While baby shampoo may seem mild, it's really not the best thing for your paint. Shampoos (and dish detergents for that matter) are made to cut through such things as wax and oil. You want a wash that will remove road grit and dirt but not remove all the surface wax too. And unless your ride has got some glandurlar problem, you don't need all the oil cutting action either.

As to how often to wax... I'd go with the "wax it when you need it" theory. Because depending on the type of wax your using, your weather and where you keep your ride your waxing needs are probably far different from mine. But here are some general guidelines:

Waxes:
Carnauba or natural waxes: can last 3-4 months
Polymers or synthetic waxes: can last 6 months or longer (but lack the depth of shine you get with carnauba and can build up over time)

Weather: The milder your weather the longer you wax can hold out.
Storage: Cars kept in garages will outlast those parked out side

Keeping a good coat of wax on your car is important not only to keep it shiny and looking good, but also for protection. For example it's better to let hard water deposits etch into a coat of wax, than into your paint.

But be careful not to over wax your ride either. While wax alone won't harm you paint, too much rubbing may lead to swirling and micormarring. The best way to help prevent this is to make sure your towels are soft and very clean. And only wash/wax when you need it.


hope this helps.

 

Great info.

 

At work, they provide a detail company for us...
Needless to say, I use it often.
When I was younger and lived in PA, we'd wash our cars in a Semi-truck wash which was huge and had closing doors. We'd wash and wax all winter long - which was essential 'cause of the salt and other crap in the winters...

Scott