A clean, shiny car never stays that way for long, so proper washing techniques are essential. Learn all about how to wash a car yourself.
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Introduction
If your car needs a good cleaning but you’re not sure how to do it, follow this detailed step-by-step guide. In less time than it takes to drive back and forth to an automatic car wash, you can do a better job yourself.
A clean, shiny car looks great. But unless it’s a showpiece that never leaves the garage, it won’t stay clean for long. Road dust, bug splatters, bird poop and, in winter, salt residue soon cover a vehicle that’s driven regularly. This is where proper washing can help.
“Washing your car regularly isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about protecting your paint from damage like rust, clear coat failure, staining and oxidation,” says Joey Sanchez of Chemical Guys. “And yes, you can totally do it at home.”
That also helps maintain your resale value. “I know life gets busy, but it’s a bit like any other routine that becomes part of your schedule once you get into the habit,” says Parham Koukia, operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. “You can also always break it into smaller sessions, like doing a quick rinse and dry one day, and tackling the wheels and tires another day. The effort pays off in the long run.”
Tools Required
- Car washing sponge
- Hose
- Large bucket
- Long-handled brush with hose connection
- Microfiber Cloth
Materials Required
- Bug stain remover
- Car soap or mild dish soap
- Heavy-duty shop towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Water
Project step-by-step (6)
Fill your bucket and soak the car
- The first step to knowing how to wash a car properly is getting your soap mixture right.
- Drizzle three tablespoons of car washing soap into your bucket, then fill the bucket with water. Make sure the solution is nice and foamy.
- Let the soap and water mixture sit while you soak and brush the entire car thoroughly with your hose-attached brush and water only, making sure to get water into all nooks and crannies, including the wheels. Wash off as much loose dirt as possible.
A lot of people use dish soap instead of car washing soap, and that’s probably okay to do once or twice, but don’t make a habit of it.
“Dish washing soap contains degreasing agents which are designed to cut through tough grease and grime on dishes, which means it also strips wax and sealants from your paint, leaving it unprotected,” says Sanchez, “That can lead to paint failure and other damage.”
Scrub one section at a time
- Use your car washing sponge and soapy water to thoroughly hand wash the car, one part at a time.
- I like to start with the hood and work my way back. Work on about one quarter of the vehicle before moving on.
- Scrub vigorously with the sponge to remove all the dirt, grease and debris. Add more soap as needed to maintain a good lather.
If your car has excessive or stubborn dirt and grime, like bug guts, bird droppings or caked-on mud, start by pre-rinsing/soaking it with a pressure washer, hose or foam cannon. Then use a dedicated bug or tar remover on tough spots.
“The most important step here is your patience,” says Koukia. “Let the product sit on the surface for a bit before scrubbing. Rushing the process is how most people get scratches.”
Rinse one section at a time
- Use your hose-attached brush to scrub and rinse the soap off each section after finishing the sponge work.
- Don’t wait too long after washing to rinse, because the soap and water will dry on the vehicle quickly and could leave spots behind.
- Repeat the wash and rinse pattern for all sections of the vehicle, including the roof, windows, grill, head and taillights, fenders and wheels.
Remove extra-stubborn dirt and grime
- Spray bug stain remover on streaks left by insects. This works best in the shade.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then rub the spot vigorously with a heavy-duty shop towel.
- Use rubbing alcohol and another shop towel to remove tree gum.
- Give a final, thorough rinse and scrubbing to these spots once they’re clean.
Do a final inspection and scrub/rinse
- Inspect every part of the car carefully to ensure you haven’t left any dirt, grease, or soap.
- Scrub and rinse everything one last time with your hose-attached brush when you’re satisfied the car is clean. Don’t have a hose? Learn how to wash your car without a hose.
Dry the vehicle
- Use your microfiber cloth to dry the vehicle, ensuring that all water droplets are absorbed to prevent them from leaving marks on the paint.
- Look for any watermarks already formed by drying water, and use the damp microfiber cloth to wipe them away.
- Give your car an optional added shine and protection after washing by polishing and waxing it.
FAQ
Can I wash my car in direct sunlight?
Yes, but it’s not ideal because sunlight causes water and soap to dry faster, leaving behind streaks, water spots and potential etching. If you have the option, work in the shade or in a garage. If that’s not possible:
- Work on one panel at a time.
- Keep the surface wet constantly.
- Dry with a clean microfiber towel as soon as you rinse each section.
How often should I wash my car?
Ideally, every two weeks. Weekly is even better if you drive in harsh conditions, such as those with salt, pollen, bugs or construction zones. “If that’s too much for your busy schedule, at least try to wash monthly and do a quick rinse in between if your car gets coated in dirt,” says Koukia. “If you only wash your car when it looks too dirty, you’re probably too late. The real damage happens when dirt, salt, and acidic stuff sit on your paint invisibly.”
About the Experts
- Parham Koukia is the lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. He has spent more than a decade mastering the art of car detailing, after turning his passion for automobiles into his profession.
- Joey Sanchez is an associate manager at the Chemical Guys online auto detailing supply retailer, and gives expert advice and hands-on tutorials through the brand’s popular social media channels and viral videos.
