Heres why the 2 bucket wash method is pointless
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- Use a good Prewash
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Use Chenille Noodles
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also forgot to talk about the fact your gonna need to clay periodically anyway...
Bottem line though just wash your car however you think works best for you...
How do you “clay periodically”? Do you need a table?
@@helipeek2736 nice one
Yeah that's a good point as well, if ur gonna clay then ur gonna polish, I understand ur analogy on the rinse bucket being dirty but ur correct in pointing out that they aren't pre-washing properly, btw u need to get that hair cut, I couldn't keep my eyes off it, my eyes were drawing to the top of ur napper because it looked like something was blurred out at certain angles, it was one of those things, once u notice it u can't help but see it 😂😂😂😂😎👍🏻🏴
I notice there's a vid of yours on here from 4 years ago on this very subject, no idea how you managed to talk about washing a car with one bucket for 45 mins but I might just have to watch it to find out lol.
I’d been convinced that you need two buckets to remove the dirty from your wash mitt.
Recently switched to Bilt Hamber Touch-Less and I’m now pre-washing effectively. The wash mitt and shampoo bucket are as clean as if I’d just filled them.
I’m wringing the wash mitt out between panels too. So far all good. Might use multiple mitts come winter, depends.
I thought the 2nd bucket was to stand on so I can reach the roof.
😂 as a height challenged man, i that what i used mine for, or dig out my Oddjob platform.
😂🤣👏👏
Another vertically challenged one, here 🙋🏻♂️
I’m about around 5ft 8 and I still struggle to reach the roofs on some cross overs 😂
Finally someone speaking with common sense... Well said.
One bucket for me , washing your car is supposed to be a " feel good " experience with all the techniques and equipment nowadays it.suddenly becomes a chore
many people take the fun out it. I've been guilty of it myself. Have fun and experiment to see what you enjoy.
I just rinse the mitt with the pressure washer now and again and also turn the mitt. I'm glad others think its a waste off time.
That's what I've done for years. It's always been better than just shaking a mitt into a bucket of water. If it won't blast off then it won't shake off either!
For me, it is always one bucket and multiple mitts. Can't go wrong :)
Same with me. This whole industry can be a racket to an extent. Its over thought and gimmicky.
I agree, though I do use a 2nd bucket - an empty one to put all the used mitts in! I tend to use maybe 10 to 12 mitts per wash. No need to rinse or jet them out they go straight in the wash afterwards, that method with a proper pre-wash system is about the best you can do to minimize the scratch risk and you can only minimize it, there is no such thing as a 100% safe pre-wash or 100% safe contact wash, all you can do is reduce the risk at every stage. It's another reason I use a DI water rinse so I don't have to do a contact dry although the main reason is to save my rotator cuffs! I'm lucky I have the time to let the car drip dry I guess
I'm considering switching to this method, but isn't it a pain having to wash and dry all these mitts?
@@steverabbits how 10 mitts per wash?
@@KiranPatel-fk1pg washing machine does a great job getting them almost dry. 1200 rpm
I only use one bucket. A really thorough pre-wash and jet my mitt out with the pressure washer every now and again. 2BW is dead.
basically what i do. I do use 3 mitts though.
Same, a solid hit with an apc, let it dwell. Snowfoam, more dwell, then a good rinse. Then a layer of a citrus based bug cleaner or similar and then commence contact wash. Rinse.
Agree with everything you say. I will continue to use 2 buckets, though, if only because having 2 buckets strategically placed between my car and pressure washer stops the hose snagging under the front wheels 😂
that's actually a great tip
i can't recommend Hose-Eez/Detail Guardz enough for that issue, only need 2 for the front for my Outback, no more stuck PW hose. Used them for several years now.
Agree with Martin. That's actually a really good idea.
For Sale :- One bucket complete with grit guard, going cheap!
1. Pre-Rinse
2. Pre-wash (snow foam)
3. Soap in the Lance over whole car. Obsessed garage style!
4. 2 bucket wash
In that order.
Don’t worry you won’t influence me to change.
I go for the snowfoam on dry car first. Softens the dirt and adds a Lubricity when pre rinsing.
This is the way!!
Do you still use a bucket of soap after step 3?
@@yenghooitan5666 yes, the more lubrication the better.
I also rinse between snow foaming and lance applying soap over the car, I do not just let it run off. Sometimes pre wash is harsher than snow foam.
@@dillingerdan thanks mate, that sure is a lot of soap!
A subject close to my heart Jon. I was having a discussion with a well respected Professional at the weekend about the two bucket wash and the detailing buckets in general including the grit guards. I am planning a video on the subject that will be controversial but totally agree with you, we are forced by peer pressure at times to follow a certain route or process that just doesn't add up. My channel has never been about "this is how you do it" but always about "this is what Im doing". There seems to be an industry that has sprung up around detaining buckets that are far two big, trollies to put them on because they are too heavy to carry and then all sorts of grit guards that you don't need if the preparation is right. Thats it I feel better now I have that off my chest.
That always cracks me up Martin! There are detailing suppliers that offer kits of 2 x 25-litre-buckets, 2 x grit-guards, 2 x sit-on lids, 2 x trolleys, wash/rinse stickers and metal bucket dividing plate packages for about £140 to £160. Yet I just use one simple orange builder's bucket that I bought for £4.50 twelve years ago from B & Q. It always worked for me. Why overthink it!
Yep doesn't make sense 25 liter
Liter bucket with 10 liters of water in it there a bit overkill really
Probably just so you get through more product
Not even sure the grit guards do anything I never drag the wash mitt on the bottom of the bucket
@@owensteele1274 spot on 👍👍👍
@@thephantomarse exactly👍👍👍👍👍
@@owensteele1274 seen a few mobile “valeters” use these 25L buckets for multiple cars. Guy was bragging about how one full up in the morning lasted him all day long doing 7-10 cars per day. I’m sure he’s probably not the only one doing it as well, so there is a market for these oversized buckets.... not a good market though
Never have and never will, use the 2 bucket method. I’ve been ridiculed on forums for saying this. The 2 bucket way, died when pre washes and snow foams come out.
Gotta say my rinse bucket always ends up with visibly dirty gray water when I pure it out.
And the soap clean bucket stays clean.
So seems to work for me? 🤷♂️
After washing 3 cars, my rinse bucket is always visibly dirty and my wash bucket is clean so I'll continue to use 2 buckets
FINALLY..A Detailer with common sense..Thank-you!
Thank you Jon, I think your approach is spot on. I recently modified my wash process after seeing a video by Pan the Organizer, to drop the RINSE bucket and even the WASH bucket. I pre-rinse withe ONR, RINSE, the wash with the Foam cannon and multiple mitts, but I lay the mitts under the wiper blades and dose them thoroughly with soap. I agree that the chenille wash mitts feel the safest as those little noodles really prevent you from over-pressing the mitts into the paint.
Just my $.02........
I just place my chenille mitt on the windshield and blast it with water, just with a normal garden hose... Or just use the sink near the garage. So little come on the shampoo bucket.... I agree with you, there is not point in putting my mitt in dirty water... If being extra careful just use 5-6 mitt to wash each panel....
The most common sense detailing channel on the tube, period. At least that I know of. Always enjoy hearing your take. You have a fine ability to always pick up on what would (or should) seem obvious....what so many others seem to either love skipping over, or just "stay in line" and not think about for themselves.
If i want a swirl free wash, citrus pre wash and then snow foam after, apply shampoo snow foam style and your 1 bucket method with shampoo in and pressure washing mitt instead of a rinse bucket, blow dry if you can as drying probably causes more swirls than the wash stage
I don't hear many people pick up on the drying damage angle 👍👍 I've not found a decent blow dryer yet, I have gone down the DI water rinse route because I have the time to let the car drip dry. I do use multiple mitts though, I don't think rinsing really gets them clean so I use a new mitt every panel pretty much, so maybe 10 to 12 mitts per wash. Again luckily I'm not a commercial detailer doing multiple cars a day so using that many every time I wash my car is no problem. I also apply my shampoo snow foam style with a shampoo bucket as well, makes total sense to me 👍👍
@@steverabbits Hi Steve try using a Stihl BG86C-E leaf blower which is brilliant to a dry car
@@tonye7490 thanks I Google that one. I did try a cheap leaf blower but it just was not man enough for the job. Ok at blowing water out of crevices and trim though but struggled with large panels
@@steverabbits you will not find a more powerful petrol hand held blower on the market, we use them everyday at work and their bullet proof.
It’s the way I wash
I am completely new to car detailing / washing having just bought my dream car.. I love the straight talking videos I have watched a few of yours now. Fantastic , useful and honest. I hope you are making ££££ from youtube you certainly deserve it
Really good food for though this, I’m new to detailing and have been carrying out a pre wash stage and have though I’m almost cleaning a clean car. Really informative 👍🏼
I use on bucket and rinse my mitt with the pressure washer after I wash a panel and before I put it back in the soap bucket.
Bang on mate
You applying the favorite wash method from DPC ?.
@@runxfan02...30 I've watched all the different washing method videos. I like that one.
100% agreed on the pre-wash. I've made a lot of mistakes and learned the more you can blast off before touching your paint / coating, the less there is to scratch it. Best of all, a good pre-treat and hose work is less labor-intensive than scrubbing like a maniac from the get-go. I also use the same style mitt as you and closely evaluate soap lubricity before I'll use it on my truck. Drying with a blower or using a drying aid w/ a soft rag is my final step in the process. Oh, and as you pointed out, no pressure on any mitt or drying towel ever. Let the water and expensive products do their job instead of trying to power it off like an action hero in a training sequence. :)
Jon, I love your channel because of the way you present ideas. But, I use a 2 bucket system and I have grit guards with “washboard” attachments in both buckets. I rinse my wash mitt in the rinse bucket against the “washboard” and at the end of the contact wash it always amazes me the amount of “dirt” in the bottom of the rinse bucket. And I pre- rinse, foam, rinse and then start a contact wash. I’m gonna to continue to use the 2 bucket system because anything I can do to minimize any damage is a good idea. And in the big picture, it doesn’t really add that much time. Cheers. Great topic btw. I enjoyed it.
I’m new to your channel, and this was a well spoken video. You not only made valid, interesting points about the condition of the paint and benefit or not of different washing methods; but also about ensuring each person enjoys washing their vehicle however it is they choose to do so. It was enjoyable reading the comments and seeing different opinions as well.
I do use the two bucket method and experiment with the one bucket rinseless wash, multiple microfiber towels/mitts, etc. A separate wheel bucket is a must for me. Both for convenience and iron particle contaminants.
I like The Rag Company and Chemical Guy’s tendril wash mitts as well.
One thing I do that may be a little different is I use a designated x2 wash mitts for the lower panels, then bumper/muffler tips, then wheel wells. I do not put them back into my bucket after use and I do this before contact washing the main body of the vehicle. Extra but it makes sense to me and I feel better about it.
I totally agree that pre-rinse and proper use of our wash mitt(s)/media is paramount. I’m still tweaking my personal wash method for efficiency, enjoyment and desired results.
All in all, do what you like to enjoy and car for your vehicle. 👍🏻
Contentious issue John, which you have handled perfectly, I am in your camp regarding the two bucket method. As you say, pre-wash is the most important thing to get right, I then cover the car in shampoo using a snow foam lance, then I use my mitt with one bucket of shampoo to carry out the contact wash.
Same here
The KEY is to rinse your mitt with PW / hose and squeeze out b4 going back in the single bucket. I stopped doing 2 bucket when I started rinsing mitt and realised the rinse bucket was staying clean. The chenile is safer because there is less contact and pressure on the surface with them - they aren't as effective as a mf mitt the same size IMO.
The way I convinced myself to starting rinsing my mitt Vs using a rinse bucket, was putting my wheel mitt / brushes in my wheel bucket and noticing they would would still be dirty whereas when I'd rinse my wheel mitt off I'd see it would be clean.
When it really comes down to it, rinsing the mitt between panels with the pressure washer is the best thing you can do. The rinse bucket is like a security blanket so you can see the process working but it doesn't change the fact that the mitt is being dunked into dirty water.
That takes way too much time and using a concrete slab would have to suffice.
My pressure washer is gas and I don't leave it on during contact wash
“I thought I saw a swirl …” Epic!
Great video and a cracking subject. A few years ago I started looking at "other" methods to see what works better for me. And this gets some eye brows raised. I use a noodle mitt and rinse the mitt after each panel (if really dirty) or two when reasonably clean. My wash bucket water is clean enough to do a second car should I want too with this method.
It gets a few comments from those "in the know" lol but works really well. Having said that my pre wash system is really effective.
great video once again john...I have never used the 2 bucket method I simply blast off my mitt with the stuby and back into my wash bucket
I’m still a fan of the multi-pad method (Chemical guys noodle pads). It’s just one more thing to reduce the amount of grit possibly under the pad during agitation. It still requires an extra bucket to “ditch” the used pads in after using it for a panel or two.
I use one bucket multi wash mitts. Super Chinese fake wool but do the job brilliantly. I rinse snow foam soap and clean the car, with the mitts.
Id be wary of cheap mitts..cheap material is not good.
Hi Jon, I use lots of pre wash steps. Switched from bilt hamber foam wash to the new touch less, followed by a spray with surfax hd on lower panels. After a good pressure wash the car is looking clean.
I like the gtechnic mits, I use 2 of them plus the two bucket method plus a couple of the noodle mits for the sills etc. The touch less is great as is the BH shampoo 👍👌 rice bucket water stays clean.
One bucket and grit guard has always been good for me, and give the mitt a quick sling at the end of each wash cycle
Very interesting watch. I’m totally new to not only detailing, but washing cars in general as I used to just take my previous cars to a hand car wash place up the road!
With my new car I wanted to get into doing it all myself so I’ve spent an ungodly amount of hours watching videos, and your channel has been a god send.
What you’re saying about the two bucket method makes complete sense, and I think I’ll use my second bucket that was for rinsing for my wheels only now.
I did question if it’s pointless with how dirty the ‘clean’ bucket gets anyway...
And how dirty is your wash bucket ... you have just provided your own experience why you use 2 buckets and because someone doesn’t agree on CZcams you go with his view 😂 I pre wash too I clean a clean car and my rinse bucket at the end has sediments in the bottom none to minuscule in the wash bucket, now if I took that bucket out common sense tells me that dirt is now going in my clean bucket 😂 if your rinse bucket gets really dirty common sense would tell you to pour it out and re fill but it’s obviously doing it’s job
I've never done 2 bucket.
I just rinse the mitt out with the hose gun, clean water each time!
I wish DPC sees this comment, his favorite wash method 👍
What would your recommendation be to washing a car that is ceramic coated with no snow foam just a jet wash ? I would be washing roughly every 2 weeks, Would say surfex hd at 20-1 then jet wash down and then either two bucket wash or a fresh microfibre for each panel be good enough to keep the swirls at bay? Interested to here your thoughts thanks
Finally, a sensible view on this. And talked about with a lot of grace as well. 👏👏
It’s a breath of fresh air to watch this.
I’ve tried it many, many times and for me there’s three main reasons why I don’t stick with the 2BM.
1) I never intentionally put my mitt where hasn’t been pre-washed and blasted.
B) Every time I rinse, I’m also rinsing the rather expensive shampoo out of a ‘charged’ mitt.
iii) as you said, Jon, once you see any contamination, how much protection are you really providing?
I don’t doubt for a minute it could help, as it kind of makes sense, but I’ve never been fully convinced.
And I’ll believe this right up until I see a small scratch. 😂
After my pre-wash process I usually slap another coating of snow foam on for extra lubricity and cleaning power anyway. I very rarely use 2 buckets. Just have a grit guard in my main wash bucket which seems to keep any bigger contaminants away from my wash mitt.
I do tend to use a separate mitt for the lower parts of the car (and do them last)
Good reflexions.
For you, prerinse with ONR was also effective like prewash ?
After 38 years of being a car owner I have always used the one bucket method and I cringe looking back how I used to wash my cars without pre rinse or wash and using washing up liquid and sponge.
As I got older, wiser, married and after the kids come along I spent more and more time perfecting my ‘detailing’ technique maybe as a consequence of escaping childcare duties😁.
Recently, and with two new cars on order I thought about the two bucket method and I am so glad I watched your video Jon as we shared the same thoughts about ensuring the critical pre wash stage is done correctly.
In the early 2000’s I invested in a Karcher HDS 601C pressure washer as I became disillusioned with the cheaply versions sold by Halfords breaking down. It was as a result of being stolen replaced with a HDS 745m which as well as cleaning the family cars, cleaned patio’s drives, conservatories and other things, it was a beast and pretty much faultless for the 15 years I owned it, returning 70% of its original cost when recently sold.
I have now invested in a HDS 7/10-4MX which is the latest version of the 745 and gives me the best options to ensure that my cars receive the best pre wash, rinse and wheel arch clean all year around, with the option of cold, hot and steam wash.
On that basis I’ll stick with the one bucket method as my present X1 paintwork is although not entirely swirl free is looking very good for a three and half year old daily driver.👍🏻
I only use one bucket with 4 mitts. After my foam and jet I divide the car into 4 and use a mitt per quarter. Each used mitt then goes into a rinse bucket for a hand rinse before they are washed in the machine, madness?
top marks on the nice tidy shelves Jon, with your new containers and spray bottles
Totally agree with you. When I got into this detailing craic I got two buckets and realised fairly quickly that it is pretty pointless once you do a real thurer prewash. And then my good wash mitt for the top two thirds of the car and another one for the bottom third. Too much time faffing around with two buckets.
I love this. For me, I’ve always used the single bucket method. But I also use a gas-powered pressure washer. By the time I’m hand-washing the car, there isn’t much to really grab and add back to a bucket that’s substantial. Hell, half the time the amount of soapy water I’m bringing with the mitt up onto the car is enough that I have to add water before the session is over. And that water is clean, and the soap is further agitated.
At the end of the day, remember this- It is the result that counts. We are grown-ass men, debating how many buckets to use to clean a a big metal object. If anyone holds tightly onto a position in that realm…you have bigger issues than a bucket to sort-out.
Have fun, improve each session, and clean objects for the right reasons.
Love the fact you are addressing this. I have used the 1 bucket method before. So snowfoam, let it dwell, rinse, then snowfoam the shampoo onto the car. 1 fresh bucket of water. This wasn't a dirty car and the first snowfoam was built hamber auto foam, which works well for me. I usually use 2 buckets and both my buckets have relativity clean water at the end. The only time my rinse bucket is dirty it when I use my second mitt to do the edges of the underbody. That's the end of the contact wash!
You are so correct and on point in this video. People are trying to sell ludicrous techniques because, they are ultimately trying to sell their own products. I believe in working clean. Just don't introduce dirty mitts or whatever into my one bucket wash. Simply rinse and wring them out after each panel wash.
Depends upon how dirty the vehicle is. I just finished a ZERO bucket wash because all the car had on it was dust. I pressure washed with water. Foamed the vehicle let the foam sit for about five minutes. Pressure washed the foam off. Foamed the vehicle again, and then rinsed it with deionized water, and used a blower to dry it. Then went over the car with an SiO2 spray and called it done. Sometimes you don't even need a bucket...
Since I already have a rinse bucket with a grit guard, I’ll continue to use it because what is 1 pence of water for a little extra protection.
I am pretty new to detalling, and as you say the first thing you run into is being told that the 2 bucket method is the only safe way wash your car.
As I am only washing 2 daily drivers and I use a, to me, decent prewash it seemed redundant to me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this - And thank you for all your great videos. I was especially inspired by your video on fixing rock chips and after watching your video I will be giving it a try.
hi do you have any tips for polishing matte paint?
"Use your own common sense." Wise words indeed.
I think two buckets with a grit guard in both works great. I use one side of mitt per panel then rinse . Thats what i do and i am happy with results
Interesting video as always
I think for me you hit the nail on the head talking about how dirty the car is and it’s about what you think works
In the summer I rarely find I’m using two buckets
Ore wash and contact wash
In the winter though I find it helps
Orr wash and contact wash with two buckets
Although I’ve not tried a double prewash in winter 🥶
Alway pre-wash with BH snow foam.
Used to 2 bucket, but not any more.
I now always snow foam the shampoo onto the car, and just use one bucket to rinse the noodle mit.
If very dirty rinse the mit using a quick blast of the pressure washer.
Always now rinse with softened water, no need to dry as dries spotless.
I totally agree with the significance of the pre-wash! I used to use two bucket, but having assessed your magazine review on the types of wash media - I'm totally sold on the chenille noodles. So I literally have about 15 or so clean ones in one bucket and use two per panel. That way I'm sure no additional contaminates are being transferred back to the paint. The most import combo is lubrication! so before even hitting the panel with the chenille, make sure each panel is pre-wet with the shampoo and not dry! Simples!
Now there is an evolved view on detailing
I now use, wolfgang uber rinseless, pumped on the car, using a Wurth sprayer, big red sponge and drying towel or soft micro fibre, also Griots garage rinseless with wax, if the car is very dirty, which mine isnt, as its treated like, a tin god. Pressure wash it first, its amazing how cleaning technology has come along.
I still use your £2 Chinese washmitt and Hozelock multiheaded spray tool method that you did video on a few years ago. Bucket is just a B&Q one, about 2/3 full. I have no swirl marks on my car (which has fairly soft paint) so I can really vouch for this method. Saves shampoo, saves water and saves my back. Makes the most sense to rinse that dirt off the mitt to me. This is after a BH AutoFoam ofc ...
Agree wholeheartedly here John. This subject has bothered me for a while now. A good pre wash/prep just seemed to make sense to me. The other thing that I can’t come to terms with is “waterless washing” and on a very personal note, I just don’t do it😉
I agree 100%. If your rinse water or soap water becomes dirty while washing, then the prewash has been ineffective. Good that someone talks common sense here. Also a lot of youtubers are not using the pressure washer to its full potential, and keeping it too far away from the paint when rinsing, thus decreasing any benefits it has compared to regular hose rinsing. Modern paints can easily take consumer washer pressures. Pressure washer with a good prewash makes a big difference.
You make a valid point Jon and I tend to agree. Dipping your wash mitt into a dirty water bucket defeats the idea in a way yes, but that's if the water holds the dirt in suspension. Having seen all the ONR videos, it has prompted me to add some ONR to my rinse bucket so the dirt falls out of suspension an drops below the grit guard. This makes the two bucket wash more feasible.
Another method is to simply rinse the wash mitt with the pressure washer or garden hose. Some detailers rinse their cars with a hand trigger pressure gun with the lance and so rinsing the mitt with this apparatus makes it just as effective to clean the mitt.
You hit the nail on the head though with the pre wash. That precedes everything. Do a thorough pre wash and you will minimise the dirt.
1 bucket is fine for daily drivers. When cleaning high end cars that have near perfect paint 2 is a must. Multiple mits and rinsing the wash mit everytime prior to touching the paint is important in my opinion. Always open to strategies I just use precautions with high end stuff like Italian exotics. Great video.
Whatre your thoughts of the temperature of the wash or wash/rinse bucket? Would warm water be better than tap cold?
I think in winter to make it nice and warm is nice. but again that rule.. when you go to do the contact wash if you feel like you are washing an already clean car then thats really the important thing.
Nice one Jon. I will continue to use two buckets, one for the wheels and one for the contact wash..... always after a good soak of bilt hamber autofoam too. Have a lovely day full of common sense. 👍🤪
I agree with you on the 2 bucket method. I use a second small bucket for the wheels. I do think its important to have a giant bucket for the paintwork and most of the time the water from the wash bucket is pretty clean still from the end. There is definitely aways grit at the bottom of the bucket but as you say a proper mitt and wipe technique provides much better protection. Plus lugging two massive buckets of water is way more effort than lugging one.
I could not agree more. I use the one bucket method. Dunk a bunch of wash pads and super fluffy mf towels in the bucket with soap and let them absorb. I add a bit of shampoo to the wash pads and then use each one for parts of the car whilst holding the hose with the other hand to be able to give them an occasional rinse off (because of insects, bits of trees mostly since pre-wash takes care of most of the dirt). Usually one pad for the bonnet, one for the roof, separate ones for the bottom bits and so forth.
Once used it goes into another bucket ready to be washed and dried. This way I never dunk a ‘dirty’ pad into the clean water bucket with the other pads.
Yes, I am one of the multi mitt guys 😁
Great video highlighting the pre wash👍
When neighbours ask why I pre wash and use such gentle pressure to wash the car I ask them how would they wash grit out of their eye without scratching it.
Only a fool would go straight in with a hard soapy scrub without pre rinsing and after that you'd go gentle as possible for any last bits of debris!
Good video!! Felt natural.. and I agree common sense is key here .. love your honesty
I like your way of thinking. One action that I think makes a difference is to squeeze out ones mitt BEFORE entering a bucket. Which will get rid of the majority of the contaminants. And that's wether you use one or two buckets. That's: squeeze-rinse bucket-squeeze-soap bucket.
Yeah that’s pretty much how I do it, extensive pre clean followed by gentle shampoo, works for me.
Yes John!! I agree 100% it makes no difference whether you rinse your mitt in a rinse bucket or wash bucket with shampoo in it. The mitt is still going back in the bucket with debris in it. Using a good pre wash technique is the most important part of washing your car.
As you say common sense, is your rinse bucket dirtier than the bucket with shampoo in... mine is that’s why I do it 😂
Idea, don’t let your car get filthy, like me, I only ever use one bucket to wash my car. Done that for the last 20 years
This vid deserves an award! It is all TRUTH! Mit MUST be clean.
I had a scratch free car. Always used 1 bucket, 1 mit. Always flooded mit with hose before another pass. Car stayed scratch free.
Jumped on 2 bucket wagon without hosing mitt, scratched car while snow foaming was even being utilized.
Now I use multi mitts and 3 buckets which help alot, but the car never really feels clean while washing with ph neutral snow foam.
So now I have bilt hamber and can't wait to use. Car pro has a really good apc to apply also in which I've used 2x but can get expensive to utilize, it's best in my opinion!
I use the Larry Ammo way , which is one bucket and multiple microfiber towels. What is your opinion on that method ?
can do but I talked about multi mitt. Its less about how clean the media is when you do contact washing but more about how clean the car is from the pre-wash. thats the key concept for me. if your prewash has worked you are cleaning a clean car basically, or too a level where it does not matter if you use 1 mitt, 2 mitts, 30 mitts, 3 buckets, etc..
Does it make sense to add a capful of ONR to every car wash regardless of brand?
Less foam, but more encasing of dirt for double-insurance + whatever other safe washing techniques?
I used to do because the suds dont really do that much but Im not sure really. (it kills the suds)
Is it better to pressure wash car first before a snow foam pre wash? Or is it better to apply snow foam on a dry car? So many people go either way, what’s the best?
It’s all about the pre contact stages 😎
HI John. You made some excellent arguments for/against 2-bucket method in this video. You mention synthetic wool mitts being less safe than noodle mitts from your experience. Would that extend to real wool mitts, like the Meguiar's genuine wool wash mitt, or is it strictly the synthetic wool you're referring to? Many thanks and keep up the superb channel.
Good fine wool is softer than those synthetic wools yer
But noodles seem the best
Great video! Well explained.
I use no buckets, they are in the garage gathering dust.
I put shapoo in a 2 ltr pump sprayer and after snow foaming and rinse i spray a few panels and my wool mitt with the shampoo, wipe down panels then rinse the mitt with a hose, towel dry, job done.
Just a hose, pump spray and wash mitt does it for me.
Black 159
Megs gold class wash and wax so no need to use a QD after each wash.
Foams up a treat
Good technic! I have used similar method.
Hi John, a good debate this one 👍👍
No influencers for me 🤣🤣. I'm just still a bit old school 😊😊. I use 2 super soft merino lambs wool wash mitts . One for lower panels, bumpers etc.. the other for the cleaner parts of the car. Agree about the pre wash with snow foam, but still using 2 buckets for wash & 2 buckets for wheels, both with grit guards. Overkill maybe, but helps my OCD, 100%..
I tend to rinse the mitt prior to putting in my rinse wash bucket & rinse my wheel brushes & mitts prior to putting in my wheel rinse bucket.
This method has served me well for many years & don't see me changing anytime soon.
2 buckets for wheels seem quite overkill. If you rinse your wheel cleaning tools out with your pressure then there nothing that putting them into a rinse bucket is gonna do.
Yep after a good blast off of the snowfoam with the pressure washer most of the time I don’t use a rinse bucket anymore, just the wash with grit gaurd in. Despite buying three different mitts I just cannot get used to them and feel far more comfortable using sponges, like I have more control and am more direct, also easier to thoroughly squeeze out in the bucket. They’re that cheap if they get dropped in the bin they go. New one for the wash (from the top down) an old one for the sill’s and wheels.
spot on. I use bilt hambers snow foam and rinse off thorough and then only use a 1 bucket 🪣 method. hardly see any dirt in the bucket or wash mitt when contact washing as most of the dirt is already removed. so John is spot on when saying that the pre wash stage is very important and therefore 1 bucket really can be sufficient
Does pre wash take the protection off ??
You right Jon, but personally I'm just inlove with the process you know. The process of the whole detail is just so brilliant. Also, after I'm done with the contact wash, my wash bucket is absolutely clean.....so 2 bucket just adds the extra bit of insurance.
100% agree with you John.... I’ve never used 2 buckets but I do work for a water company 😜
and you alone should know x thousands / millions of gallons of water is wasted through leaks in the network, I'm sure adding a second bucket into your routine isn't going to make a difference - go on live a little 😊
Interesting thoughts, I agree with the swirled comments, but I'll stick with what works best for my business, (motorcycle detailing) customers are quite up on the detailing stuff now....
Yep always had this thought. How is 2 buckets better if you still have to put the mit back into a dirty bucket anyway 🤷🏻♂️
Hi John, can you do a review on the best wheel cleaner please 🙏
Interesting thoughts... Yes I have been using the 2 bucket method for a while however I am conscious having done a pre-soak of snow foam that the car would have less dirt so when it is a contact wash it may not be as much of an issue. Also with this current climate and being careful not to use too much water it does play on my mind the amount I am using. So if I can save a bit each time with not having a rinse bucket that would be good. So on the next wash I shall just use the 1 and see how I go. Use the Wash mitt or sponge is the way to go.
I swapped back to using one bucket when I realised the rinse bucket water was pretty much clean apart from suds. I do spend s a long time on prewash though.
If we are relying on “common sense,” we are doomed! Lol. Thanks for this content. I prewash with a rinse, a good long dwell time foam, rinse and one bucket contact wash with four or five mitts followed by a final rinse and heated, filtered air dry with my BigBoi Pro dryer. My cars are professionally ceramic coated and the prewash does a good job in removing most of the dirt. You Rock! Be blessed.
Filtered air lol
About time someone spread the word. Never understood 2-bucket.
dang i was just going to jump in with the multi mitt option :)
So was wondering why you have not painted the top row of bricks under the roof, and what sauce you recommend to go with the noodles?
stop looking for perfection it will drive your OCD wild :) barbacue sauce ;)
I actually use the two bucket method with two wash mitts. I'm not always able to have the ability to rinse away soap or product, so my second clean bucket is there to be my rinse bucket.
I agree somewhat as I think pre wash/snow foams have got better over the years I’ve noticed my rinse bucket water never gets dirty and a reason why I think grit guards are pointless if you do a good pre wash.
I use 2 buckets and 2 wash mitts and (usually) it's hard to see any dirt in it. I know there'll be some, it's just hard to see. For pre wash I use a weak solution of Bilt Hamber APC, pressure wash off, then Bilt Hamber Auto Foam.
I agree with you on being told that is the way to do it even though it kind of doesn't make sense when thought through. My ethos is to use a citrus wash overlaid with a snow foam after a pre rinse with my power washer, then two buckets and a grit guard in the rinse bucket. I am happy with that process and until someone comes up with a radical change that I agree with that will be my method.