Make sure you prepare all the necessary materials. Set aside two buckets initially; one will be used for washing soapy water, while the other will be used for rinsing. Make sure you use car wash shampoo for your vehicle, and follow the instructions on dilation to ensure proper cleaning. Start by rinsing the vehicle and removing any loose dirt. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and get ready to wash.
Pre-Wash Stage
Setting up buckets and a hose does not constitute a professional-grade DIY car wash. This kind of project requires full commitment and prepping your vehicle the right way will guarantee a much easier, efficient, and environmentally friendly wash over time. While applying soap for washing, put a neutral foam or traffic film remover, which will help lift dirt off the surface without damaging the paint and clear coat. These products should be evaluated on new paint before full application. As a final tip, for best results pre-wash shaded areas to avoid watermarks that are caused by direct sunlight. To ease the first step, give your car a light wash with automotive pH-neutral soap. It is less harmful to the wax as compared to household soaps, and is therefore less likely to damage it by streaking or swirl marking. Consider using professional cleaners that specialize in heavy-duty cleaning for very dirty cars to get stubborn mud and grime removed. Once your car is loaded with water, washing the tires should be done first. Also scrub the hubcaps and unpainted portions of the wheel well that are often neglected. Set aside a bucket to rinse wash mitts because this decreases the amount of grit that gets put back on the car. If any bucket used appears gritty or opaque, simply empty it and refill it to avoid contaminating your clean water.
Washing the Body
Owning a vehicle is a prized possession, and giving it the special care it deserves is important. Investing some time and effort in terms of washing supplies from home can allow one to do a full car wash by themselves, eliminating the need for professional car washes. This approach not only saves one money, but also helps in gaining access to products specifically made for your make and model of car. Completing such an awesome task also gives a deep sense of satisfaction. While washing your car, remember to use a specific pH-balanced car shampoo. Avoid using household soaps as they might remove wax and further damage the paint surfaces. Indirect sunlight is also considered when possible to ensure that smooth finishes can be maintained. Pour the car wash solution into a sponge or microfiber mitt and scrub into sections with the sponge and mitt combination until all dirt is removed from the car. Rinse the mitt in clean water frequently so that it does not spread dirt back onto the car. Some stubborn streaks or bird droppings may need dish soap mixed in water for extra washing strength when necessary. Applying a quality wax or sealant after the car has been cleaned and dried will lock in its shine while protecting it against wear and tear. Make sure to read product labels carefully, especially the instructions that pertain to the application on lower areas where dirt tends to accumulate waxes will have a maximum effect there.
Cleaning the Inside
Cleaning the inside of a car allows for thorough cleaning of otherwise neglected spaces, cleaning out dust and dirt on the seats, trunk, and floor mats, in addition to wiping the dashboard, steering wheel, cup, door handles and trim with a car-specific cleaner. Do not forget to set aside a separate bucket for washing the wheels as there is soap in wash powders that can result in painted surfaces scratching. Hand wash rinsing is one of the most important phases of self washing, especially for the freshly cleaned paint areas. Using a water pressure nozzle that one can adjust gives the luxury of choosing between misting or more powerful jets for cleaning wheels, lower body, or even loosening dirt in the crevices. Using a high-quality nozzle will also help minimize swirl marks that result from friction between the sponge and paint surface. Prior to rinsing your sponge in clean water, try working the car-wash solution into a thick lather that bursts with soap bubbles. This will help reduce the amount of dirty wash water that ends up in your car's finish. Between washes, use high quality wax to maintain the shine on your vehicle's paint. This will further protect it by repelling water and dirt thereby improving it's value over time.
Drying
After washing your car, drying it may seem optional, but doing so is essential in maintaining its aesthetic. Water has the tendency to evaporate and in the process leave behind mineral deposits. These deposits will transform the shine into blemishes that cannot be removed with soapy water. By drying it out completely, this issue can be avoided while also prolonging the protective products such as waxes and sealant which can otherwise decrease its appearance. As you dry a painted surface, use blotting techniques instead of wiping. This ensures that every area is covered and reduces the chance of smeared paintwork. It is best to start from the top working downwards, slowly and gently to avoid displacing dirt. Chamois leather or microfibre cloth are excellent materials that absorb liquid quickly for effective streak-free drying - remember to take advantage of these when drying! Always keep a spray detailer or a quick drying towel while detailing a vehicle to clean up dust and overspray or even bird droppings in one quick motion. Keeping these tools in your trunk during DIY washing sessions aid in making the process easier while extending the time the car's shine is maintained. In conjunction with spending money on quality clean and protection products, one must also consider those that facilitate the drying process. These include items such as aerodynamic towels. Jennychem offers assorted premium towels designed for quick drying. They come with soft fabric that protect paint while covering the evaporating water, allowing the surface to maintain radiant shine along with prolonging the life of protectants that safeguard your investment.
