Waterblade works well. I've used them before. Gets the majority of the water off. Then I use just a plain old terry cloth towel to do the rest, go over the door jams, trunk and underhood. Then I throw the towels in the "dirty basket" to be washed when my supply of towels run low.

 

where can we find the california water blade?

 

I use sheep skin. It's great for drying without waterspots.

Now what do you guys wash with? I hear sponge and towels are no good (swirls), brushed carwashes are no good (swirls again), brushless carwashes are no good (not clean enough).

I'm not handwashing the car until I find a definitive swirl free method to handwashing. In the meantime, I'll just keep blowing $10 at a time on those half-assed touchless washes.

 

I have always used authentic sheepskin wash mitts. I make sure that they are always clean and they seem to work well. I am wondering if they can cause swirl marks now! Talk about swirl mark paranoia or what!

 

Ok bro. I'll get one of each and bring it with me.
Today here (this morning) is sunny and warm....about 15C! and perfect for Zainoing......
Enjoy the warmth and let's hope it continues......

C.

 

+1.... I use the same mitts, Shane & Iso Octane, and like you, Shane, I keep them clean. I also use Zaino Z-7 for the suds and it seems to do a great job.
Wayne got me into using Z-7 last year. He swears by it now. Great stuff.

Colin

 

I'll just reiterate what's been said, but I use the water blade for larger water buildups, and a chamois for the rest (microfiber towel for any small touchups)

 

I use the Absorber syn. chamois. I have been using the mr.Clean car wash thing, hard water filter is great and the gun has a spot free rinse setting. Overall I ma pleased with both. I don't know on black though? I no longer drive my G when it's raining, so I usually use a Califonia Duster and then Eagle One QD. Car is always shining!

 

Yes, Shane, ScottR has brought up a good point about Mr. Clean Auto dry system. I've used it and it's excellent. No need to chamois so no chance for swirls at all.
It's been so long since I've done a decent wash, I'd forgotten about that kit.

Bought it at CTC and well worth the $$$$.

Colin.

 

You can make the same by adding a little water softener to a bucket of water, then wrinse your car off with that... that's your magic "ionizer"

 

Thanks for the tip, Dofu.....I'll give it a try. Which softener do you suggest?
C.

 

Absorber over the entire car...and a microfiber scrubbing cloth (while washing and VERY sudsy) to scrub the roadrash junk from beneath the side sills and from beneath the splash guards

 

Just got back from Guelph and a Zaino pick-up. For the rest of the month, shipping is free, everyone, according to our Zaino man Mike (oh well, the drive was nice anyway). I'll let everyone know how the new Z8 works as soon as I get back to NS and have a warm day.
As for drying, I'm doing what Zaino recommends, soft, terry towel, 100% cotton. Most important thing to do (according to Mike's Zaino competition Tom at www.carpolish.ca) is to ensure that you don't swirl, ever. Straight lines towards the ground (same theory as polarized sunglasses), no circles, ever. I've done this for over a year, with great results.

Cheers,
D

 

I've been using the Absorber and Simoniz Speed Dry Cloth. Both have worked great for me!

 

I get my Zanio from Tom in Burlington. I have a black Z and after he detailed it for me and showed me how to do it is 2 1/2 years old and look better than the new cars in the dealers show room. I use the cotton towels i bought from Tom cut them up and use them to wash my car. I also use them to dry the car and for buffing the Zaino. You have to cut the ends off on the towels. Anything else will put marks on your car! You should never use a wash mit or a blade or a shammy on your car. Tom was very adimate about that and from that day on i got rid of all those things and the z looks great. I bought the towels from Tom. He is a great guy who saved the finnish on my Z. Got the Z 8. Words do not describe this product as the result is unbeilvable. " The car looks like a Black mirror."