Corolla ZR Hybrid
care guide

Snow Job · snow foam

Thick, pH-neutral pre-wash foam. Applied before any contact wash to soften and lift heavy dirt, road grime, and organic debris so they rinse away without being dragged across the paint.

Equipment

• Foam cannon attached to pressure washer
• Two buckets with grit guards

Technique

1. Rinse the car with plain water at low pressure to remove loose debris.
2. Fill foam cannon reservoir at roughly 1:10 dilution — 4 pumps of Pumpy Pump per litre of water.
3. Apply in overlapping passes from bottom to top for full coverage.
4. Dwell for 2 to 4 minutes. Do not let it dry — work in the shade.
5. Rinse top to bottom with moderate pressure. Do not scrub.

Wheely Clean V2

pH-neutral, non-acid wheel cleaner safe for all wheel types. Dissolves brake dust, road grime, and iron contamination without attacking protective finishes.

Technique

1. Clean wheels before the paint wash — overspray will contaminate panels you've already cleaned.
2. Rinse each wheel with plain water first.
3. Spray generously across the face, spokes, and into the barrel. Dwell 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Agitate the barrel with The Flat Head brush first.
5. Work the face with a small detailing brush, then The Little Stiffy on tyre sidewall.
6. Rinse thoroughly. Check the barrel — residue here will fling onto clean paint.
7. Repeat on all four wheels before starting the paint wash.

Nanolicious Wash

pH-neutral, highly lubricating car shampoo producing thick, encapsulating suds that hold grit away from the paint. Safe on all paint protection including ceramic coatings.

Bucket setup

1. Wash bucket: 8L warm water + 1 capful of Nanolicious (~25ml / 1 Pumpy Pump).
2. Rinse bucket: plain water only, for rinsing grit from the mitt.

Wash sequence

1. Always top to bottom — roof, screen, bonnet, doors, then sills and bumpers.
2. Load the mitt from the wash bucket.
3. Use straight front-to-back strokes — never circular.
4. After each panel, rinse the mitt in the rinse bucket before reloading.
5. Rinse each panel with water before the suds dry.
6. Final rinse: free-flow water (no nozzle) to sheet off, minimising water spots.

Big Green Sucker + Boss Gloss

Drying is where most wash-inflicted scratches actually occur. Boss Gloss acts as a drying aid — its hygroscopic formula attracts water into the towel fibres while adding lubrication.

Technique

1. Mist 2 to 3 sprays of Boss Gloss onto the damp drying towel before starting.
2. Lay the towel flat onto the panel and drag gently in one direction. Never scrub back and forth.
3. Use a separate dedicated microfibre for glass to avoid product transfer.
4. Wring the towel when heavy with water, re-mist Boss Gloss, continue.
5. Absorb pooled water from door jambs, mirror housings, fuel cap, antenna base.
6. Finish door jambs with a separate dirtier cloth.

Naked Glass + Inta-Mitt

Ammonia-free, streak-free glass cleaner safe for tinted glass and screen coatings. The Inta-Mitt's dual-sided design makes streaking significantly less likely — green twist-pile side cleans, purple low-pile buffs.

Exterior glass

1. Spray Naked Glass onto the green twist-pile side — never directly on glass in sun.
2. Wipe in overlapping horizontal strokes.
3. Flip to the purple low-pile side and buff vertically. Cross-direction reveals streaks.
4. Check from multiple angles in raking light.

Interior windscreen

1. Tilt the Inta-Mitt flat — the profile is designed for lower dashboard corners.
2. Work from passenger side to driver side in sections.
3. A second dry cloth pass removes haze from plastic outgassing.

Wet Dreams

Spray-on, rinse-off hydrophobic paint sealant that deposits a ceramic-style water-beading layer. Applied to a wet car during the rinse phase — no buffing required.

Technique

1. After the final rinse, while the car is fully wet, spray Wet Dreams over all painted panels, glass, and trim from approximately 30cm.
2. Dwell 20 to 30 seconds — it sheets across the water film.
3. Rinse off with low-pressure water. The sealant bonds as water carries the carrier away.
4. Proceed to drying as normal.
5. Reapply every wash. Consistent use builds more durable hydrophobic protection.

Happy Ending · drying aid + gloss

Foam-based post-wash drying aid and gloss enhancer. Applied to the wet car after Wet Dreams and before drying, it adds slickness for safer drying, boosts gloss, softens water spots, and provides a light hydrophobic top-up. Designed to layer with Wet Dreams — Wet Dreams handles the durable bonded protection, Happy Ending sits on top for an easier dry and a more impressive finish.

Technique

1. Complete the wash through Snow Job, Nanolicious, and final rinse.
2. Apply Wet Dreams to the wet car and rinse off gently as normal.
3. While the car is still fully wet, fill the foam cannon with Happy Ending at recommended dilution.
4. Apply foam over all painted panels and trim — bottom to top, like Snow Job.
5. Dwell 30 seconds. The foam clings and slowly sheets.
6. Rinse off with low-pressure water. Aggressive rinse strips product before it bonds.
7. Proceed straight to drying with the Big Green Sucker — paint will be noticeably slicker.

Boss Gloss

Slick, fast-acting detailing spray for use between washes to remove light dust, fingerprints, and water spots. Also functions as a drying aid, gloss enhancer, and clay bar lubricant.

Between-wash quick detail

1. Blow or brush off heavy dust before touching the paint with any cloth.
2. Mist 2 sprays onto a clean Big Softie — never directly onto paint in windy conditions.
3. Wipe with the plush side, flip and buff with the low-pile side.
4. Use one clean section per panel — never carry dust across panels.

As drying aid

1. Mist 2 to 3 sprays onto the damp drying towel before starting.
2. Drag across wet panels — the hygroscopic formula pulls water into the fibres.

Fabra Cadabra

Solvent-free, water-based cleaner formulated for Ultrasuede, Alcantara, and microsuede. The ZR's seat centre inserts and bolsters are Ultrasuede — standard fabric cleaners, alcohol, and steam will permanently damage the material.

Routine cleaning

1. Vacuum first with upholstery attachment. Rubbing grit into Ultrasuede permanently abrades fibres.
2. Mist Fabra Cadabra lightly onto the Plush Brush, not directly onto the seat.
3. Work in small sections with gentle circular motions, finish with straight strokes to align pile.
4. Blot (don't rub) with dry Plush Daddy to lift moisture and dissolved grime.
5. Allow to dry fully — 15 to 20 minutes with windows down on a warm day.
6. Use Plush Brush lightly in one direction to restore nap once dry.

Leather Love V2

pH-neutral, water-based leather cleaner formulated for modern PU-coated automotive leather — which is what the ZR uses. Leaves a matte, non-greasy finish that doesn't make seats slippery.

Technique

1. Vacuum first to remove grit from perforations and seams.
2. Apply 20-cent-sized amount to Square Bear per section.
3. Work in 30 × 30cm sections with gentle circular motions to lift grime from pores.
4. For perforated leather, use a soft detailing brush — residue in holes dries white.
5. Work stitching with the same brush — seams accumulate grime that flat cloths miss.
6. Wipe off with low-pile side of Plush Daddy in straight strokes. Buff with plush side.
7. Apply Leather Guard while leather is still slightly damp for best bonding.

Fabratection

Water-based fabric protector for Ultrasuede, Alcantara, microsuede, and absorbent fabric surfaces including carpet floor mats and headlining. Most commercial fabric protectors are solvent-based and will permanently damage delicate materials. Fabratection deposits an invisible spill-repelling barrier without affecting texture.

First application — Ultrasuede seats

1. Clean thoroughly with Fabra Cadabra and allow to dry fully. This is not optional.
2. Shake the bottle well.
3. Mist evenly at 20 to 25cm. Two light coats better than one heavy.
4. Work product into pile with Plush Brush, restore nap direction.
5. Dry fully — 20 to 30 minutes in warm conditions.
6. Apply second coat once first is dry.
7. Allow 4 hours before normal use.

Application — carpet floor mats

1. Remove mats from the car and take them to a well-ventilated area.
2. Vacuum thoroughly with a brush attachment in multiple directions to lift fibres and reach trapped grit.
3. Spot-clean any existing stains with Fabra Cadabra first — protector seals stains in if applied over them.
4. Allow mats to dry completely. Damp carpet causes patchy bonding.
5. Apply Fabratection in light, even passes at 25 to 30cm. Don't saturate.
6. Use the Plush Brush to work product into the carpet pile in the direction of the nap.
7. Allow at least 30 minutes drying in warm conditions.
8. Apply a second coat — the driver's mat especially benefits from this.
9. Cure 4 hours before walking on or reinstalling.

303 Aerospace Protectant · interior + rubber mats

Originally formulated for aircraft and marine applications, 303 provides UV-A and UV-B protection equivalent to SPF 40 sunscreen. Water-based, no silicone, dries to a natural matte finish that looks like clean factory plastic — not greasy or shiny. The right product for interior plastic surfaces and rubber/all-weather floor mats. Not a Bowden's Own product but the gold standard for this category in Australia.

Application — interior plastics

1. Vacuum first with a brush attachment across all plastic surfaces. Pay attention to vent slats and button recesses.
2. Use the Plush Brush or a small detailing brush to lift dust from textured areas — vent grilles, climate controls, gear shift surround.
3. Wipe with a damp Plush Daddy for routine cleaning. For sticky residue, a small amount of mild APC or diluted Leather Love V2 on the cloth.
4. Dry buff with a clean section of cloth or a separate dry microfibre.
5. Mist 4 to 5 sprays of 303 onto a clean Plush Daddy — never directly onto the dashboard. Overspray gets onto glass, electronics, and Ultrasuede.
6. Wipe in straight strokes across each panel. Buff lightly to remove any excess.
7. Reapply every 4 to 8 weeks for ongoing UV protection.

Application — rubber/all-weather floor mats

1. Remove mats from the car and hose down to remove loose debris.
2. Wash with diluted Nanolicious and a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Allow to dry completely in shade — direct sun while wet creates water spots.
4. Mist onto a clean microfibre cloth, not directly on the mat.
5. Wipe over the entire surface in even strokes, including the underside for maximum protection.
6. Buff lightly with a clean dry microfibre to remove any excess.
7. Allow 1 hour to fully cure before reinstalling.
8. Reapply every 4 to 6 weeks during summer, every 2 to 3 months during cooler months.

Piano black trim

303 also works on piano black trim using a single-direction wipe technique. Critical: always blow or brush dust off piano black before any cloth contact — silica dust scratches piano black if wiped before being lifted off. Use a dedicated piano black microfibre, never one that has touched any other product.

Leather Guard

Clear, water-based leather protector that seals the pores of PU-coated leather against UV fading, dye transfer from dark clothing, and everyday wear. Dries to a non-greasy, non-slippery finish.

Technique

1. Clean leather with Leather Love V2 first. Apply while slightly damp.
2. Apply thin, even layer to Square Bear.
3. Work in overlapping straight strokes — don't go over wet areas repeatedly (streaks).
4. Focus on bolsters and seat base where contact wear is highest.
5. Apply to steering wheel rim in sections.
6. Cure for 1 hour before use.
7. Second coat after first has cured for best protection.

Microfibre Wash

Specialist detergent that removes product residue without coating fibres. Your cloths are an investment — the Big Green Sucker, Inta-Mitt, Plush Daddy, and Big Softie all use premium split or twist-pile microfibre that degrades quickly if washed incorrectly.

What destroys microfibre

• Fabric softener — permanently destroys absorbency
• Bleach — degrades polyester/polyamide structure
• Hot dryer cycles — melts fine fibres
• Washing with cotton — lint transfers permanently
• Leaving dirty cloths to dry — residue hardens in fibres

Washing correctly

1. Wash after every use, while still damp.
2. Separate from all other laundry. Twist pile (Big Green Sucker) only with other twist pile.
3. Microfibre Wash at recommended dilution. No fabric softener, ever.
4. Warm cycle at 40°C max — never hot.
5. Tumble dry on low to medium. Hot air shortens fibre life.
6. If air drying, run hands over pile to keep it standing — flat-dried twist pile loses loft permanently.

Bead Machine + Flash Prep

Bead Machine is the most protective product in the Bowden's Own range — a synthetic sealant that bonds to clear coat for 3 to 6 months of base-layer protection. Wet Dreams and Happy Ending then maintain and refresh that base at every wash. Flash Prep is the required preparation step that strips waxes, sealants, and oils so Bead Machine can bond properly. Together they replace the need for an annual professional ceramic coating service.

When to apply

• First application: ideally within 6 months of new car purchase, while clear coat is at its best
• Reapply every 3 to 6 months — water beading behaviour tells you when it's fading
• Apply after a full wash and decontamination, on a dry car
• Indoors or out of direct sun. Cooler conditions are better.
• Allow 4 hours cure time before any water exposure — plan for an overnight cure if possible

Equipment needed

• Flash Prep 500ml
• Bead Machine 500ml
• Two Big Softie cloths — one for application, one for buffing
• Optional: clay bar with Boss Gloss as lubricant for full decontamination
• Optional: Paint Cleanse and Restore for deeper preparation on older paint

Step-by-step — first application

1. Wash the car thoroughly with the full routine — Snow Job, Nanolicious, final rinse, dry. Do not apply Wet Dreams or Happy Ending in this wash — they would interfere with bonding.
2. Optional but recommended on a brand new car: clay bar each panel using Boss Gloss as lubricant to remove any embedded contaminants the wash didn't capture.
3. Spray Flash Prep onto a clean Big Softie and wipe each panel in straight strokes. Flip the cloth and buff dry. This strips any residual oils or waxes and leaves bare clear coat ready for bonding.
4. Spray 2 to 3 mists of Bead Machine directly onto the second clean Big Softie — never directly onto the panel.
5. Apply to one panel at a time in straight overlapping strokes, working in a section roughly half a panel at a time.
6. Within 30 to 60 seconds, buff off the residue with a third clean dry cloth or a clean section of the application cloth. Use a light touch — the product wipes off easily when fresh.
7. Move to the next panel and repeat. Do not let the product sit on the panel longer than 60 seconds before buffing or it becomes difficult to remove.
8. Allow 4 hours cure time before exposing the car to water. Overnight is ideal.
9. Optional: apply a second coat after the first has cured for at least 4 hours, for maximum durability.

Maintenance after Bead Machine

1. Continue using your standard wash routine — Snow Job, Nanolicious, Wet Dreams, Happy Ending.
2. Wet Dreams and Happy Ending now refresh the Bead Machine layer rather than provide standalone protection.
3. The base layer means you can use slightly less Wet Dreams and Happy Ending per wash — the protection underneath is doing the heavy lifting.
4. Watch the water beading behaviour over months. When beads start sheeting flatter and water no longer rolls off easily, time to reapply.

Surface compatibility matrix

Quick check before reaching for a bottle. When in doubt — don't.