Tips for the do-it-yourself car wash

Good car maintenance is important to keep your vehicle looking and running like new. Besides basic maintenance such as replacing tires or checking tire pressure, oil changes, and fluid checks, regular car washes can help preserve the exterior finish of your vehicle. Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle stays shiny for years to come.

Wash off dead bugs, bird droppings, and other debris as soon as possible.

Use a dedicated car wash product, which is milder than regular soap and won't strip off the protective wax.

Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching.

Don't move the sponge or wash mitt in circles, as it could create swirl marks.

Use a separate sponge to wash tires and wheels as they may contain materials that could hurt your car's finish.

Don't wash your car when it is hot or in the direct sunlight, as the heat will dry the soapy water and/or clean water on the body, creating spots.

Wash and rinse in sections, so that the soap doesn't dry before you rinse.

Use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom in a sheeting action.

Don't let the car air dry. Use a chamois cloth or soft towels to dry.

For additional tips and techniques for getting your car sparkling clean, see our car-washing video. Also, see our car wax report to find out which wax gives the best shine.

—Liza Barth

Comments

[Ed]

As if cars were not already enough of a money and time pit, not I have to buy speciality equipment to wash it three times a week and "wax it regularly." No thanks. CR makes it sound like just about anything can scratch my cars delicate pain job. Why not just wash the car and let it show its age a little bit. Maybe car companies will wise up and use better paint. Better yet, no paint at all such as the old Saturn's or Deloreon's! I do not care what my car looks like. It is not a representation of me or my identity. It is a tool that gets me places when I absolutely have to drive, which is rare. I dont worry about the finish on my saw blade or any other such nonses. I know what your going to say "A car is an investment that I am trying to protect." News flash, cars depreciate, thats not an investment. Cars a a black hole for all of your money to go into while the auto industry tried desperately to convince everyone that they can not live without them, and that a nice car will get you laid and make your friends envious, as if those are real friends anyways. The way that our government has design out idiotic infrastructure, sometimes I have to drive. The way our cities are designed make it seem like we have no other choice, but there are. Now, back to paint jobs. Your car is a tool, not a financial investment. Buy something reasonable and practical. Then drive it till it cant drive anymore, 20 years at least for any modern car. Invest your time and money into your family, vacation time, travel, education. I am not going to waste the little free time I have waxing and primping my huge piece of metal that I am forced to drag around. Ditch this junk!

[Derrick G.]

With many water systems now banning car washing at home due to drought conditions, a blog on what to look for in a commercial car wash would be appreciated.

[christine]

Washing your car at home is a waste of water which is a precious resource. It is now banned in many communities experiencing severe water shortages. How about some info on "GREEN" car washes which recycle their water? This would really be helpful. Thanks.

[JC]

I do not use water to wash my car. I use a waterless car spray. The company that makes it (it has a funny name)is called Poor Boy's World and the product is called "Spray & Wipe Waterless Wash." I use it regulary and it works beautifully without scratching the finish and leaves a glossy slick surface. The is product can be used on all non-porous exterior surfaces including glass. The big bonus is that it can be used in direct sunlight. For the record, I do not work for the company, this product was recommended by a local auto detailor.

[Tim]

Here is a car wash tip taught to me forty years ago by an older gentleman. Wash your car and rinse it well. Then throw away the wash water, rinse the bucket, mix another batch of soapy water and quickly wash and rinse the car again. The results are incredible and it takes only a few more minutes. I frequently wash my car this way and people always compliment me on the way the car shines!

[Steve]

I know something about washing cars. Here in Northern Illinois, we have one of the world's largest sources of fresh water so any of the precious liquid I use at home eventually goes right back in Lake Michigan. Pure green process. I use biodegradable washes made by companies who do nothing other than make car care products. Touchless or spray washes just don't get the dirt off or release adhering junk. You need a good wash product to do this, and it requires physical action with a good 100% cotton cloth. Natural sponges are ok, but tend to hold all the dirt and debris within the folds. A cloth is much easier rinsed and resoaped. After washing, a dry with a synthetic chamois. I apply a very good wax product to the vehicle (two very thin coats) and find that just washing/drying for the next 4 to 5 months is all that's necessary. I suggest use of Mirror Glaze professional products, or the consumer version of them under the Meguiar's name. Nufinish is also a very good polish product. Only polish dark colors; lighter ones really won't see the benefit.

[Steve]

Ed, your right, even though you sound angry. I agree a car is a tool and time should be focused on family. My family and I enjoy boating, so I spend time with them on the water, and then I wash and wax my boat.

[Dave Leja]

I was once a car cleaning fanatic. I used to buy books on car waxing, polishing, etc. Not anymore. I challenge CR's recommendations. The average car owner lacks the skill to wash and wax without damaging the finish. A dirty sponge, a piece of sand you pick up from a wheelwell, and BANG! A scratch in the paint. Even if you do it right, frequent washing by hand or even car wash will result in swirls or spiderwebs in your paint. The real solutions are as follows: 1) Wash your car twice a month with a car wash that contains a wax booster [more frequently if the car's paint has a hazy appearance; 2) removal of bird droppings or sap ASAP is a must. 3) The rest of the time, when your car is dusty, use a "California Duster" or its equivalent going lightly over the car. Follow-up with (or instead of) a spray detailer that lifts and emulsifies dirt. I learned this technique from a guy whose navy blue Audi was stunning. He washed once a month, dusted several times a week, and misted with a detailer one time a week. He NEVER waxed. The result is a glossy, smooth finish without spiderwebs or scratches. No rust forming in seams and joints. In my case, and perhaps best of all, my best friend, who washes 5 times a week and waxes 2 to 3 times a month (owning over 30 car waxes) is astonished that my paint looks factory fresh without a polishing mark in it. My method gives you a great looking car, takes about 5 minutes to dust and 15 minutes to mist and wipe, and preserves water, energy (mine and the environment's), and preserves my car. Try my methods. You'll be amazed how little effort you need to expend.

[Alan]

I agree with Ed. Shouldn't we worry about conserving water? A car is a car. I washed and waxed my last one and it still fell apart mechanically after 6 years & 100,000 miles. So what's the point of doing it?

[jerry]

to christine,

There actually is a "green" way to wash and wax your car. I use Detail Magic's waterless wash and wax and I believe you can pick it up at the Home Depot. You simply spray it on and wipe if off. There's no need to buff, dry, no waiting, etc. One bottle gives you about 7-10 washes (depending of course on the size of the car).

[MJ]

I'm surprised the CR only covered the traditional hose and bucket wash method. There are alternatives on the market to combat water restrictions and run-off concerns (waterless car wash, no-rinse, rain-barrel). For the sake of blatant spamming (see post above) I won't mention brands.

So, why weren't any of these techniques mentioned??

[Rocky Owens]

Good day to all. I'm celebrating my 13th year in the car wash business, specializing in hand detailing. My personal car receives tender loving care once a week as follows.

THE GREEN CAR WASH(aka the holesbath).
Tools needed:
1- 5 gallon bucket with fresh water. (Rinse bucket)
1- 5 gallon bucket of fresh water with 1oz of soap.
4- microfiber cloths @ 16x16.
1- oz concentrated car wash soap,I only use Cherry bomb.
1- synthetic chamois.
1- 32oz dipping cup or empty coffee container for rinsing.

PROPER PREPARATION IS THE KEY. Name brand car wash soap.
Starting with the roof,using 1 microfiber cloth,dip into
soap bucket and wring out lightly. Using forward and backward
strokes, complete entire roof and front and back windows. Now
immediately dip your 32 oz container into the fresh rinse water
bucket and rinse the entire roof and windows. Next use your synthetic chamois and dry those areas. Proceed to the front hood
and wash the entire area including the lights and bumpers. Again
rinse and dry. Continue in this pattern around the rest of the vehicle. Now that same soap bucket is used to clean the tires and
rims. Rinse and you're finished almost. With 1 microfiber cloth dipped and wrung out tight,from the fresh water bucket and one dry microfiber cloth clean your windows.

THE FINISHING TOUCH
Spray a microfiber cloth with Detailers spray wax, using the same pattern used to wash the vehicle. Apply to small areas and
with a dry microfiber cloth wipe the spray wax off. Shazamm!

This process will give your baby a silky smoothe finish with
BLING.

Rocky
BDSLM

[Rod]

Thank you Yoda Ed for the sermon:

Please know that when I drive by your home in my clean, shiny BMW, that your wife/girlfriend (if you still have one) is going to want to jump in my car and go with me. She will know from a glance that I'm not going to LOSERSVILLE.

There's a little something that most of us Americans cherish. It's called Pride and Class... (try Wikipedia).

[DIY dent removal]

Good post.Wash your car and rinse it well. Then throw away the wash water, rinse the bucket, mix another batch of soapy water and quickly wash and rinse the car again. The results are incredible and it takes only a few more minutes...

[andy]

I like it because it gives me the freedom to wash my car sans water

[Dick Kraft]

I'm still trying to find an answer:
I started using a synthetic paste and liquid wax.Is there an advantage in using a Synthetic vs. a regular wax ?