How to Properly Wash Your Car: Do’s and Dont’s

Washing your car isn’t just about keeping it looking great—it’s also about protecting your vehicle from damage caused by dirt, grime, and contaminants. However, not all car washing methods are created equal. Here’s the Independent Paint Supplies guide on the dos and don’ts of washing your car, including the types of products you should use for the best results.

Table of Contents

The Do’s of Washing Your Car

Do Use a Car-Specific Soap: Many people make the mistake of using dish soap or household cleaners, which can strip your car’s wax and damage the paint. Instead, opt for a car-specific soap that’s designed to remove dirt without harming your car’s exterior.

Do Wash in the Shade: Always wash your car in the shade or on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the soap and water too quickly. This can cause water spots and streaks, making your car look dirty even after a wash.

Do Use a Microfibre Cloth or Mitt: A microfibre wash cloth or mitt is softer on your car’s paint and more effective at lifting dirt than sponges or old towels. Microfibre also helps prevent scratches that can occur from using rough materials.

Do Rinse Your Car First: Before you apply soap, give your car a thorough rinse to remove loose dirt and debris. This step minimises the risk of scratching the surface when you begin washing.

Do Work from Top to Bottom: Start washing your car from the roof and work your way down. The lower parts of the car are usually the dirtiest, so starting at the top prevents you from dragging dirt from the bottom to the cleaner parts.

Do Use the Two-Bucket Method: The two-bucket method involves using one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing your mitt or sponge. This ensures you’re not reintroducing dirt onto your car each time you dip your mitt back into the soap.

The Dont’s of Washing Your Car

Don’t Use Household Cleaners: As mentioned earlier, dish soap and other household cleaners are too harsh for your car’s paint. They can strip wax, dull the finish, and even damage rubber and plastic trim.

Don’t Use a Dry Cloth for Dusting: Wiping dust off your car with a dry cloth can create fine scratches in the paint. Always use a microfibre cloth or mitt with some lubrication, such as a quick detailer spray, to prevent damage.

Don’t Wash in Direct Sunlight: Sunlight speeds up the drying process, leading to water spots and streaks. Always wash your car in a shaded area to keep the water from drying too quickly.

Don’t Let Soap or Water Sit Too Long: Don’t allow soap or water to dry on your car before rinsing. This can leave unsightly streaks and spots, which can be difficult to remove later. Work in small sections and rinse often.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Wheels and Tyres: Your wheels and tyres accumulate a lot of brake dust, road grime, and dirt. Use a separate mitt or brush specifically for wheels and tyres, as they tend to be much dirtier than the rest of the car. Be sure to use a wheel cleaner designed for your type of wheels—whether they are chrome, alloy, or steel.

Don’t Use an Abrasive Sponge: Abrasive sponges or brushes can scratch your car’s paint. Stick to soft microfibre mitts and cloths to avoid causing damage.

Don’t Overlook Drying: Air drying or letting your car dry naturally can lead to water spots. Instead, use a soft microfibre towel or chamois to dry your car thoroughly.

Products You Should Use for the Best Results

To achieve a superior finish and shine during valeting, it’s essential to use high-quality products specifically designed for this purpose. Here are some valeting products that we at IPS consider to be best for achieving an exceptional finish and shine on a vehicle:

High-Quality Car Shampoo: A pH-balanced, foaming car shampoo with lubricating properties helps to safely lift dirt and grime from the paint surface while minimizing the risk of scratching. Look for shampoos that provide a rich foam and are gentle on wax or sealant layers to preserve the shine.
Microfibre Wash Mitts or Sponges: Microfibre wash mitts or sponges are soft and absorbent, making them ideal for washing and detailing vehicles without causing scratches or swirl marks. They help to trap dirt and debris, preventing them from scratching the paint surface.
Clay Bar: Using a clay bar helps to remove embedded contaminants from the paint surface, leaving it smooth and ready for polishing or waxing. Clay bars are effective at restoring the shine by eliminating contaminants that dull the paint.
Polishing Compound: A high-quality polishing compound is essential for removing swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation from the paint surface. Choose a compound with fine abrasives that effectively refine the finish without causing excessive abrasion.
Dual-Action Polisher: A dual-action polisher equipped with appropriate polishing pads is an efficient tool for applying polishing compounds and achieving a smooth, glossy finish. It allows for even application and reduces the risk of paint damage compared to rotary polishers.
Finishing Polish: After using a polishing compound, apply a finishing polish to further refine the paint surface and enhance the shine. Finishing polishes contain fine abrasives that remove any remaining haze or micro-scratches, leaving behind a brilliant finish.
Synthetic Sealant or Ceramic Coating: Apply a synthetic sealant or ceramic coating to protect the paint surface and enhance its shine for an extended period. These products provide durable protection against UV rays, environmental contaminants, and water spots while adding depth and gloss to the paint.
Microfibre Towels: Use soft, lint-free microfibre towels for drying and buffing the vehicle after washing and polishing. Microfiber towels absorb water effectively and leave behind a streak-free finish without scratching the paint.

By using these high-quality valeting products and techniques, you can achieve a stunning finish and long-lasting shine on your vehicle’s exterior surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and safety precautions.

IPS Paint Supplies

Washing your car the right way takes a bit of time and effort, but it’s well worth it to maintain the appearance and value of your vehicle. By following these dos and don’ts, and using the right products, you can ensure your car stays in great condition for years to come.

We are leading stockists of many leading brands of valeting products including Nielsen for car washing and Roar, Finixa and Farecla for car polishes.

Find out more here or call a member of our team on the numbers below:

Swansea: 01792 784078

Cardiff: 02920 022461