Car washing guide

It would also be handy to have access to a pressure washer or a garden hose with a spray gun attachment.

How to wash your car

While there’s no ‘correct’ way to wash a car, and often it’s down to individual preference, there are things you can do to make your car wash more effective. One of these is opting for a hand wash over an automatic car wash.

This is because, according to Which’s six mistakes to avoid when washing your car, the rollers and brushes used in these machines and self-service jet washes could be filled with grit and dirt which may affect your vehicle’s bodywork.

Check the weather before washing your car. If it’s a sunny day, try to go out early in the morning or later in the evening as the hot weather can dry soap and leave unsightly streaks before you even get the chance to wipe it down. Equally, if it’s raining, your car may look a little better after its wash but it’s not the ideal situation - especially if you don’t want to get wet.

Once you’re happy with the conditions, it’s time to collect your kit, move the car into a convenient space and start washing. The AA’s Car Cleaning Guide: How to wash a car recommends the following:

1. Spray the car down with your hose or pressure washer - This pre-clean will rid the vehicle of the majority of dirt and grit that has accumulated since you last washed it.
2. Apply soap from the top down - Add the wax to the car using a wash mitt, using a gentle sideways motion. Starting from the top and going side to side will help you minimise the amount of swirl marks.
3. Rinse the soap marks as you go - Wash down the parts you’ve soaped or waxed before moving onto different sections of the car.
4. Wipe it down - Use your microfibre cloth to dry sections properly. This will help you avoid streaks.
5. Clean the cracks - When the exterior of the car is dry, open the doors and boot and get a damp cloth to clean the edges.
6. Wash the wheels - Get another cloth, brush or sponge and make your wheels sparkling clean.
7. Wax and polish - Add that final sheen and extra sparkle but don’t forget to pat dry with your microfibre cloth.

Once you’ve finished the car, you could wash your wheels and free them from grease and dirt. The windows may also need a little extra TLC. Use a glass cleaner and wipe with a cloth to do this.

You could also clean under the bonnet, but take extra special care if doing this. Use a silicone-based spray on hoses and rubber-coated cables and grease on the components that need it.

Happy with the outside? Now it’s time to venture inside the vehicle.

Interior car care

Crumbs, wrappers, dirt and dust can all build up inside a car. Cleaning the interior on a regular basis makes for a more comfortable and hygienic space for both you and your passengers.

First, use your hands or a dustpan and brush to remove the bigger items from the seats and floor of the car. Then get your vacuum cleaner out and use it on rugs, carpets and mats to remove loose dirt and debris. A handheld vacuum may be more suitable here unless the vehicle is within easy reach of a plug socket for a corded vacuum cleaner.

You could use an all-purpose interior cleaner on the dashboard, door panels and other hard surfaces. Once you’ve wiped these areas over, use a microfibre cloth to dry it all up.

If you’re feeling extra dedicated, you could even clean the upholstery using a carpet cleaner and its brush attachment.

How often should you wash your car?

This would again be down to personal preference or when you feel it’s needed e.g. after driving back from a muddy festival. Frequent cleaning, especially during the winter months, is recommended by What Car?, as there is more dirt, grit and salt on the roads.

How do I do a waterless car wash?

You can get waterless car wash spray from various shops, outlets and garages. Rather than rinsing your car with water, these sprays will clean a certain area and then you can use a cleaning cloth to finish the job.

Your seasonal guide to car washing

As we head into winter, there are a whole heap of challenges for keeping your car sparkling clean and safe. It’s not just grit, salt and snow you have to worry about, every season brings its own challenges when it comes to washing your car.

Winter is coming

You’ve seen the gritters out and about and laughed at their names. While the salt they spread gives extra protection and grip on the road, it can corrode your vehicle. To deal with this, clean your car in the winter months on a more frequent basis and apply a more durable wax or sealant.

Spring cleaning

In springtime, you’re likely to still be de-icing your car and there might still be some sludge and grit on the floor. Again, you should take care to give your car a thorough pre-wash using a strong shampoo.

Summer shine

The sun is shining but the birds and bugs are leaving all kinds of unwanted residue on your windscreen. To get rid of bird poo and other unwanted mess, try to wash the car in the shade. Don’t scrape the poo off. Use a warm cloth on it and wipe it away.

Crisp and clean this autumn

While you feel the breeze and enjoy the changing colours of the leaves, your car might not be so pleased. Heavy rain, mud and falling foliage can all make it that bit more mucky. Brush the debris away every few days and use rain-repellent to increase visibility.

Keeping your car clean

Although there’s always the option of taking your car to an automatic car wash or letting someone else take the sponge, there could be something extra satisfying about cleaning it yourself.

A well-maintained car that looks as new as the day you picked it up is a delight to drive. Keeping it clean means you’ll also miss out on the embarrassment when someone wants to borrow it.

If they do want to get their hands on the wheel, don’t forget to recommend temporary car insurance. This not only gives them comprehensive cover for the time they need but also keeps your no claims bonus safe and sound.

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/how-to-wash-a-car/

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/service-repair/how-to-wash-your-car

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/how-to-guides/how-to-wash-your-car-guide.html

https://www.kaercher.com/uk/home-garden/know-how/outdoor/car-washing.html

https://www.mycarcleaning.co.uk/blogs/news/washing-a-car-a-detailers

https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/six-mistakes-to-avoid-when-washing-your-car-aXaeb6M0vQ4y

https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/ia1z6b/best_way_to_wash_your_car/

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/99581/how-to-wash-your-car

https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/guides/how-to-wash-a-car

https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/how-to-wash-a-car/n26967

https://motorway.co.uk/sell-my-car/guides/wash-wax-keep-your-car-new