The chemistry of washing

[mac]

OK I know this has been discussed before but I want to get a new take on it. And yes, I sell soap. I also will admit that I do not know everything. So what chemical process do you think works best? Talking about a common friction conveyor wash. I know cleaning effectiveness and rinse ability are a big part, but have any of you found something that makes a car pop?

 

[Jerry]

simoniz Hot wax & shine seems to work great for us. Newer cars look great after an application.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I am skeptical on many things. However, my family gets the A+ which includes Rain X regularly and the 5-7 & 10 year old cars without any other treatments seem to "pop."

 

[mac]

I was kind of thinking along the lines of using a low pH and then a high pH, or the other way around. I've heard both opinions. And I know that the wax or protectant will not do much inless the car is clean first.

 

[soonermajic]

So many guys in the Midwest say use high Ph & do NOT use a low ph in conjunction with High ph (cause they neutralize each other). But, who knows for real...?

 

[Earl Weiss]

I have gone to low PH cleaners. Did this when I heard DA works better with low PH cleaners. Seems to get the job done on both counts.

 

[MEP001]

So many guys in the Midwest say use high Ph & do NOT use a low ph in conjunction with High ph (cause they neutralize each other). But, who knows for real...?

If I'm not mistaken, you have to go a mildly alkaline before you hit it with a very low pH (or vice versa) or it will just neutralize.

 

[washnshine]

So many guys in the Midwest say use high Ph & do NOT use a low ph in conjunction with High ph (cause they neutralize each other). But, who knows for real...?

Not sure why you would not want to neutralize a high pH detergent - you have to neutralize so that you can effectively dry the car.

Getting back to the original question - what makes a car pop -Simomiz lava process and their hot wax and shine. I am not a salesman of any sort and would probably go out on a limb and say that probably any of the quality soap makers that have a similar multi step lava process with high and lo pH cleaners and next generation sealants will give similar results. But IMHO, that is the best way to get a noticeable shine/hand waxed look in a tunnel application. Pretty impressive what chemistry is available to us these days.

 

[mac]

The one thing I've noticed is that the chemistry has improved in the last 10 years or so. But it's almost like the double edged sword. There are a lot of choices from all the manufacturers. The real issue that I see with most of the soap salesmen is that they are somewhat clueless on exactly how to set up a wash and then do the calibration and titration to know exactly what the strength and costs are.

 

[robert roman]

Foam bubbles, lava, lights, signage have no direct bearing in cleaning a car. It’s for all show.

Chemistry hasn’t changed at all. What is different is product marketing.

Hot wax has been rebooted with “shine.” Rain-X has been cloned - ICE, Body Shield, etc. Then add in tire shiner, buff and dry unit, and 4-step paint sealant.

All of this was done to extend life cycle (company, product) and increase average sales.

I’m interested in knowing what’s next.