Ah, the humble do-it-yourself car wash. One driver’s calming weekend ritual can be another person’s dreaded task. So, how do we make it as efficient, enjoyable, and, of course, clean as possible? Read on for our step-by-step guide to the best way to wash your car at home…
Any maintenance job, however great or small, requires a carefully-selected list of tools.
When it comes to washing your car at home, the supplies are readily available. Let’s go through precisely what we need:
A steady stream of water is the perfect companion once you’ve started washing your vehicle. Depending on the scope and state of the task at hand, you may need something more powerful than the standard garden hose to get around all the cracks and crevices. If that’s the case, consider picking up a pressure washer to blast the peskier grime away.
Optional, but a decent way of stopping your fingers from doing their best impression of raisins.
Yes, plural. You’ll need one bucket full of soapy water to wash the car with, and a second bucket filled with good old-fashioned plain warm water to rinse out your sponge, clearing it of potentially paint-scratching dirt and debris.
Speaking of keeping your paint looking pristine, be sure to use purposely-created car wash soap, as usual household products run the risk of stripping or damaging the finish.
In line with the above, a microfiber cloth is a softer and gentler option than a generic sponge or everyday towel, and it’s great at picking up loose dirt without scratching up your precious car.
If you really want your windows to sparkle, consider a specially formulated glass cleaning spray.
As with the designated car wash soap, wheel cleaner liquid is guaranteed to shine up your wheels better than a basic dish soap option. It’s also a good call to grab yourself a…
The right kind of brush to scrub and clean the wheels is essential.
If you wish to leave an extra - and shiny - tint behind.
All of the above and some more besides should be standard issue as part of a specially designed home car wash kit. A good option if you want to cover all the bases and ensure that all of the car’s surfaces are taken care of.
You’ve gathered your list of essentials and now you’re a one-person cleaning army. But don’t just dive in without a plan. Let’s approach this thing smartly.
It’s worth checking if you’re not entirely sure. Local regulations - such as washing the car on a public road - may apply. And with that in mind…
If you do have a wealth of freedom when it comes to where you can physically set about washing your vehicle, take a moment to think about the environment.
If you’re parked in blazing sunshine, it is likely to dry too fast, leaving behind spots and streaks. A flat surface is also best practice, to avoid unwanted pools of water building up around you.
Don’t even think about lobbing a wet sponge onto your windshield if it’s got stray leaves or other clutter for company. Take a few minutes to clear the exterior of the car of excess dirt and debris.
Is there an area outside or inside the vehicle that is going to require more attention and elbow grease than somewhere else? Make sure you have the right equipment to sort it out, if so.
You’ve gone to the trouble of putting together a collection of essential supplies - keep them close and compact, so you don’t need to go looking for something at the last minute. And remember, two buckets - one for soapy water, one for non-soapy water.
Okay, let’s scrub up. Let’s go step-by-step on this part:
Now that everything looks suitably sleek and shiny, set about drying your car properly.
We’re not done yet, as it turns out - there’s also the inside of the car to take care of.
You’re just about done, but if you feel like adding an aesthetically pleasing flourish or two, consider the following additional touches:
Washing your car at home doesn't have to be a chore. By following these simple steps and using the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking clean. So, grab your supplies, put on some music, and give your car the spa treatment it deserves!
And while you're taking care of your car's exterior, don't forget about protecting it on the road. Check out AIG's comprehensive car insurance plans for peace of mind and reliable coverage.