Have you tried washing your car at home and failed miserably? Don’t worry; you aren’t alone! Many car owners have been unsuccessful in cleaning their cars using the hand car wash method. In this post, we introduce you to five lesser-known facts – ones that only car wash experts are privy to – that you can use for a perfect car wash at home. Remember, using the right equipment and a little know-how are the secret ingredients for a spotless car wash. Read on to know more.
Ditch the Dishwashing Detergent
This is the first fact on our list because way too many car owners commit the cardinal mistake of using dishwashing detergent to clean their car. You’d think that it’s obvious that the product is called a dishwashing detergent and not a car wash cleaning liquid for a reason! Dishwashing detergent can strip the protective wax off your car’s body, and worse, can also ruin your car’s finish permanently. Instead, we highly recommend that you use a dedicated car wash cleaning product to get your car spotless.
Skip the Sponge, Use Microfiber Towels and Wash Mitts Instead
If you’re still using a sponge to clean your car’s exterior, now is the time to stop. Sponges are abrasive and can cause micro-scratches on your car’s body. Even a brand-new sponge can cause hundreds of scratches on your car’s paintwork. We suggest making the switch to car-specific wash mitts or microfiber towels while cleaning your car—they are non-abrasive and make all the difference.
Clean the Windows Using Proper Technique
Another car wash fact is to avoid cleaning the windows in a circular motion—swipe consistently from left to right or top to bottom. If you’ve cleaned the windows’ inner side from left to right, make sure to wash the exterior windows from top to bottom. Follow the same procedure when drying the windows. Also, remember to use an automotive glass cleaner to avoid streaks on your windows.
Remove Scratches Before Polishing
Polishing your car increases its shine, but it doesn’t eliminate the scratches on the paintwork. According to auto detailing experts, you can use a scratch removal kit to get rid of the scratches and then polish your car to get an added shine. You can buy a scratch removal kit from an auto detailing store near you.
Use a Different Set of Cleaning Gear to Wash Your Wheels
Wheels are the dirtiest parts in a car and need extra care while being cleaned. While cleaning your car’s wheels, make sure you use a different set of microfiber towels and wash mitts. If you’re using the same microfiber towel to clean your car’s body and wheels, then the risk of rubbing the dirt from the wheels onto your car’s exterior is very likely. Use separate equipment to clean your wheels and tires to avoid cross-contamination.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
