Choosing when and where to wash your car is the first thing you’ll need to do when starting out. Typically you want to avoid direct sunlight, as the water can dry quickly and cause streaking. It’s best to wash your car on a calm day, with relatively no wind as it can put dust in the air.
Start by mixing the soap according to the directions. We recommend having 2 buckets, one for cleaning solution and the other for clean water. Start by thoroughly rinsing the cars surface off. This will remove the loose dirt and grime, which can cause damage to the paint if it’s rubbed in later.
Starting with the roof, apply the soapy water with a soft wash mitt or a sponge. Rinse it well and make sure not to miss any spots. Move on to the hood or trunk followed by the sides, fenders and tires. It is important to wash car in sections from top to bottom. The bottom part of your car is typically exposed to more grime and dirt so you want to avoid rubbing this into the rest of your paint.
When you are finished cleaning the car’s exterior with soap and water, rinse it well for a final time and dry it with a soft chamois or terry cloth towels. Microfiber clothes also work well for picking up excess water. Water can hide easily in trunk lids, headlights, taillights, and doors. Go over each section crevice with a towel to make sure you don’t get spots later on when driving.
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The windows can be washed with plain water, window cleaner or an ammonia/water mixture. After you finish washing all the windows, using newspaper to buff them will remove any streaks or smudges that may be left. It sounds weird, but it really works on glass. The chrome and trim can be a pain; because soap and water may not be enough to really make it shine. Chrome Polish can be used to really make it pop. Just make sure to follow the specific directions on the label.
And that’s it! Once you’re done washing your car we typically recommend waxing as well. Waxing your car can help protect the paint and keep your ride looking clean, while being relatively easy to apply yourself.
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