Washing your car at home can save you some money, but it can also lead to minor scratches and swirl marks if not done properly, affecting your car’s paintwork. The right method not only keeps your vehicle clean but also protects the paint’s shine and clarity.
In this article, we will share some useful tips to wash your car at home, allowing you to keep your car clean and tidy.
Highlights
Here’s how to wash your car the right way:
- Rinse the car thoroughly
- Apply foam
- Wash using the two-bucket method
- Rinse the car again and let it dry
- Clean windows and mirrors
- Vacuum it from the inside
Rinse the Car Thoroughly
Rinsing the car with a pressure washer helps to remove loose dirt and road salt. Start from the roof and move down to avoid The dirt will flow downwards, preventing any dirt scratches when you start washing your car.
Apply Foam Using a Foam Gun
If you have a foam gun, fill it with water and car shampoo. Mix both to create foam, then attach the foam gun to the hose.
Turn on the water and spray foam on the car.
Leave the foam on the car for a few minutes to loosen dirt and grime, but avoid letting it dry. The dried foam can leave white spots on the paint.
Next, clean the car gently with a microfibre mitt in straight-line strokes, as circular motions can leave swirl marks.
Rinse the mitt at short intervals to remove dirt. After cleaning the car, pressure wash it to remove any leftover dirt or shampoo.
Note: If you don’t have a foam gun, then the two-bucket method is the most effective way to wash your car. Here’s how this method works:
Need Car Body Repair?
Get a free assessment and quote from our certified technicians today!
Use the Two Bucket Method
In the two-bucket method, one bucket contains a soapy solution, while the second has clean water.
Each bucket has a grit guard at the bottom. It keeps the dirt at the bottom and helps your wash mitt to stay clean when you dip it in the bucket. If your wash mitt has dirt, it can lead to swirl marks or scratches on the car’s surface. Here’s how the two-bucket method works:
Step 1: Dip your wash mitt in soapy water and gently clean a small section of the car, starting from the top.
Step 2: Wash the mitt in the second clean water bucket.
Step 3: Remove excess water from the mitt to remove any trapped dirt.
Step 4: Dip the mitt in the soapy water again and clean the car in small sections.
Step 5: Repeat the dip-and-rinse cycle until the car is thoroughly clean.
Wash the Car
Next, pressure wash the car to remove soap residue or any remaining dirt from the vehicle. These contaminants can produce streaks or spots after drying. Pay special attention to panel gaps, door handles, and side mirrors as soap can accumulate in these areas.
Dry the Car Properly
Dry the car with a soft, lint-free drying towel. Use multiple towels if needed because if a towel is wet, it may not properly absorb water from the car’s surface.
You can also use a car-drying blower to remove any water droplets from hard-to-reach areas or narrow spaces.
Tip: Avoid drying the car in sunlight on hot days, as the quick evaporation of water can leave behind water marks. Keep your car under a shade to avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Need Car Body Repair?
Get a free assessment and quote from our certified technicians today!
Clean Windows and Mirrors
Clean windows and mirrors improve visibility and your car’s appearance. Here’s how to clean them properly at home:
Start from outside: Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the windows and windscreen, then rub it off with a microfibre cloth to avoid streak marks. Do not spray it on paint, as some cleaners contain chemicals that can damage your car’s paintwork.
Clean side mirrors: Spray the cleaner on the side mirrors as well and wipe them with a microfibre towel.
Clean from the inside: Apply cleaner directly onto the microfibre cloth and work in small sections when cleaning from the inside. This prevents dripping onto the dashboard or other parts of the car’s interior.
Vacuum The Car
Start by removing clutter from the car, then take out floor mats and shake them to get rid of any loose dirt.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from your car’s seats, door pockets, and mats. Use a crevice tool for cup holders, seat rails, and tight corners where the vacuum cleaner can’t reach. It has a long, narrow nozzle designed to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas.
Move the seat forward and back to remove any hidden dirt, and don’t forget the boot as well. If it has a removable cover or mat, clean it the same way you cleaned the floor mats.
Need Car Body Repair?
Get a free assessment and quote from our certified technicians today!
Final Thoughts
Dirt, grime, and pollution can make your car look dirty, and professional car washes can be expensive. You can achieve quality results at home using a foam gun or the two-bucket method. Just follow our tips above, avoid harsh chemicals while cleaning, and wash your car regularly to keep it clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two-bucket method is the best way to wash your car at home. You can also use a foam gun for a quick wash.
Avoid drying your car in sunlight, particularly on hot days, as quick evaporation of water can leave spots behind. Let it dry in the shade.
Yes, it’s legal. However, you must make sure that the wash water goes into the sewerage system and not on the road or street, where it can create puddles.
Need Help Fixing Car Body Damage? Contact AVX Repairs Now!
Unlike car washing, not all repairs can be done at home. That’s where AVX comes in! We offer personalised car body repair solutions to restore your car’s original finish. If your car’s bodywork or paint is damaged, bring it to us and we will fix it without leaving a trace.
