That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...? - Bike Forum

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

defblade — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:19:32 +0000

If you just want a simple wash'n'wax rather than going through a dozen steps, the Autoglym Ceramic wash'n'wax (they call it something else IIRC, but that's what it is in my book!) is simply incredible. Amazing beading/run off which just lasts and lasts like nothing else I've ever used (usually a Meguiar's fan)

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

kernowgaz — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:49:41 +0000

Cheers all

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

FuzzyWuzzy — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:11:01 +0000

An alkaline car shampoo should clean road grime off well. Although I've ceramic coated mine I'm going to start using a ceramic sealant as well after washing (not every time) to keep topping ...

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

FunkyDunc — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:14:33 +0000

2nd the touchless stuff it’s way better than the auto glym I had before

Also I now use a hydrophobic coating too

Ceramic coating for the absolute win though

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

johnnystorm — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:50:42 +0000

I use this on my van: https://bilthamber.com/product/touch-less/

(And their shampoo & hydrophobic coating, it's the best result you'll get for the minimum of effort.)

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

alpin — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:04:10 +0000

Before covering your motors in foam and then washing it all off for it only to run to the next drain, it might be worth checking where the drains lead to.

I'm sure the fish don't need the degreaser in their water.

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

oikeith — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:07:53 +0000

My recommendation is don't use fairy liquid on your specs. I had a pair of glasses with all the standard Specsavers coatings. About once a month if they were grimy I used to put a bit of fairy on and gently wash. I now realise the last 6 months haven't been unrelentingly foggy, even in the house. My new pair will not go near the stuff.

I always use handsoap or shower gel on my swimming goggles and sunglasses which seems fine.

Any recommendations?

I still use Autofinesse Avalance as my snowfoam of choice, after a 2 bucket clean I then use Autofinesse Lavish which stays on for a month or so and makes the water bead of nicely. It used to be sold in Halfords, but then wasnt and then there wasnt a Halfords in my town anymore! Website is handy and has the usual sales to keep stocked up on.

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

desperatebicycle — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:48:05 +0000

It's not mud I need to shift. It's the horrible road grime that somehow* accumulates on my commuter

I use stainless steel wipes after getting home from a grotty commute... they clean dirt off anything, saves the road grime building up.. Brand is Green Shield.

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

kernowgaz — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:07:37 +0000

I need to do something as we’ve got a new car and I don’t want to get it shit high with mud and crap getting it in and out of the car.

RE: That foam stuff they use to wash cars with...?

BigJohn — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:45:51 +0000

Co-incidentally I washed my gravel bike on Thursday for what must be the first time in nearly a year (the other bikes stayed as they are). Friday's ride got it nicely back to normal though. I'm not a fan of sloshing water round bearings and stuff and driving grit into new places.