Washing your car doesn’t have to feel like a chore! It’s the best way to enjoy your car more. Ever wonder what it feels like to roll up with the shiniest car in the parking lot? With this guide, you’ll discover not only the techniques but also the mindset for making car washing an easy, enjoyable part of your routine.
All Products Discussed in This Post:
This post contains links to products that I may receive compensation from at no additional cost to you. View my Affiliate Disclosure page here.
- Optimum No Rinse Rinseless Wash
- P&S Absolute Rinseless Wash
- McKee’s N-914 Rinseless Wash
- Adam’s Car Shampoo
- P&S Bead Maker
Why Washing Your Car Regularly Matters
The two most important factors in a clean looking car are level of protection and the frequency of washing. Think about it. The more frequently you wash your car the more time it spends clean and the less time it spends dirty. There’s an advantage in your favor with frequent washes too; since the car’s not getting as dirty it’s easier and quicker to clean each time.
There’s also things you don’t want to leave on your paint for a long time. Things like bird poop, bug guts and water spots can cause permanent damage if not taken care of. We spend thousands (10’s of thousands? 100’s of thousands?(someday!)) on our car which is significant money. Having a terrible looking bird poop shaped etching on your car’s hood is tough to look at every time you get in.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Beginners
When you start your car washing journey don’t go buy a garage full of tools. You’re new. You don’t know what you need and, more importantly, you don’t know what you like. A few basic items will set you up for success.
Anytime we touch the car there’s an opportunity to scratch the finish. Overtime, all of these scratches dull the color and shine of the paint. We can easily prevent these scratches by using a car shampoo or rinseless wash. These solutions will help lubricate the surface and trap dirt, sand, etc. in a protective bubble. This won’t completely stop your car from getting scratched, but it will drastically limit the possibility.
With that in mind, invest in a good car shampoo—one specifically designed for vehicles. Dish soap might be tempting to use, but it strips protective wax and can damage your car’s finish. Pair the shampoo with a microfiber wash mitt, wash pad or microfiber towel which is gentle on paint and effectively traps dirt without causing scratches.
You’ll also need two buckets: one for soapy water (wash bucket) and one for rinsing (rinse bucket). If you want to take it a step further, add a grit guard to the bottom of each bucket to prevent dirt from sticking to your mitt.
Don’t forget drying towels! Keep the bath towel in the bathroom and opt for a large, microfiber drying towel to avoid streaks and scratches. If you’re feeling fancy, use a last step spray or drying aid to help prevent scratches during drying, add additional shine and give the surface a velvety slickness you’ll be craving from here on out.
Pre-Wash Preparation
Before diving in, set yourself up for an enjoyable and successful wash by prepping your car and your workspace. Do your best to park in the shade or wash it during cooler times of the day. Direct sunlight (and wind) can cause water to dry too quickly, leaving stubborn spots behind.
Take a minute and gather all your car wash stuff in one spot so you don’t have to run back and forth mid-wash. Staying as organized as possible will make the process more fun. If you’re tripping over hoses and buckets and not able to find anything you won’t want to do this anymore.
Since you’re at the beginning of your car wash journey, give your car a quick rinse with just water. This simple step knocks off all of the easy stuff, reducing the chances of scratching your paint while scrubbing. While rinsing check for any tough spots like tree sap, bug guts, or bird poop. These may need a bit of extra attention with a dedicated cleaner.
Once everything is rinsed and ready, it’s time to get to the fun part—washing!
Step-by-Step Car Washing Guide
The key to continuously have a successful car wash and shiny car is a consistently executing a simple wash process.
Start with the two-bucket technique: fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing your mitt. This helps you avoid transferring dirt back onto your car which could scratch the surface. Begin washing from the top of the car and work your way down. The roof, windows, and hood are typically the cleanest, while the lower panels and wheels pick up the most grime.
As you work, dip your mitt in the soapy water, wash a section, and then rinse the mitt in the clean water before moving to the next area. A section is typically what you can reach without needing to take a step left or right. If you’re walking back and forth too much (like dragging your wash mitt from the front of the car to the back of the car and then back again) you’re just going to get tired. Although, if you’re trying to get steps in that’s a great hack!
When your wash media (wash mitt, wash pad, microfiber towel, etc.) is on the surface of the car you should be adding the least amount of pressure necessary to clean the surface. You should not be scrubbing or really pushing the wash media. Think about wiping the car clean.
What If a Gentle Wipe Doesn’t Work?
If you do run into an area that’s stubborn and not coming off with a wipe from your wash media you can do a few things:
- Rinse your wash media in the rinse bucket and pull a bunch of suds from the wash bucket; try to get all of those suds on the problem spot
- Use a little more pressure than normal just in that area (you shouldn’t be pushing so hard the panel is flexing/moving)
- Use your bare finger to see if it’s really stuck or something that you can pull off
- If you have a dedicated car wash all purpose cleaner spray it on that section starting with the weakest concentration first then wipe off
- Repeat until the spot comes off
- If you don’t have a dedicated car wash all purpose cleaner then stop here; we’ll get the stubborn spot another time
Once you’re comfortable with the level of clean of the car rinse thoroughly with clean water. Finally, dry your car using a large microfiber towel. You should use the same technique with the drying towel you do with your wash media. You’re wiping the car dry; don’t put too much pressure put into the towel. Drying is just as important as washing to prevent water spots and mineral deposits on your paint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few mistakes when you’re just starting out, but they’re simple to avoid with a little preparation (like reading this post!).
One of the most common missteps is using household cleaners like dish soap or glass cleaner on your car. While they’re great for dishes or windows, these products can strip protective wax and even damage your car’s clear coat. Stick to products specifically designed for washing cars.
Another frequent error is scrubbing too hard. Extra pressure will remove stubborn dirt, but it’s more likely to leave swirl marks or scratches. Let the soap and water do the heavy lifting instead.
Finally, don’t skip the drying step. Allowing your car to air dry might seem convenient, but it often leads to water spots and streaks that are hard to remove later.
How to Maintain a Clean Car Between Washes
You don’t need to wash your car every week to keep it looking great (although it’s a great, relaxing hobby so maybe you want to). A few simple habits can help maintain that just-washed look between full washes.
Keeping a quick detailer or waterless wash spray and a microfiber cloth handy can easily remove the problem spots I mentioned earlier; bug guts, bird poop, etc. If you’re dealing with heavier dirt but don’t have time for a full wash, a rinseless wash process can get you a quick win.
Adding a layer of protection to your car’s paint, like a ceramic/graphene spray, ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF), can also make future cleanups easier. These products create a barrier that repels dirt and water, keeping your car cleaner for longer.
Lastly, aim for a regular washing schedule—every two to three weeks is a good rule of thumb, though you might need to wash more often if you live in a particularly dusty or rainy area.
Turning Car Washing Into a Fun Hobby
Washing my cars is a hobby of mine. I enjoy the process of using different chemicals, tools and different systems of keeping our cars clean. It’s relaxing and a be meditative. For me, the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Experimenting with new tools and products is another way to keep things exciting. From foam cannons to all of the drying aid options, there’s a whole world of car detailing gear to explore. This is one of the reasons I recommend starting small. Learn what you like and don’t like about the process. Understand the level of dirty your car gets and what “clean” actually means to you. Then, look around for what products or processes will help you get what your chasing.
Welcome to Your New Favorite Hobby
Washing your car isn’t a chore—it can be a fun and rewarding way to care for your vehicle. By staying organized, using the right tools and following a simple process, you’ll not only keep your car looking its best but also protect its value for a long time.
Go grab your hose, car shampoo and microfiber mitt, and make your car shiny!