Descent Into Cleanliness

[LynnEl]

I've been told there was a time in my life I experienced a transcendence. This occurred when I suddenly decided I like taking baths/showers. While I don't specifically recall it, I am sure I loathed myself for this self-betrayal. I suspect it may be happening again. While I don't think I am likely to become a member of the OCD my-car-must-always be spotless crowd, and I will continue to use car washes, I am finding myself with a growing collection of detailing stuff and a kindling desire to use them. However, I fully realize when one become immersed into something, they tend to go for the "best." Often though, that "best" is decided more by emotion than facts. I think that may be more the case in MINIdom, where emotion is key to a happy MINI ownership. So, to get to the point, I am going to express my two cents about what I have used so far and, hopefully, find out what you think.

I previously addressed in another post a through the clearcoat scratch on my mirror housing and a black rub mark near a tailight. Clay did nothing to either. I tried Scratch-X on the mirror and it looked good until I buffed it per the instructions. Then it looked as it did to begin with. I then tried Quixx and, viola, the scratch is now virtually invisible and the black mark is gone! This may be because I used the 3000 grit sandpaper that came with Quixx, which did not come with Scratch-X. +++ for Quixx.

Yesterday, I used Clarity on the inside and outside of my windows, which are tinted, along with the glass cleaner microfiber cloth that Detailer's Paradise gave me gratis. The cleaner worked well. But, I have to wonder what, if anything, makes it worth the price. It didn't seem to work any better than Windex at cleaning off debris or haze. I also didn't see any great benefit to the cloth over paper towel. In fact, the directions on Clarity recommended using a paper towel "first" if the glass is very dirty. So, yes Clarity worked, but why not use Windex at 1/6 the price? ???? for Clarity.

[MLPearson79]

I can see how Quixx may have worked better/faster on a scratch - especially if you used sandpaper - than ScratchX. I used ScratchX to take a big paint transfer mark off the side of my old car and it took a ton of rubbing, but it came off safely. I'm sure Quixx would have been faster but the sandpaper pretty much freaks me right out.

As far as Clarity...if you can't see the difference between it and Windex...then I can't help you

[MINIFVR]

+1 for the fear of sandpaper. I would never get that near my car, for I am a novice.

Over the past few months I've been getting closer to the spotless car club. The interest in detailing and cleaning has grown. I don't know what it is about cleaning cars but I just enjoy it.

[LynnEl]

3000 grit sandpaper is very fine. I used it without applying pressure. I was scared, too, but I really hated that scratch. Looks great now!

I did, in fact, do a side-by-side on my windshield of Clarity vs. Windex. Windex actually took the bug bits off easier. And, no, I don't see any difference. What difference am I supposed to see?

[MINIFVR]

I don't know. I've heard people RAVE about clarity. I can tell the difference between Stoners Invisible Glass and Windex though. Stoners is good stuff.

[BlimeyCabrio]

In my experience, Windex does NOT leave the "streak free" surface they advertise - at least not easily - on greasy or filmy surfaces. This is especially apparent for me on the inside of the windshield when there is some off-gassing present. The combo of Clarity and the DP cloth strip this stuff off very easily for me and leave no residue. And, if you have tinted windows, if you're using Windex with ammonia you're dissolving your tint...

My wife switched to Clarity (with paper towels) for our home windows and mirror after seeing how much better it works than Windex on filmy surfaces. And she's hard to convince and does NOT believe in "premium" products for this kind of stuff, typically.

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by LynnEl

So, yes Clarity worked, but why not use Windex at 1/6 the price? ???? for Clarity.

You know the answer to that How are those detailing companies going to make money if they dont convince you to buy their products?

Actually its not the Windex thats bad but ammonia.

See http://www.autogeek.net/waterspots.html

Some windex has no ammonia and its fine despite all the marketing. There is no need to buy expensive stuff for glass. Just soap and water works find. See autopia.org

But then again, how are they going to make money on people if they get practical like your asking

[LynnEl]

I know about ammonia. I know the Primo line has some great stuff. But I also know it is quite common for a brand to add items to it's line which rely on the name. Not that I think Clarity isn't good. I just don't see (literally) what it offers for the $$$.

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by LynnEl

I know about ammonia. I know the Primo line has some great stuff. But I also know it is quite common for a brand to add items to it's line which rely on the name. Not that I think Clarity isn't good. I just don't see (literally) what it offers for the $$$.

I'm agreeing with you. They sell windex w/out ammonia. No need to pay $$$ for some of this stuff.

[MiniMaybee]

I for one really like my MINI shiny and clean . I could not care less about the condition of anybody else's vehicle unless they bring it to me for detailing.
I have found that DP products are a good value and provide me with the level of effectiveness I desire, and they are local, and Heather and Nick know their stuff, provide excellent service and are great people.
I could not care less about what others choose to use. I have no vested interest in anyone finding the panacea of detailing products or the Utopian bliss of cleanliness. I choose to because I want to. It doesn't impact my life one bit what others use or how often they choose to do so. Unless of course they wish to share a tip or two.
Use what you choose, when you want. Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing!

[BlimeyCabrio]

Originally Posted by MiniMaybee

I for one really like my MINI shiny and clean . I could not care less about the condition of anybody else's vehicle unless they bring it to me for detailing.
I have found that DP products are a good value and provide me with the level of effectiveness I desire, and they are local, and Heather and Nick know their stuff, provide excellent service and are great people.
I could not care less about what others choose to use. I have no vested interest in anyone finding the panacea of detailing products or the Utopian bliss of cleanliness. I choose to because I want to. It doesn't impact my life one bit what others use or how often they choose to do so. Unless of course they wish to share a tip or two.
Use what you choose, when you want. Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing!

Bah. Humbug. Freedom of choice is for the birds. Use Prima or DIE!!!



(the smiley face makes it okay to say DIE!!!)

Correct. Use what you want. All I know is that I bought a sprayer of Clarity. Then later bought a gallon. And no brainwashing was involved in this decision (that I remember). So, for me, it works and is worth the $$$.

And I'm happy no one is dissolving their tint with ammonia.

[LynnEl]

Originally Posted by MiniMaybee

to share a tip or two

is the whole point of my posting this thread. I know there are good reasons people are loyal to particular products, beyond the performance of the product itself.

[Jeremy1026]

Clarity also helps your glass bead water, windex can't do that.

[kenchan]

windex fogs up in real-world conditions. plus some of them contain
ammonia-D which will damage tinted windows.

and for the 3000grit sand paper, ofcourse it will sand faster than scratch-x.
but scratch-x is probably about 3000+ to about 3500grit. you just need to work it
into the paint at least 5-6 times for deeper scratches. also, i found
that using foam pads work better than cotton applicators.

[LynnEl]

I thought I, or at least, my MINI, live in the real world. I haven't ever had windex fog up. As for beeding on the windshield, I guess I will have to see when it rains. But that doesn't necessarily sound like a good thing to me.

[gokartride]

I use Stoner's glass cleaner now (spray, not foam) and it is quite good. In the past I used 1z glass cleaner and it was the best I've ever used...but it was a hassle ordering the stuff. Stoner's offers me good results and is readily available and that's what works for me.

Another interesting case...I use the Klasse twins for it's durability, bling, and ease of use. But....I don't use the Sonus QD that is supposed to work so well with it. I don't even use Meg's! No, I use Mother's QD!!! Don't ask me why, but the stuff goes on/off better and leaves my paint very slick. It shouldn't be this way but that's how it seems to work for me. I admit the differences are slight.

[bamatt]

Originally Posted by kenchan

windex fogs up in real-world conditions...

+1 on that & more... Even in a non-fog situation when I thought my Windexed windows were clean a bit of night driving would let me know how bad the Windex worked as oncoming headlights would make the streaks left behind blindingly noticeable. I personally can immediately tell that the Clarity gets my glass surfaces cleaner in the light of day but it becomes even more apparent when I drive at night. Clarity, if purchased by the gallon, is only about 2X as expensive as Windex so it's worth it to me.

I am not part of any brainwash detailing club I will try something new but only keep using it if it works best. I use Smart Carwash, 303 Aerospace Protectant, Clarity, the Klasse twins, & P21-S wax so I mix & match & am not blindly loyal to one brand. I just use what works best for me so I assure you that if I say I really like something it is not because I blindly follow

[LynnEl]

Thanks, bamatt. You provided me with the kind of info I was initially looking for. I will have to check the night glare situation out. I can't say I noticed that with windex before, but sometimes you can't tell without the comparison (kind of like when I get new glasses - don't realize how messed up the old ones are until you put on the new ones).

[bamatt]

Originally Posted by LynnEl

Thanks, bamatt. You provided me with the kind of info I was initially looking for. I will have to check the night glare situation out. I can't say I noticed that with windex before, but sometimes you can't tell without the comparison (kind of like when I get new glasses - don't realize how messed up the old ones are until you put on the new ones).

One other thing... I never really use Clarity to clean my dirty windshield so I can't speak to bug removal. I only use it on my windows inside & out immediately after I have washed the MINI but I swear after I used it for the 1st time in the light of day I was amazed. I honestly felt like until that moment I had never seen truly clean glass

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by Jeremy1026

Clarity also helps your glass bead water, windex can't do that.

No, but rainx does

All this OCD stuff about detailing. Except for Ken, who we know is addicted to hydro, ... think rain

There is nothing better than pure distilled water from the heavens above to clean your car (unless you live near the "Love Canal".

[Jeremy1026]

Originally Posted by chows4us

No, but rainx does

So $3 for windex + $? for rainx = More then $Clarity?

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by Jeremy1026

So $3 for windex + $? for rainx = More then $Clarity?

I never said I used Windex. Ammonia "bad" (although the sell versions w/out ammonia). However, going to the extent people go to buy window cleaner is a bit much.

With the new generation of microfiber towels, it is possible to clean your glass without using any cleaners at all. A little water and the microfiber towel do a great job.

autopia.org

But whatever floats your boat. I like "free"

My windshield needs none of that stuff, it naturally beads water from the factory ... true (not the back, just the windshield), not a MINI.

[Jeremy1026]

Originally Posted by chows4us

My windshield needs none of that stuff, it naturally beads water from the factory ... true (not the back, just the windshield), not a MINI.

Too bad MINIs dont use the same glass (treatment?) as the Rav's...they probably wouldn't crack if they did that too...

[chows4us]

Originally Posted by Jeremy1026

Too bad MINIs dont use the same glass (treatment?) as the Rav's...they probably wouldn't crack if they did that too...

No, not the Toyota. My toyota glass is not so hot. In the Porsche.

[LynnEl]

Unfortunately, most of the water that hits my windshield doesn't come from the factory. Second thought, it does....