When it comes to car washing there are proper steps to ensure a properly washed car. In this article you will learn the best techniques, step by step. Some of you may not care as much about paint swirls etc. However, if you enjoy a good wash, bought a new car, or just don’t want your car scratched and prefer that the paint pop as much as possible, follow these ten rules.
1. Thou shalt use PH balanced car wash shampoo
Many of us are tempted to use dish soaps and detergents or laundry detergent. That is an absolute No No! Car wash shampoo is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the harm improper detergents can cause to the paintwork of your vehicle. Some trusted brands are Chemical Guys, Adam’s Car Wash and CarPro. As long as it’s PH neutral you are headed in the right direction.
2. Thou shalt use the three-bucket method (two buckets are acceptable)
One of the most important aspects of washing your vehicle is to take care of the paint. The three-bucket system tries to ensure that the dirt and grime you are removing from your car doesn’t reappear and scratch the paint. The way it works is you have one bucket dedicated to the wheels, a second bucket dedicated to rinsing your wash mitt, and the third bucket filled with the car shampoo. As a result, you don’t cross contaminate the buckets.The two-bucket system employs the same concept. Of importance is to have grit guards at the bottom of each bucket.
A grit guard is a raised radial surface that is inserted into the bottom of your bucket. It extracts grit (dirt or other tiny particles) from your wash mitt or sponge when the mitt is dragged across the grit guard, thusly resulting in less marring to the paint. Every few wipes of the car you want to rinse the wash mitt against the grit guard in the “rinse bucket” and then dip it into the second bucket for the soap. For a video on this method see below:
3. Use proper eye and hand protection
I think it’s always a good idea to have protection for your eyes and hands. If not for any other reason than avoiding smudges and fingerprints from touching the car accidentally. Also, this helps preventing spray and dirt from splashing into your eyes, or just to avoid the stinging sensation of soap in your eye.
4. Thou shalt wash the wheels first
Practice makes perfect. Throughout the hundreds of times I have washed a car I have found it easier and safer to wash the wheels first. When spraying the rims or tires dirt splashes and can get on the car. Its better to wash that potential dirt once after the wheels are already clean, rather than going back to correct the work you’ve already done.
5. Thou shalt use dedicated equipment for the tires and wheels only
This commandment may seem inconsequential but it is probably one of the most important factors in a swirl free, marring free spotless wash. You cannot use the same cloth that you removed all the dirt and debris off the car’s wheels, you will absolutely cause scratches. You can use household items like brushes, sponges, etc. if you do not want to purchase dedicated wheel equipment. Also, you can get away with using car shampoo until you are ready to purchase a dedicated wheel cleaner. However, make sure the bristles don’t scratch your wheels or rims.
6. Thou shalt pre-rinse the car
After the wheels have been cleaned you should give the car a quick rinse with the hose or pressure washer. The idea behind this step is to remove any lose dirt and debris that is on the vehicle. Also, it is a good idea to employ a pre-wash or snow foam, but this step is not necessary. It adds a layer of lubrication to hopefully easily glide your wash mitt along the surface of the paint to aid in gently washing the vehicle.
7. Thou shalt use a proper microfiber cloth or other industry standard wash mitt
Proper equipment, again, is essential to having a quality wash. Microfiber collects and traps dirt while gently washing the car. Some companies have sponges that do the same thing as a good microfiber wash mitt, or another industry wash mitt. You can be as creative as you like but make sure it’s not a regular household sponge that you use to wash your dishes.
8. Thou shalt not scrub
Scrubbing leads to damaging the paint. You have made it this far taking care to properly bathe your car; don’t ruin a beautiful wash with aggressive scrubbing. Your wash mitt should glide across the paint with the help of your car wash shampoo. For stubborn grime like bugs and bird droppings you can spray a pre-wash or all purpose wash. Some products that are trusted are Purple Power, Green Works, Super Clean, and Citrol. Please remember to dilute to its proper ratio!
9. Thou shalt not wash in the sun
Ideally speaking everyone should wash underneath a covering or maybe in his or her garage. However, many of us do not have a garage and are washing our cars in the streets, driveway, or at best at a wash bay. The reason we don’t want to wash in the sun is because it will dry the car and cause water spots. Water spots are very damaging to the paint finish and very hard to remove. Again, this is why we use a PH neutral car shampoo just in case you don’t rinse the soap soon enough, it cuts down (or prevents as advertised) on potential water spotting.
10. Thou shalt not use a laundry towel to dry
You are finished washing and you are almost complete. Use a dedicated microfiber towel to dry-off the car, because if you haven’t realized it yet, we are trying to avoid surface scuffs and marring to the paint on your vehicle. A plush microfiber towel is the final way to help prevent creating those problems to the paint. And the same remains as with your washing technique – do not buff, be gentle. Applying a drying agent is helpful for this process, like a spray wax or sealant.
* Take your time!
As you have guessed by now there are a lot of opportunities to have a good and bad car wash. One thing to also remember is to use a paint protectant like a wax, sealant, or even ceramic coating. The protectants will help with the ease of washing and drying the car and saving the paint. Now get out there and enjoy the wash!
