How to Valet your Mercedes Exterior

[alchemistkevin]

Great guide. Thank you.

 

[300CE24V]

great read! well done

 

[Igurisu]

Quick question, I spent a small fortune today on products to detail SWMBO's car. The only thing I'm missing is APC of some kind. I don't have time to wait for delivery so either need to buy from a shop or use something I have.

I was wondering if white vinegar in water would be suitable? I use in the kitchen as a great degreaser/cleaner, it is acidic.

Alternatively, can anybody suggest something I could buy from halfords or similar?

 

[fatdazza]

APC or "All Purpose Cleaner" can be bought from any supermarket. Specialist APC car cleaners are available but a lot of people use Tesco's "Daisy", as its very cheap.

Can be used diluted 1 part APC 4 parts water for really stubborn dirt or up to 1 part APC to 10 parts water for lighter soiling or interior cleaning.

Depending on the strength APCs can strip any sealant or wax that has previously been applied to your car. If you are re waxing then a strong APC mix is a good idea as you want a clean base to start from.

Have fun, it can be addictive.

PS "Flash with fabreze" diluted 1 in 10 is a great interior cleaner that leaves the car smelling "cotton fresh"

 

[Igurisu]

Thanks Dazza, I want to strip the wax then I can Tcut/Clay the car, its 10 years old and the paint is faded/oxidised. Will take a quick trip to Tescos in the morning.

 

[fatdazza]

Pete,

clay and T cut will also both strip any wax or sealant

Dazza

 

[fatdazza]

Also - suggest the order you use is clay then T cut

 

[clk1]

good tips thanks all

 

[Igurisu]

Thanks again Dazza, got my bottle of Daisy now, will spray a that and rinse off before claying.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

APC or "All Purpose Cleaner" can be bought from any supermarket. Specialist APC car cleaners are available but a lot of people use Tesco's "Daisy", as its very cheap.

Can be used diluted 1 part APC 4 parts water for really stubborn dirt or up to 1 part APC to 10 parts water for lighter soiling or interior cleaning.

Depending on the strength APCs can strip any sealant or wax that has previously been applied to your car. If you are re waxing then a strong APC mix is a good idea as you want a clean base to start from.

Have fun, it can be addictive.

PS "Flash with fabreze" diluted 1 in 10 is a great interior cleaner that leaves the car smelling "cotton fresh"

Good tip that fabreeze.

By 'Daisy' do you mean washing up liquid?

 

[fatdazza]

Good tip that fabreeze.

By 'Daisy' do you mean washing up liquid?

No, Daisy All Purpose Cleaner, not washing up liquid. They do it in a "ready to use" trigger spray but not sure of the dilution for this so would avoid. Rather buy the 1 litre liquid and dilute down yourself and use in a sprayer (the one showing on Tesco online at present is a lemon and lime "flavour").

Washing up liquid can be used to strip a wax though, but an APC is better for cleaning dirty cars as it will cut through the dirt and grease better.

 

[jam38]

Thanks for the guide, good tips.