It’s so satisfying to wash a car. There’s also a choose-your-own-adventure aspect, with plenty of options for folks who have 10 minutes and want instant gratification to those who want to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon basking in cleansing therapy. What you’ll need, how to wash, and how to maintain the shine will be covered.
You can adapt it to include other tools and products, such as a pressure washer or a foam cannon, for a low-touch or touch-free clean. You may also choose to use a rinseless cleaning product if a hose is not available (or you wish to conserve water).
Select the Right Products
You may be tempted to pour some dish soap in a bucket, and then suds your car. Please do not. It’s better to use soaps that have been specially formulated for paint. They can cause more damage than good by removing protection, like wax, and dulling the finish. You want more of a shampoo, not a soap. (But don’t rush to the shower and grab that bottle of Prell). You can get a quality car wash concentrate for around $10 per half-gallon, which will last you for at least 50 washes.
Two Buckets Are Needed for the Method Below
The five-gallon ones with your local home center’s logo look great and cost only $5. Installing a gritguard or dirt trap in one bucket will prevent your washing tools from accumulating crud at the bottom. These cost between $5 and $15.
Find a Fluffy Wash Mitt
These microfiber or woolen mitts trap contaminants better than sponges and won’t cause swirls or scratches in the paint. The price range for a decent one is between $5 and $15.
Microfiber can also be used for drying. You can also opt for large towels that are designed to dry. They’re thicker or textured and will absorb more moisture than standard microfiber. You can get a decent towel for around $10, but if you’re looking for something more luxurious, the price may go up to $50. It is important to have a drying towel.
You’ve got the essentials. Consider using microfibers for cleaning the finer details, wheels and tires brushes, or wax application tools.
Preparation Before the Wash
Make sure that your car is out of direct sunlight and cool to the touch before you turn on the water.
It’s now time to add water. Fill both buckets with water after adding soap and a dirt guard. After you have all the tools in place, wash your vehicle from top to bottom.
Hand Wash Your Car
Grab your wash mitt and dunk it into the soapy bucket. Then, it suds up small sections of the body one at a time. Work from the top down, gravity is your friend. You’ll avoid scratching paint by working last. Rinse the mitt with the bucket of clean water before you start soaping again. Continue washing the car until it’s clean. Rewetting the surface as necessary with the hose will ensure that you are working on a moist surface.
You guessed it, rinse the car from top to bottom.
Dry Your Vehicle After Cleaning
Start on the roof, and work your way down. Drag the towel across the paint slowly, like a matador. If your towel gets too wet, you can wring it and keep going. If you wish, you can spray your towel with a detailing solution to make it glide.
This post was written by a professional at Cargenixs Detail Center. https://cargenixsdetailing.com/ specializes in auto detailing services, paint correction, ceramic coating, window tinting, paint protection film, and vinyl wrapping. Serving our customers since 2015 in Los Gatos and San Jose, we are now expanding into Santa Clara, CA. Our expert team focuses on delivering top-notch services including vinyl car wraps near you, car wash by hand near you, and ceramic car coatings near you. We take pride in using the highest quality products and techniques to ensure your vehicle looks its best. For meticulous care and exceptional results, trust Cargenixs Detail Center for all your car detailing needs in San Jose, CA, and Santa Clara, CA.
