How to wash your car – even if you hate it!

When it comes time to wash your vehicle it’s a love/hate affair. 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 cleaning the floor mat, and believe that it will decay wherever it is. This article will provide some helpful tips for those who love to maintain your car’s exterior in a manner that is professional.

Are there any general rules I should be following?

Yes. If you’re part of the group of car enthusiasts and washing your vehicle is like chicken soup that soothes your soul then there are some issues to consider. Cleaning your car is simple and enjoyable, and frequent washing can help a fresh paint job maintain its shine. While it’s as easy washing your car might seem, there are things to be aware of to ensure you don’t damage or scratch the appearance of the finish. Here are some of the most basic car washing guidelines.

  1. Shade will be your best friend. Your vehicle’s surface must be cool. If your car is too hot the soap suds may dry too fast, causing staining to the car’s surface, and may require another wash. The pleasure of washing your car can go beyond having it done once on your day off.
  2. Pre-soak. Make sure your vehicle is pre-soaked to eliminate dirt, bugs, and heavy pollutants like bottles of water, rocks, McDonald’s wrappers and bunny remains.
  3. Douse mild liquid, the best car wash soap and a soft car wash glove or any other type of towel that is designed to preserve your paint’s shine. It is important to renew your water on a regular basis.
  4. Patience young Jedi. We usually just wash the entire vehicle and go to work. Negative ghost riders is to wash a small section at a stretch, and then wash it off. Start by cleaning the roof of your vehicle, and then move towards the hood as well as the rear. It’s logical to work from top down to avoid creating additional work for yourself.Next you should take care to clean the upper quarter panels before moving towards the lower parts including the rocker panel. The lower part 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 important as you risk tiny pieces of debris stick to your sponge or mitt which can damage your car.
  5. Take your hands off of the hose! This is the most difficult advice since it’s a human diligence necessity. It is easy to take the cloth or mitt back into our water, and then rinse it as it soaks up more soapy water. T his is bad! Make sure to rinse off your sponge or your mitt before returning it to the bucket of wash to be re-soaped. Begin with clean water and finish with fresh water. The act of dipping your dirty mitt in the bucket will help to apply the grime back to your vehicle. If you’ve ever thought about why your car’s streaking when you wash it, this could be your solution.
  6. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Clean your car thoroughly and all over. If you’re content and believe you’re done with the rinse, head back and wash it one more time.
  7. Rims as well as tires. Your car washing drawer should contain a variety of different cloths and mitts inside. We highly recommend that you use a different glove to wash the wheels and tires of your vehicle than the body. A separate mitt for your wheels can reduce the likelihood that you’ll scratch your car’s paint from brake dust or dirt you get off the wheels. You’ll be amazed at by how many people use similar water, and mitts to wash and rinse everything. It’s a good idea to take a drive towards the car body repair shop once you’re finished.
  8. Wheels. Ah, your greatest joy and pleasure. Be careful when cleaning your wheels, especially in the case of Spray-on cleaner for your wheels. Wheels can get very hot if your car is just being driven or is sitting in the sunlight. If you spray cleaning chemicals onto metallic surfaces, substances evaporate and you’ll likely breathe the fumes. It’s obvious that this isn’t a good idea for your well-being and, depending on the temperature and chemical, it could damage items like Chrome or other specific coatings.
  9. Don’t purchase the expensive automotive cleaners. Instead, choose an easy, liquid soap that’s dilute. This will do everything you require, like cleaning grease, dirt and films without harming plastics or other substances. There are many people who use household soaps, however you must be cautious to avoid using a harsh detergent. Use mild soaps and, if possible, choose one that is safe for vehicles. The biggest advantage is that it’s going to cost less than the highly-priced auto detailing products.
  10. The process of drying. Dry your vehicle promptly to prevent the formation of water spots. Chamois is very effective and can assist you in moving quickly in a car with sun’s rays on it.

What should I do after I clean my vehicle?

It is recommended to follow the wash procedure by applying wax and washing the windows outside and inside. Applying wax on your vehicle is similar to applying sunscreen on your skin. It offers protection against UV radiations, which can cause fade and also anything that could be absorbed by the paint.

It will allow you to keep your high-gloss finish for a longer duration. It is available in either a carnauba or a polymer form. Both types of wax function exactly the same way, however, the polymer wax will not get hazy as it dries, and is usually cleaned off shortly after application. The choice between the carnauba wax or polymer wax comparable to making the choice between regular or synthetic engine oil. Polymer is higher in cost, but is much simpler to apply and is more effective.

For glass guidelines, they are fairly easy. Avoid the things you’re destined to do, which is take out Windex or other household glass cleaners. They may contain ammonia, which could harm your car’s tint. Choose your best car window cleaner to get the best results. Make sure you clean the window twice to ensure that the cleaner is completely removed. In the event of a crisis it’s possible to make use of dilute white vinegar solution since it’s an organic, low-cost cleanser for your home that is likely to be streak-free.

Tips and last thoughts…

Don’t… move your sponge or mitt in circles. This could cause light visible scratches, known as swirl marks. Instead, you should move the sponge lengthwise over 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 dirty soapy water. It is a good idea to wash your bucket.

Maintain your shine. 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!) get to work then you’ll need to have some items at hand to maintain your shine. There are a variety of spray mists that are designed to eliminate everyday dirt and keep your wax looking great. Throw this along with a micro-fiber cloth into the trunk, and you’ll be ready.

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