How to wash a car at home or in your workshop perfectly
Washing a car brings many benefits. In addition to the comfort it provides to the passengers, it helps to protect the materials and the consequent extension of the life of your car.
If you are efficient and have the right equipment and processes you will be able to give a fully renewed look to any vehicle.
The following steps are the best way to ensure that your car’s paint stays clean, protected, and free of stains or scratches.
1. Preparation
Before start, it is very important to note that you should avoid using accessories that could damage your car. Rings and belts with buckles can damage the paint and the bodywork.
Make sure your work area has all the utensils, products, hoses, and buckets before you start the process. Do not allow water to dry in the vehicle, especially if there is detergent on it.
If you have your garage or workshop well organized, you can optimize your time and do a more thorough washing.
To wash cars you will need:
● 2 buckets – one for soapy water and the other as a bucket with clean water.
Make sure you have a hose nearby and a good quality detergent so that the car does not become poorly washed or stained.
2. Pre-wash
Start with the rims by washing them with a specific product and a microfiber brush or a soft cloth.
Clean the front face of the wheel and inside the drum. Be sure to clean dirt, dust and brush debris after cleaning each of the wheels. Rinse each wheel after finishing.
Pour the water from the buckets and replenish the two (one with water and one with soap) to wash the vehicle then.
Start by foaming the entire exterior of the vehicle with a sponge. This will allow to loosen the dirt from the surface.
Now move on to the next phase: washing.
The car is now wet and soaped and all dirt and debris have been removed from the paint. It’s time to wash!
Follow the following steps
● Use a microfiber and water cleaning glove with plenty of soap;
● Clean the vehicle with lateral movements (never circular), on the roof, then on the windshield and hood, descending;
● After each panel or half panel, depending on the size of the car, place the glove in the water bucket with the sand protector and use your hand to shake it in order to remove all dirt from the glove.
● Pull the glove out of the dirty water, squeeze all the water out of it, and then soak the glove in the bucket with detergent for fresh water and foam.
● Repeat the entire process in the next panel.
Essential tips for better washing your car:
1. It is very important that you wash the vehicle from top to bottom, from the roof to the lower sides, as this is usually where the vehicles accumulate the most dirt;
2. Move quickly and efficiently so that neither water nor soap dry;
3. Avoid washing the car in the sun as it dries faster and leaves stains harmful to the paint;
4. Rinse the car as you wash to keep the car wet.
4. Cleaning
Now that you’ve got your car washed, it’s time to rinse.
Preferably use a high-pressure jet. If not, a hose that pours water with some pressure should be sufficient. Be sure to rinse all the vehicle soap from top to bottom.
5. Drying
An easy way to dry the vehicle is to use a leaf blower to remove most of the water from the paint.
If you do not have a leaf blower, use a soft, clean microfiber towel.
After most of the water have dried from the vehicle, it’s time to remove the remnants of water more difficult to remove .
All vehicle emblems, door sills, gaskets, grilles and coatings retain water. You will be surprised with the amount of covert water, which will later drip and leave stains on the paint or potentiate the appearance of rust.
6. Submission
It is a good idea to clean the glasses (inside and outside) to ensure a crystal clear and risk-free view.
Use a clean microfiber towel with an ammonia-free glass cleaner.
To give to the paint an extra level of protection against bad weather, clean the vehicle again with a clean microfiber towel and wax.
How often your vehicle needs to be washed varies depending on location, climate and lifestyle, but a fortnightly or monthly cleaning will keep your car clean and protected.
