Cleaning a car might seem simple enough, but it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong. By making certain mistakes, many people inadvertently damage their vehicles’ paint or don’t remove all the stubborn grime when washing their cars. Read on to learn what to avoid and what to do instead if you want a shiny, damage-free result.
1. Using Dish Soap or Harsh Detergents
One of the biggest culprits of paint damage is dish soap. While this product is great for cutting through grease on your dinner plates, it’s far too harsh for your car’s paint. It can strip protective wax layers, leaving your car vulnerable to scratches and chips. Instead, use a car-specific shampoo that’s gentle yet effective.
2. Skipping the Pre-Rinse
Jumping straight into scrubbing without rinsing your car first isn’t a smart move. Rinsing your car removes a good portion of abrasive grime particles on its surface. By skipping this step, you risk rubbing these particles into your car’s paint job as you clean, causing micro-scratches.
3. Using the Wrong Tools
Not all cleaning tools are car-friendly. For instance, old T-shirts, rough sponges, household rags, and other abrasive or old materials can scratch your paintwork. Instead, invest in soft microfiber mitts or towels. They’re gentle on paint and more effective at trapping dirt particles.
You should also address the hose you use. When you rinse your vehicle, choose the right nozzle and orifice size to avoid hitting your car with a high-pressure water stream that strips paint.
4. Washing in Direct Sunlight
Washing your car on a sunny day might be more pleasant for you, but direct sunlight makes soap and water dry too quickly, leaving streaks and water spots. If you want to attempt the wash on a hot, sunny day, do so under the shade or in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
5. Neglecting the Two-Bucket Method
Using just one bucket for your soap and rinsing leads to dirty water reapplying grime onto your car. The two-bucket method solves this by keeping a separate bucket for rinsing your mitt. Then, every time you touch your car with your mitt, you know it’s clean and not dragging grime across the surface.
6. Forgetting To Dry Your Car
If you let your car air-dry, it might develop unsightly water spots, the result of minerals in the water that remain once the liquid evaporates. Though merely an aesthetic concern, these spots detract from the hard work you put into making your vehicle clean and shiny. The solution is simple—use a soft, absorbent microfiber towel to dry your car immediately after you give it the final rinse.
Now that you know the top mistakes people make when washing their cars, you can avoid them and keep your ride looking its best. Take the extra time to use the right products, tools, and techniques, and your car will thank you with years of shiny, clean paint.
