chamois leaves smears on shilouette paint - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

TheBow · 10-22-2002, 23:16

Hi,

I have been having this issue for while..

I have a shiloutte XR8 ute and whenever I wash it, I chamois it off and it always leaves dirty smears on the damn thing.

I use a wynns car wash that they gave me at the dealer.

1) spray the car
2)spronge dirt off
3)spray again...
4) Use chamois and make a mess.

I have used 3 types of chamois - natural, synthetic and oneof those speedo things in desperation.

Is there a trick as the current situation means

a) someone else has to wash my car (expensive)
b) I have to polish the damn thing everytime I wash it (sore arms)

I know this sounds like a dumb post but is there a trick to this as my other falcon (silver Au) has no issue.

harasn · 10-23-2002, 00:51

how clean is your water? Try washing it at a dazzlers or some place like it as i had the same problem due to dirty water. good enough to drink but leaves marks on car. Dazzler water is filtered many times before its used.

ebxr8240 · 10-23-2002, 02:48

Try washing your chamois.I just throw mine in washing machine..

Spinksy · 10-23-2002, 02:53

Are you washing in direct sunlight? Its best to dry the car off in the shade while the panels are cool, I always find I leave streaks when I chamois the car in the sun.

T3man · 10-23-2002, 03:05

I don't have any problem when I chamois my silhouette T3. I use a synthetic chamois.

I use any car wash I can get my hands on - have dirty water sometimes 'cos I live in the bush (no town water). I don't find any difference washing in sun or shade - just have to do a small section at a time and rinse off quickly if in the sun. I find the chamois works better in the sun as it dries the residual moisture off almost immediately and leaves no "spots".

It is important not to allow the chamois to get dirty - use a separate one for wheels and sills etc. if you have to.

A new chamois should be washed thoroughly in warm to hot water and always stored damp.

TheBow · 10-23-2002, 14:42

As always there is the bloody contradictory answer at the end!

I have been washing in the sun as I have no shady area big enough to park a car in.

I am wondering if it could be the water as I did wash the chamois before I used it yesterday.

Anyway I may just try a few of those hints and see if I can actually get a clean car.

XLR8 · 10-23-2002, 16:28

Main problem will be washing in the sun.....black cars most be washed in the shade. When u do your final rinse, try using a low pressure flow of water instead of the usual hose off. This will get more water off the car before you have to use the chamois. Remember the less u have to touch the car the less marks!!

I have owned a shiloutte XR8 .......never again!!!

Aussie Pete · 10-23-2002, 20:20

A little hint I learnt when I used to put black cars into shows.

Yes, the car needs to be washed in the shade, however like you that wasn't always possible. So, wash the car after sunset or very early in the morning.

With the chamois, I use a quality brand such as Meguiars. After using the chamois, soak it in a weak solution of clean water and car shampoo such as Soft Wash Gel. Rinse thoroughly in clean water and place in container.

I never had a streaking problem!