Is there really a right way and a wrong way to wash a car?

You betcha! You would think washing a car is a great job for the kids. Well, maybe for the old family beater car, but think again before turning them loose on your brand new car that you want to drive "forever!" Without knowing it, you may be accidentally scratching or degrading the finish every time you wash your car.

How often should I wash my car?

I would recommend washing your car at least once a month. If you get into the Zen of washing your car and want to do it more frequently, it will only help to maintain a new-car finish. If you do it at home, take it to a self service wash every 3rd wash to use their high pressure hose to remove dirt from difficult to reach area such as inside wheel wells, under the bumper, behind the molding, etc. In the winter, it is imperative to wash off the accumulated salt, especially when the temperature rises above freezing. Salt is the bane of Vermont causing our cars to rust out way before the rest of the vehicle is through. You should also wash off tree sap, bird droppings and dead bugs ASAP! If left on the car, it will leach acids that can strip away wax, eventually eat into your car's paint and may case damage that requires sanding and repainting.

What are some general instructions when I wash the car?

  • Don't wash a hot car. Move it to a shady spot out of the heat of the sun, and wait until the body surface has cooled down before you begin. Direct sun speeds up the drying process and the soap suds will dry faster than you can rinse them off increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.
  • Begin by rinsing the car by spraying water on the entire surface of the car. Your aim is to remove as much loose dirt, bugs, bird dropping, etc. as possible that could cause scratching when you start washing it.
  • Have 2 buckets for washing the car. One for the soap and one to rinse the sponge before putting back into the soapy bucket to lather the sponge up. This keeps the dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water.
  • Use a large soft natural sponge or you can get fancy with a car washing - lamb's wool mitt. Dunk you sponge in the bucket often to keep it wet throughout the washing. If there is grease, rubber or road tar on the car, use a soft, nonabrasive cloth to remove, as they will stain your sponge.
  • Don't use dishwashing detergent, hand soap or other household cleaners on your car. They are too harsh and may strip off the protective wax, best to purchase a good car washing detergent which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint.
  • Think of getting a good massage when you go out to wash it. A good masseuse starts at your head and works down your backside, turns you over and does the same on the front. A car masseuse also works one section at a time. Begin at the roof of the car, next move down to the windshield. Then, move down to the hood and finish off the top with the trunk. Before doing anymore washing, thoroughly hose off the entire top area of the car with clean water.
  • Before you continue, empty out the dirty water in your buckets and replace it with clean wash solution and clean rinse water. Now that the top is clean, move on the sides of the vehicle, license plates, door handles mirrors, lights and the bumpers. Hose off the car again and finish off washing the tires, rims and wheel covers. Thoroughly rinse the car again and get ready to dry the car.

What are your tips for drying a car after washing it?

Don't let the car air dry. Drying your car right after washing helps minimize water marks and the potential for rusting. You can speed up the drying process by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water, then use a chamois towel and gently wipe up the water on the car's surface. Again, start at the top and work your way down and then around the entire car. Finally, clean the windows and mirrors with a good glass cleaner and absorbent paper towels. Before cleaning the door windows, lower the glass halfway down the clean the top half inside and out. You may notice that the channel rubber conceals part of the window, which can leave water spots and streaks. Now raise the windows and clean the lower half.

Is it necessary to wax my car?

If you could wax your car just 2 times a year it would function as a paint preserver and greatly help to protect it from tree sap, bird droppings, smog and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Plus, it gives the paint depth and brings out the color and shine. Wax it once in the fall to prepare for winter, and once in the spring to clean it up after winter and prepare for summer.

  • Just like washing your car, you should wax your car in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
  • A damp kitchen sponge makes a good wax applicator. When the sponge becomes caked with wax, switch to a new sponge.
  • Work on one area at a time approx. 2 to 4 square feet. Use a small amount of wax at a time and rub in well.
  • Avoid getting the wax on the rubber or plastic areas, door handles and emblems. If you're a perfectionist, you can tape these areas before waxing.
  • Apply the wax in a back and forth motion, not in circles.
  • After applying the wax, let the wax haze. It is done hazing when it turns white and is not wet to the touch. Use a clean, soft cloth to remove the residue wax. And buff the car. Periodically stop and shake the wax residue off your cloth.
  • When you're finished the car should feel smooth and shiny, and be free of smudges and streaks.

One more thought regarding washing cars...

According to the International Carwashing Association, if you are going to wash your car at home, make sure you have a nozzle that stops the continuous flow of water. A standard 5/8" garden hose running at 50 pounds per square inch uses 10 gallons of water per minute. The average person who takes care not to waste water takes 5-6 minutes of using the hose to wash and rinse their car, which comes to a consumption of 50-60 gallons for water. If you go to a self-serve car wash with the pressure hoses, you would use a total of 12 to 14 gallons for the average dirty car.

Happy Cleaning,

Amy