How to Wash a Car Properly by DIY at Home?

How To Wash A Car?

A car is an investment. Even if it is an old or the latest model, it takes a lot of money and effort to have one. Thus, as a consequence, it should be your responsibility to make sure it is well taken care of.

Aside from that, learning to wash your own car can be an advantage for you in numerous ways.

  • You won’t need to pay for a car wash.
  • It can become a hobby or a therapeutic activity.
  • You get to clean it more carefully.

When you know something is yours, you treat in a more special way than others. You like to show off how good looking it is by making the most out of it.

More often, when car wash services are full, they miss out on cleaning the other parts because they are in a rush. What is more, others even use strong chemical formulations or abrasive materials that may result to minimal scratches or damage in your car’s paint.

To help you learn more on how to wash your car properly, here are some ways to get you guided.

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Set Up and Preparation:
Step 1 - Park Your Car In A Spacious And Safe Place.
Step 2 - Check Or Analyze The Current Condition Of Your Car.
Step 3 - Prepare Everything That You Will Need.
Step 4 - Do The Three Bucket Method
How To Wash Your Car?
Step 1 - Washing  Your  Wheels.
Step 2 - Washing The Headlights.
Step 3 - Washing the Windows.
Step 4 - Washing The Car’s Body.
Step 5 - Dry The Car.
Step 6 - Repair And Touch Up.
Step 7 - Wax It After Drying.
Step 8 - For Touch Up.
Step 9 - Put Some Detailer Spray.
Conclusion

Set Up and Preparation:

car wash kit

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Step 1 - Park Your Car In A Spacious And Safe Place.

If possible, park it on a roofed area to prevent it from premature drying. There is a high chance that when your car is exposed to direct sunlight while being washed, the soap will dry out faster - even before it is rinsed.
You must also secure your car by checking if the windows are tightly closed. This is to ensure that no water will go inside it.

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Step 2 - Check Or Analyze The Current Condition Of Your Car.

Are there scratches that need to get fixed? How dirty are your wheels? Know what to do first and where to clean. This is an essential step in identifying what materials you will need to get rid of all the dirt and mud.

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Step 3 - Prepare Everything That You Will Need.

After assessing your car’s condition, prepare the cleaning materials that you will use – soap, water, sponge, wax, brush, towels, etc.
When using chemical cleaning agents, make sure that you read the labels first before applying them to prevent unwanted results that could make the damage worse.

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Step 4 - Do The Three Bucket Method

Some of you might already know this tip but for others who haven’t known this yet, this could be a starter guide.
If you are a beginner, this step might be easier for you to do. This can also save more of your time and effort.

  • Fill three buckets with water. Mix water and soap on the first bucket. This bucket will serve as the main cleaning solution.
  • On the second bucket, fill it with water only. This will be used for rinsing the dirty sponge or cloth. In this way, you are not only able to save water but you also have an organized cleaning system.
  • Then, prepare the cleaning solution and the water on the third bucket. This will be used to clean only the wheels.

A separate bucket is used for the wheels since it has a different kind of dirt and filth.

How To Wash Your Car?

how to wash your car

Use a hose to rinse off the whole car.

This step will help soften any type of dirt that could have dried out. You don’t want to have a hard time scrubbing off every single piece of dirt the whole day.

Be sure that you are able to wash everything that could have built up to prevent them from leaving a mark on your car.

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Step 1 - Washing  Your  Wheels.

  • Pre-Wash the Wheels. - Most probably, the wheels are the dirtiest part of the car. Wash away the major dirt particles by using a high pressure hose or spray nozzle to remove every dirt, debris, mud, and dust.
  • After pre-washing, spray a reliable wheel cleaner onto the tires. Be sure to read the label of the product first and use what is suitable to your wheel’s condition. If your tires have caked on debris, you can use a neutral wheel cleaner. Follow the instructions very carefully to achieve the best results.
  • Wash the Wheels with Soap. - At this point, you will be using the prepared bucket for the wheels. Use soap or automotive shampoo to remove any type of chemical cleaner. You can use a microfiber wash mitt to reduce the chances of unwanted scratching.
    You can also use a long brush with stiff bristles in removing the hard to reach areas of the wheels.
    In this way, the dirt will not mess up with any part of the car. Plus, this is more practical and convenient to do to save time and effort.
  • Rinse the Wheels. - After washing with soap, rinse the wheels with clean water. Rinse the entire area of the wheels, brakes, suspension, and steering parts. Rinse everything up to the bottom part.

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Step 2 - Washing The Headlights.

  • If your headlights are not yet foggy and still clear, you can basically wash them with soap and water.
    Nonetheless, if they are slightly foggy, you can restore them by applying an abrasive. 
    But if you are more specific and want to do it all by yourself, you can buy a DIY restoration kit for headlights. Just be careful not to scratch the paint.

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Step 3 - Washing the Windows.

  • Ensure that the windows are locked to prevent water from coming in. When washing your windows, it is important that you use the right product. Use a soap designed for car windows, not for households.
    Usually, household window cleaners may contain Ammonia, which could not only damage the car’s tint but can also leave streaks on the glass. 
    If for instance you don’t have a car soap available, you can resort to alternatives like mild shampoo, hand soap, liquid soaps, etc.

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Step 4 - Washing The Car’s Body.

  • When washing the car’s body, do not use a brush because this can cause scratches. Instead, use a sponge or a large wash mitt. Soak the sponge first on the soapy water and start washing.
    At this point, you will be using the bucket with soap and water.
  • Be sure that the soap you are using is intended for washing cars because detergents or other soap brands may wash out the car’s wax or even damage the car’s paint.
  • Always keep the wash mitt clean to avoid the dirty solution from sticking again in the car’s surface. Use the bucket filled with water to rinse off the dirt.
    Once the bucket has been cloudy grey or opaque, throw it right away and refill it again with fresh water. Repeat the same steps until the car has been properly washed.
  • After washing the body, rinse it off with clean water. Do not forget to dry off the car with a microfiber towel before cleaning other parts as the moisture from the soap could dry up and leave unwanted marks on it.

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Step 5 - Dry The Car.

  • Now that you have washed the car, dry every single part of it using a microfiber towel. Remove excess soap, water, or chemical from the sides up to the bottom edge of the vehicle.

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Step 6 - Repair And Touch Up.

  • You can check on your car now that it is already clean. This is the perfect time to check on some scratches and repair them. If the scratches are light, a coat of wax may do, but if the scratches are too deep, you may need to get a paint touch up.
  • If you are not sure on what to do, it is better to ask help from a professional. Go to your trusted auto shop so you can have for a consultation with them.

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Step 7 - Wax It After Drying.

  • Wax may seem like just an aesthetic piece but its main purpose it to protect. Wax does not only give that shining shimmering gloss on your car that adds up to its appeal but it also protects your vehicle from dirt, pollution, heavy rains, bird droppings, ultra violet rays, and the outside environment in general.
    Typically, waxing is recommended at least four times a year or every three months to protect your vehicle’s gloss. There are many types of wax, so be sure to choose what suits your car best.

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Step 8 - For Touch Up.

  • Touch up is the best solution when your car has too many scratches and rust on it.
  • If you are planning to do the touch up by yourself, you must ensure that you are staying in a well-ventilated area. Plus, you should also have complete materials such as spray gun, primer, and the car paint.

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Step 9 - Put Some Detailer Spray.

  • If you are a car enthusiast or you just want to make the best out of your car, you can also add on some detailer spray on your vehicle.
    Detailer sprays wipe away dust and dirt in an instant. They prevent unwanted marks like fingerprints or smudges from residing on the car’s surface.
    Plus, it can also extend the life of your protectant.

Conclusion

When you know something is yours, you treat it especially among others. You like to show off how good looking it is by making the most out of it. Owning a car is like that which is why it is an advantage to learn how to wash your own car. Plus, there are simple and easy ways that you can follow.

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