How to wash your car and get it looking like new again

When it comes time to wash your vehicle there is a love/hate relation. It’s either you love your car for a passion and it’s your passion and your pride and joy, or you dread the thought of having to clean the floor mat, and think it will rot wherever it is. Here are some suggestions for those who love to maintain your vehicle’s exterior with the ease of a professional.

Are there any general guidelines I can follow?

Yes. If you’re in the realm of awe-struck and cleaning your car is like chicken soup to your heart then you’re aware of certain things to consider. Cleaning your car is fun and easy, and frequent washing helps a brand new paint job retain its luster. However, as easy cleaning your car seem, there are things to be aware of to ensure that you don’t scratch or damage the paint. Here are some of the most basic car washing techniques.

1. Shade can be your best friend. Your vehicle’s surface must be cool. If your car is heated the soap suds will dry too fast, causing staining to the car’s surface and needing another wash. Washing your car is fun to the point of having it done once on your day off.
2. Pre-soak. Pre-soak your car to get rid of dirt, bugs and other heavy pollutants like water bottles, rocks McDonald’s wrappers, and bunny remains.
3. Douse mild liquid is the best car wash soap and a soft car wash glove or any other type of towel specifically designed to protect the shine of your paint. Make sure to replenish your water frequently.
4. Patience young Jedi. We usually just wash the entire vehicle and go to work. Negative ghost riders is to wash a small portion at a time and then wash it off. It is best to start by cleaning the roof of the vehicle, and then move towards the hood as well as the rear. It is logical to do this top-down, to avoid creating additional work for yourself.Next you should cleanse the upper quarter panel and then work your way down towards the lower parts including the rocker panel. Lower areas of your vehicle is always stuffed with additional “stuff” on it and the longer time you soak your sponge as you progress down will assist in eliminating the sludge. The top-to-bottom sequence is essential because there is a risk of tiny pieces of debris stick to the sponge or mitt which can damage your car.
5. Take your hands off of the hose! This is the most difficult advice because it’s a diligence obligation. Everyone wants to place the mitt or the cloth back into our water and wash it in order to soak up the soapy water. T his is bad! Make sure to rinse off your sponge or mitt prior to placing it back into the bucket to wash it to clean. Start with clean water , and finish with fresh water. The act of dipping your dirty mitt in the bucket is a great way to help to apply the grime on your car. If you’ve ever wondered why your car is streaking even when you’re washing it, this is the solution.
6. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Clean your car thoroughly and completely. If you are happy and feel that you’ve finished rinsing, proceed and rinse it a second time.
7. Tires, rims. Your car washing drawer should include a couple of different gloves and cloths inside it. We strongly suggest using a different one to wash your wheels and tires of your vehicle, and a different one for the body. A separate mitt specifically for the wheels can reduce the likelihood that you’ll scratch your car’s paint by rubbing it with brake dust or dirt you get off the wheels. It’s surprising that many people are using similar water, and mitts to wash and rinse everything. You could go straight towards the car body repair shop after you’re finished.
8. Wheels. Ah, your joy and pride. Be careful when cleaning your wheels, particularly when you’re using a aerosol wheel cleaner. Wheels can get extremely hot when the vehicle was just driven on or is sitting in the sunlight. If you spray cleaning chemicals onto metallic surfaces, substances evaporate and you’ll eventually breathe the fumes. It’s obvious that this is not a good idea for your health and, depending on the temperature and chemical, it could result in damage to items like Chrome and specific coatings.
9. DO NOT purchase the expensive automotive cleaners. Instead, choose an easy, liquid soap that has been dilute. This will do everything you needto do, like cleaning grease, dirt and film without harming plastics or other substances. There are many people who use household soaps , however you must be cautious not to use the harshest detergent. Use mild soaps and, if you can, find one that is safe for vehicles. The biggest benefit is that it’ll cost less than the popular auto detailing products.
10. The process of drying. Dry your vehicle quickly to avoid water spots. Chamois is very effective and will allow you to move swiftly through a car with sun’s rays on it.

What happens next after I wash my vehicle?

It is recommended to follow the wash procedure by applying wax and cleaning your windows inside and outside. Applying wax to your vehicle is similar to applying sunscreen on your skin. It provides protection against UV Rays to stop the paint from fading, and any other particles that might get on the paint.

You’ll be able to keep your high-gloss finish for a longer period of time. It is available in either a carnauba or a polymer form. Both kinds of wax function exactly the same way, but polymer wax doesn’t get hazy as it dries, and is usually removed quickly after application. The choice between the carnauba wax or the polymer is comparable to making the choice between regular or synthetic engine oil. Polymer wax is higher in cost, but is much simpler to apply and is more effective.

Glass guidelines, they are fairly easy. Beware of the things you’re destined to do, which is to take out Windex or other household glass cleaners. They could contain ammonia that could damage your car’s window tint. Choose your best car window cleaner to get the best results, and then clean the window twice to ensure that the dirt is completely removed. In the event of a crisis you could make use of a white vinegar diluted solution, as it’s an organic, low-cost cleanser for your home which should not leave any streaks.

Final thoughts and suggestions…

Don’t… move your sponge or mitt in circles. This could result in light noticeable scratches known as swirl marks. Instead, drag the sponge in a long way across the body’s hood and other panels. If your sponge falls clean it well. Do not reapply a sponge after it has fallen to the ground or been soaked in the polluted water. It is a good idea to clean out your bucket.

Keep your car shining. If you’re about to be unable to sleep because of the thought getting your freshly waxed car out to complete an errand, or (God forbid!) take it to work then you’ll need to have some items in your garage to keep up the shine. There are many sprays that are designed to eliminate everyday dirt and keep your wax at its best. Put this and a microfiber cloth into the trunk, and you’re ready.