Least worst option for cleaning not involving me + 2 buckets

[Noel1983]

I know this will come as a travesty to some but im neither a fan of hand washing cars (even one I'm very excited to finally get) nor do I have a lot of time to do so.

So without abuse for not wishing to spend my time manually cleaning my pride and joy mustang has anyone any opinions on the least worst option for getting her cleaned between car washes (no!!) hand car washes (hmmm) and professional valet (might get expensive)

I know this is wider than mustangs but I'm sure others are in the same boat hence asking for thoughts and opinions

I'm in Devon but maybe working in Luton soon if that makes a difference

Cheers all
Noel

[Noel1983]

Sorry to reply to my own post a spot of googling has found a couple of local valet places that will do proper hand wash for between £5 and £15 which seems reasonable

Still interested in others opinions!

[acr_nick]

Noel1983 said:

Sorry to reply to my own post a spot of googling has found a couple of local valet places that will do proper hand wash for between £5 and £15 which seems reasonable

Still interested in others opinions!

my issue with these and other places where you are one of many cars, is that the clothes, sponges, and other cleaning materials may be dirty or have dirt/residue and when they apply that sponge to your car its going to leave marks. the only thing i can suggest to you that is faster and less manual is for you to get a spray foam lance and foam wash your car. spray on leave for 10 mins and sponge and wash off, i do that with my daily as i can't be bothered to spend a long time cleaning it.

2 mins to foam, 5-10 mins leave, 5 mins sponge and rinse, job done.

Edited by acr_nick on Sunday 21st February 17:41

[slowhand99]

Noel1983 said:

Sorry to reply to my own post a spot of googling has found a couple of local valet places that will do proper hand wash for between £5 and £15 which seems reasonable

Still interested in others opinions!

Test them out with another vehicle; go early so the 'grit soup' isn't too strong; look out for operatives with zips, you will hear them tapping and scraping on your paintwork as they wash. If they are proper 'valet' places, none of these things will be a problem. If not, steer clear.

[C11EWM]

You could get a ceramic coating done. About £4-£500 but will make it very easy to wash.
I saw a car with it done a couple of weeks ago and I was impressed.
My only issue is I like washing and waxing my car.

[ozzuk]

I only used one of those hand wash places once - my old 370z. It was immaculate, I had someone coming to view her and no time to clean so stopped off after work. Didn't notice until next day - big scratch in the lacquer on the bonnet

I did once use on of the big automatic washes - broke the rear spoiler on my old beemer.

I'm the only person who will clean my cars now. Except one of the mobile valets maybe.

[johnnnnnnyy]

I'd be careful of those cheap 'hand wash' places, as they spray chemicals prior to the actual wash that make their life easier, not only strips away the dirt but coats of polish underneath too.

The guy that valets my car says it's a big no no.

[ERIKTHEVETKING]

C11EWM said:

You could get a ceramic coating done. About £4-£500 but will make it very easy to wash.
I saw a car with it done a couple of weeks ago and I was impressed.
My only issue is I like washing and waxing my car.

Where ?