How to wash car at home : Tips for Scratch Free Washing"

          

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED BEFORE WASHING CAR AT HOME

When washing your car at home, be mindful of local regulations regarding water usage and runoff.

• Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to minimize water waste
• Use eco-friendly detailing products
• Dispose of wastewater properly
• Avoid washing your car during drought conditions
• Always check your local  authorities for specific regulations

MASTERING THE ART OF SCRATCH FREE WASHING AT HOME, EASY AND BRIEF STEP BY STEP GUIDE 

In the pursuit of keeping your car gleaming and scratch-free, washing it at home can be a rewarding task. However, without the right techniques and precautions, you might inadvertently introduce scratches or swirl marks to your vehicle's paintwork. Fear not! Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your at-home car wash leaves your vehicle shining without a scratch in sight.

1- Gather Your Supplies

• Two buckets: One for soapy water and another for rinsing.
• Pressure washer with foam gun.
• High quality microfiber wash mitts/sponges
• High quality microfiber towels for drying 
• Air blower for drying car and removing water from your car to prevent rust, scratches and water spots
• pH-Balanced car wash shampoo is very important for protecting your car paint. Don't use cloths washing and dish washing detergents.
• Grit guards for the buckets to trap dirt and prevent scratching.

2- Pre-wash Rinse

• Start by rinsing your car thoroughly with water to remove loose dirt and debris.
• You can also use pre-wash rinsing products of different companies.
• Use a gentle nozzle and pressure washer on a low setting to avoid blasting dirt into the paint
• Don't apply microfiber cloth directly on dirty body

3- Wash Method:

• Fill one bucket with clean, soapy water and the other with plain water for rinsing.
• Use the two-bucket method: Dip your wash mitt or sponge into the soapy water, wash a section of the car, then rinse it in the clean water bucket before reloading with soap.
• Work from the top down, washing one section at a time to prevent soap from drying on the surface.

4- Mindful Technique:

• Use gentle pressure and long, straight motions when washing to avoid trapping dirt particles between the wash mitt and the paint.
• Rinse the wash mitt frequently to prevent dirt buildup and scratching. Avoid using circular motions, as they can create swirl marks.

5- Wheels and Tires:

• Use a separate wash mitt or brush for cleaning wheels and tires to prevent cross-contamination.
• Apply wheel cleaner and agitate with a brush to remove brake dust and grime.
  
  
  

6-Drying:

• Pat the car dry using soft, clean microfiber towels.
• Avoid rubbing or dragging the towel across the paint, as this can cause scratches.
• Consider using a quick detailer spray or spray wax as a lubricant while drying to minimize friction and add shine.

• Use air blower to remove water from rubbers and tight spaces

7- Interior Cleaning:

Cleaning the interior of your car without causing scratches requires careful attention to detail and the use of appropriate tools and techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean your car's interior safely:

• Remove Debris: Start by removing any large debris such as trash, papers, or items from the interior. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dirt and crumbs from seats, carpets, and floor mats.
• Choose the Right Cleaning Products: Use interior-specific cleaning products that are gentle on surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor upholstery, plastic, or leather. Optimized for mild cleaners or specialized interior detailing sprays.
• Test in a Hidden Area: Before applying any cleaner to visible areas, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse effects such as staining or discoloration.
• Use Soft Brushes and Cloths: When cleaning surfaces like dashboard, door panels, and center console, use soft microfiber towels or brushes specifically designed for interior detailing. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch surfaces.
• Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces: Start by dusting off surfaces using a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Gently wipe down surfaces with a dampened cloth or a mild cleaning solution, depending on the level of dirt and grime. Work in small sections and avoid excessive moisture.
• Clean Upholstery and Fabric: For fabric seats and upholstery, use a fabric cleaner or upholstery shampoo designed for car interiors. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a soft brush to agitate the cleaner and lift dirt. Blot excess moisture with a clean towel and allow the fabric to air dry completely.
• Treat Leather Carefully: If your car has leather seats or trim, use a leather cleaner and conditioner specifically formulated for automotive use. Apply the cleaner using a soft cloth, gently massaging it into the leather. Wipe off excess cleaner and follow up with a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.
• Clean and Condition Vinyl and Plastic: Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or interior detailing spray for cleaning vinyl and plastic surfaces. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe down surfaces, paying attention to textured areas and crevices. Follow up with a plastic or vinyl conditioner to protect and restore shine.
• Address Glass and Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth to clean interior glass surfaces, such as windows and mirrors. Buff the glass to a streak-free shine.
• Finish with Vacuuming: Once all surfaces are clean and dry, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any remaining dirt or debris from carpets, upholstery, and floor mats.

8- Engine Bay Cleaning:

BEFORE

AFTER

• I cleaned my car engine bay using these steps
• Prepare the Engine: Before starting, ensure the engine is cool to the touch to prevent water from evaporating too quickly and leaving behind water spots. If the engine is warm, allow it to cool down completely before proceeding.
• Cover Sensitive Components: Use plastic bags, aluminum foil, or specialized engine covers to protect sensitive electrical components such as the battery, alternator, fuse box, and electronic sensors. Secure these covers tightly to prevent water from penetrating.
• Disconnect the Battery: If you prefer to err on the side of caution, disconnect the battery to prevent any chance of electrical damage. Remember to reconnect it once the cleaning process is complete.
• Degrease the Engine: Use a degreaser specifically formulated for car engines to break down grease, oil, and grime buildup. Apply the degreaser to the engine surfaces, focusing on areas with heavy dirt accumulation. Allow the degreaser to dwell for a few minutes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Agitate with Brushes: Use soft-bristled brushes, such as detailing brushes or paintbrushes, to gently agitate the degreaser and loosen stubborn dirt and grime. Avoid using abrasive brushes that could scratch or damage surfaces.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Use a gentle stream of water from a garden hose or a pressure washer on a low setting to rinse away the degreaser and loosened dirt. Ensure that the water pressure is not too high to prevent water from forcing its way into electrical connectors or sensitive components.
• Dry the Engine: Use compressed air or a leaf blower on a low setting to blow excess water off the engine surfaces. Alternatively, you can use clean microfiber towels to gently pat the surfaces dry. Avoid using excessive force or rubbing, as this could cause damage.
• Inspect for Remaining Dirt: Once the engine is dry, inspect it carefully for any remaining dirt or grease spots. Use a clean microfiber towel and a mild cleaner to spot-clean any stubborn areas if necessary.
• Apply Engine Dressing: If desired, apply a water-based engine dressing or protectant to enhance the appearance of plastic and rubber components. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and allow it to dry completely.
• Reconnect Battery and Remove Covers: If you disconnected the battery, reconnect it once the engine is dry and the covers are removed. Carefully remove any protective covers or bags from electrical components. And start the engine.

9- Trunk Cleaning

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dirt and loose particles from the trunk floor and walls. Pay attention to the corners, seams, and under the spare tire.
• Inspect spare tire and tools
• Use fabric or All purpose cleaner after vacuum

10- Final Touches

• Inspect the car under bright light to ensure no water spots or streaks
• Use a clean Microfiber towel to buff any remaining water spot.

11- Waxing

• Waxing your car creates a protective layer that helps prevent scratches and maintains the shine
• Park your car under shaded areas whenever possible to minimize exposure to UV rays and environmental contaminants

12- Steps you should follow

1. Start with engine cleaning
2. Interior and Trunk
3. Exterior
4. Waxing

13- Precautions

• Use quality wash mitts and microfibers
• Avoid acidic products
• Avoid circular motions
• Use proper technique during drying and waxing
• Use soft brushes and microfiber towels
• Use gentle water pressure
• Use grit guards
  

PROTECT YOURSELF 😀

AVOID WASHING CAR IN EXTREME TEMPREATURES AND KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED 😉💦

In My Next Blog I Will Share a Before and After and a Dirty Car Cleaning Journey.