I live in Alexandria, Virginia. Can anyone in DCMM recommend any GOOD detailing services or brushless car washes that might use better chemicals and towels/sponges?

Will taking my car to some place like Embassy car wash really screw up the paint? I'm not usually this picky about my other cars.

Thanks in advance,
pl4ypl4y

 

Hey..

I've asked this saaaaammmmeee question! (Not too long ago actually)

My truck is too big to go through so I don't know, but what about Mr. Wash off of S. Van Dorn (Not sure about the quality of chemicals)? A classic owner from these boards was gracious enough to let me use his driveway lastnight before the coffee meetup, but what I'd really like to find is a Self Wash.

 

classicfreq,

if you need a place to wash your car, you can use my yard if you want. Well that is is i am washing my car, which is quite regularly. Luckily i have a neighborhood that doesnt mind cars on the lawn, and pulling them up into the yard makes for a nice little wash spot.

 

I will DEF take you up on that =D Also, you got a buffer? I need to "wax on wax off" sometime sooooon! If not, I'll buy one and stow it at your place?? =D

 

Well, nothing bad ever happened to my old cars at the Mr Wash on Mt. Vernon and W Glebe Rd. I also used to frequent the car wash on Arlington Mill Road by the DMV (between Walter Reed and George Mason). I haven't been to any automatic washes since I bought the mini.

When I used to work in Crystal City, there was a guy who bought 4 or 6 parking spaces in the underground parking and fenced them off for a little detailing business. That was the best. I could leave my car with him for the day and my car would be shiny and clean and parked inside until I was ready to drive home.

I'm wondering if any DCMMers would be interested in showing me what to do and not to do with a clay bar. My flame spoke wheels have major brake dust contamination that won't brush off with wheel cleaner.

 

I went to VOB autobody last year and thought they had a great detailing service for under $200. They aren't a car wash service but they do great detailing by hand...

 

Thanks for the input! I would also be interested in a self wash. Don't recall ever seeing one in NoVa.

Anybody every try the Mini of Sterling's detailing service?

 

Self Wash: it's not a big one with a roof, but the exxon at S Glebe and W Glebe has the coinop pressure sprayer (Paul! spotted it first). I think I saw another one at the BP on Walter Reed and Arlington Mill Road...not sure now.

I believe that a couple of DCMMers got quickie details at MoS at the last MoS breakfast: Jen and Feedback, at least.

 

There is a new auto detail open in Alexandria, Virginia. I bought a full detail for my husband's birthday, but he hasn't used it yet. They do however have a $25 hand wash special, which includes cleaning windows inside and out and vacuuming. My car looked great afterwards, I just browsed around Home Depot while I waited for the car.

The name of the place is Like New Detailing, 6511 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, 703-642-1701. It is in the same shopping center as the Home Depot, at the corner of Little River Turnpike (Route 236) and Braddock Road.

I'll let you know how the full detail is once we use it.

 

I've used Mr. Kleen close to Walmart on Rt. 1 in Alexandria in the past with great results. It's an automatic (sacrilege, I know!), but for those cold winter days, it's great, and they do a good job. They also towel dry the cars after the auto wash, and they grab up whatever dirt was left behind.

They also have by hand washing and detailing, but I've never used it. I have seen finished vehicles from the outside though, and they did look very good.

As for DIY type sprayers, there's a place not too much further down from Mr. Kleen that has two sprayers. One is enclosed too! It's right by the turnoff for 7100, a couple doors down from the Hess station.


-Paul!

 

Can't wait to hear about it. I am going to wait until after the supposed rain on wed but I will definitely be going on thurs to this place. If you don't get there before I do I'll let you know!!

(30 seconds away from my place.. i'm soooohappy!!!)

 

Getting a little concerned here. I love my car. But I love to use my car. I don't park at the deserted end of the lot. I don't cover it. I let it get dirty. I have nothing at all against anyone who wants their car to sparkle all the time. Just not my thing. So, will I be attacked should I decide to go to a MINI event??

 

Yes.

The last MINI/ini event that I went to (MoS/Annual Meet) it was crappy weather and yet, imo, there was a great turnout.

However, event are only a couple of times a month and even though people won't give you crap, won't you feel better if your car DID look as clean as the rest?? (Speaking for myself, not for the group )

 

I'm not saying it will look like a dumptruck. I'm just not likely to detail it just to go to an event.

 

Yup, expect some good natured ribbing! I certainly get my share!

My MINI is also a workhorse, used as a daily driver at well as a play toy. While I would love to have a blemish-free you-can-eat-off-of-the-bonnet sparkling car, it just ain't gonna happen. (I do try and clean up a bit for drives though!)

I even just came back from a car wash - an automatic car wash!! My MINI took a Sunday drive to PA this Easter, and it was snowing up there, so the roads (and in turn, my MINI) were filthy and full of road salt. But I just don't have the time to give her a proper bath, so it's off to the auto wash she went! It was a touchless one, and while it doesn't get her sparkling, she certainly looks better than she was!


-Paul!

 

Paul! What location!? (getting back on track =P)

 

Umm, I'll have to get back to you with the exact location. But it's a bit north of Laurel on Rt. 1, just about a half mile south where Rt. 1 intersects Rt. 100.

I don't even remember the name of the carwash, but it's got DIY bays, a soft cloth automatic carwash, and a touch-free "laser" automatic carwash. I like it due to its interesting design - it's actually capable of hosing off the hatch fairly well. And like I said, it's not as good as a loving hand wash, but for an in-between wash, it's great!


-Paul!

 

Didn't get a chance to get there today.. rain

More than likely tomorrow! =D

 

I was just thinking way too hard about this..

But wouldn't it be possible to have a frappr (is that what it's called??) map to point out where we spot car washes and put a note on each one saying what it is (ie full service, self service no roof, self service +roof blah blah)? I think that would be hella useful instead of having the 3+ different threads about car washes hahaha

Anyone know if this is possible?

 

Went to Like New Detailing (http://www.detailinglikenew.com) today. They did a fantastic job.. 80 bucks for a 4 stage buff and wax, washing everytime in between. I went ahead and paid 30 more to have them polish all the chrome on my car also. She turned out fantastic!!!

If you do go talk to Danielle (owner) and mention that the guy with the little red clown car sent you =P Not that I'll get anything out of it, but they really had a great time laughing and waxing my car. Like a bunch of girls sayin "Hey take my picture next! No me!! me next!".. sooo funny.. then I told them it was $5 a picture and that stopped quick HAHAHAH j/k

The place is right in front of Home Depot off of Braddock/Little River Turnpike. I almost missed it.. it's connected to the huge laundromat. Had to get her spiffy for this weekend!! =D

 

HEy thanks for the info I will definitely give them a try! I may even pop by the British on the GReen thing this Saturday if I can finish enough work tomorrow

 

If anyone wants to come up to b'more for their spring wax, I'd be more then willing to loan my PC and time to helping you buff it up nice.

 

The show is Sunday =x

 

oh dang...thanks for the correction

 

I was at 'like new detailing' today..
saw another mini there.
Did a regular wash and they did a great job..
price ($25) was very reasonable also..
I will be going back there often now.