With just a few easy-to-follow steps, you can achieve professional-grade carwash results at home. Whether using ceramic carwash soap or simple detergent, the results may be astounding.
Start with two buckets: one filled with soapy water and the other for rinsing your sponge. Work in sections at a time, rinsing frequently as you go.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Keep a set of car washing supplies handy, including sponges, mitts and washcloths. Use wheel- and rim cleaner designed specifically to avoid damaging your paint job; and always perform car washes in shaded conditions as direct sunlight can harm its finish and leave behind water spots upon drying.
Keep two buckets: one filled with soapy water and another for rinsing your sponge or wash mitt frequently to prevent dirt from being mixed into the soapy solution. Work from top down.
2. Prep Your Car
Set up your washing area in a shaded location to prevent direct sunlight from drying the water too quickly and leaving spots behind. Make use of microfiber wash mitts or sponges designed specifically for car surfaces like Rain-X Bug and Tar Remover when cleaning, to effectively collect dirt without scratching its finish. Pretreat any stubborn spots with Rain-X to speed up drying times.
Start at the top and work your way down, rinsing thoroughly using moderate water pressure before drying your car from high to low using a chamois or towel to prevent rewets that might leave unsightly streaks behind.
3. Start With the Wheels and Tires
Start by spraying Rain-X Bug and Tar Gel onto all areas that accumulate bugs and tar, such as your front bumper, hood and rocker panels. Allow it to set for 5 minutes before using a mesh sponge to scrub off excess gel.
Many people wash the paint first before moving on to washing wheels and tires. This leaves their car wet while the water evaporates off and may leave spots in its wake, making drying easier than drying dry car surfaces.
4. Start at the Top
Washing your own car is an effective way to assess its condition and detect any blemishes that require special care, while also saving money and avoiding harmful chemicals at automated car washes.
Use the appropriate washing technique for maximum brilliance that will turn heads. Start at the top and move down, using gravity to rinse away dirt and soap residue as you go. An efficient wash technique can minimize swirl marks and scratches on paintwork.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Rinse
Cars are major investments. Give it an impressive finish by thoroughly rinsing and drying it after each wash session in direct sunlight; doing otherwise could leave water spots and swirl marks.
Dish soap may cut through grease effectively, but it may also remove protective coatings applied to your vehicle. A safer option would be baby soap which offers excellent lubricity and gentle cleansing power.
Use two buckets when washing your car – one for rinsing and one for soapy water. This allows you to avoid adding new dirt back on while simultaneously minimizing scratches.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Clean Your Interior
Nobody wants to ride in an unclean vehicle, and keeping its interior tidy can only add value to it resale value. When using cleaning materials designed specifically for cars and avoiding household cleaners that may degrade materials like leather and cloth.
Wipe vinyl surfaces (such as steering wheels and door panels) with disinfecting wipes to maintain their pristine look, such as steering wheels and door panels. Also be sure to wipe down hard-to-reach areas such as cupholders. Finally, don’t forget vacuuming the floors! Maintaining clean interior spaces ensures maximum visibility when driving.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Dirty
Dirt, sand and salt that accumulates on your vehicle can gradually wear away at its paint over time, compromising its resale value and leaving an unsightly mess behind. Scheduling regular car washes is key to keeping it looking its best while protecting its value for resale purposes.
An untidy car creates extra drag, forcing your engine to work harder in order to move through the air and driving less efficiently over time. That translates to increased fuel burn and decreased efficiency over time.
Washing your own car can bring great pride of ownership, and provide you with a unique opportunity to explore its inner workings. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying than seeing an unruly vehicle transform into one with sparkling surfaces!
