Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Just a quick one on leather cleaning. This is from a seat that by all accounts is "clean" I knew it wasn't but just want to show on here how filth leather can be, even though it looks clean. This is only on the bolster, the centre sections were even worse. I didn't have strong leather cleaner on hand so did two passes with the mild.

Before
image

I generally use Colourlock leather cleaner with a brush
image

image

That is all the filth from just that bolster with one clean
image

You can see the difference in how the bolster is now a nice matt finish compared to the filthy centre section
image

Leather. If it's shiny it's dirty.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Just a quick one on leather cleaning. This is from a seat that by all accounts is "clean" I knew it wasn't but just want to show on here how filth leather can be, even though it looks clean. This is only on the bolster, the centre sections were even worse. I didn't have strong leather cleaner on hand so did two passes with the mild.

Before


I generally use Colourlock leather cleaner with a brush




That is all the filth from just that bolster with one clean


You can see the difference in how the bolster is now a nice matt finish compared to the filthy centre section

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Leather. If it's shiny it's dirty.

Excellent demonstration. I have a bit of a crusade against products that create shiny leather!

I just threw the better part of gallon of Meguiar's D180 Leather Cleaner and Conditioner in the bin.



One of the worst, if not THE worst detailing products that I have ever used. The scent is absolutely terrible, but it's the horrible shiny, greasy and slick finish it left behind. While it states that it's a cleaner in the name, it has little to no cleaning ability whatsoever. All it does is make the leather so shiny and slick that it disguises the dirt left behind.

I attempted using this stuff a few times but hated it so much that it sat unused in the back of the cabinet for the better part of two years.



This is my idea of clean leather; a soft, matte sheen -

[DFB FGXR6]

My old man had to have a tyre replaced on his Ranger yesterday. Of course, they just had to apply that horrible silicone dressing to all the tyres afterwards...............









I wonder how many passes with a heavy duty tyre cleaner I'm going to need to remove that stuff from the tyres, wheels and wheel arches.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My old man had to have a tyre replaced on his Ranger yesterday. Of course, they just had to apply that horrible silicone dressing to all the tyres afterwards...............

image

image

image

image

I wonder how many passes with a heavy duty tyre cleaner I'm going to need to remove that stuff from the tyres, wheels and wheel arches.

Alternatively, you could just leave it on there.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Alternatively, you could just leave it on there.

NO! Just NO!

[prydey]

The leather cleaning products are very topical.

What's a reasonable product for cleaning available from Supercheap. If it even exists.

My folks have a Hyundai tucson with leather seats and my sister just bought a used Hyundai i30 with leather seats. I'm currently on holidays in Brisbane with them and thought I could get something while I'm here that would be fairly easy to use.

My folks car is pretty good. A light clean and protective coat would be fine. My sisters car that she just bought is fairly heavily used. She bought some leather wipes to keep in the car but not sure they'll be that effective? Probably ok for mopping up a spilled drink or something.

I mentioned Supercheap as that's the only shop handy but there is a repco and autobarn not too far away.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

The leather cleaning products are very topical.

What's a reasonable product for cleaning available from Supercheap. If it even exists.

My folks have a Hyundai tucson with leather seats and my sister just bought a used Hyundai i30 with leather seats. I'm currently on holidays in Brisbane with them and thought I could get something while I'm here that would be fairly easy to use.

My folks car is pretty good. A light clean and protective coat would be fine. My sisters car that she just bought is fairly heavily used. She bought some leather wipes to keep in the car but not sure they'll be that effective? Probably ok for mopping up a spilled drink or something.

I mentioned Supercheap as that's the only shop handy but there is a repco and autobarn not too far away.

I hate most if not all leather care products sold at the usual Big Box stores, with one exception. Bowden's Leather Love!

Will it have the same cleaning ability of a dedicated interior cleaner like P&S Express or Koch Chemie Pol Star? No. But it does a great job when teamed with a brush to get more cleaning ability from it. That is an off-label usage, but I have found it to work pretty well. After agitation, wipe off the residue with a towel.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...=en_AU&start=1





The best bit is that it won't make the leather shiny afterwards.

For the brush, Bowden's have this -
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...PO7541270.html

Otherwise, Bunning's have these -
https://www.bunnings.com.au/mr-clean...brush_p4460431

Or even this from a supermarket -
https://www.coles.com.au/product/kiw...1-each-3829708

[Late braker]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My old man had to have a tyre replaced on his Ranger yesterday. Of course, they just had to apply that horrible silicone dressing to all the tyres afterwards...............

image

image

image

image

I wonder how many passes with a heavy duty tyre cleaner I'm going to need to remove that stuff from the tyres, wheels and wheel arches.

Yes I hate how it gets sprayed all over the inner guards and on the wheels just by the tyre rotating. Annoying…

[Feathers]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...=en_AU&start=1

image

image

The best bit is that it won't make the leather shiny afterwards.

I just picked up a bottle of this to have a crack at cleaning the interior of the 2008 X5 I purchased last year, and was very happy with the results as well.
Sadly there are a few light scratches on the back seat which I can't hide too well, but otherwise, it's in great condition for a 15 year old SUV.

[DFB FGXR6]

Boxing Day order number three, this one from Waxit..............



Waxit's sale this year seemed to be the most aggressive of the detailing suppliers, combined with my gold member discount, I did very well with this order.

There are some restocking items here (the tyre applicators and Carpro Measure), the Reset was a loyalty redemption, one was on heavy discount (Boost) and the Shine Supply Shift is my new general use soap.

Sticking with Shine Supply, Punch It is their take on a Si02 drying aid/quick detailer. This is a very easy to use product with great gloss and slickness.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...30220354715737



Auto Finesse Spritz is another take on an interior detailer. This product offers mild cleaning ability, some UV protection and an anti-static agent. Wipes on easily and leaves a nice matte finish.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/au...nt=38151412561



Sticking with Auto Finesse, Lather is their pH balanced maintenance soap, meaning it's safe for all LSP's.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/au...nt=37103163857

Finally, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. This is actually a mistake on Waxit's part, I actually ordered the sprayable version. Regardless, I was getting low on this product anyway. DGPS is a longtime favorite of mine, offering supreme gloss and warmth.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/wo...iant=641815269
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/wo...iant=641815313

[Bossxr8]

What would be a good product to use to clean plasti-chrome? Like the chrome trim around the windows on an FG G6E?

I’ve just given my FG a full detail and after masking the trim looks a bit messy from masking tape glue.

Maybe just something like maguires trim detailer on a rag?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

What would be a good product to use to clean plasti-chrome? Like the chrome trim around the windows on an FG G6E?

I’ve just given my FG a full detail and after masking the trim looks a bit messy from masking tape glue.

Maybe just something like maguires trim detailer on a rag?

Couple of things to look at there.

If the trim is dull and water spotted, I would try an acidic based product to remove any oxidation. A water spot remover like Carpro Spotless would be a good start, you could also try Carpro Descale or even 50/50 White vinegar and water. Use these on a towel and go to town, making sure to rinse afterwards to remove any residue.

Polishing would also be a good option, and probably what I would go straight to. You will need to do this by hand with a finger wrapped around a towel, perhaps using Scholl S20 Black or Sonax Perfect Finish. Make sure to mask around the plastic/rubber trims or have an appropriate cleaner on hand to remove any staining.

Meguiar's Trim Detailer is a dressing for rubber and unpainted black plastic, so would not work on this stainless steel/plastic chrome as it would make it look greasy.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

What would be a good product to use to clean plasti-chrome? Like the chrome trim around the windows on an FG G6E?

I’ve just given my FG a full detail and after masking the trim looks a bit messy from masking tape glue.

Maybe just something like maguires trim detailer on a rag?

Just to add to my previous response, if you have tape residue on the trims, it would be best to remove that before polishing or cleaning with a mild acidic product. Despite being designed for tar removal, in this case Carpro TarX or Koch Chemie TEA will also remove adhesive residue.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Couple of things to look at there.

If the trim is dull and water spotted, I would try an acidic based product to remove any oxidation. A water spot remover like Carpro Spotless would be a good start, you could also try Carpro Descale or even 50/50 White vinegar and water. Use these on a towel and go to town, making sure to rinse afterwards to remove any residue.

Polishing would also be a good option, and probably what I would go straight to. You will need to do this by hand with a finger wrapped around a towel, perhaps using Scholl S20 Black or Sonax Perfect Finish. Make sure to mask around the plastic/rubber trims or have an appropriate cleaner on hand to remove any staining.

Meguiar's Trim Detailer is a dressing for rubber and unpainted black plastic, so would not work on this stainless steel/plastic chrome as it would make it look greasy.

I thought of using a polish. Wasn’t sure how that would go with plastic though.

I got off most of the residue from the tape just wiping it with a rag. It’s very low tack and just wipes away. It’s looking a little dull though, so i will try some spray detailer on a rag first to clean it and see if that brings the full shine back. If not, i will run some polish into it.

Thanks.


Loving the way my Edge coloured G6ET comes up after a full detail. It really glows.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

DFB’s Soap Shoot Out

In detailing, soap is used for a couple of key reasons.
-To assist in the removal of dirt and contamination
-To provide lubrication during the removal of said dirt and contamination.

Soap is administered via a foam cannon and/or via a bucket and wash media (mitt, pad or sponge).

Having tried a large variety of soaps over the years, this a run-down of each I have used so far.

The first 3 soaps are what I consider the top 3 maintenance soaps on the market. These are the products that I use and recommend the most. The difference between the three is minor, choosing any of these will be a winner.

Carpro Reset – In my opinion, the best maintenance soap on the market. Exceptional foaming, exceptional slickness, exceptional scent and pH neutral. Reset is expensive, but this is a classic case of you get what you pay for. I keep trying different soaps, but nothing really seems to be able to match Reset as a total package.

Lubrication – 10/10
Cleaning Ability 10/10
Scent – Hard to describe, it’s simply brilliant!
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 10/10

image

Koch Chemie GSF – My current number two, GSF is a pH neutral soap making it ideal for maintenance washing, offering supreme lubricity and brilliant foam quality. It’s the scent that really seals the deal, one of THE BEST smelling products in the detailing world. Again, an expensive soap, but the user experience is bloody brilliant.

Lubrication – 10/10
Cleaning Ability 10/10
Scent – Cherry
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 10/10

image

NV Snow – Number three on my list, this was the first soap I bought from a specialist supplier, a massive step up from what I had been using up to that point. Snow ticks every box, slickness, cleaning ability, foam quality, easy rinsing and pleasant scent. This soap is a runnier liquid, making it easy to measure and pour.

Lubrication – 10/10
Cleaning Ability 10/10
Scent – “Pleasant”
PH Level – 7.2 (Note – I have seen numbers as high as 9.9)
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 10/10

image

The next three are my top 3 decontamination / strip soaps. Use these for occasional deep cleaning or in preparation for a new wax/sealant. Unlike the maintenance soaps, these are in no particular order.

Carpro Lift – This is a high pH soap designed for decontamination. Brilliant foam quality and strong cleaning power. It does lack some of Reset’s slickness and trades a sweet scent for a stronger “chemical” smell. Use this only occasionally to deep clean a ceramic coating, when preparing for a paint correction or when prior to applying a new wax/sealant.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 10/10
Scent – Unscented
PH Level – 12+
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 10/10

image

Carpro Descale – This soap swings the other way compared to Lift, being an acidic product for decontamination washes. The acidic nature can help remove hard water spots. Descale is another product that can be used to revive an older ceramic coating. Again, a product for occasional use, I like to use this as a strip wash. Cherry scented and offering similar lubricity to Lift.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 10/10
Scent – Cherry
PH Level – Not Specified, my testing showed about 3.7
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 10/10

image

Obsessed Garage Decontamination Soap – This is an interesting soap that will soon be freely available in Australia. It’s a higher pH alkaline soap that offers higher lubricity than the other two, offers brilliant foaming and strong cleaning ability. It has a solvent base for that added ability.

Lubrication – 10/10
Cleaning Ability 10/10
Scent – Mild Citrus
PH Level – 10.0
Consistency - Medium
Overall Rating – 9/10

image

The following products trace a line to the point where I have arrived at my top 6 soaps. Some are good, but not great products. Some are absolute dogs. This has been a near 20 year journey, the thrill of the chase being the motivation to keep looking, keep trying.

These are a few from my earlier days detailing -

Meguiar’s Gold Class – Available everywhere, this is a decent soap that foams up well and provides plenty of suds. This soap will leave a gloss enhancer behind, best avoided on ceramic coated cars. Being so thick and gloopy, Gold Class is harder to measure out than more runny soaps.

Lubrication – 7/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent – Musky
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thick
Overall Rating – 6/10

Meguiar’s NXT – Again, available everywhere with great suds. With “synthetic lubricating oils”, NXT will also leave something behind. It can also soften hard water, meaning its safer to use in the sun. This is also a thicker soap, making it harder to measure.

Lubrication – 7/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent – Fruity
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thick
Overall Rating – 6/10

Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax – Another thick, gloopy soap from Meguiar’s that will also leave behind a small amount of protection. I stopped using this due to poor cleaning ability and the fact it was leaving behind a residue on glass.

Lubrication – 7/10
Cleaning Ability 5/10
Scent – Bubble gum
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thick
Overall Rating – 4/10

Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner – The single worst soap I have ever used, and one of the worst detailing products I have had the displeasure of spending money on. No suds, no lubrication, no cleaning ability. This stuff is utter garbage, run don’t walk from this pathetic product.

Lubrication – 2/10
Cleaning Ability 1/10
Scent – Can’t remember LOL
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 1/10

Bowden’s Snow Job – I started using this when foam cannons really took off. Initially, I liked how well it foamed. As time went on, I realised this soap lacks meaningful cleaning ability. It’s thicker consistency also made it harder to pour into the foam cannon. There are far better soaps than this, if you don’t want to purchase from a specialist supplier, then look towards Gold Class or Bathe instead.

Lubrication – 6/10
Cleaning Ability 1/10
Scent – Can’t remember LOL
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thick
Overall Rating – 2/10

From this point on, I’m commenting from more resent experience.

NV Snow Plus – This soap is a higher pH / alkaline soap designed for more cleaning ability. It lacks the pleasant scent of regular snow and is a clear liquid rather than coloured blue. You would use this soap on dirtier vehicles or when doing a decontamination/strip wash, Snow Plus having the ability to remove or seriously degrade a wax/sealant. A brilliant choice and a staple of my cabinet for a number of years now.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 9/10
Scent – Un-scented
PH Level – 8.1 (Note – I have seen numbers as high as 12.1)
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 9/10

image

Adam’s Car Shampoo – This is a pH neutral soap offering superb foaming ability, decent slickness and a pleasing blueberry scent. This is also a good option for washing in full sun. It’s only drawback is a too thick consistency that makes pouring more difficult. It also a touch expensive for what it is. A decent soap, just not great.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent – Blueberry
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thick
Overall Rating – 7/10

image

Adam’s Mega Foam – This is like Adam’s Car Shampoo, just on steroids. It foams better while maintaining a neutral pH, it also remedies the too thick consistency by being thinner and easier to measure out. Nice fruity scent as well. The only drawback is the price, being just too expensive for what it is. I actually like this product, I would certainly order it again………when on sale.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent – “Fruity”
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 7/10

image

Gyeon Bathe – Gyeon offer a number of soaps, I think this is the one to go for. This is a maintenance soap that offers a runny consistency for easy pouring, a lovely scent and stunning foam quality. A very, very good soap, probably the best soap you can buy at a regular automotive store (Repco).

Lubrication – 9/10
Cleaning Ability 8/10
Scent – “Pleasant”
PH Level – 6.0
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 8/10

image

Koch Chemie AS – This is an odd product that I don’t really see the point in. It doesn’t foam, it’s lemon scent is weak, and it isn’t all that good at cleaning despite a higher pH of 9.0. While it’s considerably cheaper than GSF, that is not enough incentive to give this a try. Avoid.

Lubrication – 5/10
Cleaning Ability 5/10
Scent – Lemon
PH Level – 9.0
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 2/10

image

Optimum Car Wash Shampoo – If you like a thinner foam consistency, this is a great option. Medium thickness in terms of consistency, has a pleasant smell and offers decent cleaning ability. Another very good soap.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 8/10
Scent – Blueberry
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Medium
Overall Rating – 8/10

image

P&S Pearl – I don’t like this soap. Pearl is said to foam very well, but I just couldn’t get the thick foam quality I normally prefer. The lemon scent is faint, the cleaning ability average and it’s priced fairly. I have seen some suggestion that Pearl foams better when mixed with de-ionised water, but that is unrealistic for most. I’m currently using this soap to clean my wheely bins, that says it all.

Lubrication – 7/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent –Lemon
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 2/10

image

Stjarnagloss Sno – This is one of a couple soaps offered by this brand. Sno was designed as a pre-wash soak, in which case it foams like a champion. As a bucket soap, it lacks lubrication and feels quite odd under a wash mitt. It also stained my foam cannon pickup tube blue. Not a soap I will be re-ordering.

Lubrication – 3/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent – Coconut
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thin
Overall Rating – 5/10

image

That's a lot of soaps! And I'm sure I will try a lot more! As mentioned, choosing any of the top 6 soaps will serve you well.

Three more soaps I have used over the last couple of months and can now rate –

Adam’s Ultra Foam – like the two other Adam’s soaps I have used, this a pH neutral maintenance product. I like how these soaps foam and then rinse away nice and clean, Ultra Foam is no different. The wild berry fragrance is fun too. All three of these Adam’s soaps are really good options.

Lubrication – 7/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent –Berries
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency - Thick
Overall Rating – 7/10



Gtechniq G-Wash – Like Gyeon and Carpro, Gtechniq make a number soaps, G-Wash being their pH neutral maintenance soap. I have only used this soap once, that is the telling factor here. In no way is this a bad soap, it’s just not a great soap. The foaming is ok, the lubrication is ok, the cleaning is ok. The scent is not unlike GSF, however is just doesn’t reach the heights of what it should for a quality brand like Gtechniq.

Lubrication – 5/10
Cleaning Ability 5/10
Scent – Cherry
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency – Thin-medium
Overall Rating – 5/10



Shine Supply Shift – I bought this soap as an afterthought and ended up being pleasantly surprised. I shouldn’t like this soap, it has slightly thicker consistency and a thinner foam quality than I like. But………I really enjoy using this product. The foam, despite being thin, clings to the paint for a long working time and the coconut lime scent is delightful. It’s wont clean as well as Reset or NV Snow, nor is it as slick as GSF, but as a workhorse soap, it’s a pleasure to use. I like it so much I have gone and bought a gallon of the stuff.

Lubrication – 8/10
Cleaning Ability 7/10
Scent – Coconut-Lime
PH Level – 7.5
Consistency – Slightly thick
Overall Rating – 8.5/10

[frankie86]

I need to ask regarding leather cleaner, I've been using duragloss leather shampoo since around 2011 and lately been finding it not as good as it used to be. What is your favorite leather cleaner for late model cars with plastic coated leathers? I'm not a bowdens fan at all so would rather not want to use leather love.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations, I always thoroughly enjoy this thread.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by frankie86

I need to ask regarding leather cleaner, I've been using duragloss leather shampoo since around 2011 and lately been finding it not as good as it used to be. What is your favorite leather cleaner for late model cars with plastic coated leathers? I'm not a bowdens fan at all so would rather not want to use leather love.

Thank you in advance for your recommendations, I always thoroughly enjoy this thread.

Two brand options for you, both of which cator to automotive "coated" leather -

NV Cleaner Leather Cleaner (I like to use this with a leather brush) -
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/nv...39507133628505
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...12200760770649

NV Nourish Leather Protectant (Spray and wipe) -
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...nt=17948651396







ColourLock Strong or Mild Leather Cleaner (best used with their brush) -
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....er-125-ml.html
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....er-125-ml.html
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....g-brush-1.html

ColourLock Leather Shield (For new to 3-year-old leather) (Best applied with their applicator sponge) -
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....ld-150-ml.html
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....sponges-1.html

ColourLock Leather Protector (For leather 3+ years and on) (Again, use the sponge) -
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....or-150-ml.html
https://www.colourlockaustralia.com....sponges-1.html

[frankie86]

Thank you so much! I will go with your first recommendation! Thank you for taking the time out for my question cheers

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by frankie86

Thank you so much! I will go with your first recommendation! Thank you for taking the time out for my question cheers

My pleasure.

[DFB FGXR6]

This is a very informative video on what it takes to burn through paint with a machine polisher -



A couple of key takeaway points -

- With the exception of edges, you would have to be doing something very silly to burn through clearcoat with D/A polisher, and even then, you would need a heavy cutting compound and an aggressive pad.

- Be very mindful of edges or high spots, paint on these areas is thinner and the pad will naturally apply focus on that high spot.



- As expected, Rotary polishers can be very aggressive in the wrong hands, heat management and technique are critical.

I know a lot of people get nervous with machine polishing, in particular worrying about burning through the clear coat. Using a DA polisher is safe and effective for both professional and hobbyist use. This video shows how abusive you need to be to blow through clearcoat and paint.

[prydey]

Not sure if others that use bowdens foam bottles have this issue...







Today I noticed the 2nd bottle I bought has gone the same way as the first. I don't overly tighten the nozzle or throw the bottles around so not sure why they have failed twice. I've sent an email to bowdens and await their response.

Looks like I should start saving for a different brand product. A shame because the nozzle works quite well for the price of it.

[prydey]

Speaking of bowdens, while on their website searching for contact details I noticed they are promoting a new formula snow job. Has anyone tried it? Would need to be substantially better to entice me back as the original version had zero cleaning power.

By comparison I just did nearly 5000km in my territory. Front covered in bugs. Plenty of road work happening on the newell after all the flooding. Warm sunny morning here in Adelaide and back is a bit fragile from all the driving so I just gave it a quick foam up with NV snow and a rinse down, just to get the bulk of the bugs off. The end result was impressive. Car still needs a hand wash but the amount of bugs and grime that was removed is impressive. Sorry, no before and after pics.

A project for DFB... Test the new snow job

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

I've been using the Bowdens Snow Job for a few years now after getting their Snow Blow cannon.

After reading DFB's review, and now confirmed by you, Prydey, I think I'll look at using something else (probs the Gyeon as I can get it locally) once the Snow Job is complete.

Thanks to you who provide this sort of info for the benefit of others.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by prydey

Speaking of bowdens, while on their website searching for contact details I noticed they are promoting a new formula snow job. Has anyone tried it? Would need to be substantially better to entice me back as the original version had zero cleaning power.

By comparison I just did nearly 5000km in my territory. Front covered in bugs. Plenty of road work happening on the newell after all the flooding. Warm sunny morning here in Adelaide and back is a bit fragile from all the driving so I just gave it a quick foam up with NV snow and a rinse down, just to get the bulk of the bugs off. The end result was impressive. Car still needs a hand wash but the amount of bugs and grime that was removed is impressive. Sorry, no before and after pics.

A project for DFB... Test the new snow job

I rate the NV snow to be honest. I have 2 half empty bottles of BO Snow that will probably be wasted, the cleaning ability of the NV snow if found is much better.
I just replaced my BO snow cannon (i have 2) with one of these (Kris kringle gift)

Performance is chalk and cheese, admittedly both BO cannons are old. But ive kept them for uses other than our cars.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DJM83

I rate the NV snow to be honest. I have 2 half empty bottles of BO Snow that will probably be wasted, the cleaning ability of the NV snow if found is much better.
I just replaced my BO snow cannon (i have 2) with one of these (Kris kringle gift)
image
Performance is chalk and cheese, admittedly both BO cannons are old. But ive kept them for uses other than our cars.

Good to know, thanks. Yes NV snow is good. A product would have to be exceptional to be noticeably better in my opinion.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by prydey

Not sure if others that use bowdens foam bottles have this issue...

image

image

image

Today I noticed the 2nd bottle I bought has gone the same way as the first. I don't overly tighten the nozzle or throw the bottles around so not sure why they have failed twice. I've sent an email to bowdens and await their response.

Looks like I should start saving for a different brand product. A shame because the nozzle works quite well for the price of it.

To Bowdens credit, they have already emailed me back and are sending 2 new bottles out to me.

2022 was very expensive for me (back issues, surgery, daughters wedding, holiday) so am happy to keep using the free ones for now. Just have to try not to over tighten them.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

I've been using the Bowdens Snow Job for a few years now after getting their Snow Blow cannon.

After reading DFB's review, and now confirmed by you, Prydey, I think I'll look at using something else (probs the Gyeon as I can get it locally) once the Snow Job is complete.

Thanks to you who provide this sort of info for the benefit of others.

I don't like dogging on products, but Snow Job is great for foaming but useless for cleaning, it's easily their worst product.

Gyeon Bathe is without question the best soap you can buy at an automotive chain store.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by prydey

Speaking of bowdens, while on their website searching for contact details I noticed they are promoting a new formula snow job. Has anyone tried it? Would need to be substantially better to entice me back as the original version had zero cleaning power.

A project for DFB... Test the new snow job

Looking at their website, they also offer Mega Snow Job, a high pH soap for additional cleaning ability.

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/mega-snow-job

The new formulation of Snow Job states this -

https://www.bowdensown.com.au/blog/l...oam-thiccafoam

"Having our own in-house chemists means we’re always working behind the scenes on new products and updating current ones. Our latest Snow Job formula has been the culmination of a couple of years' work of in-depth testing with hundreds of different combinations of surface active agents, making it a totally new custom formula that we believe to be the perfect blend for a great Snow Job."

"THE LATEST UPDATES
As you'll read below, there are quite a few cool upgrades to our Snow Job formula;

-New ThiccAFoam technology, because no matter what anyone says, thicker foam is really quite epic and satisfying.

-A more sophisticated detergent blend concentrate (all custom-made in Australia for us) that cleans better, thanks to the new thicker, wetter type of foam - something our chemists identified in rigorous testing as being the best for this job.

-Less dwell time is needed on the vehicle now, just 4 to 5 mins, so it's quicker to use, making it faster and more efficient with your time. You can only take so many snow foam images for Instagram, right?

-Market-leading anti-rust additives as well as proper salt removal ingredients, making it perfect if you live near the ocean, or have just had a trip to the beach. Also exceptional as a one-step wash after a day on the water for your boat or jet ski.

-It’s totally free rinsing, meaning there is no residue left behind by the detergents. This chemistry is unique to our snow foam and quite a huge one to accomplish - as it instantly reveals that beautiful bead porn when pressure rinsing it off from super hydrophobic or true ceramic coated surfaces, like after using our Bead Machine spray sealant, Beaut Beads wax, Happy Ending foam or the Wet Dreams instant protection spray. Free rinsing also means it rinses the soap residue out from those hidden nooks and crevices you cannot reach with the hose either.

-A less viscous, thinner blend, to mix faster with your water in the cannon bottle.

-The new refreshing fragrance, that's not overbearing or sickly like a cheap toilet spray. For us, products need to smell great if you are going to enjoy using them. (Our apologies to those users of the very first Wheely Clean formula here!).



Two things that catch my eye are the free rinsing and thinner consistency, both issues I had with the original formulation. And it does seem to show that they knew the cleaning ability needed addressing. I was all set to say no, I won't be trying this product, but it does seem to be completely new product that at least set out to improve the issues I had with Snow Job.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Two things that catch my eye are the free rinsing and thinner consistency, both issues I had with the original formulation. And it does seem to show that they knew the cleaning ability needed addressing. I was all set to say no, I won't be trying this product, but it does seem to be completely new product that at least set out to improve the issues I had with Snow Job.

Haha, you're tempted now aren't you.

I think maybe they have a good marketing team well and the website says all the right things, but then I am fast getting to cynical old man status. Haha.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I don't like dogging on products, but Snow Job is great for foaming but useless for cleaning, it's easily their worst product.

Gyeon Bathe is without question the best soap you can buy at an automotive chain store.

Not having any experience with any other snow products, I didn't realise how poor it was. I just thought that was 'normal'

Yes, noted the performance of Bathe and the fact that it was your recommended buy for a locally available product. Hence, the reason I'll probs go with that. This is the feedback of one user on the Repco site:

Suds disappear way too fast. If you don't finish washing your vehicle in under 2 minutes, you'll just feel like you're rubbing plain water on it.

Is sud longevity really an issue?