How to Clean Your Car Exterior Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
The exterior of your car is the first thing people see, and keeping it in good shape is a big part of keeping its value. Keeping your car clean will not only make it look better, but it will also keep it safe from the weather. Even though it might seem difficult, it’s easier than you think to clean your car like a pro. In this blog post, we’ll show you step-by-step how to clean the outside of your car like a pro detailer.
Car Cleaning Essentials
Before you start to clean your car, make sure you have everything you need:
- A hose/pressure washer
- Two buckets
- Car washing soap
- Sponge/Microfiber wash mitt
- Wheel cleaner
- Soft-bristle brush
- Tire brush
- Microfiber towels
- Clay bar (optional)
- Wax or sealant
- Applicator pads
- Glass cleaner
- Rubber protectant
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is the step-by-step guide to cleaning your car exterior:
Preparation
Before you start, find a place to park your vehicle in the shade. This will prevent the soap from drying out on the vehicle’s surface. Rinse the car with water or use a blower to remove any remaining dirt.
Start with the Wheels and Tires
Start by spraying your wheels and tyres with a wheel cleaner. Clean off brake dust, dirt, and grime with a tyre brush and a soft-bristled brush. Pay close attention to the corners and small spaces. Use a hose or pressure cleaner to give it a good wash.
Pre-Rinse Your Car
You can pre-rinse your car with a hose or a power washer. This step helps eliminate loose dirt and dust, making cleaning easier and more effective.
Two-Bucket Wash Method
Fill up the water in the two buckets. Put car wash soap and water in one bucket and clean water in another. The two-bucket method helps keep dirt from getting back onto the car’s surface.
Wash Your Car
Soak your microfiber wash mitt/sponge in soapy water and wash your car from the top down. Use light, overlapping strokes to avoid scratches, and don’t press too hard. Use the clean water bucket to rinse your hand or sponge often to remove dirt and grime.
Detail the Paint
If your car has tough messes like tree sap or bird poop, you might want to use a clay bar. Use a detail spray or clean water to coat the surface, then rub the clay bar back and forth gently to remove the dirt.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’re done washing and polishing the paint, use a hose or pressure washer to rinse your car well to remove any soap residue.
Dry the Car
To dry your car, use a cotton towel or a sponge. Don’t smudge or scratch the surface by pressing it too hard.
Apply Wax or Sealant
After fully drying your car, use a quality wax or sealant to protect the paint and give it a bright shine. Follow the directions on the product and use brush pads to get an even coat.
Clean the Glass and Trim
Use a glass cleaner on the windows and mirrors of your car. Also, use a rubber protector on the trim to keep it from fading and breaking.
Are there general guidelines I should follow?
Here are the major guidelines you should follow:
- Work in a Shaded Area: park your car in a shaded area before you start cleaning it. This keeps the soap or water from drying too fast on the surface, which can cause water spots and lines.
- Top to Bottom: Start cleaning a car at the top and work your way down. This ensures that dirt or debris is removed from the top surfaces first. It also keeps dirt from dripping down onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Two-Bucket Method: To avoid cross-contamination, use the two-bucket method. The water in one bucket is dirty, and the water in the other is clean. Rinse your wash hands or sponge often in the clean water bucket to get rid of dirt and grime that was brought on them while you were washing.
- Gentle Pressure: Use gentle pressure when you wash the car. There’s no need to scrub hard. Let the soap and brushwork so you don’t scratch or leave swirl marks.
- Don’t use dishwashing soap. Instead, use a pH-balanced soap made for washing cars. Dishwashing soap can remove wax from your vehicle, leaving the paint exposed.
- Wheels and Tyres: Clean the wheels and tyres first. They tend to be the dirtiest parts of the car, so cleaning them first keeps the rest of the vehicle from getting dirty.
- Rinse Well: Rinse the car every time, especially after using a clay bar to remove dirt. If you don’t rinse well enough, soap or clay dust can ruin the finish.
- Proper Drying: Use a cloth or a cotton towel to dry. To avoid circle lines, don’t rub the car dry. Instead, pat it dry. Beginning at the top, work your way down.
- Wax or Sealant: A good polish or sealant makes the paint shine and protects it. Follow what the maker says to do for the best results.
- Regular Maintenance: Give your car routine maintenance washes between deep cleanings to keep it looking its best. This can be as easy as giving it a quick rinse and a light wash to remove dirt and other particles on the surface.
- Detailing: Don’t forget to clean and polish any chrome or metal highlights and put tyre oil on your tyres to make them shine.
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