Washing a car may appear like a chore; however, for some, it’s an enjoyable process and an opportunity to express the need for compulsiveness. The most difficult part of cleaning your vehicle, whether you’re a fan or it, is doing it and getting up.
These helpful suggestions for washing your vehicle at home are the most efficient way to ensure your car’s paint is safe, clean, and not scuffed or scratched when it’s being cleaned.
It is much better to run your vehicle through an automated touch-car wash, as the dirt that accumulates on the cleaning brushes (often not cloth but rather plastic) from the last row of cars will scratch, swirl, smudge, and ruin the paint.
learn more useful tips for washing a car at home
7 useful tips for washing a car at home
Tip 1: Cleaning tools needed
It’s crucial to determine how well your vehicle is in good condition before you clean it. This will assist you in choosing the kind of cleaning materials you’ll need to wash your car.
Ideally, cleaning supplies should contain:
- A hose that has an adjustable nozzle
- A soft sponge or car wash mitt
- Car wash liquid
- Several microfiber cloths
- A single (or two) large towels made of microfiber to dry.
- Three buckets, one for clean water and one for dirty water, and the third filled with water and cleaning solutions specially designed for your wheels.
- There are other things you may require:
- A vacuum cleaner designed for the interior
- Rubber gloves
- Wheel cleaner
- Paper towels
- Window cleaner
Before you apply any product to your vehicle, read the label of the product you are planning to apply. Some car cleaners are designed for all-purpose use and could harm the paint, coat, or other surfaces.
An older vehicle may require cleaning with waxes, clays, and polishes to protect the paint, while a modern car may have an intact, clear coat.
Car cleaning products are created to prevent dislodged dirt or grime from damaging your car’s paint. In addition, they are gentle enough that they do not strip away the existing coat of paint.
Tip 2: Where to wash your car
While it could be tempting to wash your car on an incredibly sunny, warm day, this is a common error.
It’s generally accepted among professionals who detail your cars that you should never clean your vehicle in the direct light of the sun. Soap, water, and other cleaning products can dry quickly in sunlight which can cause swirl marks and spots on your car’s paint and windows.
Instead, attempt to clean your vehicle on an overcast day on an excellent, dry surface using the help of a spray bottle. You might also want to park your car in a level less place, so there is ample space to open the doors.
Tip 3: Cleaning the wheels
First, you must begin by cleaning the filthiest part of your vehicle, the wheels.
Clean your tires differently, using new buckets of water to prevent the grime and dirt from spreading on the vehicle’s paintwork.
Consider investing in a tire cleaning brush, a microfiber cloth, an additional sponge, and a tire-specific cleaning solution before cleaning your wheels.
Non-corrosive, water-based wheel cleaners are suggested for all types of automobile wheels. They’re the safest option for products for cleaning tires.
Then, you can coat your wheels with the cleaning solution. The solution should rest for a few hours, and then clean the dirt off your tires with a brush.
Make sure to wash your wheels with clean, cold water to remove all cleaning products from the wheels. After cleaning the wheels, dry them with a clean microfiber towel.
Tip 4: Wash the headlights
It is important to remember to wash your headlights as well. Headlights damaged by sun and dirt may begin to fade with time, making them less efficient when driving and altering the appearance of an otherwise well-maintained vehicle.
To clean your headlights, you can clean them with a solution for cleaning and wipe them clean using an aqueous cloth after you’ve done. Apply a protective coating to make sure your headlights are restored after washing.
Tip 5: Cleaning the exterior
The body of your car can aid in removing any dirt, dust, or mud. This can help avoid any more scratches to your vehicle’s paint too.
Clean every vehicle part (moving from the top to the bottom) to clean larger dirt particles. Make sure to use soapy water from your clean bucket to clean the body of your car!
If you want to wash off soapy water, it is recommended that you use a hose that does not have a nozzle. With low pressure, this hose can allow water to flow easily across the entire top of the car to the bottom (this is known as the sheeting technique).
Dry off your vehicle with a great microfiber cloth or chamois before going on to the next step. Remember that your car needs to be dry before applying any protective coating or waxes.
Tips 6: Clean the glass and windows
Cleaning the windows and glass inside your car will not only give your car an attractive exterior but will also allow you to drive in peace without having to look into the window.
Knowing that various methods must clean normal and tinted glass is vital. It’s best to use window cleaners specifically designed for car windows instead of items like Windex that can be rough on the exterior of a car’s window surface.
If you’re cleaning your windows, it is best to spray the cleaner directly on the surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth to prevent the spray from dripping. Then repeat the procedure on the inside of your vehicle too.
It is best not to park in the sun while you clean your windows and windshields to ensure that the cleaner won’t evaporate, leaving an unpleasant smudge or residue.
Tip 7: Cleaning the interior
We’ve all experienced how difficult it can be to keep the interior of a vehicle clean when you have kids or pets; maintaining the interior of your car can get overlooked.
Here are some tips you can take to wash the interior of your car:
- Remove trash from the car (this covers the floors under the mats and under the seat cushions).
- Remove your floor mats from the vehicle and shake them to remove dust or dirt. They can be scrubbed with hot water and soap. Then let them air dry completely before installing them.
- Vacuum the back and front seats as well as the floor, beneath the pedals, and under the side door panels.
Cleanse off dust, dirt, and grime with microfiber cloths or wipes. Spray a tiny amount of car-specific cleaner on the steering wheel, console, and between the car seat.
Clean your cup holders with clean wipes or a cotton sponge dipped into a cleaning solution.
Clean up stains on carpets and seats with a specialized cleaning solution. Then wipe them clean using a wet cloth.
It is possible to make use of a paint stirrer wrapped around the edges by a microfiber cloth to access those areas that are difficult to reach between the seats and around the console.
If you’re a dog owner, I’m sure you’re always searching for simple ways to remove pet hair from your car. If vacuuming does not get rid of all hair from your pet, then you can use lint rollers, Velcro rollers, or wire brushes are the best option!
Once your car has been cleaned and washed, the following step is to apply polish and protect it.
The future steps might comprise:
- The preparation of the surface
- Repair scratches
- Polishing for added gloss
- Wax to safeguard
