THE 2-BUCKET CAR WASH METHOD IS DEAD. HERE’S WHY |

Are you a fan of using two buckets (one for "washing," the other for "rinsing") during your car wash? The idea goes something like this: you dunk your wash mitt in the wash bucket, and then touch the car for the contact wash. Then, you dunk the mitt in the "rinse" bucket against the grit guard -- hoping, somewhat blindly, that the dirt all comes off and STAYS in that bucket. You then dunk your mitt back in the wash bucket for fresh suds/soap and off you go.
Welp......it's time for that method to be retired. Put out to pasture. Laid to rest.
This podcast is all about the why!
Find Incredible Suds here: bit.ly/Incredi...
DIY Detail Rinseless Wash: bit.ly/Rinsele...
(Oh, and as promised...here's the link for the 10-towel method: • 10-towel Rinseless Was... )
Web site: diydetail.com/
DIY Detail Podcast: • Costly detailing mista...
#autodetailing #diydetail #yvanlacroix #carwash #claytowel #detailing #ceramiccoating #howtodetailacar #detailing101

[@bradley8753]

pre soak, foam, rinse, foam and one bucket full of top quality micro rags soaking in my favorite soap. No rinse, just discard rag and grab a fresh one! I developed this before I ever seen it on Social Media because I own a Veloster N. Yes it's a sweet car but Hyundai paint will scratch if you breath on it to hard lol. Love the content guys! Thanks

[@diydetailofficial]

Great method!

[@andrewkemp9445]

I absolutely use no buckets. As a mobile detailer, I use 2 wash mitts per car, foam twice as per your method. Much easier and safer. And I'm from Australia...

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing

[@augaureliusserious]

I've never used the two bucket method. 6 mitts, at least.

[@davidsteckley8846]

Well I use water and soap. Who doesn’t like to play in the water

[@chadamos7297]

I’ve watched several videos that Pan has out there about foaming, and effectiveness of several soaps on foam canon. Higher ph soaps for sure removed a little more road film or grime than ph neutral soaps. But simply foaming and rinsing doesn’t cut it. Have to have contact wash. I did see DIY received a few awards in Pans 2023 top products! Nice work fellas.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@ryeguy88]

I've enjoyed the hybrid method of a foam pre-wash, then rinseless contact method. Just used it tonight on my personal vehicle as it was heavy with pollen, bugs and some fresh sap. Foamed the car, let it dwell, pressure rinsed off then foam sprayed rinseless and went to contact, it was perfect. Nice option if you want to speed up the 2 foam method a little.

[@David-Godin]

This is a smart fast method

[@diydetailofficial]

Great tip!

[@Ozzcaddy]

Thanks guys to the indepth discussion on the two bucket method. After trying various methods over the years since getting into DIY detailing at home, the method I now use on my car which is parked outside on the street 24/7, that has Opti-Coat Pro+ coating that is now 4 years old, I will spray an all purpose cleaner (APC) onto the dry paint let it dwell a couple of minutes, then I spray layer of foam on top of the APC, let the foam dwell no more than 5 minutes and pressure washer rinse. Then using only one bucket with grit guard and ONR, using the Black Sponge and a microfibre mitt, I do a contact wash of one panel at a time. After each panel is washed, I then use a drying towel with a drying aide to leave a topper on each panel and glass. The car finish is sparkling and I have added a little extra protection.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice!! Solid 😀

[@kimnewling5728]

Ive been using 1 bucket with soap and multiple mits for 2 years. Now im foam/rinse/foam with 1 bucket and really enjoying it. Thanks!

[@diydetailofficial]

Great to hear!

[@BlackIce1619]

I already threw my second bucket away.... actually I labeled it Wheels :)

[@diydetailofficial]

Perfect

[@georgemcfarland5484]

I Agree, two bucket causes more scratches and swirls, you are dunking dirty wash media into the soap bucket even after you used the rinse bucket. Least amount of chances, use one bucket with grit guard, never pre-rinse. Foam on dry, rinse, foam again and contact wash, rinse, use drying aid, done.

[@diydetailofficial]

Well looks like you don’t need to listen to the podcast then 😂 sounds like we are in agreement

[@joelcleare]

Makes sense to me. Thanks guys. I was looking for a reason to do a one bucket 👍. I’m just a DIY’er and maintain two clean cars.

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad to help!

[@60trickpa]

I use a modified 2 bucket. Spray car with rinseless then foam then spray off. Then foam again before hand wash with 1 bucket with soap and about 6 wash mitts, each mitt does a section of car then not used again I put it in a empty bucket

[@diydetailofficial]

Very meticulous of you:) Why spray and then foam on top out of curiosity?

[@60trickpa]

I figure the waterless will loosen dirt and the foam will drag it off the car. I know it is just my overachieving syndrome :)@@diydetailofficial

[@pavanSingh-ts5ym]

I really am glad Yvan and Nick decided to discuss the two-bucket method, as a car enthusiast, I realized how much damage I was doing to my truck by taking it to car washes places, I had bought a brand new Tacoma (black) and after 6 months noticed swirl marks and scratches all over the truck, I was so upset that I said, no more, I'm doing my own washes from now on. I have learned allot from Yvan, and his knowledge and experience is so valuable. His methods work and are cost effective, I was spending so much money on products and materials, my only question is what about DI water Yvan/Nick? Or anyone for that matter?

[@diydetailofficial]

With proper wash technique and products, it’s not required.

[@pavanSingh-ts5ym]

@@diydetailofficial I am going to purchase your products and give you my results, thanks..

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you, please check out our facebook group. bit.ly/DIYDetailFacebookGroup

[@paulattanasio3061]

I use the one bucket method. Foam the car, while it’s dripping off, reach into my one bucket and pull out a cold beer! Yes, the one bucket method is fill it with ice and beer😄🍺

[@diydetailofficial]

Interesting…

[@archiepezek]

You guys are awesome. I received my Incredible Suds and used it for the first time today. It's an awesome soap, both out of the foam cannon and in the wash bucket. Great foam and a lot of lubrication for the contact wash. Thank you.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you so much for the support!!

[@mikek5631]

I still use the 2 bucket method with grit guards and will likely do this until the day I can no longer wash my own car. However, a cpl of years ago I did start dry foaming my car before that first rinse and agree that there is less risk of scratching by allowing that first foaming to lift the grit up before the first rinse. My process is foam-rinse-foam-contact wash using 2 bucket method. I'm not a professional detailer. Just a weekend warrior so time is of no concern for me. I actually wish it took me longer to detail my car because it's one of the few times during the day or week when I can just be in my own space and not be bothered by anything or anyone else. I'm sure there are legitimate reasons why the 2 bucket method is overkill, but it's served my well all these years.

[@diydetailofficial]

Perfect, safer is never a bad thing. What’s important is to enjoy yourself

[@amberatkinson4230]

I use rinseless. Pre-treat with rinseless, let it dwell and then add APC on top of that if needed. Rinse off and then to a contact wash with rinseless. I still have car soap but I only use it in a bottle that has a foaming spray trigger. Sometimes I like to use that on plastics around the car and in door jams.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TouchstoneMPWD]

I just started Mobile Detailing in March 2023. I was using the 2 bucket method and would do a pre-rince. However, i noticed that a lot if the dirt/dust didnt come off causing rinse bucket and soap bucket would get dirty. So i started using a separate microfiber towel during my pre-rinse. I'll use my pressure washer in 1 hand and my towel in another and spray and wipe at same time. I've noticed that the cars are cleaner and my customers are happier.

[@TouchstoneMPWD]

All my detailing is on site and usually in the sun. So I can't let the soap sit too long if I had an indoor shop I could

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing

[@takedown6470]

I use two buckets to store my towels and other mittens. I use same method. I first use the foamer, let it sit and then rinse, then foam it again. When i almost done foaming my car, i foam multiple mittens. Then i do my contact wash, using both sides of my mittens.

[@diydetailofficial]

cool! Interesting technique

[@kouradasmith3720]

Thanks for this. I use a bit of a hybrid method at times. Pre rinse with a rinse less wash on a dry car. Then hit the car with a foam - usually ph neutral. Rinse. And then spray the car again with rinse less wash and then clean via rinse less wash method one bucket. Blow dry and then finish off drying with beads maker.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nothing wrong with additional safety.

[@duncan5657]

Very good video guys, totally agree with the logic of foam rinse , re foam wash then rinse again , common sense to me, will be adopting / adapting to this wash option from now on for sure.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@baja1980s]

Finally what I’ve been saying for a longtime. 2 foam method is the way to go.

[@diydetailofficial]

It sure is!

[@willdamian1066]

I’m going to try something new this weekend. Pre treat lower panels with an APC. Foam car with a splash of rinseless. Rinse then contact wash with a splash of rinseless and reset. lol we are so overthinking this 😅

[@diydetailofficial]

It’s a detailers prerogative to do so.

[@GeorgePap99]

I've recently re-started doing 2 foams instead of 2 buckets and it's so much easier not having to carry around the vehicle 2 buckets. Btw, the only love marks I've induced to my vehicle are from when I didn't even know the ultra basic fundamentals of car detailing. And for some reasong it's always windy when I decided to wash my car, it really bugs me 😂😂

[@diydetailofficial]

The wind is a pain for sure, but that’s detailing outside 😂

[@leo-ub6nb]

Tell me about it. It’s never the perfect weather every time I go to wash my truck. Too sunny, too windy, slight overcast that then becomes rain on a day that was supposed to be clear, neighbor is mowing their lawn and grass and/or dirt is flying towards my driveway. And the wind always seems to just go in my direction, ALL. THE. TIME. 😭

[@GeorgePap99]

@@leo-ub6nb Well, at least I only have the wind then 😂

[@theredscourge]

I have my own 2 bucket method: fill 2 buckets, dump half of one on the roof, dump the other half in a pump sprayer to hit the sides and crevices, then whenever I need to clean the mitt or sponge, hold it over the empty bucket and dump water from the full bucket onto the sponge, then take that used water and dip a wheel brush and barrel brush in it to use it on the wheels. Mark the two buckets differently and you can ensure you never put any brake dust on your paint, except at the very beginning if you didnt clean the wheel bucket since last wash. Less efficient, but no wash media recontamination and no foam cannon required.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice!

[@1ricekake]

I foam, spray off, foam, spray off. I then have three rag company towels in my bucket of rinseless wash. I wash the top to hood to trunk flipping sides on each section. The towel then gets set aside. I continue the same process on the left and right side of the car. My towels never go back into the bucket

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing!! Very meticulous process for sure

[@David-Godin]

This is my process but with a laser cut sponge. I'm going to try the multiple towel method and see how it works. Thanks for sharing!

[@loic4691]

Just the title intrigues me, can't wait to watch this one.

[@diydetailofficial]

Should be a good one!

[@loic4691]

@@diydetailofficial it will, as usual 👍

[@neilwalker5041]

Great video and to confess I have never used the two bucket method. I always foamed and rinsed and foamed again and then used one bucket with three wash mitts. Probably overkill using three mitts until DIY got me hooked on rinseless wash. My advice is to use what method you enjoy. Thank you guys for a really tough topic on the video!

[@diydetailofficial]

Exactly! Thanks Neil

[@crushbent]

ive been two bucketing for over a year. im trying multiple microfibers / 1 bucket for my next detail. also added P+S absolute rinseless so im excited to see how much time i cut. waiting for DIY rinseless to be in stock...lol

[@diydetailofficial]

@crushbent it will be back tomorrow

[@titone14]

2 foam method and I just use a single wash bucket and throw 5 microfiber towells in it and forget about all that, just put it aside when its dirty and pick another one.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good call!

[@thesamsquatch5224]

Nick is in distress, this is going to be awesome

[@diydetailofficial]

Lol

[@davidminor1254]

Hi guys! Ever since buying my 2023 Mazda CX-5 in November I've been trying to learn how best to wash the exterior and what products to use. The downfall is I use a garden hose and forced to do the washing outside. I've gotten confused as to what products to use that will be safe for my car. It seems like every detailer has favorite different products they like. Recently I purchased many of the SudsLab products for washing and for the tires and wheels and for the interior. I am so confused as to what to do or where to start because I just used to go out and soap up the old cars, rub a sponge or mitt over and rinse them off with the water hose.

[@diydetailofficial]

Our most recent videos are back to basics with no pressure washers etc.

[@nejcpanic6704]

Very good content and really amazing talent for explaining Yvan and the other guy you add ground to the duo. I agree with you on the subject completely. But one thing I dont understand. Why do you skip the part on the inside of the doors ans why do you skip the wheel arches? God bless.

[@diydetailofficial]

We do them , just those get edited out to not make the videos too long.

[@ginger_monkeey]

I wash the mitt with a pressure washer in-between each panel / side. Keeps the mitt super clean and single bucket required.

[@diydetailofficial]

Great tip!

[@Mark-hu9tf]

I foam, rinse, refoam and then wash with two buckets for extra safety. Main reason is that lower panels and underbody still seem to have some grit.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good call, the initial foam/rinse/foam is the most important part

[@jeromeboily]

We need more video on your rinsless wash !!! Used onr for long now i have switched to DIY and love it so much more.

[@diydetailofficial]

We have many Rinseless wash videos

[@DerPic]

Gave up on two buckets years ago. I spray out the wash mitt with the pressure washer before dunking back in wash bucket.

[@diydetailofficial]

That’s an option for sure

[@leardi58]

Love the vids keep them coming stay healthy everyone

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you!!

[@swiftbutfun6316]

I foam.rinse.foam wash with 1 bucket. In-between each panel or 2 I then rinse my mitt. I still keep a 2nd mitt for the very bottom/ underside of the car. I've used this method for a long time. This isn't new for me. But still very informative 👌

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mpoppe]

My Method: Snow on the dirty surface + rinse+ Snow + two bucket method+ rinse + blow drying + drying aid. It may seem exaggerated, but this is how I've been doing it for over 15 years and I've never had any major problems with this methodology.🙏

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@ShoresMobileWashandDetail]

I detailed a car last Saturday and I did not use a bucket at all. I use d foam first rinse foam again, two of us with wash mitts. I loved it. No more buckets for me!! Ok, just the one for wheels.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good plan

[@maryhoffman2547]

I can't wait to see this one. It will help me learn. As usual! Thank you diy detail for sharing such great information.

[@diydetailofficial]

You are so welcome! Looking forward to it

[@CarsWithKeav]

IMO, the two bucket is still alive because businesses want to sell you two buckets, two dollys, two grid guards, side guards, etc. No bucket to me is one wash mitt on a foamed car and rinsing out the mitt after each panel with the spray gun. I prefer one bucket using multiple high gsm microfibers flipping sides until all are used then going to a new one. This way you can save the old soap water for the next wash. Totally believe in the dry foam, rinse and then foam again not just for lubrication, but also its easier to see where you wiped last. Plus like you said we love to foam.

[@diydetailofficial]

that totally makes sense! And then you just save the soap water....very interesting. How many high GSM microfibers do you go through for a wash, out of curiosity?

[@CarsWithKeav]

@@diydetailofficial 3 to 4 depending on how dirty. Prep wash before ceramic last week was 4 and the first wash after ceramic I got by with 3 pretty easily. Your twist lock drying towels have been perfect for this process. Being smaller you get less side since it only folds once. Much larger towels you can double fold you could use half the towels.

[@AlxDv]

Great video. Makes a ton of sense. Will be using this to clean my Lexus truck later today. Cheers.

[@diydetailofficial]

Great to hear!

[@Secret_Sun33]

APC Foam, scotch brite then squeegee off. Gives me that matte finish with racing stripes.

[@diydetailofficial]

😂😂😂

[@aalfonso4706]

I’m thinking of changing my routine when not just doing a rinseless. I’m thinking Rinse, foam, rinse, foam, contact wash while foam is on, final rinse while vehicle is wet spray the whole thing with Rinseless then dry.

[@diydetailofficial]

You want to pre treat for that first step *before* rinsing. So get rid of the first "rinse" in your sentence and that looks good for sure. Have fun!

[@Shamilt3]

@Diy Detail. Today i did my first rinseless wash. I did a thorough clean last weekend, so i figured it woyld be a great time to try it out. I pre-soaked with suds very rinny and A.P (lots of bugs) rinsed. Let dwell as i loosend up wheel gunk and then rinsed. Foamed on rinseless and obviously sponge bucket with rinseless and did the work. The paint felt super clean when i was done, very awesome. I hit it with quick beads, and garden hose/sprinkler setting to spread the product. Came out awesome EXCEPT my glass. I had high spot streaking everywhere and had to go over the windows several times with another product. Is there a trick for glass or did i not rinse it down enough? The end product gave my car a "pop" that even neighbors walking by commented on. Definitely my favorite outcome ever with this car.

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent, yes for thé Glass you probably used too much DIY Detail Quick Beads. Also when rinsing make to rinse until all the foaming is gone. If you do ever get streaks again, simply apply DIY Detail Quick Beads with a MF towel.

[@Shamilt3]

@diydetailofficial Great thank you

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you for the questions

[@Shamilt3]

@@diydetailofficial Very much appreciate you answering question the way that you do. If someone were to want to put rinseless into a spray bottle for odds n ends cleaning, what would the dilution rate be inside of a 16 oz spray bottle be? I love the way this stuff cleans, and can find about 100 things around the house for it to be useful for

[@sudhirjaipur]

Thanks for an informative e video as always. I used the two foam method for washing my car and then waxed it with Collimate 845. Excellent results.

[@diydetailofficial]

Great to hear! Glad we could help out in some way

[@MlleVB]

Hi Can i ask for whats the best method of washing a car in my circumstances Things i will use 1. Only Ph neutral soap ( i wont use high ph prewash car. I use water only or ph neutral soap) 2. I have wash mitts & microfiber towels Methods I'm considering to use A. 1 bucket no grit, multiple microfiber towel B. 1 bucket no grit, multiple wash mitts C. 2 bucket, 1 washmitts D. 1 bucket no grid guard, 1 wash mitts and pressure wash the mits after ever panel

[@diydetailofficial]

Your choice

[@corrybowers5078]

“Traffic film is oils” that being said, these oils would also attract and hold dirt and not all of that fine grit will be “washed” away by foaming. I think this method with the addition of multiple wash mitts/plush towels would be the safest method that can reasonably be achieved. Regardless of what we do I don’t believe it possible to remove all grit before a contract wash. At best we are minimizing the potential for damage.

[@diydetailofficial]

Being meticulous is for sure the safe way to go 👍

[@RMVDETAILING]

Thanks for this info. Saves time and product.

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@toml.8210]

Pre-rinsing a car is a good thing: Besides washing off the loose dirt, it cools the car on a warm day, so you don't have to work frantically.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@Franko.Details]

what about about a one bucket hybrid wash, foam with incredible suds, rinse really well, then finish diy rinseless & legacy sponge hand wash. i feel like the inc-suds would just add that extra punch 👊🏽

[@diydetailofficial]

You could definitely do that. If you had a way to spray or foam on Rinseless before the Rinseless Wash contact wash that would be great but we're talking about the "ultimate safe" wash technique, which doesn't mean your suggested method is unsafe. It's gonna be great in most cases, and of course you don't have to rinse at the end! I just always like the product on the paint before contact wash for lubrication and maybe even peace of mind:)

[@nomad509]

I've been playing around with wash methods on my daily. I have an abundance of rinseless wash so I usually soak the car from a Marloex sprayer and once it has sat on the surface the car is rinsed off with distilled water. Since I am an apartment dweller, I do not have access to flowing water so I am forced to use limited amounts of water that results in one bucket of suds plus using the IK Pro 12 for foam. In my testing using one pad I tend to get minimal grime at the bottom of the bucket. I usually like to store extra pads and soap in my second bucket and plan on testing out two pads on my next wash to see how effective the Gary Dean method can be in this scenario. I do plan on introducing a dedicated foam prerinse step to washes in the near future that validates what you guys discussed.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@nomad509]

@@diydetailofficial Just wanted to give an update.. one wash bucket and three wash pads are all you need to maintain limited contamination below the grit guard. Plus I cannot believe I forgot to mention that I use a portable electric washer for rinsing.

[@samthetoolman8068]

I always foamed rinsed and foamed again and the washed with a wash mitt rinsing if I needed to. But I agree with the Australians it is a no bucket wash

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@ac7384]

Is it a better idea to use the dirt lock scrub wall for bucket wash. Or does it not really matter ?

[@diydetailofficial]

It's nice to have a grit guard or dirt lock, just for insurance in your one bucket

[@72mespo]

I tried the two foam method using a high pH pretreat foam and then your Incredible Suds second as lubricant for the contact wash. Great results and very clean wash bucket at end of the day. Method definitely works.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@72mespo]

@@diydetailofficial when are you coming out with a high pH foam so I can avoid paying the Brits?

[@diydetailofficial]

@@72mespo compare it to DIY Detail Incredible Suds, you may be pleased to not have too use 2 products. If you find that DIY Detail Incredible Suds isn’t enough, add 2-4oz of DIY Detail All Clean to your foam cannon to get a little more bite.

[@chrisbradley9607]

I always used rinseless wash in my rinse bucket to encapsulate / emulsify dirt and help get it out of the wash media. The only situation I really like a 2nd bucket is for really dirty wheels. I'm down to 1 bucket these days and dirty wheels last.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you for sharing

[@ultrapepe2905]

Foam rinse foam and 5 mitts with 1 bucket never putting a dirty mitt back in the bucket I reckon.

[@diydetailofficial]

that would work!

[@MetalDeathGoat1]

Thanks for the video! What wash mitt would you recommend if Chenille is the worst? I use a mix of Chenille and Cyclone wash mitts. My wash method is Foam, Rinse, Foam, 2 bucket method and I have 4 wash mitts to play with if I do multiple cars.

[@diydetailofficial]

The cyclone style is favourable

[@toml.8210]

I only use the 2-bucket method when I wash a truck that's REALLY MUDDY, or ull of concrete splashes, tar, etc. My car only needs 1 bucket. It's usually very clean.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing

[@stephenlouden480]

I've never used the four bucket method. i use the 4 towel method flipping after each panel. keep the surfaces wet and soapy and keep your towels clean.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing

[@pauljohnson986]

So when you foam, rinse, foam, and go in for the contact wash with no bucket, are you coming in with a dry wash media or wet?

[@diydetailofficial]

Wet

[@marcelogarcia5094]

Totally agree. And This is for people who are into being thorough with how they wash their cars. If you don’t like it don’t watch video

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-kv6cr8sv3f]

Truth be told, I've been using the foam-rinse-foam method for years. Along with one bucket and 5 mitts. No need to ever rinse a mitt and reuse if you have a few mitts.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice! Makes sense

[@chris2884]

I was just watching Ivan explain that foam was basically a gimmick. He was explaining that if you sprayed one panel with foam and one without it and rinsed them both off you wouldn’t be able to tell a difference. Now I’m confused.

[@diydetailofficial]

That video is several years old, and technology has greatly evolved thankfully.

[@alexf6021]

@@diydetailofficial I am a firm believer that foam is still a gimmick. Using a pump sprayer or a foam gun makes absolutely no difference in terms of cleaning power. The only difference is the longer dwell time of foam. If it's really hot, foam may be a better choice but in terms of cleaning power I don't think there is a difference at all. With the 2 foam method it can make sense, yes, because foam adds more lubrification but you have to keep in mind that a foam gun connected to a pressure washer also consumes a lot more product than a simple pump sprayer.

[@diydetailofficial]

@@alexf6021 there’s a slight difference for the pre-soak, not much passed that.

[@BeyondLumination]

Different people are paying him now, that’s why.

[@diydetailofficial]

No one is paying me, I own the company.

[@seventysschev]

Foam > rinse > foam/wash kinda reminds me of how a touchless carwash works, but not necessarily with the high or low pH chemicals. Thanks for the food for thought guys!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Obviously touchless also doesn’t *touch* the vehicle after that either :) A contact wash is crucial for 99% of washes to do a real good thorough job 👍

[@stephent9990]

@@diydetailofficial so no rinse after 2nd foam? if not are you using the foam from the 2nd foam to contact wash or using suds in a bucket on top of the 2nd foam?

[@theredscourge]

@@stephent9990 either works, might depend on how dirty it is though, or how sunny outside.

[@miguelc3033]

I washed a really dirty car yesterday and did foam, rinse, foam, contact wash with 2 bucket method.

[@diydetailofficial]

Extra safety is never a bad thing

[@Cyprus_Property]

Thank you guys, great video. It raises another question about pressure washers. If you're 'rinsing' the car rather than blasting off the grit, etc. first with a 2000psi+ pressure washer, do you need such a powerful machine? I appreciate you may need something more powerful to blast the dirt from wheel arches and undercarriage, but is it necessary for the paintwork?

[@diydetailofficial]

A pressure washer is a nice tool to have, but far from necessary.

[@dirrecgaming]

You are right guys!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@massformationpsychosis7681]

Great video as usual!

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jazzman9469]

Great video guys! I just purchased the Marolex Foam Sprayer because I don't own a power washer. Will your Incredible Suds work in this foam sprayer? I have tried 2 different products that state they can be used in foam sprayer/cannon. Thank you guys!

[@diydetailofficial]

It should! It definitely foams great from an IK, if you want shaving cream foam you might need to change dilution from typical foam cannon 32:1 dilution and add a bit more incredible suds. If you’re okay with foam being a little thinner that’s still a great dilution.

[@jabecrowell4247]

I am an apt in a wheelchair and I love in an apartment complex, how do I safely wash my vehicle? Please leave links two products and videos.

[@diydetailofficial]

In your situation I would Suggest using Rinseless Wash. For the roof a helper to get up there.

[@ac7384]

Could you also use the 1 bucket method and just rinse your wash mitt off with pressure washer before the next dip into the wash bucket. Would that be safe to do so also ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes you can!

[@birddogg3270]

After watching this video, I tried foam rinse foam . First foam with higher ph foam . Second foam with ph neutral foam, and rinsless wash in my bucket for maximum lubrication with wash mitt. Ill say it was quite effective.

[@diydetailofficial]

nice! If you don't mind all of the swapping etc that sounds great. I love Incredible Suds foam, but prefer Rinseless Washing. It's just for that second foam what do you do? Swap out foam cannons? Rinse the cannon out and re fill it with Rinseless? It's a bit much, so I typically just stick to one product start to finish. Sounds like you have a good thing going though! -Nick

[@birddogg3270]

I have the old mtm cannon with the taller jar and it was very tippy. I ordered two replacement tapered flasks after seeing a video with the newer cannon design on KZbin I fill them both at once and swap out the flask when I am ready for next foam. I put caps from old foam soap bottles on the flask to prevent stuff from getting into them. I Mark both foam flasks so I don’t mix them up.

[@birddogg3270]

Granted I only tried this for the first time today.

[@diydetailofficial]

Good plan

[@dekoeneridder2452]

I'll bet they will say it's the two guys method that kills it. I somehow always see TWO guys delivering awesome results😂

[@diydetailofficial]

Lol you’ll have to watch and see

[@KingRockets]

If you do foam, rinse, foam, then you can get away with using just one bucket? Or should you still use 2 buckets?

[@diydetailofficial]

one bucket is great, nothing wrong with 2 buckets if you feel safer that way :) but not necessary

[@P-47D_theJug]

I’m fairly new to this game but I felt with time the two buckets was kinda of redundant. I like the idea of a second foam. Thanks for sharing

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad we could help!

[@phoenixautodetailingscotla2159]

I haven't used the 2 bucket method in ages 😊

[@diydetailofficial]

Great!

[@L0n3W0lfBl4ck]

I foam, rinse, foam as you described and still use two buckets, works great for me.

[@diydetailofficial]

No harm in added safety.

[@jojocrawdaddy7487]

I also like to pre foam the entire vehicle and watch it dwell before rinsing. However I am just not fast enough to foam the vehicle and do a contact wash after that. The foam always ends up drying on half the vehicle, even when I push my speed to the limits.

[@diydetailofficial]

Not a big concern.

[@detailzautodetailing643]

I pre foam then rinse then add 6 mitts along the car then foam. A but over kill but I do the contact wash extremely fast and safe

[@diydetailofficial]

nice!

[@ct181]

Different strokes for different folks. I have been double foam one bucket for a long time now. I just prefer it to 2 buckets, but that is me. I also use 4 different mitts, and discard into empty bucket after a panel or 2

[@diydetailofficial]

Good plan

[@chabaneouali1955]

What is the brand of this clear bucket ? 🙏🏻

[@diydetailofficial]

From a local restaurant supply.

[@Taino5.0]

Love the channel an info. Quick question I for a problem I have not been able to fix. Ac has like a mold smell when not recirculating air inside the cabin and pulling from outside. I cleaned the entryway near the hood. I changed the filter multiple times to even a activated carbon filter and have used coil cleaner via the drain multiple times . I’m pretty sure it is the drain bringing in that smell when the ac is not on and it’s only on fan. Is there any product you guys have used that will get that smell out. It also goes away when the car has been washed at a touchless car wash. At this point I think it’s just smells coming from around the area where the drain is. Last effort to try to get that smell out. I’ve power washed under the car multiple times as well with soap. Feels like I will have to recirculate and let it dump when I get home everytime.

[@diydetailofficial]

If it goes away after a wash only to return, remove the cowl cover and inspect.

[@Taino5.0]

@@diydetailofficialwhat do you mean by cowl cover. This is a 2016 mustang. The intake is behind the battery. That was already cleaned. Still have a smell.

[@diydetailofficial]

The black cover at the base of the windshield.

[@Taino5.0]

@@diydetailofficialI will try this when I get a chance to wash the engine.

[@diydetailofficial]

@Taino5.0 let us know your results.

[@matthewgibb2640]

Its only taken sixteen years for someone besides final inspection and i to say this. He created the zero bucket method back then (no foam cannon) I prefer pre soaking with rinseless then high pressure (not too high) then rinseless wash your way or a one bucket soap wash with many mitts which never go back in the bucket or high pressure rinse the same one mitt clean after every panel or two. But hey do it the way you find safe, efficient and or fun.

[@diydetailofficial]

yessir! lots of good options that center around the principle of pre treating the paint before hitting it with a pressure washer. Although a ton of wash mitts or towels seems like over kill, I totally get the logic of never touching the paint with a "used" side of the towel....and then, in exchange for lots of laundry, you also don't make your wash bucket dirty whatsoever so I guess you could wash another car with it too. -Nick

[@matthewgibb2640]

@@diydetailofficial there are pros and cons to using alot of mitts. I hate the noodle mitts, too much gap between the fibres.

[@Carlos.Rivera]

BiltHamber pre wash, rinse then foam again with your favorite pH neutral soap.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice! You could try Incredible Suds for both steps (if you want, haha no pressure) but sounds like you've got a great system.

[@Carlos.Rivera]

@@diydetailofficial I'm done bending over, I use MF towels thought. Put them in the windshield and empty bucket as they get dirty and discarded

[@diydetailofficial]

Good plan

[@rickp6689]

Gents, Thanks for the great info-question-I do not have a pressure washer so is it possible/efficient to fill wash bucket with Incredible Suds and us a Marolex 2000 Axel Foamer sprayer to apply rinse and repeat? The proceed with contact wash and iron remover and your fine grade decontamination towel.

[@diydetailofficial]

You could foam on with Marolex, hose off, and foam on again and contact wash if you so desire. Nothing matches the fun/thickness of the foam cannon, but you can usually get really good suds from a foamer:)

[@johnevans715]

If it’s hot and in full sun like in Florida wouldn’t pressure washing the car first to cool down the paint better than foam first ?

[@diydetailofficial]

No difference

[@jacobheinz8236]

Ok I need to take a break before Yvan finished saying another “bucket” for the thousandth times. 😂

[@diydetailofficial]

lol

[@woocoheed]

I did the 2 foam method with Incredible suds today. Put about 2.5 oz in my MJJC, ended up having way too much left over in the cannon 😅

[@diydetailofficial]

that's either way too much or just right (depending on whether Nick or Yvan fills up the foam cannon lol). Nick likes more product but it's rarely if ever a "good" idea haha...unless you love the sight of super thick suds and then it's the perfect idea:)

[@teknykill]

I got corsless power washer Ik foam 2 and 12 ik sprayer too. Thx for information

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you for watching

[@Sean-ij3mi]

How about foaming on incredible suds then pressure wash off then spray on rinseless wash and contact wash, does that work?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, very well.

[@haroldcottam8174]

Great video. If the foam from the second application dries before I get to do the contact wash will that be a problem?

[@diydetailofficial]

It won’t damage anything, but it should be avoided if possible. If it does re-wet and continue.

[@spigdon]

A bit of a slow process, but post the two foams I prefer using one side of wash mitt per panel then high pressure clean each side before going back into the single soapy bucket. Never a chance of the mitt holding grit.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice.

[@chrisginoc]

My old detail guy, before I learned and started detailing my own cars at home, used to do the one fresh microfiber towel per panel/section then toss into dirty pile, method and he swore by it. On my garage queen I sometimes do this method if I'm paranoid. Are you guys saying foam first on a dry car, let it sit then wash it off? Ive been so used to wetting the car first before foaming at the Step 1 part.

[@diydetailofficial]

Correct, it allows the first foam to better clean.

[@waxmanvids5015]

I want to commend both of you on your pacing and articulation with this video. Especially Nick your background in news media and interviewing shows through with excellence!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@diydetailofficial]

thanks very much!!

[@jojocrawdaddy7487]

Question: just before returning your mitt to the wash bucket, do you first give it a squeeze to try and purge any debris? Or do you just take that mitt right into the bucket and keep going? This is my OCD kicking in.

[@diydetailofficial]

With the foam/rinse/foam before the contact wash there is nothing to purge.

[@You-sw7tm]

Is it safe to rinse first by using a APC in a pump sprayer?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, just be careful of the sun

[@You-sw7tm]

​@@diydetailofficialWow!! Quick reply. Thanks. 😁👍

[@spencertidd]

So surely the 2 foam 2 bucket method should be better than any other option?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, if a little redundant

[@jemorebb]

I do the same thing but with 4 wash mitts or 4 microfiber towels without using 2 bucket

[@diydetailofficial]

a little extra laundry but hey sounds like a super safe method to me:)

[@jemorebb]

@diydetailofficial true had to restock so much towels so that I don't have to wash so many times lol

[@Grantpa33]

Where do you guys get your clear buckets that you use?

[@diydetailofficial]

Local restaurant supply

[@dietmarwenzel522]

Nice video. 👍🏼 I unfortunately did not understand everything in English and hence my question: I know you like Rinseless a lot. If I ever do a normal car wash in between, I like to spray my car before I use the pressure washer. Is a Rinseless solution better or do you prefer a foam then? If you were to put it in percentages, what percentage would you give your preferred pre-spray method before the normal car wash?

[@diydetailofficial]

They are equal. Use the one you prefer.