[Bonefish]

Okay..so, I will be revamping my current stock of detail products. Typically they just sit in the garage but, that may not be the best. I am in Maryland and have an apartment with a garage. Garage has little to no insulation so, winter is cold and summers are HOT in the garage. I wanted to know how I should keep/store my detail products and how long do the last? At one time should I buy new and throw away the old. I want to protect my investments that protect my HUGE investment.

So, here is my list for the times of concern..

So what is too hot or cold and how long before they expire?

Wax (Paste or Liquid)
Storage Temperature?
Expiration?

QD
Stroage Temperature?
Expiration?

Car Wash
Storage Temperature?
Expiration?

Poorboys Wheel Sealant
Storage Temperature?
Expiration?

Sealants/Swirl Removers/Etc
Storage Temperature?
Expiration?


Thanks agian for all your help in advance. I know alot of questions up front for a newbie but, once I get this all re confirmed..I'll start postively adding to the forums. I kind of know what I am doing I think but, I always like to double check and make sure!

[zaxjax]

Most detailing supplies are ok in the garage during the spring, summer and fall months. Your garage is going to be cooler than outside. I would bring them in during the winter months, the freeze/thaw cycle will ruin many products.

[FMINUS]

Keep everything at room temp.

[Bonefish]

Originally Posted by FMINUS

Keep everything at room temp.

Room temperature meaning inside the house not garage..right?

Hmmm my guess is that garage is never or rarely room temperature...since it probably has little to no islulation. Sounds like I should keep good portion of the stuff inside the house not garage...

Unless I put in a small refrigerator and put in on the lowest setting maybe?

With that said...does anyone keep a detail kit in the car? If so...I know the temps in the trunk get way hot. Do you take it in and out of the car?

[therealm3]

I would suggest keeping it in the house. I ruined a lot of product over the years leaving it in the garage before I finally wised up and got a couple plastic bins with lids from walmart to store everything in. This ensures everything is in the same spot and easy to get to/move when I need to do some detailing. I keep them in a downstairs closet so the temp is pretty constant and its out of sight so there are no complaints from the wife. I found that the heat cycles in the garage (100+ in the summer and low 30’s in the winter) caused the products to separate from solution and shaking them to mix again would not work. In some cases I had polish that became almost as viscous as water. (not good).

[chumley]

Originally Posted by therealm3

I found that the heat cycles in the garage (100+ in the summer and low 30’s in the winter) caused the products to separate from solution and shaking them to mix again would not work. In some cases I had polish that became almost as viscous as water. (not good).

Here in FL I have noticed the exact same thing with QD's and liquid waxes. They separate and will not re-mix. There must be something that breaks down if stored in 100+ temps for prolonged periods.

[Gig103]

I keep my products in the laundry room (right off the garage). I have to go there to clean my MFs and wash mitts anyway, so I took one of the shelves for all my car stuff.

[dr.jay]

I keep mine in the basement

[Bonefish]

One more question. I wash my MF with basic detergent..liquid version. Cold and air dry. Do most believe that you should ever so often or always wash with the microfiber wash stuff?

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by Bonefish

One more question. I wash my MF with basic detergent..liquid version. Cold and air dry. Do most believe that you should ever so often or always wash with the microfiber wash stuff?

I wash mine with regular original Tide and air dry - just make sure there's zero fabric softener in there. Seems to come out just fine, but the small general purpose MFs are inexpensive so when they look rough I throw them away or demote them to wheel duty.

[chumley]

Originally Posted by Bonefish

One more question. I wash my MF with basic detergent..liquid version. Cold and air dry. Do most believe that you should ever so often or always wash with the microfiber wash stuff?

I have heard that using white vinegar in the rinse cycle is beneficial. I really did not notice a big difference in absorbency or softness though most of my mf towels are of the "cheap" Costco variety.

[therealm3]

Originally Posted by Bonefish

One more question. I wash my MF with basic detergent..liquid version. Cold and air dry. Do most believe that you should ever so often or always wash with the microfiber wash stuff?

I wash mine with regular tide and no fabric softener. the really nice plush ones lose some thickness and softness over time but I figure 2-3 years out of a towel is plenty for me given that I don’t buy the super expensive stuff. I have a stack of cheap target ones or worn plush ones for wheels and semi dirty work (engine), then a stack of medium grade ones for interior detail, polish removal, and touch up work, and then a smaller stack of nice plush ones for finish paint work. All get washed together.

[BKV122]

What does QD stand for?

[Bonefish]

Originally Posted by BKV122

What does QD stand for?

Quick Detailer


Now that we are asking I see FTW..all over..what does it stand for. Not that I don't have a few ideas but, what in this forum?

[BKV122]

Originally Posted by Bonefish

Quick Detailer


Now that we are asking I see FTW..all over..what does it stand for. Not that I don't have a few ideas but, what in this forum?

For The Win

[Bonefish]

Originally Posted by BKV122

For The Win

Thanks! I was racking my brain to figure it out!

[dr.jay]

While were on the topic what does "WOT" stand for???

[Bonefish]

Originally Posted by dr.jay

While were on the topic what does "WOT" stand for???

Wide Open Throttle

[dr.jay]

Originally Posted by Bonefish

Wide Open Throttle