Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to get a professional-quality car wash from those popular drive-through options? If you really want your vehicle to shine, it’s best to wash it yourself. In order to get the level of cleanliness you want, you’ll need to invest in a few basic tools, such as a car duster with wooden handle and proper soap. Here are a few tips for achieving the best DIY car wash possible.
Invest in Microfiber Cloths and Towels
Don’t give in to the temptation to save money and use your regular dishwashing towels on your car. Doing so won’t yield the results you want, and rough towels could potentially scratch your car’s delicate paint. Since that’s the last thing you want to do, invest in a few microfiber cloths. They are very soft and absorbent, which is perfect for picking up dust and debris on your car’s surface without harming the paint.
Use Soap Formulated for Cars
Many people use regular dish soap to wash their vehicles, but this is a mistake. If you use soap that’s too harsh, it could slowly erode and weaken the paint. Instead, purchase soap that’s specifically formulated for cars. It may cost a little bit more up front, but the long-term results are worth the initial investment.
Use a Car Duster
Before you wash your vehicle down, use a car duster to remove visible mud, dirt and debris. When you’re finished, clean your car duster before putting it away. If you’re wondering how to clean a car duster, give it a good shake (away from your car), or use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of stubborn debris. If you’re dealing with a heavily soiled car duster, wash it with a mild detergent and water, then hang it up to dry.
The best car dusters are those that can reach the top of your car. Look for a car duster with wooden handle for extra durability. You should also look for dusters that use soft chenille or microfiber to lift dust effectively.
Wash Your Vehicle in the Shade
If you wash your car in direct sunlight, you’re more likely to see those annoying water spots that you want to avoid. To keep your car from drying too quickly, wash it in the shade. That way you’ll have more time to thoroughly clean it, then dry it with a microfiber towel. This will help cut back on water spots so you get the smooth, pristine shine you want.
Scrub Your Wheels
You can’t expect to get your wheels very clean if you simply spray them down with water. Wheels require a good scrub with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Make sure you get in all the crevices and cracks for best results.
Apply a Finishing Wax
Once your car is clean and completely dry, you’ll want to protect its paint by applying a finishing wax or polish. You can do this with a special type of rotating brush that buffs the wax onto the car without leaving visible lines or streaks. A good coat of wax will help you maintain the results of each wash for longer periods of time.
