Spike had a wash a just week ago and was pretty clean, but it did rain a couple of days ago and my wife insisted on taking him out (even though she know he doesn't like to go out in the rain).

With the 7 minutes that I had I got a bucket out and a rag and whiped all the rims down, the rear window, exhaust tips, and the black trim along the bottom and wheel wells.

Wow what a difference a quick sponge bath can make. Not that this is a substitute for a full wash but it certainly didn't take much time (or water).
Anybody else do this periodically?

 

I use to do sponge but these days I use Griot's SprayOn CarWash. Works great.

www.griotsgarage.com

 

Just be careful to use a soft microfiber towel when you're doing that or you're doing more harm than good. I see you didn't mention any painted areas but you can't help but hit some of the paint if you're wiping down the plastic trim. And the urge to wipe down that dirty boot will get the best of you some days.

Might look better, but over time wait and see what you're doing to your paint if you're using anything else to wipe it down.

Even with a microfiber, you don't want to do that if you have any grime that is the slightest bit gritty.

 

Ken, that'll cost me money, which I'd rather spend on something else

 

Oh I'm really carefull to only do the plastic trim. No body panels for sure , I promise

 

but you'll have so much swirls later that you'll be spending 10x more money on random orbital, whole polishing set, Amigo, and your choice of your favorite waxes and sealants.

so it's either you pay a little now, or pay a crapload of mula later on. it's up to you.

 

Hey former R53 owner, I'm NOT doing any painted panels. Black trim plastic, rear window, and the crown spoke rims. Spike was not injured during the excerise

 

hey, you own a R56.

 

And your point is ...?

 

ask CR&PW&JB.

where is he anyways these days?

 

Oh boy, now the generation debate has made it to the detailing forum

Mark

 

hahaha.

 

You rang ??

I've been around, Ken... been busy knocking that MINI Crossover thing, talking insurance stuff, giving my [probably unwanted] opinion on all matters related to MINIs, etc.

 

That crossover thing has beady little eyes

Mark

 

That's for sure. One of the many things that make it non-MINI.

 

mini,

 

That is one weird non-MINI. But then I used to hate the VW Eurovan, until we actually bought one, then I kinda liked it, then I learned to really hate it, after spending $10K in maintenance in 3.5 years.

Anyways, I digress. So does anybody else do the quick sponge bath for their MINI? Ken obviously doens't

 

I think you are on your own with this one Rixter.

If I'm going to give Molly any attention it's Griot's Spray on Car Wash or a Full Bath. A sponge is just not the thing I want to use on the paint. A nice Lambs Wool Wash Mitt or MF!!

 

hahahaha looks like a regular Friday you had. yah, at this pace i dont think im going to be getting another MINI any time soon. they are going in the wrong direction as far as styling.

R53 FTW!
New Crossover thing WTF!

just switch the orientation and has a whole new meaning.