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Hidden Valuables That Are Nice To Have Around

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These are not the most discussed tools, but I have found these detailing resources to bring me tremendous value.  I always keep these well-stocked and in this article, I will discuss some of my favorite uses for the detailing supplies listed below.

Foam Swabs

I have used foam swabs regularly for engine bay nooks and crannies, cleaning the base attachment of windshield wiper blades, exterior trim dressing applications, and edges in interior compartments.  You have the option of spraying or soaking these swabs in your favorite cleaner, prior to utilizing them in hard to reach areas. There are many size/shape options as well with these foam swabs.

dirty-foam-swabs

foam-swab-cleaning-interior

foam-swab-engine-cleaning

Tiny-Swabs

Gtechniq AP2 Soft Foam Filled Microfibre Applicator

Not everyone has a Rupes iBrid Nano for 1-inch and 2-inch machine polishing.  I have used these Gtechniq AP2 Soft Foam Filled Microfibre Applicator with great success to polish areas I could not reach with a machine. The results of polishing behind a door handle (below).

My personal favorite, Gyeon polishes, have a slightly shorter optimal working time than many of your modern polishes (for example: Jescar Micro Finishing Polish or Sonax Perfect Finish).  That shorter working time also makes it more practical for use by hand.  The less work to break the polishing abrasives down, is advantageous to hand polishing.  I work the polish for about 5 to 10 seconds, of course working in very small areas.

On the negative side, I have found that these applicators can NOT be reused (i.e. cleaned/washed).

Gtechniq-applicators

Polished-Door-Handle

Used-applicator

Microfiber Suede Applicators

16 x 16 Suede applicators I have found to work well when cleaning tires in a situation where you can not rinse them.  Rinseless or waterless washing by wiping the tires with a suede cloth sprayed or soaked in either a waterless or rinseless solution can be very practical if you can only perform rinseless or waterless washing.  Like Detail Swabs, I have used microfiber suede applicators for trim, intricate cleaning for plastics in tight areas, and dressing applications.

Suede-Applicator

Old Wash Mitts

I also keep a few of my old used microfiber mitts for odd jobs, like undercarriages.  These mitts will ONLY be used in this role.

Designated.Mitt-Undercarriage

Rodney Tatum
Mirror Reflections Auto Spa
Gainesville, Florida
MirrorReflectionsAutoSpa.com
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10 comments on Hidden Valuables That Are Nice To Have Around

  1. Teddy Crutchfield says:

    I just got a 1966 mustang that been in a garage for 28 years. How do I start restoring the paint back to original condiction?

    • Reece @ DI says:

      Teddy – There are so many different things you can do to help restore the paint, but with that said there are many variables at play. For help please take some photos and contact us directly here (https://www.detailedimage.com/Contact/).

    • Rodney Tatum says:

      Teddy I concur on this. I have been hesitant to respond with any concrete information due to not wanting to steer you in the wrong direction with so many unknowns.

      I have some questions to help guide you on the right path:

      Does your car’s paint have single stage paint or the modern two stage (base coat + clear coat) paint system?

      Do you have concerns about adding rust to the metal components in your car from introducing lots of water? If yes, you want to consider using a waterless wash or perhaps a careful rinseless wash method when you wash the car.

      Are there older deteriorating parts and or very sensitive areas unique to having a 1966 Mustang that you may need a plan for while detailing?

      With respect restoring, not fully knowing how much work (and money) is needed, how much work do YOU WANT to put into taking this all the way?

      Just having a dialogue about these things will go a long way with setting you up for success!

  2. KM says:

    With regard to the Gtechniq AP2 foam/microfiber not being washable, my question is: Why?
    You can wash foam, you can wash microfiber so why aren’t these washable?
    Is it that being a business you need to be absolutely sure products are not cross contaminating each other or something else?
    Thx

    • Rodney Tatum says:

      Absolutely certainty does play a role why I came to that conclusion. I could be absolutey wrong depending on how you may go about washing them.

      I have washed them as is and via separating the foam insert in the washer on gentle; both ocassions the material deteriorated beyond use. I attempted hand washing; although it may have been fine for reuse, I wasn’t comfortable with the condition/appearance. With that said I used them mostly for polishing applications, which ABSOLUTELY leaves the door open for my conclusion to be flawed. I categorized them as disposable based upon my limited point of view, but you may find them to be resuable.

    • Reece @ DI says:

      It really depends on how you use them. If it is to apply coatings, I would not reuse them as coatings can harden and scratch the surface if these apps are used again.

      • KM says:

        Thanks for your input gents!
        Appreciate the replies and info. It’s very cool to be able to pick the brains of pros that have a LOT more knowledge and experience than I do!

  3. CHRISTOPHER HOOKS says:

    Hello
    Have you ever used P&S Clarity Creme ?
    I have fine wiper blades markings on my 2016 LaCrosse windshield.
    Do you think it will help?
    If not, what do you recommend??

    • Rodney Tatum says:

      I have not used this product yet. I have used Carpro Ceriglass which could be effective in your situation (ideally paired with Glass polishing pads).

    • Reece @ DI says:

      Christopher – Clarity Creme is a glass polish, so it will help remove fine marks/imperfections. I can not say it will 100% work as it all depends on the specific imperfections you have, but it is certainly worth a shot!

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