Do not EVER use Halford's Pressure Washer Shampoo!!

[G51 NAV]

I foolishly decided that while both (taxed) cars were out on the street tonight, I'd give this stuff a go. I bought it from Halfords last week, choosing it over a proprietory All Purpose Cleaner (APC) because I knew the APC would strip my waxes. Wish I'd bought that now

It's a peculiar stuff, it has the odour of childrens' bubble liquid, but I digress. I used it as I usually use pressure shampoos: rinse the car with the stuff on the washer's drizzle-setting, then blast it all off again after five minutes soak. This,as it happens, is also as directed o the bottle.

First car I dried was Barney. I was cursing because the whole surface of the car was now covered in like a fine gritty layer and the wax appears to have been stripped off, though at the time I didn't suspect it was the wash solution. Only when I came to dry the EFi and I found it was just the same did I suss that the wash solution had totally wrecked the cars' paintwork, leaving it gritty and feeling like 1000-grade w&d

I have tried rewashing (with Meg's) but to no avail. I have tried using a mild paint-cleanser, also to no avail. Basically I'm now going to have to clay BOTH cars and start again, when neither car needed anything other than a wash.

I'm almost tempted to march it straight back to Halfords and complain, but as my missis says they won't understand what I'm complaining about as the same people who drag their cars through car-washes would be perfectly happy with the results. However I'm certainly not, and so to stop anyone here making the same mistake as me, CONSIDER THIS A WARNING!

[Wetfish]

Always found that a bucket, a sponge, some foamy stuff and a hose does the job, why complicate a simple process.
Of course, the water I use is Perrier and I buy it by the tankerload but I shouldn't name drop:laugh:
Better not mention the name of the sponge:laugh:

[Guest]

I used their own make car shampoo before. What a load of ******** it was! I always find the foan lance stuff good. Can't remember the name off of the top of my head but I'm sure it's on clean & shiny.

The useless buggers in halfords would never understand. Infact most people don't understand the purpose of using quality products. I've got a mate who had a Corsa SXi. I caught him using Mr Sheen to polish the thing :laugh:

[Guest]

Always found that a bucket, a sponge, some foamy stuff and a hose does the job, why complicate a simple process.
Of course, the water I use is Perrier and I buy it by the tankerload but I shouldn't name drop:laugh:
Better not mention the name of the sponge:laugh:

But using a sponge will make tiny scratches in the paint, causing it to look swirly.

It's the little details that count.

[Wetfish]

But using a sponge will make tiny scratches in the paint, causing it to look swirly.

It's the little details that count.

"Washing your vehicle from the top down reduces the chance of scratching the finish" advises Mark Greene, executive vice president of Griot's Garage. "By washing from the top down, and frequently rinsing your wash mitt, sponge or brush, you greatly reduce the possibility of contaminants becoming embedded in your cleaning tools and creating scratches and swirl marks."
The great MG of GG says otherwise I'm afraid.
HTH

[G51 NAV]

Always found that a bucket, a sponge, some foamy stuff and a hose does the job, why complicate a simple process.

Ever noticed how in direct sunlight you cars' paintwork (particularly the roof and bonnet) is full of cobweb-patterns, swirls and generally looks like it's been used for ice-skating practise? Well that's the result of you over simplifying what is actually a complicated process. But if that doesn't bother you then go right ahead.

If you can't see WHY using a sponge will scratch your car's paintwork, because it's plainly bloody obvious, I'm not sure explaining it to you will convince you.

[Wetfish]

Ever noticed how in direct sunlight you cars' paintwork (particularly the roof and bonnet) is full of cobweb-patterns, swirls and generally looks like it's been used for ice-skating practise? Well that's the result of you over simplifying what is actually a complicated process. But if that doesn't bother you then go right ahead.

If you can't see WHY using a sponge will scratch your car's paintwork, because it's plainly bloody obvious, I'm not sure explaining it to you will convince you.

Fair enough but I haven't just buggered up my cars paintwork, so I'll carry on with my way

[G51 NAV]

Wetfish, if we could delete all the posts you have ever made on this forum that have been genuinely useful and helpful and did not include any vaguely-disguised personal attacks and insults, I suspect the 150+ posts you boast about in your signature would be down to single figures.

If you haven't got anything genuinely useful to contribute, kindly do not bother posting. This thread doesn't have anything it it's title which says "Please start an argument and post your petty insults here": it was started in good faith for people to perhaps LEARN from MY experience as a vehicle detailer, which is something I've been interested in for over five years. That interest involves trying out new products and techniques, some of which work well, some of which do not, but you never know until you try. And because this is an enthusiasts' forum, I post the results of my efforts right here.

As usual you drag it down to arguments and vaguley-disguised personal insults, like you do with over 90% of all the threads I start because you seem to have launched your own Fatwa against me for a reason I cannot remember, it is so long ago.

Please refrain from posting anything further unless you feel you have something valuable to add. Thank you.

[D87SMW]

John, I'm sorry to hear that this has happened. Halfrauds are indeed a set of dribbling monkeys. Which brings me onto my next point:

Wetfish, if we could delete all the posts you have ever made on this forum that have been genuinely useful and helpful and did not include any vaguely-disguised personal attacks and insults, I suspect the 150+ posts you boast about in your signature would be down to single figures.

...

As usual you drag it down to arguments and vaguley-disguised personal insults, like you do with over 90% of all the threads I start because you seem to have launched your own Fatwa against me for a reason I cannot remember, it is so long ago.

This is all very true. I know of many people who rather dislike his tone and that is quite good going for someone who doesn't really post that much. In his supposed infinite wisdom he fails to understand that when he posts this dribbling, he is making himself out to be the opposite of the big clever, wise man he thinks he is.

Back on topic, this is indeed interesting for those of us who actually do care about our cars and their appearance. I for one look up to John and others who are experienced in car care. He is offering a lot better advice (and overall contributions) than Wetfish ever will.

[Wetfish]

Wetfish, if we could delete all the posts you have ever made on this forum that have been genuinely useful and helpful and did not include any vaguely-disguised personal attacks and insults, I suspect the 150+ posts you boast about in your signature would be down to single figures.

If you haven't got anything genuinely useful to contribute, kindly do not bother posting. This thread doesn't have anything it it's title which says "Please start an argument and post your petty insults here": it was started in good faith for people to perhaps LEARN from MY experience as a vehicle detailer, which is something I've been interested in for over five years. That interest involves trying out new products and techniques, some of which work well, some of which do not, but you never know until you try. And because this is an enthusiasts' forum, I post the results of my efforts right here.

As usual you drag it down to arguments and vaguley-disguised personal insults, like you do with over 90% of all the threads I start because you seem to have launched your own Fatwa against me for a reason I cannot remember, it is so long ago.

Please refrain from posting anything further unless you feel you have something valuable to add. Thank you.

Sincerest apologies I didn't know you were a vehicle detailer.
I was only passing on my knowledge which was passed on to me thirty years ago by an old chap who maintained a fleet of black funeral limousines for his family business, he died a few years ago aged 97 but was still doing a bit in his late eighties. So he had about 65 years experience when he spoke to me, his mechanical knowledge and advice was impressive. Of course he only used to wash his vehicles once a day and they were only black paintwork after all so what did he know but then he wasn't a vehicle detailer but he could build a sustantial coffin:laugh:

[G51 NAV]

With all due respect to your late friend, you'll find techniques have progressed a bit over 30 years. I am happy to pass on my more up to date knoeledge to anyone who wants to learn.

[Wetfish]

With all due respect to your late friend, you'll find techniques have progressed a bit over 30 years. I am happy to pass on my more up to date knoeledge to anyone who wants to learn.

OK. I'll have a oak one with brass handles, about six foot by two and make it quick:laugh: I can feel the daggers going in.

[G51 NAV]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Beaker]

To be fair though there are a whole lotta of advertising campaigns out there at the moment as detailing has become very big. I very much doubt a sponge will make much difference. Perhaps you would like to do a car test for Monstro G51? Wash the VDP with a mitt, and the EFi with a sponge see if there is any difference to be made? Rather than taking what the companies tell us at face value. For what its worth I use a mitt too, so I for one will be interested to see the difference.

On another note, everyone has jumped on the Meguiars bandwagon it seems due to a very active advertising. Myself included, I have the clay and some polishs. What I didn't realise until last month that Autoglym the competitors are a UK company rather than american. I will be more tempted to support the UK manufacturer in future.

[D87SMW]

Perhaps you would like to do a car test for Monstro G51? Wash the VDP with a mitt, and the EFi with a sponge see if there is any difference to be made? Rather than taking what the companies tell us at face value.

He'll have a job - the VP went to its new owner in Ireland over a month ago. :laugh:

What I didn't realise until last month that Autoglym the competitors are a UK company rather than american. I will be more tempted to support the UK manufacturer in future.

AutoGlym, selected by Jaguar, Aston Martin Lagonda etc. it says on each product. I'm an AutoGlym user, so to speak! :laugh: