2 step wash process in IBA

I would like to open up a topic on two step IBA washing. For those of you who operate IBA's do you use a two step cleaning process, if so why or why not, and if you do which comes first, the high pH or the low,and why?

Just so you know my personal preference is a double pass of high because I feel you get better cleaning. In a two step application I like the high pH first then the low because alkalines are better cleaners than acidics, which are great for brightening glass and chrome and aiding in the drying process. Agree or disagree and why?

Stuart

I've considered a two-step process since it can clean a lot better, but I've been concerned about the possible negatives. We're in central Texas, and a high-alkaline cleaner on a hot, dry car can etch the paint. Our machine (a Vector) allows a cool-down pass of water, but that would weaken the effectiveness of the cleaner. Right now I'm blending a couple of cleaners from the same manufacturer (one is colored and scented) and we're getting very good results with two passes of the same mix. The show of bright blue foam and the pine fragrance makes an impression as well, something I've never seen from a two-step application.

I realize this is regional. in my area, I've never found any great success with a low ph presoak that didn't contain HF on painted surfaces. And I confess that I would probably use a weak HF if it wasn't so darn tough on the machines. And it takes a very strong akaline presoak to get off our film here. So most operators around here are doing hi-hi. I generally lean towards hi-lo with a very strong hi and a lo to help rid excess akalinty from the car's surface. However, at my two autos I have switched one to a weak lo, followed by an even stronger hi. I'm going to let me attendants make the call on which one is better overall.

I wouldn't reccomend lo-ho to anyone that's not willing to carefully monitor their wash process. All it takes is a check valve failure or other similar problem on many units and you're not cleaning goes to crap. Hi-hi is more foolproof.

Hi guys! Stuart I'm going to have to echo Greg's post. Myself, I have tried both ways, with the low/hi but didn't like having to watch it close maintaining the titration. I just don't like acid period. Too much maintaining. Hi/hi will clean in most situations as good as any without the danger of paint damage. Like mep said, hot locations can deal you a fit with hi/hi. And this year was hot for a longer period of time. The only time I would consider a hi/low would be in the winter with cooler temperatures and dealing with liquid mag that some city's use to put down before a snow storm. That stuff is really hard to get off and the acid does do a good job on it. But thats the only exception. Hope this helps. Come back when you can stay a little longer!

I am also a High-High fan.

More comments please. There is no right or wrong, it's what works best for you in your environment.

Stuart

I'm liking the wash quality of citric acid first step and hi-ph second step.

Running through a Side Trac 700.

Citric acid is good for loosening bugs off of glass and the front of the car. But winter time, I'd change to a 10% mix of HF, and watch it closely.

Can't use any HF in my machine; damages a $900 swivel.

I'm curious about the blendco stuff and I now see that kleen rite has powdered soap, too.

Is this stuff good? Cost effective? Easy to setup and use?

Waxman, I can understand no HF but what about another type of low pH product? I understand Kleen-Rite has a powder called Super Wash fo IBA.

Stuart

yep, I use low ph for first pass. I buy from a local company called c.a.r. products.