It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. Cars always get dirty. From bird droppings and pollen in the summer to mud and salt in winter, there’s always something waiting to ruin your car’s looks. But did you know that grime also makes driving harder? Trying to see through a dirty windshield is almost impossible, especially in the sun.
If your car is filthy, don’t worry. Just follow the steps below and your car will be ready for a drive around town in no time.
1. Park the Vehicle in an Ideal Spot
It may come as a surprise that the best place to clean your car is away from direct sunlight. This is because direct sun can cause water spots and decrease your cleaners' effectiveness. Instead, choose a spot with some partial shade like in your garage or under a tree (if weather permits).
2. Rinse the Surface
Using a hose, rinse from the top of your car to the bottom. Rinsing from top to bottom removes initial dirt and debris. It also creates a good foundation for when it’s time to apply soap.
Don’t forget to rinse your car’s undercarriage. This area rarely gets cleaned which can lead to dirt and debris buildup. A light rinse should do the trick.
Now it’s time to fill up a bucket with water and car shampoo. Always check the products you are using and dilute as needed. You’ll use these tools later for more in-depth washing.
3. Apply Wheel Cleaner
Your wheels are always in contact with the road, making it easy for dirt and grime to become lodged in the tread pattern.
Before applying the cleaner, check its pH level. If it's a low pH level cleaner, the contents are very acidic. This can damage the wheels if left for too long. A cleaner with a higher pH level can stay on much longer without the chance of damage.
Apply the cleaner thoroughly from top to bottom as this gives enough time to strip away contaminants.
4. Wash the Exterior With a Soap and Wash Mitt
Remember those buckets? Choose one bucket for clean water and one for grime and debris. We recommend using a wash mitt and cloth. After mixing in the soap and water solution, use your wash mitt to wipe down your car’s exterior. Move from the top to the bottom, beginning with the roof and ending at the hood or rear.
Work in sections as it allows for a more in-depth wash. After finishing a section, rinse off the wash and clean the mitt. Cleaning your mitt in between sections is important, otherwise, you could unknowingly pick up debris, like rocks or pebbles.
Now it's time to dry, so have your Absorer cloth ready to go.
5. Dry Off the Surface Using a Cloth
Use The Absorber cloth to dry all wet areas. The Absorber by CleanTools is a great towel for this. Thanks to its highly absorbent material, the Absorber makes the drying process a breeze. With a wide selection of sizes, you can find the right towel for the perfect dry.
If you come across water spots, simply reapply water and quickly dry it.
6. Apply a Protective Layer: Waxes/Sealants
Nope, you’re not done yet. Give your vehicle some extra protection by applying a wax or sealant.
Wax protects your car's exterior while adding shine. It comes in spray, paste, and liquid form.
Spray wax is easy to apply and is ideal for car owners who just want the basics. Paste wax is a little more pricy, but it produces a show-worthy shine. Finally, liquid wax is great for a lasting finish, but it might be harder to apply than spray or paste.
Sealant provides a durable shell, protecting your car’s paint. Sealant comes as a paste or a synthetic formula. Paste is the most common type of sealant and is easy to apply while. Synthetic sealant typing produces a glossy finish.
7. Clean Your Windows
Don’t forget the windows. Clean windows are important for safe driving. Before applying glass cleaner, lift all wiper blades and lower your windows a bit to clean the tops of the glass.
Wipe down each window in circular motions. Wiping in circles eliminates the chances for streaks to appear. This process applies to the windshields as well, just make sure you are getting areas like corners that can accumulate grime.
Clean Your Car the CleanTools Way
Cleaning your vehicle is easy when you have the right tools. For those wanting to ease the cleaning process, pick up The Absorber! Known as the towel of all cleaning towels, The Absorber has powerful absorbing properties crafted with resistant, long-lasting materials. Say goodbye to water spots and grab The Absorber for a simple and fast dry.