Auto Detailing: Why is Detailing a Necessity?

This is a guest post by Ricochet’s Rapid Detail located at 715 Fig St in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Your car accumulates numerous particles that can harm its finish; these particles include, but are not limited to pollutants, mud, salt, dirt, sand, bugs, tar, rain, sun, etc. and are all extremely harmful to the paint. Detailing leaves microscopic layers of fine wax particles that provide a deep shine and forming a clear chemical bond that protects the paint and its original clear coat. Detailing guarantees longevity to the paint and retains the value of the vehicle. Professional detailing is not just a luxury, it is an investment that has become a necessity!

What is the difference between DETAILING and WASHING?

WASHING removes loose contaminants–dirt and grime. DETAILING removes blemishes, oxidation and etching marks that are caused when contaminants penetrate the surface. Rub your hand across an upper surface; if it is rough, you need to detail your car. Detailing prevents the paint and its clear coat from deteriorating. Retain the value of your car; have it washed and detailed by one of our technicians.

Our proven Water Smart system:

The technique that is used to wash a vehicle without the use of water. This method uses a product that contains many different ingredients, including wetting agents, lubricants and protectants. The detergents and wetting agents in the product combine to soften and emulsify surface grime, while a specific blend of fluids and lubricants attach a microscopic layer of protectant to the surface. The protectant is a substance which provides a bonded layer of protection against any remaining abrasive not broken down by the detergents and wetting agents.

What do the products used contain?

The protectant often contains cross linked polymers, which make it extremely effective as a car wax or glaze. Our product, when used on your vehicle, contains a complex mixture of cleaning elements along with the glaze ingredients.

The product used by Ricochet’s Rapid Detail is a concentrated cleaner and protective sealant.

How does the application process work?

At Ricochet’s Rapid Detail, when we properly apply our formulation to the surface of your vehicle our product lifts dirt from the vehicle by emulsification. The product surrounds dirt molecules, lifting them from the paint surface, before you start to wipe. At the same time, the application process initiates in combination with use of micro fiber technology, the cross chain polymer linking process that results in an extremely shiny, highly protective glaze finish. All this happens very rapidly due to the balance of ingredients within the product itself. At Ricochet’s Rapid Detail, we use biodegradable products which are safe for the environment and utilize our proven Water $mart technology.

In our proven application process and Water Smart technology, it does not involve using high pressure not extensive rubbing on a vehicle’s surface.

The use of soft micro-fiber towels captures the dirt and removes it safely from the vehicle’s surface without scratching.

Many application processes in the past required the use of large amounts of water and extensive scrubbing and rubbing on a vehicle’s surface causing micro scratches and damage to the exterior paint.

At Ricochet’s Rapid Detail, our proven application process also does not require “soaking”–using a high volume of product and water usage. When used in compliance the vehicle will shine and water will bead on it and not have common micro scratching and damages to your valued automobile.

Our products are designed as a high-end car care product for use on any car, truck, motorcycle, boat or plane. It contains the finest ingredients available in today’s cutting edge technology.

Our waterless car wash products allows us the ability to clean without using soaps, buckets and water hoses, and runoff into the local sewers or drains, causing further damage to the environment.

What are the benefits of using a waterless wash on my vehicle?

• When properly used leaves a “streak-free” surface.
• Safe to use on all surfaces of a vehicle, including painted surfaces, metals, glass, vinyl, rubber and plastic trim.
• Contains no solvents, toxic chemicals or abrasive compounds.
• Treated surfaces are extremely water resistant (hydrophobic).
• Continued use and detailing further retards the damaging effects of contaminants, such as bird droppings, bug splatter, road grime, acid rain and brake dust, among other things.
• Dirt is extracted into a soft micro-fiber which prevents scratching.
• Environmentally safe, Water $mart, biodegradable and non-toxic.
• No urban runoff or runoff into a local storm drain.
• Protects and leaves a great, long-lasting shine!

Can you use waterless wash on any type of vehicle?

Yes! Our formulation has been tested on every kind of paint used by the auto reconditioning industry; from older acrylic lacquers to hi gloss acrylic urethane and plyurethane paints.

Will the waterless product used by Ricochet’s Rapid Detail prevent my vehicle’s paint from fading?

Yes! When applied properly to a new vehicle, then reapplied each month, the paint will not fade. Ricochet’s Rapid Detail ’s Waterless Wash will help protect against the effects of sun exposure, acid rain and road salt.

Is it easy for a Non-Detail professional to use?

Yes! The staff at Ricochet’s Rapid Detail will be more than happy to demonstrate and help educate the use of these safe products on your vehicle. Please feel free to stop down to our shop for a free demonstration of the products used and let us show you how to maintain your vehicle! The products are designed for the detail pro as well as non-professionals who just want to take care of their car!

What is a CLEAR COAT?

“Clear Coat” is a name given to the multi-stage paints used today. A “base coat” (frequently water-based) is applied with a pigment (color). Then, a top layer of clear paint is applied over the top of the base coat to add depth, brilliance and to provide protection for the base coat.

Clear Coats still require the same care as the old single state paints. Just because the topcoat of the paint has no pigment in it doesn’t make it impervious to environmental conditions. Topcoats of clear paint still oxidize, and the softer paints used today also allow contaminants to easily embed in the surface. These softer paints require modern formulations and technology to protect them against damage.

In short, the need for proper care and maintenance of clear coat paints is just as important as years ago. Actually, because of their softer, fragile nature, they really should be maintained BETTER than the older single stage paints.

What does detailing do to a Clear Coat Finish?

Let’s first define Clear Coat Finish: today’s modern Finish consists of a dull layer of paint called a Base Coat. It provides the color on your car. Over this base, a clear layer of paint is applied. This is called a Clear Coat. It provides the shine and protection. The result is a two-layer painted surface known as a “Clear Coat Finish.”

When the Clear Coat Finish becomes dull, it requires special attention. Our detailing technicians apply high quality fine surface polish and wax to remove the elements that dull the Finish. When detailing is complete, the Clear Coat Finish has been cleaned and properly restored.

Why can’t I use household cleaners to wash my car?

Household cleaners like dish washing detergent are specifically designed to dissolve grease. Because wax is essentially a grease, household cleaners will remove your car’s wax finish, leaving you with little shine and no protection. Also, some household detergents have micro-fine abrasive in them. These can permanently scratch your car’s surface. Always use a premium quality, commercial liquid car wash. They are formulated to dissolve dirt and grime without removing your car’s beautiful wax finish.

What about once-a-year wax and polish products?

Your car deserves better than once-a-year products. It is like the second largest investment you’ve made, after your home. Don’t scrimp on the quality of the products you use to maintain it, or the care you give your vehicle. A regular regimen of washing and waxing pays enormous dividends for years down the road. The intrinsic weakness of once-a-year products will become painfully apparent as the years pass.

What about those free car washes at the gas station?

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Many of those car washes use mechanical brushes, which can damage your paint surface. In some parts of the country, the water is recycled, meaning your car is getting the same water applied as the “clapped out” 1970 Plymouth Duster that just pulled out (unless your car just happens to be that Duster.) While filters can catch small particulates, they can’t filter out the dissolved salt from winter use, or all those hoards of other nasty chemicals.

I lease my car, why should I care how it looks?

Chances are you’ll care when the lease ends. If you check your contract, you’ll find that you’re probably responsible for the appearance of your vehicle when it is returned. If the paint is full and lifeless (because it was never washed, polishes or waxed) you could be hit with a reconditioning fee ranging from $500 to $2,000! Take care of your investment!

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Ricochet’s Rapid Detail is owned by husband and wife team Dave and Lucia Peregrim, who have over 25 years of experience in the auto detailing industry incorporated as an LLC. Dave Peregrim has detailed cars for Tom Hesser Chevrolet, Kelly Volkswagen and other shops and opened Ricochet’s Rapid Detail in 2002, accompanied by his wife, Lucia, who works as the Operations Manager, keeping everything within the business, including their online presence, afloat.

Check out the Ricochet’s Rapid Detail Blog, become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu–Add These Aphrodisiacs

Plan on making your valentine a romantic dinner tomorrow night? Head to your local grocery store and pick up some of these tried and true edible aphrodisiacs perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Oysters:

Oysters are the classic and cliche aphrodisiacs who get a lot of attention for their mouth feel, especially when swallowed raw and whole. Another reason why they are so synonymous with gettin’ it on is because of their resemblance to female genitalia. Oysters are very high in protein and rich in zinc and iron–nutrients that help in the transport of oxygen and stimulate the metabolism.

Chocolate:

Chocolate isn’t known for its connection to Valentine’s Day for nothing, so the next time your honey brings you a chocolate-filled heart, know that chocolate is actually a flavorful source of quick energy and has been known to elevate people’s moods due to it containing theobromine and caffeine–two related alkaloid stimulants. Chocolate is also rich in phenylethylamine, a compound that has effects similar to amphetamine.

Avocado:

Avocados are sodium and cholesterol-free, they are nutritious, creamy and mild to taste. The curves of an avocado perfectly mimic the curve’s of a woman’s body and is filled with good fats and has a wonderful buttery texture.

Ginger:

Before we had the modern medicine in over-the-counter pain relievers like Midol and Pamprin, ginger was used to help relieve menstrual cramps and many people still use ginger root to soothe the stomach. Ginger acts as a stimulant and is known to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and intestines.

Bananas:

Yes, this is very, very obvious–it is impossible to look at a banana without taking note of its obvious phallic shape. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are two necessary components for sex-hormone production.

Artichokes:

Artichokes are one of the oldest-known foods filled with antioxidants. Prickly to touch, if you can make it to the center, its delectable heart reveals itself and you can feast on its delicately meaty substance. Yes, another pretty obvious conclusion as to why this is an aphrodisiac.

Honey:

Honey is sticky, sweet and golden. The look, taste and texture of honey makes it alluring and mysterious.

Pine Nuts:

Pine nuts are full of zinc, a key mineral in maintaining male potency. They have been used to stimulate the libido since Medieval Times. They contain good fats and have an extremely velvety texture.

Vanilla:

Vanilla has been said to increase feelings of lust, being very seductive. Some studies have shown that vanilla can raise levels of catecholamines, or the adrenaline, in the blood.

Switch to the More Natural Scoop

As a child, I was horribly allergic to a number of laundry detergents. Every laundry detergent my parents would switch to would end up causing the same reaction with my skin–I would break out in horrendous rashes that would itch like crazy so I’d of course scratch, being a child who didn’t know better, which would then result in more irritation and even bleeding and scarring. It was not a pretty picture in the least. Coming from a family who all have their own skin issues, it wasn’t really a surprise to find out that I had (and still have) very sensitive skin and cannot come into contact with most conventional laundry detergents.

Back in the day, you couldn’t find eco detergents; they just weren’t readily available, but luckily, enough people have hopped on the green wagon for companies to pay attention and to start offering more eco detergent options.

Every year in the US alone, more than 25,000 children have accidents involving chlorine bleach and the fragrances and ammonia in conventional detergents trigger allergies, asthma and severely irritate sensitive skin, just like mine! Eco detergents, of course, also help out our environments. Typical laundry detergents contain phosphates and they usually end up in our rives and lakes, causing harm to aquatic life which is really sad and unnecessary.

Try These Eco Detergents:

Method Baby Laundry Detergent: Coconut oil-based, biodegradable soap; triple concentrate means you need less. — $12.99/32 loads

Maggie’s Soap Nuts: Made from dried fruit nuts of the Chinese Soapberry tree; biodegradable, hypoallergenic; natural fabric softener. — $9.99/36 loads

Seventh Generation 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent: Concentrated and biodegradable liquid; Kosher certified; not tested on animals; available in Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender, White Flower & Bergamot Citrus and Free & Clear (unscented). — $30/pack of two 50oz bottles

Mrs. Meyers’ Clean Day Baby Blossom Dryer Sheets: Vegetable-based softener, biodegradable paper sheets — $12/80 sheets

Try This Eco Laundry Tip:

Instead of fabric softener, use half a cup of baking soda or white vinegar in the rinse cycle. You can also use a half a cup of baking soda (plus detergent) in the wash to brighten and whiten your clothes; works especially well for all those really old and ratty t-shirts and night shirts you refuse to throw away; this way you can give them some new life.

Good for Your Vagina, Good for the Environment

Yep, I said it–Your vagina! Most women don’t think twice about using store-bought pads and tampons. In most cases, this is what most women were taught to use when they first got their period and so the cycle continues, in a matter of speaking. A lot of women aren’t aware that we do have choices when it comes to what period protection we use.

We all know about pads and tampons, but what a lot of people don’t know about them is that the biggest companies producing these products for women are run by men. It’s true! Men! What do men know about what really goes on in there? Well, apparently not too much since standard pads and tampons contain synthetic fibers and bleach; yes that’s right, bleach. If you look at a container of bleach it will tell you several times throughout the container that you should not drink it and if you do, to contact a poison control center. Bleach is made up of very harsh chemicals that if you drink it, it could very well be fatal, so why are we putting it up inside of ourselves? Sounds dangerous, doesn’t it? So dangerous that tampons also have a little warning you never paid much attention to that tells you about Toxic Shock Syndrome, which women under 21 years of age are most prone to getting.

When it comes to pads, we’re talking about the same ingredients here–Synthetic fibers and bleach. While we’re not shoving pads up inside of ourselves, the synthetic fibers and bleach that are in pads are rubbing up against us all day which is not good for our skin, especially considering that the skin ‘down there’ is very sensitive and makes up the beginning of our entire reproductive area. Women think that pads and tampons have been sterilized, when in fact, no feminine hygiene product has ever been sterilized; meaning we’re more than likely putting dirty synthetic fibers and bleach inside of us. So to recap, synthetic fibers and bleach are bad for us!

Moving on to the environment. There are approximately 85 million women in North America who are menstruating. After pads and tampons are used once, they are disposed of and add to environmental pollution.

According to the March-April article in E Magazine, 6.5 billion tampons and 13.5 billion pads and their packaging end up in landfills and even in sewer systems. That is a whole lot of waste that is clogging up the planet that could be avoided.

Avoided? How!?

If you are a woman who feels most comfortable using pads, Lunapads are reusable pads. With a life expectancy of 5 years, Lunapads is a pad alternative that is great for the environment. Made with a dual layer of 100% cotton flannel and an additional layer of ultra-thin, breathable nylon. They come in an array of different sizes, sure to fit any woman, if you’re a teen, in your 20s, 30s, or even middle-aged with five children under you belt. Best of all, they work with any type of menstrual flow and they are made of something that will not harm you or your reproductive organs in any way. To make it even better, Lunapads are amazingly cute and come in a myriad of different patterns.

If you are a woman who feels most comfortable using tampons, Lunapads also offers the Diva Cup, made of medical-grade silicone.

Both Lunapads and the Diva Cup are great alternatives to pads and tampons that are good for you to use and great for the environment.

Ditch the Disposables Challenge

Every month or so the Crunchy Domestic Goddess issues a challenge to all of us who want to make a better effort at going green. For the months of September and October, she is asking us all to ditch the disposables.

This challenge focuses on every day items that we use and then mindlessly throw in the garbage. Every week when we take out or garbage, it is picked up by the garbage truck and hauled off to a landfill or whatever method your community uses to get rid of its population’s trash. As we all are aware of, the Earth needs our help as global warming is upon us and our Earth is suffocating, shriveling up and dying at rapid speeds. It will continue to do this is we, the people of this planet, do not make conscious efforts each and every day to reduce the amount of waste we put out there.

Think of the every day items you use that you could easily do away with and start using the reusable alternatives. You could ditch your paper napkins and towels to cloth napkins and towels, tissues to handkerchiefs, disposable water bottles (think of how much bottled water a household or person can go through) for reusable bottles or cups with lids; on that same note, you can reuse the same water bottle, thus eliminating the amount of your waste long-term. You could also ditch your plastic sandwich bags and paper bags for reusable containers and bags. If you’re using disposable diapers you could switch to cloth diapers; a lot of different companies have started making excellent cloth diapers.

Another great reusable alternative women should seek out are reusable menstrual products. I have personally done away with disposable pads and tampons and started using reusable products. The reason for this is because I have had minor kidney infections that have caused frequent urinary tract and yeast infections. All the women out there know that this is not fun! After doing some research on minor things I should be doing to keep my reproductive organs the healthiest they can be I found some very troubling information about disposable menstrual products. Standard pads and tampons (made by men, I should point out) contain synthetic fibers and bleach, both of which can cause infections. I then did some research on reusable alternatives and found quite a few great alternatives. For women who use pads, I could not recommend Lunapads enough. I have been using their pads for about a year now and couldn’t be happier. They are made with fleece and cotton, they use cute fabrics so even while you have your period you can feel cute and match your outfit with your pad and they are oh so comfortable. Just a simple machine wash (or hand wash, I hand wash mine and have found it to be a great way to bond with my body during my menstrual cycle and further understand the functions of my body) and an air dry and they’re ready to go again! Lunapads also makes the Diva Cup, a reusable tampon alternative. Other pad and tampon alternatives you could check out are The Keeper and The Moon Cup, Glad Rags, Pretty Pads and New Moon Pads.

So what disposables do you think you could live without for the next two months? Have you already eliminated disposables from your household? Tell us about them!

Case-less is the New Milk Packaging

Walmart’s discount club store, Sam’s Club has recently come out with their way of helping out the Earth, cutting back on resources and materials used to package milk by selling their milk in square, case-less jugs. While Europeans have begun reintroducing their people to the pouch-style packaging I remember from my grade school days, Sam’s Club’s newest case-less milk jugs are now being sold in over 189 stores since their trend first hit stores in November.

Their eco-friendly packaging will not only cut back on resources and materials used to package milk, but more milk–9% more, in fact or 384 more jugs of milk per truck, will be able to be accommodated in shipping, cutting back on fuel used in trucks to drive the milk to its destination. Sam’s Club, and any other store that begins stocking these jugs of milk, can also fit more milk into the cooler with a casing that is more compact.

Not only does this change benefit the Earth, it will also benefit Sam’s Club customers. Sam’s Club estimates that this new packaging will save their customers between 10 to 20 cents per jug of milk and if you buy milk as often or in large quantities, as many people with children always find themselves doing, the savings of 10 to 20 cents is going to save you quite a bit in the long run; approximately $1 for every 5 jugs of milk you buy.

While I am not a Sam’s Club shopper, I haven’t come across the new milk jug design in order to try it out for myself, but an article on this topic from The New York Times comments on what I first thought upon looking at the new casing–Spillage.

The jugs have no real spout, and their unorthodox shape makes consumers feel like novices at the simple task of pouring a glass of milk.

“I hate it,” said Lisa DeHoff, a cafe owner shopping in a Sam’s Club here.

“It spills everywhere,” said Amy Wise, a homemaker.

“It’s very hard for kids to pour,” said Lee Morris, who was shopping for her grandchildren.

While Sam’s Club new case-less milk may be great for the environment, the consensus seems to be that adults as well as children cannot pour the milk without making a huge mess. Because of this, Sam’s Club is offering–get this–milk pouring classes. Just when you thought you knew it all, a huge grocery chain convinces you that you do not and in fact, the simplest of things, like pouring milk, may require classes. But if you need a class on how to pour milk, how many people are really going to be ecstatic about buying these jugs? If you’re spilling more than you’re getting in your glass or cereal bowl, how much of a savings are you really getting, when every time you go to pour it, you’re wasting a good amount?

I suppose we can all be the judge. If anyone has ever bought these jugs, tell us if they’re more convenient for your household and your wallet or if Sam’s Club landed on a flop, rather than an environmentally friendly way to package standard household items.

Go Green in Your Garden

I have noticed that there are quite a few more “go green” commercials airing on television. Not only that, but many companies have seen to pick up the same tactics in all consumer media–Television, online, magazines; you name it, and it’s going green.

Companies want you to buy organically–Food, bath and body products, laundry detergents and so on, but when I got down to thinking, one place where you should most definitely be letting your eco-friendliness shine is when you’re using your green thumb.

Don’t let your plants and flowers soak up all the green in your garden. Many gardeners don’t realize simply how ironic it is that you’re growing green but you’re not necessarily going green when it comes to most small gardens and one of the most controversial elements when it comes to your garden are the products you are using to help keep your garden beautiful. One of the biggest things that can keep your garden from looking it’s best are weeds and instead of spending an entire day pulling weeds out by hand when you can be tending to the other aspects of your garden, you must find yourself an excellent weed killer.

Weed killers aren’t environmentally friendly; in fact, weed killers use harsh chemicals to kill weeds, but while you may think that they are getting the job done in that department, they are also harming your other plants–And that goes triple if you have a vegetable garden! Luckily, there is now an organic herbicide that is safe to use for you, your pets and children and the environment.

Nature’s Avenger is an all-natural organic herbicide that is completely natural and designed to meet the needs and demands of gardeners, homeowners and Mother Nature.

It has been approved for use in organic production, is fast-acting with visible results in just two hours or even less and it is also highly biodegradable. It is made with natural citrus oil, which means you aren’t dealing with harsh chemicals with harsh chemical smells. With Nature’s Avenger, your sense of smell, braincells and health of pets and children are fully taken care of.

Nature’s Avenger is available is a 24oz pre-mixed, pre-measured, easy to use spray bottle and also in 32oz and 1 gallon concentrates and can be purchased through their website or on Amazon.

Natural Aromatherapy for Your Bathroom

As a person who has easily spent way too much money on aromatherapy home and bathroom products including skin care, bath and shower products, candles and incense, I recently found a terrific natural approach to aromatherapy guaranteed to lift your spirits and your immune system.

Head over to your local flower shop or crafts store and pick up a small bundle of eucalyptus, mint, or lavender and some natural garden twine. Hang the bundles off of your shower curtain rod using the twine, close to the shower head but out of the way enough so it won’t get too wet when you turn the shower on.

If you have a cold or would like to boost your immune system, eucalyptus is a natural decongestant. The steam from the shower will release the scent throughout your bathroom and it will also clear up your cold and prevent it from returning and others from attacking.

Mint is also used as a throat soother, if you’ve looked through your local store’s cold and flu section, you may have noticed some products that aid in the soothing of the throat or medicines that get rid of sore throats and most often, those products contain mint. What not a lot of people know is that mint can also aid indigestion, helping stomach aches and also chest pains.

Lavender is my favorite plant for aromatherapy. Lavender as an essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and it is also used to naturally soothe headaches if applied to the temples; I used to get horrible stress headaches and ended up buying myself a natural body salve with lavender essential oils that worked wonderfully. Breathing lavender in has a calming effect and it is used to soothe stress, aches and pains and is best for you when exposed to it right before bed, as it produces a deeper sleep rid of stress that is most often carried with you into sleep making you wake even more tired than you were before you went to bed and still carrying emotional baggage and stress.

This little trick can even be used just to put a nice, natural fragrance in your bathroom that will last for a few weeks.

Earth Hour 2008

This Saturday is a big day for helping the Earth out a little bit in your every day life. March 29, 2008 is Earth Hour, an event created by the World Wildlife Fund and is a day where for one hour (8PM to 9PM–your local time) you will join other people across the world in turning your lights off to raise awareness about global warming.

Last year, Earth Hour was an event in Sydney, Australia and had over 2 million participants and had over 2,000 businesses power down their light sources. This year, Earth Hour is making this a global event–No matter where you are located, turn your lights off from 8PM-9PM and help to fight climate change.

“Join people all around the world in showing that you care about our planet and want to play a part in helping to fight climate change. Don’t forget to sign up and let us know you want to join Earth Hour.“

But what will you do for a whole hour without your lights? Crunchy Domestic Goddess has some ideas, including talking with your kids about why all of the lights are turned out and educating them about the Earth and global warming.

What will you be doing with no lights during Earth Hour?

Here are some other ways that you can help the Earth after March 29th:

• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Turn off appliances when not in use.
• Unplug your electronics when they are not in use.
• Use less hot water.
• Switch to green power.

What are you doing in your every day life to help fight global warming?