Most people enjoy keeping their cars clean and, let’s face it, there are few things that feel better than looking at your car gleaming in the sunlight after a good washing.  One of the problems with washing the car is often times we are damaging the cars.  Here are a few tips on keeping your clean, safely. 

Avoid taking your car to a “drive through” car wash.  The “flaps” that slap against your car could have dirt or small rocks from the previous car on them, scratching and digging at your cars paint job with each swipe.  Also they often miss large areas because it is a “one size fits all” machine.  And finally, the rinse cycle may leave soap on the car which can eat away at the wax or just leave dirty streaks on the car. 

So grab your credit card and head to the store to get some supplies.  There are several types of car wash accessories out there and for the most part it is personal preference.  Something to consider however is to avoid dish soaps to wash your car.  While these tend to be cheaper and more convenient, dish soaps are made to eat away at dried on food off of fired ceramic, thus tend to eat away at the wax on your car.  Also, look for a sponge or mitten that has a thick layer over it or deep crevasse to trap dirt and rocks.  Some flat sponges (like dish sponges) can act more like sandpaper than sponges. 

Once you’ve pick up your essentials, park your car in a shaded area and drag out the hose.  The shade is far better than in the sun because the warmer the car is, the softer the wax is.  If you can’t put your hand on the hood without pain, don’t wash the car.  Start by filling a clean, plastic bucket with water and about half of what the car wash shampoo recommends. Remember they are trying to sell more soap.  Soak the car with the hose, but don’t blast it.  Then start at the top and wash a section at a time, rinsing as you go and thoroughly cleaning your mitten/sponge.  Once finished, dry the car with dry, 100% cotton towels.  Try using one towel per section to extract as much water as possible. 

Now you’ve just washed your car the right way and your credit card won’t see eight dollar charges every week from those automated car washes and you know your cars paint and wax will have a longer more beautiful life.