DIY Car Washing

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DIY Car Washing

Karim Sharipov • July 26, 2021

Don't Forget About Washing Your Car.

You love your car. You wash it, wax it and polish it regularly to keep it looking its best. Your friends are impressed with the shine of this vehicle, and they often ask you how yours is so shiny and brilliant. So what do you tell them? Sure, you can shrug your shoulders or throw in a few lines about ceramic coating versus conventional waxing, but wouldn't you love to have the chance to go into detail about all the hard work that goes into making your car look great?

If detailing is something that interests you--or if someone close to you loves their cars enough that they want to know more--the following article will explain some of the different techniques used in auto detailing at home:

Where to start

Before you begin, get all your tools and materials ready. Gather up materials such as:

- A quality car shampoo

- Car wash soaps and/or a bucket

- Microfiber towel or chamois cloths--not terrycloth towels!

- Wax (if desired) or ceramic coating for paint protection

First, you want to start with filling your buckets with water and some car soap.

You may also want to wet down your car with a hose so that the soap lathers easier.

Then you start washing by hand with a soft microfiber towel or microfiber wash mitt. Start at the top, work your way down to the bottom of your car, and then go back again.

After you finished scrubbing your car, start rinsing off all the soap.

You can rinse with the hose or use a car wash mitt to wipe it off. The mitt actually works better than the hose because it's easier to reach certain areas you can't get with the hose, like behind your bumpers or wheels and tires.

Wrap up by drying your car with a plush microfiber drying rag so you can avoid scratches.

Then apply a layer of wax. We recommend using a spray-on wax if you aren't experienced with a carnauba wax that you have to apply.

How do I strip off old layers of wax?

If your car has been sitting there with numerous layers of wax left on for months or even years without being washed, the chances are that removing these layers could be quite difficult! Thankfully, there is an easy solution; all you have to do is use a clay bar with some quick detailer or use an all-purpose cleaner.

Do I really need to wax my car every month?

Regular waxing helps your vehicle stay preserved and shiny between detailing sessions; however, this process depends largely on the kind of roads you regularly drive (i.e., dirt road or highway). The more debris or pollutants that come into contact with your car's paint during regular use, the more often you should wax it. If you notice any spots or stains on your car's surface after washing, waxing is recommended to ensure there are no problems down the road.

How do I protect my ceramic-coated paint?

If you have ceramic-coated paint, it's a good idea to have a maintenance wash every few months. That can help increase the longevity of your ceramic coat and keep your car in top shape.

Do I really need ceramic coating?

Many people are confused as to whether ceramic protection is necessary or not. The answer depends on many factors: how often you wash your car, where you live (e.g., whether salt is spread in winter), what kind of chemicals come into contact with your vehicle's exterior regularly, etc. Ceramic protection can certainly add an extra layer of shine to your paint; however, it can also be a troublesome and potentially costly step in detailing your car if the ceramic coating is not well-applied.

To ensure the ceramic coating lasts the longest time possible, our advice is to choose a professional detailer to apply it properly. And don't forget about regular washing! Otherwise, all that ceramic protection won't do anything at all.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Making small mistakes when detailing at home shouldn't discourage you; instead, try new techniques and ideas until you find something that works for you. Whether you're looking for great knowledge about ceramic coating or ceramic, we hope this article has given you a solid foundation from which to start.

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