Detailed knowledge for detailersArticles related to decontamination
A touchless wash is type of cleaning method that cleans via chemical cleaning, and doesn’t require any mechanical action. This method is popular for those we are afraid that contact with the surface might cause abrasive marks. Whether touchless washing gives the same results is still a popular topic for debate.
The term tree sap refers to several different type of contaminants that, generally, originate from the same source: a plant and/or tree. The most common use of the term “tree sap” is used to describe the resin that can seep through the bark and fall onto surface underneath the tree. Tree sap is incorrectly also used to refer to the fluids excreted by aphids.
Mechanical decontamination is the opposite of chemical decontamination. Whereas chemical decontamination removes contamination from a surface without any physical interaction, mechanical decontamination doesn’t require any chemicals and relies solely on physical interaction.
Acetone is a common and well known solvent that can be used as a thinning agent for many different substances. Acetone can be found in nail polish remover, and has an incredible degreasing effect. Unfortunately it also has the ability to severely damage surfaces. Over time it can actually dissolve certain polyesters and plastic substances.
Stripping is the act of removing a certain product/residue/film from a surface, often with the purpose of re-applying a new product. Stripping can be done chemically or mechanically and is a common step when re-applying a new form of protection.
Tyre blooming is the discoloration of the rubber in a tyre. This usually shows as brown rubber that is hard to clean off. In general, it won’t get washed off and it might stain towels or applicators. Blooming doesn’t cause immediate damage, but over time it could shorten the lifespan of the tyres by a small amount.
Wiper judder refers to “jumping” wipers that shake/jump/judder when moving over the windscreen. The rubber from the windscreen wiper sticks to the glass surface even though the wiper arm continues to move. The rubber “jumps” over the surface instead of gliding smoothly over the glass.
Paintwork gets cleaned very frequently, but tyres not so much. Everybody who knows the word “detailer” or “valeter” probably knows how to safely remove contaminants from the surface of a vehicle. Even when glass is dirty, you’ll quickly see the streaks and your fingers will be itching to reach for the glass cleaner. Most parts of a vehicles gets cleaned frequently, and we have all kinds of products that help us keep our cars/bikes looking sparkly clean.
Aluminium brighteners are essentially forms of hydrofluoric acid, which also sold under the type “tire cleaner”. A very similar product is used for etching glass and rust removers. The pure product is extremely toxic and dangerous. Aluminium brightener is another name for “wheel cleaner” or “metal cleaner”.
An ozone generator is a device that turns regular are into ozone, which is capable of removing contaminants in the air and has an effect on some sources of odor inside a vehicle. Ozone is dangerous and should be used with caution.