What is the correct method for manual car washing?
3 Answers
All you need is a water hose, a medium-sized plastic bucket, a bottle of car-specific detergent, a bottle of dashboard wax, a sponge, and a car cleaning cloth. Find a shaded open area, preferably near a water source and a drainage pipe. Rinse the car body with clean water to remove dirt. Then, use a sponge soaked with the prepared car wash solution to wipe the entire car body. Use a clean towel or chamois to thoroughly dry the car body. Use a tire brightening protectant or tire foam cleaner to clean the tire tread, and a wheel cleaner for the wheel rims.
When washing my car myself, I always start by parking in a shady spot to avoid the sun heating up the paint and leaving water spots. Then, I use a soft hose to rinse off surface dust, working from top to bottom slowly, paying special attention to the mud around the wheels. I prepare two buckets of water: one with diluted professional car wash soap and the other with clean water. Using a soft sponge, I gently wipe the car starting from the roof, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the paint. After rinsing thoroughly, I promptly dry the car with a pure cotton towel or microfiber cloth to prevent water marks. I also make it a habit to wash the car every two weeks, especially after the rainy season, to prevent bird droppings from corroding the surface. After washing, I take the opportunity to check the tire pressure and lighting conditions to ensure driving safety. The entire process is gentle and orderly, leaving the car's surface shiny and new.
As a car enthusiast, I've found the key to proper hand washing lies in tools and techniques. Start with a pressure washer rinse to loosen dirt; choose pH-neutral car shampoo, avoiding household soap to prevent paint damage. For wiping, I use dedicated wash mitts by sections to avoid cross-contamination—for instance, old mitts exclusively for wheels. Rinsing must be thorough, starting from the top to ensure all suds flow off. Dry promptly with a blower or microfiber towel to prevent water spots. Additionally, wear slip-resistant shoes for safety. Regular washes also help monitor body scratches or corrosion for timely repairs.
