How to Properly Wash a Car Body?
3 Answers
First, rinse all parts of the car body with high-pressure water to moisten the dirt, then wait for 4-5 minutes before using high-pressure water again to rinse off the mud adhering to the car body. For stubborn mud clumps or saline-alkali substances, use a brush to scrub them off and rinse thoroughly with clean water. When washing the car, start from the top to completely remove dust and dirt. The water pressure can be higher when rinsing the undercarriage to clean off mud and other attachments; use lower water pressure for the car body, preferably with a rain-like mist spray. Excessive water pressure or flow can cause hard particles in the dirt to scratch the paint layer. The water temperature for washing the car body should not be too high, as it can quickly damage the paint layer. After using a cleaning agent, rinse the car with clean water to ensure no traces of the cleaning agent or soap remain, as these will become very noticeable once the car body dries. When washing the car on hot days, rinse each section with clean water before moving on to the next.
Every time I wash my car, I pay special attention to the sequence. First, I rinse the car from top to bottom with a hose to remove large chunks of dirt and sand, as wiping directly can easily scratch the paint. Preparing two buckets is crucial—one for the car wash soap and another for clean water. After the wash mitt is covered in foam, I rinse it in the clean water bucket to avoid transferring dirt onto the car body. When washing, I start from the roof, cleaning one section at a time, and leave the dirtiest areas like the tires and undercarriage for last. When rinsing, angle the water spray horizontally rather than blasting directly into car seams. For drying, use a microfiber towel and gently wipe along the direction of the paint grain. Pay extra attention to drying corners like emblems and door handles where water tends to pool, as sunlight can leave watermarks. Remember to avoid washing the car under direct sunlight—overcast days or evenings are more suitable for a thorough yet gentle clean.
I find that washing my car is actually quite simple, the key is to have all the necessary tools ready. I start with a pH-neutral car shampoo, the kind specifically designed for cars that you can find in supermarkets—never use laundry detergent, as it damages the paint. I avoid washing the car under direct sunlight and prefer a cool evening instead. For the hard-to-reach spots on the wheels, I use a soft-bristle brush, but always a wash mitt for the body. When washing, I start from the roof and work my way down to prevent dirty water from flowing onto clean areas. While rinsing, I pay extra attention to the gaps around the sunroof and roof rack, as these areas tend to trap dirt and sand. For drying, I avoid regular towels that shed lint and leave scratches, opting instead for two or three microfiber cloths to rotate. After washing, I remember to open the doors and dry the door sills, then apply some tire dressing—it makes the car look brand new when I drive it out.
