The Making of the Soap:
Ingredients:

One 4 lb 12 oz box
Borax
One 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
One 3 pound box Arm &
Hammer Super Washing Soda
One 3 pound box of OxiClean
One bar of Zote

You basically shave the soap and mix in with all the powered ingredient. You can
use a regular cheese grater for that. I just happened to have a hand cranked one
I was not using.

The final batch is about 160 oz of product.

Considering I use 1
TBSP for a small batch and 2 TBSP in a large batch of micros, this would tally
up to 80-160 LOADS of laundry.

DISCLAIMER: I do have to mention
that we have a HE washer and do have a whole house water conditioner/softener. You may have to dial
in your own amounts based on your personal results.

The Experiment

I purposefully sabotaged my micros by cleaning
areas that I normally would not sacrifice my micros for. I used them inside the
fender wells, at the tailpipe (for the beautiful soot), and inside those grimy
gaskets. I did soil some rather inexpensive MF and an older waffle weave, but I
did try the soap on couple of Cobras 530 (not pictures, since you could not
visibly see dirt) which were used during compounding, sealant and wax removal
(same batch in the washer).

BEFORE

AFTER

The dirt and grime was gone! They were clean and smelling rather nicely
(compared to the MF detergent). I did use them after the wash, and had no
problems of absorbability with the waffle weave, and no residue which
impeded the work of the Cobras 530 during compound, wax and sealant removal.

Final Thoughts

I was very surprised that the soap worked
so darn well considering that I had bought in the hype of “dedicated microfiber
detergent”.

The previous product I had been using (and recently
purchased) was Don’t
drown your microfibers, clean and restore them with Pinnacle Micro
Rejuvenator! which is priced at $14.99 for 16 oz. In my HE washer I normally
use 1 oz per small batch and 2 oz per large batch, which bring the cost at
$0.93-$1.87/load.

In comparison, 160 oz of homemade soap cost a
little less than $12.50. Using 1-2oz/load ends up costing
$0.08-$0.16/load.

Worth it?? I do believe so! You are basically
looking at 1/10th the cost!
Do I still believe in the MF rejuvinator
hype? Unfortunately!

More loads are needed to completely convince me, and
I would definitely like to compare my results with others before calling out
those “hype monsters”

I sure hope you enjoyed this rather different
review. Fell free to chime in with your own personal experiences, or if you have
any questions regarding the product, its use etc..

Written By: Claude – http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/62814-review-homemade-soap-microfibers.html

Auto Geek Forum

Step one: Color code your towels. This means all window towels will be blue, for instance, noting the color of the window cleaner itself, which is usually blue. Also, yellow or red can be used for the wax towels since these are usually wax colors.

Step two: Separate all your towels into different wash tubs and use those wash tubs for the corresponding towels exclusively. In other words, never mix your towels together. If an accident happens and you put the wrong towel in the wrong wash tub, or use a window towel on another part of the car, throw away all the towels that were used incorrectly or placed in the wrong tub. Then, thoroughly scrub and clean that wash tub with a semi-abrasive, non-oil based cleaner.

It’s simple, it may take some getting used to, but it will be worth it when you have the finished product!

Partial Article from: http://www.carwash.com/articles/87482-wiping-out-contamination

This flow chart explains the basics of auto detailing options. It’s always important to follow the order of each process, skipping processes can lead to damaging of the paints exterior. Quick detailers and/or spray waxes are optional, however are great to finish with because they will give you the shine we all love. Not only do they provide a great finishing look, they will offer your exterior an additional protection to the elements. Water will bead off easier, and sun will be less damaging with a finishing spray wax or detailer. With that said, don’t be afraid to tend to your auto today!

Flow Chart: www.autogeek.net

Drea Segura

dsegura@sharpshineauto.com

1. Prepare your exterior paint surface – What does that mean? Well, it’s pretty simple, give your auto a really good wash, and then apply either a wax or acrylic sealer to protect the paint for the sun. Always do your best to park in the most shaded area possible, and if you have the option, park in the garage at home. The sun can be very damaging to any surface, including your vehicles paint.
2. Prep you interior – The part that gets hit the hardest inside if your dash! Make sure you keep it coated with a non-silicone conditioner, or place a protective covering. Also, don’t forget those wonderful leather seats! They need to be conditioned as well. There are many products out there that provide a lotion like moisture to your leather interior. You can apply with a microfiber towel or your bare hands. Leather and plastics tend to get dried out, quickly, and crack. Once the damage has been done it’s not cheap to fix! I would suggest doing this at least once every month and as frequently as once a week.
3. Dress those tires – Just as your interior and dash need to be conditioned, so do those tires. Applying a tire dressing is going to prevent cracks a pre-mature wearing of the rubber.

Drea Segura

dsegura@sharpshineauto.com

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]]> http://www.sharpshineauto.com/autodetailblog/?feed=rss2&p=126 0 http://www.sharpshineauto.com/autodetailblog/?p=119 http://www.sharpshineauto.com/autodetailblog/?p=119#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:40:42 +0000 manuel http://www.sharpshineauto.com/autodetailblog/?p=119  

Carnauba Waxes Carnauba wax is the preferred car wax of collectors and concours enthusiasts because it creates a rich, warm glow. It doesn’t appear to sit on the paint. It transforms the paint into a deep, liquid pool that shimmers under changing light conditions. The more carnauba wax, the more shine. The wax is produced by the Brazilian Tree of Life, a palm tree, in order to coat its leaves. The wax provides protection from the sweltering sun and it sheds water so it falls onto the ground and is absorbed by the tree’s roots. If you think back to junior high science class, you might remember that plants release oxygen through their leaves. For this reason, carnauba wax is breathable. Good for the tree and good for your paint. Carnauba is rock hard in its natural form. When the leaves of the Tree of Life are harvested, the wax flakes off as the leaves dry out, or they are put into a machine that removes the wax. It comes off in hard flakes. Car Wax makers have to blend the wax with oils, petroleum distillates, or a solvent called naptha (commonly used to thin wood varnishes and paints) in order to make the wax workable. The very best carnauba-based car wax is only about 1/3 natural carnauba. It’s probably for the best since the price gets higher and higher as the concentration of carnauba rises. When a product advertises “pure carnauba car wax” or “100% carnauba car wax”, they are referring to the purity of the carnauba that is in the product, not the product as a whole. That brings us to grading. Carnauba is harvested and then graded according to color, purity, and where it was grown. Trees grown in the northern area of Brazil produce the highest grade carnauba. The yellow wax is the most pure and therefore receives the highest grade. This is the grade most commonly used in high end car waxes and in the pharmaceutical industry as a pill coating. Some manufacturers refine the yellow wax again into an ultra-pure white wax to ensure that the wax produces the clearest, most reflective gloss once applied to the paint. As you’ve already read, carnauba protects the leaves of a palm tree from the intense heat and humidity experienced in Brazil. The carnauba car wax repels water and, consequently, most contaminants. When applied to any surface, carnauba retains these characteristics. Therefore, an application of a carnauba-based car wax to your vehicle will protect it from UV rays, heat, moisture, oxidation, and environmental contamination. And it looks like a million bucks! The drawback of carnauba waxes, if you can call it a drawback, is that it does not last as long as a synthetic sealant. A carnauba car wax finish will wear off in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. It depends heavily on the climate in which you live and whether or not your vehicle is garaged. Daily commutes in a hot, humid climate mean a shorter life span for your carnauba wax coat. If you enjoy regular waxing, then the life span of a carnauba wax is just one more reason to indulge in your favorite hobby! In a nutshell, carnauba car wax is the wax of enthusiasts. It appeals to people who want the absolute most stunning show car shine available and are willing to spend a couple of hours every month or so to get it. Most of them will tell you it is time well spent. Paint Sealants Paint sealants are kind of the anti-carnauba. They last a lot longer, they are easy to apply, and there’s nothing natural about them. This is surface science at its best. A paint sealant is made of polymers, which are composed of tens of thousands of synthetic particles that are linked together. When a sealant bonds to your vehicle’s paint, it forms a rigid shell. It is not the warm carnauba that seems to melt into the paint. Paint sealants sit on top of the paint like a transparent chain metal suit. They are glossy and slick, but carnauba lovers will tell you they do not have the warmth and depth of a carnauba. Paint sealants have gotten progressively more popular as time goes on. Some people really love the hard-as-glass look. In an industry that is driven by technology, it seems appropriate that an engineered paint protector is the new favorite among many detailers. However, the real selling point of a paint sealant is the durability. A premium paint sealant can last 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer.  By “last”, I mean that water will continue to bead and the paint will remain protected from UV rays and contamination. For people that spend more time driving than detailing, the paint sealant is the way to go. Paint sealants are extremely easy to apply. They are always in liquid form and they spread easily by hand or with a polisher. This time-saving feature makes paint sealants an attractive choice for those who like instant gratification, and who doesn’t? As you’ve seen, there are a lot of differences between paint sealants and natural carnauba waxes. Glassy, hard shell or deep, liquid shine? Six months or six weeks? These are the basic questions you have to answer before selecting your paint protection. However, a growing number of enthusiasts simply refuse to choose. Instead, they coat their vehicles with a layer of sealant for long-lasting protection and then top it with a layer of carnauba for the dazzling shine. Even if you forget to reapply carnauba in 6 weeks, your paint won’t suffer. Remember, paint protection is one of your vehicle’s basic necessities. No matter what kind of product you choose, Autogeek has got your vehicle covered. Information Found at AutoGeek.net: http://www.autogeek.net/qude101.html

1. Did they go above and beyond?

•  Of course you can take your car to a local car wash and have it fully “detailed” for $75 somewhere around town. But the question is, did they really go above and beyond to make your car look great? Typically smaller detailing companies are going to have 1-3 people per car, as opposed to a franchise type car wash that has 5-10 people per car. When you are dealing with more attention to detail, I would say – yes, tip!

2. Did the outcome of the service exceed your expectations?

• Another thing to take into consideration is the outcome of the service. Were ther spills, stains, scratches, or other imperfections that you weren’t expecting to rid of? If so – yes, tip!

3. Was there additional convenience for you to have this service done?

• Some companies out there will add extra convenience to you, they travel to you, will take your car to fill up on gas, will provide you a lift to and from the shop or detail location, etc. If they go out of their way to make sure your car and YOU are taken care of? Yes, tip!

4. Does your auto detailer or detailing team remember you?

• Sometimes, lets face it, we are names on a piece of paper to some businesses. But if your auto detailer(s) can remember facts about you that you  didn’t expect,  that your seat doesn’t move forward well so don’t touch it, or that you like your floor mats places upside down, or that you simple want the trunk to be organized a certain way when finished. Yes, tip!

5.  Did they do a good job?

• Make it simpy on yourself, did they do a good job or not? If so, yes, tip! It’s hard work to make cars, trucks, RV’s, boats, motorcycles, etc. look great. If you appreciate a job well done, show it! Remember, a tip goes to the people who do that hard work, not to the owner. It’s their own personal “thank you.”

There are many things that may affect your decision to show gratitude to those who make your investment look like new. If you find a company or single man crew that does a great job, let them know that your appreciate them. What goes around comes around, you will never regret telling someone “thank you.”

Drea Segura

dsegura@sharpshineauto.com

Your auto detailer should be professional, up front and honest. Sugar coating, omitting pricing information, or unprofessional business should be a red flag. Auto detailers should be experts at what they do. The services they provide should be backed with knowledge and experience. One thing that is very common in the auto detailing business is the detailer that will sell you a too-good-to-be-true service at a rediculously low price. Remember, you get what you pay for! Auto detailing is an art, and it takes time, attention to detail and resources to complete a job well.

When you are calling for information about detailing services, the detailer you choose should be able to inform you about every part of the process. Remember, they are the experts, and it is their job to make sure you become one too. It’s important that they make you aware of possible price changes for condition of the vehicle, extra time needed to complete to job and additional services added to the detail. An over the phone quote is always are great starting point, but is never a guarantee. You should be aware of that before the job is started!

The bottom line, you should feel confident in your choice. Remember, you are dealing with one of your most valuable investments, it’s ok to ask questions and be informed on anything that is being done to service that investment. Here are few tips to remember when considering your next auto detailing service:

1. Do they know the processes and services well, can they explain them thoroughly to you?

2. Are they up-front about pricing and expectations?

3. Are you confident about the information given?

Drea Segura

drea.segura@gmail.com