If it’s true that April showers bring May flowers, then it also follows that those same showers lead to more than a few dirty cars when all is said and done. And no one wants to drive around town sporting a thick coat of dirt and residue left over from spring rain. Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips to getting your car fresh-from-the-car-wash clean, all on your own. Read on for the not-so-dirty details, and get ready to uncover your vehicle’s showroom-worthy shine.
Use the Right Soap
If you’ve spent most of your driving life using dish detergent to wash your car, it’s time to change your approach. Sure, the thick, concentrated liquid cuts through grease – but that’s what makes it good for dishes, not so much for your car’s paint job. The powerful chemicals in detergents can dull your car’s shine or strip away the wax job. Rather than grabbing a bottle from the kitchen sink, opt for a cleanser that’s specially formulated for use on cars.
Don’t Let Anything Hit the Ground
If you drop anything at all while washing, you need to switch equipment! Small dirt particles can cling to a rag that’s been dropped, undoing all of the good you’ve done. Beat this to the punch by having extras ready to go.
The Two-Bucket Method
It’s important to keep your wash water clean and free of debris that could potentially scratch your car’s surface. The easiest way to make sure you’re doing this is to use two buckets, one that’s filled with sudsy wash water and the other with rinse water for your washing mitt or cloth. Frequent and thorough rinsing will keep you from inadvertently scratching your car’s surface with residual particles from each swipe. Along the same lines, if your wash mitt, drying cloth, or detailing rag touches the ground, replace it right away. Anything picked up from the ground can potentially do more harm than good.
Microfiber is Your Friend
This one’s easy; microfiber is the most absorbent and soft material to use. Nothing else!
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Don’t Wash in Direct Sunlight
You want your car to stay wet until it’s time to use a microfiber drying towel to do the job right. A car that air-dries on its own is likely to end up with unsightly spots all over the glass and body. That’s why it’s important to avoid washing in the middle of a bright patch of sunlight, where the water is likely to evaporate before you have a chance to finish your wash and get to the drying part. Either park your car in a shady spot when you’re ready to wash or wait until early evening to avoid the problem.
Armed with these pro tips and a little elbow grease, you’re well on your way to a sparkling-clean car you’ll be proud to show off on the highways and byways of Knoxville.
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