How to Wash Your Car: Part 2 - The Process
Now that you are equipped with the proper tools and products to wash your vehicle, its time to get to work!
I don’t want to give away the secret sauce BUT I do want to equip you to wash your car safely and effectively every time. Before you get started we need to keep a few things in mind that will help you get a great result.
SAFETY - the #1 concern while washing your car is to not introduce any new scratches or swirl marks to your paint finish. One wrong move and you can wreak havoc on your paint job. Most dull, scratched, and swirled paint jobs are a result of improper washing and drying.
SHADE - do not wash your car in direct sunlight, especially on a hot day. The heat and the UV rays can almost instantly evaporate the water and product you desperately need to lubricate your cars surface.
WET - the wetter the better! As you are washing your car, you want to keep the surface wet and soapy the entire time in order to provide maximum lubrication for your wash mitt and to avoid water spots that can quickly appear. If you ever go to wash a section of the vehicle and it is dry, STOP and make sure to get it wet and soapy again before touching it with the wash mitt. Without doing so you can collect dirt, rocks, debris and drag it all over your dry finish, scratching it as you go.
TOP DOWN - as you wash your car, you are going to want to start at the top (least dirty) and work your way down to the bottom (most dirty) one section at a time. This method, combined with frequently rinsing our wash mitt, will ensure that we do not run a dirty gritty wash mitt all over the entire car.
SECTIONS - To make sure you wash every square inch of the car, you can break it down into 7 manageable sections: (1) roof and windshield (2) hood (3) the front grill, bumper, quarter panels (4) left side (5) right side (6) back (7) wheels and wells. Each section starts with a soapy wash mitt from Bucket 1 and ends by rinsing the wash mitt in Bucket 2.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Hose with nozzle
Two buckets
Car shampoo
Wash mitts or microfiber towels
Drying towel(s)
Step 2: Fill Your Buckets
Bucket 1: Fill with clean soapy water
Bucket 2: Fill with just water
Step 3: Rinse the Car
Start by thoroughly rinsing your car with the hose to remove loose dirt and debris and wet the car. (This step is especially helpful if you have a high pressure nozzle on your hose, or a pressure washer)
Step 4: Wash the Car
Begin washing your car section by section, starting from the top and working your way down. Use the clean soapy wash mitt from Bucket 1 for each section and rinse it in Bucket 2 as it becomes soiled. Repeat this process, ensuring each panel receives a thorough clean without reintroducing dirt.
Step 5: Wash the Wheels and Tires
Address the dirtiest section of your vehicle - the wheels and tires. Wash them last to avoid contaminating your wash buckets and tools too early. (You may consider having a separate dedicated set of buckets, mitts, towels, and brushes for your wheels as they tend to become heavily soiled which would make them dangerous to use on the rest of the car)
Step 6: Rinse
Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to rinse each section after washing or save it for one final rinse. Use your hose to wash away all loosened dirt and soap residue, leaving your car sparkling clean.
Step 7: Dry
Prevent water spots by drying your car thoroughly. Start with the windows and then work your way from the down. Use a quality drying towel and applying gentle pressure to avoid scratches.
By following the two-bucket method outlined in this guide, you can safely wash your car while achieving professional-level results. Consistency and attention to detail are key to preserving your vehicle's appearance and protecting its paintwork. Incorporate these steps into your car washing routine for a pristine finish every time.
TIP FROM THE DETAIL BUFF:
“BE GENTLE! Treat your car’s paint like a delicate little baby. Go overboard with the suds and obsessively rinse or change out your wash mitt/ towel just to be safe. “
