Everyone loves the look of a freshly washed car. While some people see washing their car as a tedious chore, other people may view it as a therapeutic exercise. Whether you hate it or love it, the hardest part about washing your car is getting up and doing it correctly. As simple as washing your car may seem, there are some things to watch out for so that you don’t accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Here are some tips on how to wash your car safely.
Tools
Before you start washing your car, gather up all the tools you’ll need to get the job done. It’s recommended that you use these tools to wash your car:
- Water hose
- Spray nozzle
- Two buckets
- Two dirt traps
- Microfiber towels
- Microfiber car wash mitt
- Two drying towels
- A wheel brush
Products
When washing your car, never use household cleaning products like hand soap, dishwashing soap, or detergent. These products are not formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip off the protective wax. Instead, use dedicated car wash products. These products are milder and specifically designed to be used on automotive paint. You may also want to consider using a general automotive degreaser and a wheel cleaner.
General Guidelines
Don’t Wash Your Car When the Body is Hot
Washing your car when the body is hot will speed up the drying of soap and water. As a result, it can make washing more difficult and increase the likelihood of spots or deposits forming on the surface. So, try washing your car after it’s had time to cool down after driving, and wash it in the shade.
Don’t Move the Sponge in Circles
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t move your sponge in a circular motion when washing your car. Doing so can lead to the creation of light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other parts of the car.
Rinse All Surfaces Thoroughly With Water
Before you begin washing your car, it’s recommended that you rinse it first. This will remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you start cleaning your car, concentrate on one area at a time and thoroughly rinse it before moving on to the next section.
Work the Cleaning Solution Into a Lather
Lathering the water solution ensures that there is plenty of lubrication on the paint surface. The more lubrication there is, the less likely it is for scratches to form.
Want to Have it Professionally Washed?
If you want to have your car professionally washed, look no further than Best Care Mobile Detail. Whenever you want your car washed, we’ll come to you! We provide car detailing services such as exterior washing, rim/tire cleaning, tire shine, deep cleaning, and more! Click here to schedule an appointment.
