Washing

How to wash the car at home without causing damage

Washing your car at home can be a great way to save money and keep your vehicle always clean. 

However, many vehicle owners have doubts about the correct technique and fear damaging the paint. 

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know to perform a safe and effective wash, leaving your car with an impeccable shine.

Preparing for the Wash

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:

• Neutral automotive shampoo: Choose a product specially formulated to remove dirt without damaging the paint. Avoid household products, such as detergent, which can alter the pH of the paint and cause long-term damage.

• Buckets: Use at least two buckets, one for shampoo and one for rinsing. The rinse bucket should be changed frequently to avoid recontamination of the sponge.

• Microfiber glove: The microfiber glove is ideal as its soft surface does not scratch the paint and has a high absorption capacity, removing dirt efficiently.

• Hose or pressure washer: The pressure washer makes it easy to remove dirt but use carefully so as not to damage the paint. Keep a safe distance from the surface of the car and adjust the pressure to an appropriate level.

• Microfiber towel: Use a high-quality microfiber towel to dry the car.

• Automotive wax: Applying wax after washing helps to protect the paint and enhance shine.

Choice of the place for washing 

Wash the car in a flat place, shaded and protected from the wind. The shade prevents the water from drying quickly and leaving stains on the paintwork.

Step by step washing 

1. Pre-wash: Start by removing most of the dirt with water. If the car is very dirty, use a pressure washer, but keep a safe distance from the paint and set the pressure to a low level.

2. Shampoo application: Dilute the automotive shampoo in one of the buckets and dip the microfiber glove in the solution.

3. Start with the ceiling: Dirt tends to run down, so starting with the ceiling prevents the dirt already removed from being contaminated again.

4. Head to the sides, hood, and trunk: Work in small sections, rinsing the microfiber glove with each pass to ensure dirt isn’t dragged by the paint, preventing streaks from forming.

5. Avoid rubbing hard: The water pressure and shampoo are enough to remove dirt. Rubbing hard can cause scratches on the paintwork.

6. Rinse: Remove all shampoo residue with clean water.

7. Drying: Dry the car immediately with a microfiber towel, starting at the roof and working your way down to the sides. Check that there are no watermarks. Use a compressed air dryer to remove any moisture residue in crevices and corners.

Additional care with washing

• Wheels and tires: Clean the wheels and tires with specific products and appropriate brushes.

• Glass: Use products suitable for cleaning automotive windows and remove all stains.

• Interior: Vacuum the interior of the car and clean the seats and panels with suitable products.

• Wax: Apply automotive wax to protect the paint and give it an extra shine.

With this complete guide, you are ready to make your automobile impeccable without leaving home. 

Remember to use the right products, follow the steps correctly, and avoid the most common mistakes. 

With a little care and attention, your car will always be shining like new.