Wash Your Car Like a Pro
Spring is here and it's time to give your vehicle a good cleaning. Here are a few tips to help you get some professional results. If you've got any tips make sure to post a comment!
1. Use the correct soap - don't make the mistake of using dishwashing or laundry soap they can take the wax off your car or even permanently damage the finish of your vehicle. Use a car washing soap from a reputable manufacture, they are designed to remove automotive dirt and grime and will not harm your paint.
2. Use a clean car washing sponge or 100% terry cloth towel to wash the car. Don't use a sponge designed for doing the dishes, they can have scrubbing pads that can scratch the paint. Only use these sponges / towels for cleaning your vehicles that way no other chemicals or objects that can harm the finish will be in contact with them.
3. Park your vehicle in a shaded location before getting started. Washing your car in the sun can cause some surfaces to dry faster than you may want them to, leaving residue and unwanted streaks.
4. Be sure to rinse off the car completely to remove as much dirt as possible before applying the soap with your sponge, towel, or wash mitt.
5. Car care professionals recommend washing the vehicle beginning with the top and working to the bottom, one section at a time, although some enthusiasts are adamant that beginning with the lower sections is a better method. Which ever method you choose just make sure to never place your washing tool (towel / sponge) on the ground. Do so can pick up rocks or dirt that can scratch your car.
"Washing your vehicle from the top down reduces the chance of scratching the finish" advises Mark Greene, executive vice president of Griot's Garage. "By washing from the top down, and frequently rinsing your wash mitt, sponge or brush, you greatly reduce the possibility of contaminants becoming embedded in your cleaning tools and creating scratches and swirl marks."
6. Use a dedicated sponge or towel to wash your wheels and tires. Your wheels tend to be the dirtiest part of your car and it's where corrosive brake dust accumulates. Using a different sponge, towel, or brush will help stop you from spreading all of this grime to the rest of your car.
7. After the final rinse, wipe the excess water from the vehicle surface to prevent water spotting. A soft terry cloth towel or a high-quality chamois are recommended. Keep the towel or chamois clean to help prevent scratching, and wipe the vehicle lightly to soak up water without abrading the surface.
If you live in a climate where sand or salt is used on the road surface, be sure to rinse inside the wheel wells, paying special attention to the lower part of the fender where salt and sand may have accumulated. You might want to take a trip to a self-service car wash and use the high-pressure hose for this extra step.
8. Make sure to try your car immediately with towels that are to prevent spotting. Don't forget to dry inside of all the door jams, hood, and trunk lid.
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