A clean, shiny car not only looks good but helps to protect your investment. There's a certain satisfaction in hand washing your vehicle, but you must be careful to do it correctly. These tips will give you a clean car, free from damage that often comes from hand washing.
1. Choose a shady and cool spot
A common problem that plagues car owners is the formation of water spots after washing. These spots can make the car look dirty and detract from the sheen that a fresh wash and wax gives it. They can be minimized by washing the car in a cool, shady spot. This will result in slower drying and less chance of spots forming.
2. Use the right cleaning solution
Using a hard soap or other cleaners can strip the wax and protective coatings from your car. To avoid this, make sure that you're always using a soap that was designed for cleaning automobiles. Dish detergent is a common replacement. But that is a strong soap that's designed to cut grease and grime, which will also damage the delicate finish of your car.
3. Gather all the necessary materials
Have everything ready before you start cleaning the car. In addition to the soap and water, you'll want to have a good microfiber mitt, washcloth, or sponge. Regular washcloths and sponges, like those you'd use on your body or on dishes, are too abrasive. Additionally, they can trap dirt and debris that would increase the abrasion.
4. Pre-rinse the car
To further minimize the chances of dirt and debris scratching your finish as you wash the car, pre-rinse the vehicle before you ever touch your microfiber cloth to it. This will remove any loose debris from the surface of the car. This has the added benefit of giving you a cleaner surface to start with and reducing the time needed to clean the car.
5. Work in sections
Divide the car into logical sections and work on them one at a time. Cleaning the hood, doors, fender, etc. separately forces you to rinse the area more quickly and reduces the chance of soap drying on the car's surface and producing streaks or spots. Cleaning the car in this way also better ensures that you don't miss any areas by accident.
6. Rinse the wash mitt frequently
Although they are less susceptible to it, even microfiber cloths can care some dirt and debris on them. By rinsing them frequently during the washing process, you'll remove this debris and prevent it from scratching the surface. Washing the car in sections has the added benefit of making this task easier to remember.
7. Use the two-bucket method
People often use only one bucket when cleaning the car. This means that they're rinsing their cloth in the same soapy water they're cleaning the car with. By having separate soap and rinse buckets, you can more thoroughly rinse soap and debris from your cloth and also ensure that your soapy water is cleaning the car and not adding dirt back on.
8. Rinse and dry the car
Rinsing the car after washing will remove any remaining loose debris. It's also important for removing the soap from the car. When soap dries, it can leave a residue or produce streaks and spots. Start rinsing from the top of the car and work your way toward the bottom. Remember to rinse each section as you complete it.
9. Apply wax or sealant
Many people neglect the final step of washing a car: adding wax or sealant. Remembering this step will extend the life of your paint and provide a shiny finish that highlights the cleaning work you've done.
Cleaning your car is a rewarding and fun DIY project. However, not every car project can be completed at home. If your car needs service that requires professional attention, bring it to the service center of Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton. To learn more about the services we offer, contact us today.
