a 3200psi gas pressure washer that I currently have, be ok for detailing as long as I move farther back and use the softest/soap attachment? Or should I just use my hose with a foam gun?
-How can I tell if my dealer who apparently applied a 'ceramic' coating, actually applied that versus just a wax? There is clearly a nice hydrophobic barrier on the car with very nice beading. I just don't trust them haha.
-What do you recommend for winter washing when my outdoor water source freezes?
I'm sure I had more, but they slipped my mind. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!!!
Congrats on your new car! What did you buy?
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 940,000 subscribers and we have over 124 million views! I have been detailing for 26 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
It’s never recommended to go above 2000 psi when washing cars.
Also, a new car is never new until it's properly detailed.
- at the factory, the paint defects are often corrected quickly by rotary polishing which can leave marks and holograms, so polishing corrects those, before you lock that in long term with a ceramic coating for example.
- vehicles are then transported by truck, train and boat so they are exposed to the elements, industrial fallout, brake dust, rail dust, etc
- vehicles are often left at boat docks (when transported by boat) or in exterior parking lots for weeks or months, again being exposed to the elements
- at the dealership, the vehicles are almost always poorly prepped using the same dirty water that was used for all the cars on a given day, and poor washing and drying methods leading to swirls and scratches
- at the dealership, a layer of cheap wax or paint sealant is usually applied to attempt to make the paint glossy prior to delivery. It's crucial to remove any previous protection before you apply a ceramic coating, as coatings need to bond directly to a virgin clear coat.
If you only plan on applying a regular carnauba wax or paint sealant though, you could decide to skip machine polishing, as those protectants can be applied over existing protection and it's not as crucial to prep the paint as well.
I explain all of this in this popular video: ua-cam.com/video/QgoyrC-5CMc/v-deo.html
So you can better visualize the new car prep process, here are the steps I perform on a brand new car for my customers:
Mercedes S 580: ua-cam.com/video/Vq_tfcwryVI/v-deo.htmlsi=whord2_UEFSg28UW
Aston Martin Vantage: ua-cam.com/video/OKga3yZVTqo/v-deo.html
Volvo XC60: ua-cam.com/video/tvDBBenhYFA/v-deo.html
Tesla Model Y: ua-cam.com/video/gohks8xP5NY/v-deo.html
Porsche 911 Carrera: ua-cam.com/video/2ckiivbFqs4/v-deo.html
Mercedes AMG GT63S matte black: ua-cam.com/video/eU8zg1lXvXY/v-deo.htmlsi=oGxoCp8PWt7gTncV
Audi Q7: ua-cam.com/video/t7HCBSVnizM/v-deo.html
BMW M6 Gran Coupe: ua-cam.com/video/0lC9uyKXs8Q/v-deo.html
BMW M340i: ua-cam.com/video/etXhJNaF0EE/v-deo.html
Audi RS3: ua-cam.com/video/641mAJfKDLM/v-deo.html
Golf R: ua-cam.com/video/jr19g4PWJsk/v-deo.html
This is without doubt the single best video on how to weekly wash your car and at the same time minimise marking the cars paint and safety for coated vehicles, However it would have been an even better video if you could have shown us your method for drying the car or atleast a linked video showing it
Omg….Thank God… i’m so glad I got to watch this video Pan, I actually was wondering for a while now if the two bucket system was really helpful and truly necessary ? Carrying two buckets from one side of the car to the other side, it’s sometimes can be a hassle and using extra bucket of water, it’s good to conserve a little water
Now I’ll be doing the dual foaming system, single bucket and purchasing the Detail Guardz Dirt Lock
Thanks for the awesome, educational video Pan
Thanks Joe! 😁👍🏻
Hello. Great information here. Will definitely be trying it out. Could another alternative to the two bucket method, be a one bucket method and to add more safety to it just rinse the mitt with a water hose before dumping it into the soapy water? This would eliminate all the dirt and grime that is in the wash mitt before inserting and cleaning the car? Would love to hear your thought on this
I just want to make sure i got this right
1. Use a higher pH soap and foam the car
2. dwell for a few minutes, then rinse
3. refoam the car with the same higher pH soap
4. have a pH neutral soap in one bucket and use that for the contact wash.
5. rinse after contact wash
does that sound right?
For regular weekly washes, you can stick to pH neutral in the foam cannon and in the bucket. You will only switch pH levels when doing a deeper cleaning once in a while. That's what we call a "decon wash".
Decon wash:
1. Foam with higher pH snow foam (alkaline)
2. Rinse
3. Foam again with acidic pH snow foam (optional, for added lubrication) and use the same acidic pH soap in the wash bucket (that removes limescale and mineral deposits)
4. Rinse.
See how I do all this in my spring maintenance tutorial here: ua-cam.com/video/oTaFE_p2OAw/v-deo.htmlsi=WaJFgDDUrfdavEOd
I just washed my car today, and happened on this video while watching videos on tire shine product (as today was the first time trying a brush with a tire shine product I wanted to try). You bring up good points about not being as concerned with the psi of a canon or high alkali solutions if you have a ceramic coating. In the past, I wasn't concerned with washing my car, but now have one in which I get some head turns (and I think worth a regular wash). I have PPF in the front, and only seem to be figuring out micro-swirls with painted gloss plastic window pillars and rear trunk area. I've used compound and will double check if my current drying towels are not introducing swirl. Since I'm aiming for doing regular washes, and am using a hose with soap canon, I think I'll try to keep it light debris that a rinse can take care of, then use one bucket with soap gun.
I basically follow this same process, except I like to use a bunch of small microfiber mitts (wheel mitts from Rag Company). It's even less time consuming as it negates the need for the grit guard/scrubbing. It also uses less water and product. Then you just throw them all in the wash when done.
This is the way. Why you would ever re-use a dirty mitt or towel is ridiculous when good quality towels are so inexpensive.
Hello: I have a potential tip (you may already know) Florida "love bugs" are hard to remove I use 2 fabric softener dryer sheets wetted in water and rub the residue , works well. With your background you might study how to make love bugs into a super glue. Also Pan, some advice please, I(senior citizen) have a 2023 Subaru Outback touring xt, with Nappa leather seats. What to do about friction , not easy to slide into position getting in or out. They have not been treated .
Enjoy sitting back and watching .
I just don't think its a big deal to have a rinse bucket and pretty clearly does its job on noticably dirty cars. For winter or washes where the car is hardly dirty I could see not using a rinse bucket, but otherwise it doesn't make a whole lot sense not to use one if you're hyper focused on avoiding scratches from dirt and contamination.
better to have two buckets w/ flowing rinse water over and out top and bottom top flows out the light stuff holes in bottom flush out the heavy !
+ I use two bucket method as i frequently rinse out my sea sponge!
lambs wool & microfiber wash mitts suck we use genuine sea sponges ! sustainably harvested by the greek hard hat divers for 75+ years in tarpon springs Fla . ! google sea sponges tarpon springs , FL
FAR superior to any other method and the scientists and engineers of consumers reports agree w/ a real sea sponge fr the ocean it will NOT scratch ! it IS best method !
Another great video, always appreciate seeing wash strategy updates. I use a less aggressive pre-foam for my household cars that I wash every 1-2 weeks - usually use gtechniq citrus or adams car shampoo. Based on your previous videos, I also keep bilt hamber on hand for when I haven't been able to wash the cars in a while. Does an AMAZING job. I also use this for washing my friends' very neglected cars. Detailing became my pandemic hobby and it was a great way to hang out safely with friends outside while doing something productive. Still offer them details when I can to hopefully encourage them to take better care of their cars (they always participate or at least spectate). Between you, DIY Detail, and Obsessed Garage, I'm going to run out of cabinet space for detailing products (in the best way possible). Pretty sure my husband doesn't comment on the excessive products only because I detail his car every other week. Excited to try the Koch Chemie and DIY foams next!
Thanks for watching!
@PanTheOrganizer This greatly ties in to your video the other week w/ Chelsea going to the DIY carwash.
As a hobbyist, without a great place to wash, I gather up mitts etc, bug remover and Gyeon WetCoat. Start w their prewash (which is actually very powerful-Can't speak to the pH) keep walking around the car spraying so it gets a full 2min dwell time. Then the soap sprayer to add more lubrication, spray my mitt w the soap from sprayer, put the spraygun in its holster turning it back to water setting, turning it back to soap to spray out my mitt as needed. Often times I will use 2 mitts, 1 for the majority and another for the very bottom grimiest areas. Admittedly, without a light often time my white, black and silver cars look clean by the time I get to the contact wash. Because the chems at this dit are pretty good, I do use their spray wax & final rinse. Both do add decent beading and sheeting. Top it off w Gyeon WetCoat as I dry and bam i'm done in less than 30 minutes (minus wheels). Sometimes if I'm really into it I will power spray out their brush (which actually ISN'T garbage) and will just allow the foam to drop all over the car and then use my mitt for contact.
The good part about my method is no one can yell at me about doing bucket washes because I have no bucket AND I'm paying the entire time.
The bad news is that if I go hard in the paint on it (pun intended) it runs me about $12, But that is still the same or less than a drive-through wash.
As a hobbyist I'm getting it done WAY quicker than in my own garage fussing with two buckets a sunjoe pressure washer, and fighting the hose as I make my way around the car in a cramped garage. About 1 year in with Gyeon CanCoat on 1 vehicle and even after using their potentially harsh products at the diy, CanCoat is holding up. When toppes off w their Chems and WetCoat It's slick as snot. But it is soon time for another CanCoat session
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@@PanTheOrganizer Thank You sir! I know my scenario isn't perfect, but I think it can encourage other hobbyists who don't have great working conditions, and still give them a chance to familiarize themselves and work with some really great products!
The fewer the barriers, the more folks will be encouraged to keep washing at some level. Here in Texas there's more carwashes on a block than Starbucks 😂
Keep up the excellent work Pan! -Ang
Heheh thanks Ang!! I hope you had a great weekend.
I have been detailing for over 50 years and have always used the 2 bucket method. 1 bucket for the wash mitt/soap solution and the 2nd bucket as a seat for when Im doing the wheels and tires. I always do the wheels/tires first using the 1st bucket, then flip the 2nd seat bucket and using that on the car. I never pre foam, just pre rinse very well. I can appreciate Pan's techniques if you live in a tough climate with alot of snow, road salt or salt water atmosphere.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. How did you discover my channel by the way?
Welcome to my channel. You discovered one of the biggest car detailing channels on UA-cam as we surpassed 1 million subscribers and we have over 135 million views! I have been detailing for 27 years and I love to share my knowledge and passion with my viewers.
You found the right channel to help you learn everything about detailing.
@@PanTheOrganizer I have been watching your channel off and on for several years. I'm a subscriber.
Foam twice, GSF with Green Star, one bucket of warm water without soap, couple of mitts and soap direct onto the mitts. The lubricity is off the charts! Used to use two buckets, never again.
Hi,why are you not using a dedicated shampoo for the contact wash in the lance? This will surely give you even greater lubricity? I myself wouldnt use a snow foam as part of the contact wash as there are no lubricants,i am very surprised that you have done this
I don't understand your comment. Any snow foam will add lubricity on the surface, it's no different than a bucket soap (in fact most shampoos can also be used a snow foams). Also, the soap in the bucket already has tons of lubrication. If you do the method right, even not using any snow foam isn't the end of the world. Many pros don't even foam cars, and still get great results.
There are many ways to safely wash a car Simon. I have been detailing cars for over 26 years now, I think I know how to wash a car at this point haha. It's not rocket science and we're not saving lives here. We're just detailing cars. And it should stay fun and relaxing. Don't overthink the moment.
@@PanTheOrganizer i would say that snowfoam has no lubrication as its a pre-wash,i use the same method as you have done,but i use a shampoo in the lance which does have lubrication,but i do like the one bucket method though. I never mentioned anything about saving lives or that shouldn't be fun,it's only my opinion. I follow a few detailers in the uk and have never seen a contact wash with snowfoam,its on,off....and shampoo
Ah that makes sense now, as you guys in the UK often use different snow foams than in North America. If you use Bilt Hamber snow foams, I would absolutely rinse those off before the contact wash, and use a different soap in the wash bucket (I like CarPro Reset).
But if you use Koch Chemie Gsf in the foam cannon, you can use that in the bucket as well, it's meant for both.
So yes I get your point, and you are right depending on which snow foam you are using. Not all snow foams are also meant for use as a contact wash. So which snow foam are you using?