A Waterless Car Wash – An Essential Guide to Washing Your Car
It’s The Great British Sunday Ritual – Washing The Car! You get your bucket of soapy water and a sponge, fire up the garden hose and go to work.
On a sunny day, it seems everybody is doing the same. But how much damage are we doing to our cars, every time we decide to clean them?
For example, have you ever wondered why your cars gleaming paintwork seems to be covered in swirl marks, or why your once sparkling alloy wheels are now a dull grey? The answer is in the products we use and they way in which we use them.
OK, most people want to get the car cleaned as quickly as possible, that’s fine. But please, for the sake of your cars shine, don’t rush the job. By working methodically and quickly, you can protect your possession and even improve its re-sale value.
Here’s how to do it:
Make sure your car is parked on gravel or even the lawn if possible. This will reduce the amount of run off waste created. Come on guys, lets help the environment too.
Use A Quality Car Shampoo. This is essential, as car shampoos are made to clean cars. Don’t use washing up liquid. This is made to clean “stuck on” food off porcelain plates.
When using a hose, (if you’re still allowed), make sure it has a spray gun with a shut off trigger. Liberally spray the car all over, to remove excess dirt and debris. If there are any ground in bugs, tar or droppings, use a specialist cleaner to remove these before you start washing.
Wash from the top first. Start on the roof, move to the windscreen, bonnet, sides and boot. Leave the wheels until last. Always spray down each area as it is washed. Change the cleaning water as often as possible. This soon fills with microscopic stones and dirt which are wiped onto your car.
Clean the wheels with a non-abrasive, non acid based cleaner. Thoroughly hose down to remove any excess brake dust.
Dry with a chamois leather or super-soft terry towel. Don’t leave the car to dry in the sun. Dust gets into the water and dries into the paintwork as the water evaporates. This leaves water spots, which can be very difficult to remove.