What is the most suitable way to wash a car?

[McLukas]

Generally, it is recommended to use dedicated car wash soap for washing cars. Specially formulated car wash soap can provide better cleaning and stain removal effects while being gentle on the skin. Dedicated car wash soap is also known as car body foam cleaner or car wash wax, with its key performance being lubrication rather than producing rich foam or enhancing shine. Better lubrication means less worry about impurities scratching the car paint during wiping. How to use car wash soap: First, rinse off the dirt and sand from the car body with clean water. Then, dilute the car wash soap with water according to the recommended ratio, generate a large amount of foam, and use a cleaning sponge to apply it to the car body for cleaning. Finally, rinse off the foam from the car body and dry it with a soft towel. Precautions: It is advisable to use dedicated car wash soap or car wash wax, as they not only clean the car body more effectively but also provide care for the car paint. It is not recommended for car owners to mix their own car wash soap or use products like dishwashing liquid, shower gel, or shampoo as substitutes. Most of these detergents are alkaline and can cause significant damage to the car paint, potentially harming it over long-term use.

[LeMartin]

I've given car washing a lot of thought, and I usually go with a neutral car shampoo paired with a gentle water spray. Neutral car shampoo has a balanced pH level that won't harm the paint or corrode metal parts, plus its rich foam helps remove sand particles to prevent scratches. Never use laundry detergent or dish soap—they're too alkaline and can accelerate paint oxidation, leading to a whitish appearance. Always buy genuine car shampoo, as off-brand products might damage rubber seals. For DIY washing, it's best to prepare two buckets—one for the shampoo solution and one for clean water. First, rinse off larger particles of dirt, then use a sponge soaked in foam to wipe the car, which offers the best protection for the paint. After washing, dry the car with a microfiber towel to avoid water stain marks.

[OAbigail]

When washing my car, I always use dedicated car shampoo. The biggest difference from regular cleaners is that it contains lubricants, allowing dirt and sand to slide off easily without scratching the paint surface. I highly recommend car shampoos with liquid wax, which coat the paint while washing, saving the effort of waxing. Remember to avoid washing under midday sun as rapid water evaporation may leave spots. For tree sap or bird droppings, don't scrape them off directly - spray specialized cleaner to soften first. Use pH-neutral cleaner for wheels as strong acidic products can corrode aluminum alloy. Gently brush sunroof seals with soft brush to prevent aging and leaks.

[SpencerRose]

The key to car washing lies in protecting the paintwork. My first choice is a pH-neutral dedicated car wash solution, whose foam can encapsulate dirt to reduce friction. Avoid using high-pressure water jets directly on the paint surface to prevent damage; maintain a half-meter distance and rinse at an angle. For stubborn stains, use a bug and tar remover, which is much safer than scraping hard. It's best to use the washing sponge in sections, changing to a fresh side after cleaning the upper part of the car body to prevent sand particles at the bottom from scratching the paint. After washing, remember to dry the crevices, especially around the door edges and the trunk drainage channels, as accumulated water can corrode the metal. If you're doing it yourself, a thorough cleaning once a month is sufficient.