Hey Guys, Could you all clear something up for me. My friend just got her first new car, a Toyota Scion TC. Cute little car for her. She asked me for help about detailing her car. I gave her a list of things to do. I was under the impression that when drying your car, you should always use a Chamois. Well, she was outside drying her new car off when out of the blue the neigbors saw what she was doing and came screaming over to her telling her never ever ever use a chamois on her car. They told her to use a cotton towel. Her neighbors own a detailing shop in my town and have been detailing cars for 15 years. So whats the deal? I will trust you guys on this site more than the neighbors, so please let me have it. Dr Bonz, if you read this, I would really like to hear what you have to say. Thanks, BEN

 

I too would NOT recommend using a chamois to dry with. A good cotton towel will work but a waffle-weave microfiber towel will work even better. They're lighter than cotton and absorb more and won't scratch the surface.

 

I use a California Water Blade.

 

+1 to that. Plus a good microfiber towel to clean up the drops the blade misses.

 

+2. I find the CWB and microfiber towel is a great combo. Have to be careful with the CWB though, admittedly I was a bit nervous about using it at first.

 

The CWB scares me too much to put near my Z. All it would take is one speck of dust or dirt to leave you a nice scratch.

 

I Waterblade the majority of it, and use a Microabsorber to dab and sometimes an air gun compressor to get the crevices. The chamois should be used for dabbing and not rubbing ouch.

 

isnt that a risk with a MF towel also?

just trying to figure out if i should pick up a CWB myself or not

 

The same holds true for any type of towel, microfiber or cotton. The california water blade is made of a soft, silicone-feeling material that is very flexible and very soft. It is great to get the bulk of the water off to minimize the amount of work you have to do with a towel. You will always need a towel to get the crevices and to do some touch up.

 

First off, I never wipe with a towel. I float the towel down on the surface then lift it up and away. I try to never drag it or anything else across the surface of my car. If necessary, I pat dry as opposed to rubbing or wiping.

Second, a towel is soft and in theory, a MF towel should pick up any dirt particles and they should get trapped in the fibers. Note that I said "in theory" - that's why I don't rub with a towel - not taking any chances. The CWB is a relatively hard object and something trapped under the blade edge would apply a fairly significant force against the surface.

 

WHat about the Absorber? I have been using it for about 3 years now and haven't seen any type of scratching or anything from it's use. Is The Absorber considered a chamois?

 

Same here!! IMO the Absorber works the best. Have tried the water blade, not too bad but it`s not that good on nonflat surfaces.. you can buy the Absorber at AutoZone or Walmart...

 

I use a leaf blower to get the majority (with Zaino this gets 95%) of the water off...then use a 100% cotton cloth diaper to get whatever is left and the cracks/crevices.

 

I've been using a chamois, one real sheepskin and another that's synthetic fabric to imitate chamois, funny enough i like the synthetic one better.

 

It's a synthetic chamois.

 

Good for Jen!

 

Just drive it around for a few minutes...it'll dry off. Much easier!

 

Then you'll get dust and dirt in the water spots remaining on the car, and your back bumper will be nasty. I use the absorber as well, although lately Ive been giving the leaf blower a try, works great.

 

After a good handwash there shouldn't be anything on your paint. I use the absorber and never scratched the car. Great product for 7 dollars. Just clean it after every use with soap and hot water, and make sure it doesn't dry out!

 

where can i order that cali wiper blade?