Several years ago I owned a full-service car wash. Prior to owning the car wash I was absolutely clueless about the proper way to clean a car. However, over the course of several years you learn many great useful tips that help make washing your car very easy and effective. After detailing, cleaning, and washing thousands of cars, I ended up with many great tips that you may find useful:
Image credit: Sean Loyless
- To remove smoke and other odors from your car get a hand-held steam cleaner and use it on the air conditioning vents. Simply hold up the nozzle to the vents and run steam through them for a few minutes (longer if the smell still lingers) and your car will end up having a fresh smell with no odors or fragrances
- One of the most effective ways to clean floor mats is to pressure wash them. This gets out all of the deep-rooted grime and dirt. Be sure to do both sides and if they’re fabric mats, be sure that you don’t get the pressure sprayer too close if it’s somewhat powerful.
- Tire shine makes a world of difference when giving your car a freshly-detailed look. Invest in some tire shine product (I’m a huge Meguiar’s fan) and the ten minutes that it takes you to put it on will make a world of difference.
- When using aerosol or spray-on tire shine, be sure to be very careful when you’re applying it (especially in windy conditions) as it can easily overspray onto the rest of your car leaving little dots of oil.
- One of the easiest ways to clean rims is simply with water and a rag. You don’t run the risk of ruining expensive rims this way either.
- Simply Green works amazingly well at cleaning tires. Just spray it on and let it sit for 5 minutes, then spray it off and you will see the dirt wash right off the tires.
- For window cleaning, we found some of the most effective products are the aerosol glass cleaners as they seem to be quite a bit more effective than the spray-nozzle kind.
- When washing your car start by spraying it from the bottom up and it won’t dry as fast on you (because the water keeps covering the vehicle as you move up).
- If you are going to wax your car, try and keep the wax from touching any of the molding or bumper if it’s plastic as it can be extremely difficult (sometimes impossible) to get off.
- Be sure to clean your door jams as they will make the car feel much better when you’re getting in and out.
- If your car is starting to look a little faded or has some swirl marks, get a buffer and some very light compound to take the faded look and swirl marks out.
- When washing your car with a mitt or sponge move in a circular direction to avoid swirl marks as much as possible.
- Always ensure that your car is thoroughly wet before starting to wash it and you have gotten as much of the big dirt and mud off as possible, otherwise you will end up wiping the dirt around on the paint and scratching the clear coat and your car.
- A very easy-to-use wax that gives a great look is Meguiar’s Yellow Wax. Simply rub it on with an applicator and wipe off with a soft, lint-free towel.
- To dry your car, I highly recommend picking up a California Water Blade as it will cut your drying time in at least half (these things are awesome!).
- When drying your car try and use towels that are as lint-free as possible. Doing so will give your car a clean finish and you won’t have to pick off fuzz for a half hour.
- Be sure to get your middle console and door consoles as these are often overlooked.
- For whitewalls and cleaning regular tires, use a wire brush as it will cut your cleaning time in (at least) half.
- Don’t use tire shine on your pedals as they can make it very dangerous to drive.
- A steam cleaner is your best friend when it comes to washing your car. Not only can it do your air vents, but you can clean your carpet, seats, consoles, and even your headliner.
- Try and not use brushes on your car except for the tires and wheels.
I hope these few car washing tips help you out the next time you want to give your vehicle that sparkling shine!
