It feels good to hit the road in a clean car, doesn’t it? But even if you think you’re doing everything right, your ride can still show plenty of waterspots, streaks, and scratches. These issues are common, but you can wash and dry your car like a professional by learning the proper methods and techniques.
The first step? Getting the right tools for the job. CleanTools has you covered with many premium car care products. From the fast-drying action of The Absorber to the precise cleaning of The Glosser, any part of your car washing routine gets a complete upgrade.
Essential Tools and Supplies for a Safe Car Wash
The best car washing results always start with the tools you use.
While a simple bucket of soapy water and a towel might give you a surface-level clean, it won’t stop annoying problems like streaking or waterspots.
For the professional grade clean, make sure to have the following on hand:
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3 buckets (tires, wash, rinse)
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Automotive-specific car wash soap
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Hose with an adjustable nozzle
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The Absorber (or The Absorber XL)
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The Glosser (microfiber cloth with wax layer)
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Buffing Balls
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Dash Gear interior cloth
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Microfiber Towels
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Optional: Grit guards, foam cannon
How to Wash a Car Without Damaging the Paint
While it may seem tempting to start with the soap and water, you’ll want to take some preparations first.
This may seem like extra work, but taking the time to prep enhances your cleaning and stops you from making preventable mistakes.
Pre-Wash Preparation
First, park your vehicle in the shade. While you may want to take in extra vitamin D, direct sunlight dries out your car wash faster and causes water spots. Once you have the perfect place, have your three buckets ready on the side.
Before you scrub the car itself, your tires also deserve a nice wash. Rinse your tires using a separate scrub brush, mitt, and bucket, ensuring every nook and cranny gets a thorough wash.
Step-by-Step Washing Technique
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Up and Down: Using your wash mitts, clean your vehicle by starting from the top and continuing downwards. Clean in 3x3 sections to provide a more precise result.
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Rinse Your Mittens: After each section, thoroughly rinse your mittens in a bucket, removing the dirt and debris attached.
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Avoid Circle Motions: Use light pressure throughout the cleaning process, avoiding circular motions, which can cause accidental scratches.
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Final Rinse: For your car’s last shower, remove any nozzle attachment to your hose and provide a broad cascade of water over the exterior. This final rinse clears away any lingering debris or grime left.
How to Dry a Car Without Leaving Water Spots
Washing your car is only half the battle- now it's time to dry it. While drying may seem simple initially, there are a few extra steps to give your ride that extra shine.
Drying Tools and Methods
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The Absorber: Start by drying your vehicle using Absorber in a sweeping motion. Its porous structure allows fast and effective drying, even in broad strokes.
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Microfiber Towel: Using microfiber for car drying is a great way to eliminate small water spots. By using the blotting technique, the microfiber lifts and extracts the water rather than dragging it across
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The Glosser: For the final touch, grab the Glosser and apply gentle pressure to the dry surface. The cleaner layers help pick up stray debris, while the inner wax layer smooths out the surface, giving it that beautiful glossy look.
Bonus Tips for a Professional Finish
You invested time and effort in thoroughly cleaning your car. What makes your washing process different from a professional cleaning?
By following these additional tips and tricks, you can achieve that showroom shine.
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Give your Aluminum/Chrome extra polish with CleanTools’ Buffing Balls
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Use Dash Gear cloth to remove lint and dust from your car’s interior
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Perform routine cleanings to prevent exterior corrosion from bird droppings and bugs
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Your Car
Washing your car may seem like a simple and quick chore, but not taking the time during the washing process can make it look worse.
The next time you wash your vehicle, make sure to avoid the following common mistakes:
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Washing in Direct Sunlight: You might enjoy the sun, but your car’s exterior does not. In direct sunlight, the UV rays can dry your soap and water faster than usual, creating water streaks and spots.
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Using Only One Mitt: While swapping out your washing mitts might be a pain, using the same one over and over can transfer dirty water and debris back onto the car.
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Letting Soap Dry Before Rinse: Letting your soap dry before rinsing results in the chemicals leaving behind streaks and residue, possibly affecting the car paint.
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Air-Drying: Air-drying your car can leave behind residue and debris, leading to water spots and potentially damaging the paint if given enough time.
Keep Your Car Looking Showroom Fresh
Always remember: proper cleaning pays off. By following our guide, you can make your future cleanings a breeze.
We offer premium car care products, from the Absorber and the Glosser, to handy tools like our buffing balls. Each of our tools goes beyond the simple routine cleaning and provides professional-grade results. With CleanTools, keeping your car looking showroom fresh has never been easier.