How the hell do I keep a black car clean
The Paranoid One
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,320
From: Texas
If you get the method down on a black car it is not hard to keep clean.
This is only our second black car.
And although we will keep this car forever if we kept this one and got another I would have no reservations at getting another black car.
It's all about taking the right steps in cleaning and the right protection against it.
Our car is garage kept but we live in Texas where the weather is dusty and hot in the summer, and cold and messy in the winter.
My car is out in the elements and when it is I can simply take a microfiber towel or duster thingy and take the dirty parts off in five or ten minutes.
That's because I know HOW to clean the car and WHAT do to do to make sure it is protected from the easy showing dust and water that black cars show.
Black is the meanest looking stang you can get.
And when it's clean it's also the CLEANEST looking.
If you know how to do it you can keep it that way without a bunch of hassle.
This is only our second black car.
And although we will keep this car forever if we kept this one and got another I would have no reservations at getting another black car.
It's all about taking the right steps in cleaning and the right protection against it.
Our car is garage kept but we live in Texas where the weather is dusty and hot in the summer, and cold and messy in the winter.
My car is out in the elements and when it is I can simply take a microfiber towel or duster thingy and take the dirty parts off in five or ten minutes.
That's because I know HOW to clean the car and WHAT do to do to make sure it is protected from the easy showing dust and water that black cars show.
Black is the meanest looking stang you can get.
And when it's clean it's also the CLEANEST looking.
If you know how to do it you can keep it that way without a bunch of hassle.
The Paranoid One
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,320
From: Texas
After having 4 black Mustangs I vow to never have another black car, I'm OCD about keeping my vehicle clean and spotless and black is awesome for the first 30 minutes after you've washed it. I love the color I have now, I can go way longer between washes, it just doesnt shoe the dust, spots, paint nicks, bug guts and road grime like black does.
If it was clean for the first 30 min almost every time then you were'nt taking the right steps or using the right products.
I mean it when I say when you get this down it is not hard to keep them clean. I have no reason to say otherwise. Sure it will show the dust etc. more but it's a CINCH to get it off when the car is prepped properly.
And it's not like you have to do it everyday either as far as touching it up.
More than other colors? Yeah... but not CONSTANTLY or anything.
Hell most of the reds, whites, dark blue, and other cars I see on the road are A LOT dirtier than mine 90 percent of the time I see them on the road.
The only cars that I see that are as clean most of the time are the REALLY bright colors.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 216
From: APO
I've had so many black vehicles and it does take a lot of work to keep them looking perfect. There's really no way to do it other than to just simply...do it. Once you get the routine down pat (what works for you and this particular car) then it's not too bad.
I bought an Ingot because I was tired of the routine and my OCD with keeping it clean and nice. Well, you would think it's easier with an Ingot. My problem is I obsess just as much as I did with black. While the Ingot does hide the dirt/spots/streaks/swirls better I know it's there. My wife pointed out that "my routine" hasn't changed...
IMO it doesn't matter what color the car is. If you want it looking showroom clean then you gotta put in the effort. It's a never ending battle.
I bought an Ingot because I was tired of the routine and my OCD with keeping it clean and nice. Well, you would think it's easier with an Ingot. My problem is I obsess just as much as I did with black. While the Ingot does hide the dirt/spots/streaks/swirls better I know it's there. My wife pointed out that "my routine" hasn't changed...
IMO it doesn't matter what color the car is. If you want it looking showroom clean then you gotta put in the effort. It's a never ending battle.
The Paranoid One
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,320
From: Texas
That is why you buy the color you like the best.
PLUS as I said once you get the routine down, and know what products WILL protect it... you can keep a black car clean and easy with just touching it up by wiping it with one of those California duster's lightly (with wax the dirt etc comes off like NOTHING. even kinda stuck on dirt), or use some quick detailer on it.
Besides.. getting in the habit of keeping your car clean regularly helps you to take care of the car as a WHOLE better. It is just a good habit to form.