Cleaning equipment - Cotswold Stone, the perfect abrasive

montravia

Member
Messages
1,617
Not another detailing thread, some practical advice.

The dilemma:
Although in the heart of an AONB in the Cotswolds, we're plagued by local quarries. As a result, the road in front of my forecourt takes heavy polution.
Here is the GT two days after cleaning:-
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Matt has recently detailed the car, and I'm familiar with the recommended techniques, two bucket etc.
I've contemplated modifying the garage to accommodate her, but concluded that it's not practical without major planning (AONB again), searched for retractable canvas temporary pop-up garages.
The issue is, that although I've a OEM outdoor cover which is very adequate, every time I go out, she's contaminated, and needs the dust cleaning off before covering, or if not covered, cleaning off before going out. Matt would be horrified if I arrived with her in this state.
My external water supply already is on the softener circuit, but that's merely a nuance compared to initial cleaning.
This stuff is the ultimate abrasive, so hose sluice, hoes sluice before any 'sponge/mat' gets near her. So a long tedious and very frequent process, that surface is precious, and regularly conuba waxed. But with the required attention that needs repeating often.

So..............
Recent videos discussions have focussed on fine detailing. I can do that and do, but I'm looking for stuff that can remove this pollution quickly and safely.
I don't have a jet wash but considering getting one, but cautious how aggressive they are.
Of course this'll be used on all the cars, not just on La Ragazza.

Advice please on pressure washer (I don't need a patio cleaner thanks, but cleaning stone flagged flooring a bonus...... joke)
To remove the abrasive grit before cleaning.
Kranzle, fooooooo, I'm not going into business,
I'd be tempted to sub £200, with the relevant attachments, quick set up, do any have variable pressure setting or adjustable head pressure?
The last Quattroporte video used Bilt-Hambler Surfex HD to loosen the surface dirt. About £10 Litre (indicates dillutable), but I'll be getting through a lot, any decent alternatives?
I'm yet to be convinced that Snow Foam is more than a novelty, but extremely open to give it a try.

Am I doing the right thing?
(Yes the issue is hot here, County Council Operating Conditions, Environment, Highways, Law Enforcement............................)
 

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
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9,033
Bilt Hamber surfex HD is wonderful stuff along with their snow foam.
I find that an initial jet wash blast, followed by surfex HD sprayed by pump sprayer on the wheels and heavy dirt areas, then their snow foam over the car, left to dwell then jet washed off, gets the car pretty clean before the contact wash.
I used to do the 2 bucket method, but now spray the shampoo directly onto the car through the snow foam lance.
Then only one bucket to rinse the microfiber noodle mit between panels.
I find the single bucket water very clean at the end.
Finally rinse via filtered water so no need to dry off.
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,617
Thank you chaps. That's what I wanted to hear. So any decent Karcher with snow lance then?
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
Thank you chaps. That's what I wanted to hear. So any decent Karcher with snow lance then?
I have a screwfix titan washer. It has 2 nozzles. One that spins which I use at a distance to get heavy dirt of the cars then an adjustable fan for lighter work. It is just as good as any standard karcher for a lot less. Came with a patio cleaner too but that leaves marks on the roof... ;)
 
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Gazcw

Member
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7,696
Also going to buy an air chamber. More because I am fed up with having to wash it again because of dust than anything else.
 

Oishi

Member
Messages
825
There is a dirt road upwind of my house and I have the same problem. Don't cover it, the abrasive gets under the cover.
  1. Gentle mist with water
  2. Foam cannon
  3. Rinse
  4. Foam cannon again
  5. 2 bucket wash with new microfibre towels
  6. Blow dry
  7. Ceramic detailer
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,617
I have a screwfix titan washer. It has 2 nozzles. One that spins which I use at a distance to get heavy dirt of the cars then an adjustable fan for lighter work. It is just as good as any standard karcher for a lot less. Came with a patio cleaner too but that leaves marks on the roof... ;)
Which Titan did you go for Gaz and did it have a snow lance? Some have complained that the 'rubber' hose becomes damaged.
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
Which Titan did you go for Gaz and did it have a snow lance? Some have complained that the 'rubber' hose becomes damaged.
The grey one......


The pipe is plastic more than rubber. There is also a plastic spiral that runs along the ground as a bit of protection.
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
No snow lance. I bought this from halfords. It is pretty good and fits direct to the end of the lance. I think they are 25 quid from Amazon. Plastic bottle so when I drop it, it won't dent or split.

 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,696
There is a dirt road upwind of my house and I have the same problem. Don't cover it, the abrasive gets under the cover.
  1. Gentle mist with water
  2. Foam cannon
  3. Rinse
  4. Foam cannon again
  5. 2 bucket wash with new microfibre towels
  6. Blow dry
  7. Ceramic detailer
Save money. Tarmac the drive! :p
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,511
The grey one......


The pipe is plastic more than rubber. There is also a plastic spiral that runs along the ground as a bit of protection.
That’s very good value
 

Jamin

Member
Messages
237
Alternative to the car port ?

I had a similar dilemma last summer with local construction work, constant dust clouds settling on the cars when they were meant to be using dust suppression measures, despite numerous polite requests, emails and discussions with the developer in the end winter came and the dust turned to mud but I am already dreading the next dust cloud.
This summer I will be contacting planning and environmental health when it returns.
I feel your pain


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