Introduction
Washing your car is one of the most important things you can do to protect it. The right cleaning products and techniques can keep your vehicle looking its best for years to come. While there are many different ways to clean a car, this article will focus on the two bucket method that breaks down dirt and grime effectively while protecting paint from scratches or swirl marks caused by improper washing techniques. Paint protection Melbourne film is the only way to give your beloved ride a physical barrier against all that life throws at it.
Exterior
- Exterior. The most important thing you can do for your car’s exterior is to thoroughly wash it. Remove all dirt, grime and bugs with a high quality car wash detergent. If you have a foam cannon, use it to apply the soap; this will ensure that all areas are covered properly. Once you’ve rinsed off the soap, use a clay bar to remove any remaining contaminants (like brake dust). Finally, rinse with fresh water and dry using microfiber towels.
Car wash
- Use car wash soap
- Use a bucket
- Use a hose
- Use a sponge/brush and/or wash mitt (if you’re using one) to apply the pressure of the water to your vehicle’s surface. The foam cannon uses pressurized water and detergents, which act as lubricants to break down dirt on your car’s finish. Foam cannons can be pricey, but they work well and make the process more enjoyable because you typically don’t have to rub as hard to clean off dirt from your vehicle. If you choose not to use one, simply spray or wipe down all surfaces with fresh water before proceeding through each step below.
Wash bucket
- A bucket with a lid. A lid is helpful because you can use the same water for multiple steps, and it prevents debris from being blown into your car while you wash it.
- An appropriate size bucket. It’s important to select a bucket that can hold enough water for all of your washing needs, but not too much as to have overflow issues when you’re rinsing off the soap or wax.
- A comfortable handle and grip. You’ll be carrying this around all day, so make sure that both sides of your hand are comfortable with it before purchasing one! If not, then steer clear until you find one that’s right for you! Otherwise… well maybe just skip this step altogether!
Foam cannon
A foam cannon is a device that attaches to your pressure washer, typically through a quick-connect fitting. It uses water and specialized soap or detergent to create suds that you can shoot onto your car with the press of a button. The foam is usually thick enough that it won’t run off your car’s surface, allowing you to get into hard-to-reach areas without having to manually apply it with a sponge or other applicator.
Foam cannons have been around for years but have recently become more popular among detailers because they’re so easy to use and are just as effective as any other method at removing dirt and grime from your vehicle’s exterior surfaces. They also allow you to save time by not having to manually apply soap yourself; instead, all you have to do is press a trigger button while holding the nozzle near where you want it applied on your vehicle’s bodywork (preferably over some sort of rag).
Wash mitts
When washing your car, use separate wash mitts for the wheels, paint and glass.
This ensures that you will not get wheel dirt on your paint job, or glass contaminants that could lead to scratches.
Wash mitts are made of microfiber and have a loop on one end so they can be hung up after use. Microfibers are very soft and safe on all surfaces as they allow dirt and debris to be removed while providing protection against swirl marks caused by improper agitation during cleaning.
Clay bar
Clay bars are used to remove contaminants from the paint. It can be used to remove scratches and swirl marks, but it should not be used as a substitute for a polishing or waxing product. The clay bar is able to scrape off oxidation, surface contaminants and light scratches while leaving behind an ultra-smooth finish that will make the paint look amazing after you complete your detailing process.
When using a clay bar make sure you work in sections no larger than 12 inches at once. You’ll want to start out at low speed with medium pressure until you feel like the paint is starting to stick then slowly increase speed and decrease pressure until all material has been removed from the car’s surface (this usually takes me around 30 minutes). Once all of the material has been removed simply wash off any residue with soap and water before moving on to step 2 where I’ll show you how I detail my tires!
Liquids
Your car can be detailed with a variety of liquids, each for different purposes. The following are some common ones:
- Car wash soap – Great for washing your car and removing dirt, bugs, oil and more from the paint. You’ll want to use a pressure washer if you have one available for this step!
- Wheel cleaner – Used to clean wheels (both inside and out), wheel sealant will protect against corrosion which might otherwise lead to rusting or pitting. This should be applied after cleaning with soap or all-purpose cleaner.
- Wax/dressing – A fancy way of saying “car wax” or “sealant”—this product is used to keep your paint shiny by repelling water while also protecting against UV rays which cause fading over time. For best results, apply it before washing so that any contamination has been removed beforehand! Just remember not to use it on glass surfaces because they could become too slick when wet thanks in part due what’s called “static electricity” — when two surfaces meet each other rapidly enough (such as during application), there’s no friction between them which means nothing stopping them from sliding away from one another
Wheel cleaner (Acid-free)
Wheel cleaner is used to remove brake dust and road grime from your wheels. Brake dust is the residue left behind by brake pads as they wear down, grinding up against the rotor surfaces of your vehicle’s wheels. Road grime consists of dirt and other contaminants picked up from being driven on city streets, highways, and back roads.
Wheel cleaners come in several different forms: spray bottles for easy application; foaming mitts for larger areas; microfiber towels for wiping away excess product; gels that are applied directly to the wheel surface; or a combination of these cleaning agents (depending on how dirty your wheels are).
Wheel sealant, wax, or dressing (for tires)
You will want to use a product specifically designed for wheels, and not just any old wax or dressing. Wheel sealant, wax, or dressing should be pH (acidity) balanced and safe for use on all wheel types. It should also be easy to apply and should not contain silicones that can clog up your brake rotors.
Two-bucket wash method – breaks down dirt and grime for a scratch free clean. Using the two bucket method is important in protecting your paint from wash induced swirl marks. Fill one bucket with just water and another with soapy water. Dunk your wash mitt into the soapy bucket and perform a prewash on large parts of the car. Make sure to use plenty of soap for this step. Then dunk the mitt into the clean bucket to rinse it out thoroughly before transitioning over to a standard 2×2 wash on your panels. Doing this will ensure that your mitt doesn’t get caked with dirt particles, which could cause scratching when you’re going over your paint.
The two bucket method is important in protecting your paint from wash induced swirl marks. Fill one bucket with just water and another with soapy water. Dunk your wash mitt into the soapy bucket and perform a prewash on large parts of the car. Make sure to use plenty of soap for this step. Then dunk the mitt into the clean bucket to rinse it out thoroughly before transitioning over to a standard 2×2 wash on your panels. Doing this will ensure that your mitt doesn’t get caked with dirt particles, which could cause scratching when you’re going over your paint.[1]
Conclusion
Now that you know how to properly detail your car, all there is left to do is put in the work. Remember that detailing takes time, but it’s worth it! The benefits of cleaning your ride include increased visibility and safety, plus an added boost of confidence when you’re behind the wheel. If done correctly, a weekly wash-and-wax schedule will keep your vehicle looking like new for years on end. Find out how to detail your car properly.