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Make your own choices, but I can give you some guidance of categories. And a few suggestions of products that I like but there is no "single" right answer. (There are some "wrong" ones, however!) You'll be overwhelmed with "advice".
Washing:
-Use a 100% cotton chenille mitt.
-Use a quality auto shampoo. Not just for cleaning but to lubricate the mitt and avoid scratching. Drying:
-"Lay" an Absorber on the paint to get the bulk of the water off. Don't drag.
-Use only microfiber wafflewave towels to dry completely. They dry well and will not scratch.
Polishing:
-Use only microfiber towels to touch your paint! They will not scratch. Clay:
-Use clay to remove the embedded debris in your finish. Yes, even a brand new finish will be improved before waxing. Trust me! This is a twenty minute deal. Worth it! Paint Protection:
-There is a lot of choices here. Read up on what there is available. The two main camps: Carnaubasand Polymers. Carnaubas offer a rich finish but is much less durable. It starts to degrade in a matter of weeks. No matter if you like to wax or if the car is garaged. If the car sits outside or if durability is a concern then choose a polymer. Read this. I am a Zaino use. Extremely durable-will last many months, great shine and brightness. One of the slickest "feels" on the market. Quick Detailer:
A quick detailer is a product that is normally associated with the wax you choose. You use a quick detailer and a microfiber towel to touch up any dusty spots of just boost the shine in between weekly washes. I QD every day practically. There are many to choose from but you usally choose one that is made by the same company that makes the wax you choose so it's all compatible. Wheel Cleaning:
-We just covered this in a previous thread. Check it out. Wax your wheels. Use shampoo or an acid free cleaner to remove brake dust regularly. P21S is good stuff. Glass:
-Use ammonia free products. My favorite is 1Z. Invisible Glass is also good. Rubber/Vinyl: -For interior protection I like 303 Aerospace protectant. It has a natural factory matte finish. Not a fake shiny look. It's water based. Not a silicone laden heavy solvent based product. It will not harm the vinyl. It is a high UV protectant.
-For rubber door seals nothing is better than Gumi-pflege. Nothing. You used to be only able to purchase this in BMW motorcycle shops. Now the word is out!
-For exterior trim there are more good choices. I like Mothers, a lot and also use Meguiars 38. I use these on tires as well. Avoid the gel dressings. They are too fake shiny and splatter residue at speed.
That's enough for now. My fingers are tired!
__________________ Bloomquist Garage! '04 PW Mini Cooper S....Gone but still here in spirit! My Other Rides.
I think I will be off to a good start, I ordered a mitt, little/big blue towel, and 303 Aero from Classic that should arrive today. I am going to also order today the tire brush mentioned recently from OXO, as well as some P21S gel.
I picked up some microfiber towels, Viking, from a local auto parts store.
I will also be ordering the kit from Zaino.
__________________
'07 MCS Pepper White P/S R90 Cross Spoke Anthracite
Was checking out my MINI in the sunlight today next to whole bunch of others and I was horrified to realize how bad it looks. I certainly haven't been abusing him, but I suppose I haven't been treating him very well either. Paint swirls alllll over the bonnet, stone chips, two places where a stupid subletter slammed her cavalier into my side... I'm about to cry he looked so bad
I'm going to buy anything and everything from the suggestions here. I need major help. hmph..
I've bought stuff from a lot of different places for cleaning since I got my Mini. I used to just wash my car with dish soap and dry it with an old towel (turns out that was not good ) . The best place for micro-fiber I've found is this place: http://www.autofiber.com
The max drying towel is great for drying after a wash. You will need more than one though. Another thing is the micro-fiber detail glove is the best for cleaning the wheels. My wheels are white so I have a heck of a time keeping them clean. I waxed them good (Zaino ) and put the glove on to clean the brake dust off. It's a lot easier than using a big rag to get into the V-spokes. Another thing that really sold me on AutoFiber is their applicator pads. The seams are sewn inside the pad.
Until the past month or so, I've been using Meguiars leather cleaner and wax and whatever vinyl treatment I happened to find. I broke down, on the basis of all the Mini boards, and bought the full Zaino package....
ZFX - the catalyst for Z2 and Z5
Z5 - A swirlmark reducing polish
Z2 - a high-reflective polish
Z6 - A gloss enhancing spray to renew 'just waxed' shine between waxings
Leather Cleaner - Did the job well
Leather Conditioner - Mmmmmm... Smells just like a Coach store.
Rubber treatment - Not shiny at all but deepens the color of tires and internal/external plastic and vinyl
Zaino Wash - Don't use dishwashing liquid... it will strip all of the wax right off of your car (you will wash with Dawn ONCE if you convert to Zaino... just follow the directions)
I'm not affiliated with the Zaino Brothers or their company. I've just had great experiences with their products and LOVE their customer service.
Once again, this thread saves me. I went right now the line... check, check, check... ordered lots of stuff. Now I just have to be patient and wait for everything to get here.
I certainly haven't been abusing him, but I suppose I haven't been treating him very well either. 
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