How to Wash a Car Detailing Properly 

Whether you’re trying to keep your car in tip-top shape or you simply want to do a good job detailing it, it’s important to know how to wash it properly. This will help you prevent damage from happening, as well as ensure that the process is a breeze. 

The first step in washing a car detailing is to make sure you have the right tools for the job. There are a lot of different things you’ll need, from paint cleaners to clay bars to car waxes, so be sure to have all the necessary supplies before you begin. 

Use a proper wash mitt and low-pH car shampoo to clean your vehicle’s exterior. This will reduce the risk of scratching or marring the finish, which is essential for restoring a vehicle’s shine. 

Rinse and dry the exterior thoroughly. This will eliminate water spots and streaks. It will also allow you to see if you have any stubborn spots that will require some additional coaxing in order to be lifted from the surface. 

Avoid working in direct sunlight and on hot surfaces at all costs when detailing your car’s exterior. This will cause the soap and water to evaporate faster, which can lead to stubborn water spots or streaks. 

Work in relatively small areas, and preferably in the shade, when washing your vehicle’s exterior. This is especially important when it comes to the wheels and tires, as these are some of the grubbiest areas on a vehicle. 

Begin by rinsing all of the loose debris from your car, from the roof to the glass, then start cleaning. This will give you a chance to get rid of all that road grime and mud before you try to wash it off the actual wheels. 

Next, rinse the entire vehicle and wipe down all of its doors, window jambs, and trunk and hood jambs with microfiber towels. Then, spray a good coat of car wax over the entire vehicle to seal it in moisture and help it look like new again. 

If you have small children, the car seats in your vehicle can become quite dirty and greasy, so it’s vital to clean them frequently. This includes cleaning underneath the seats and the creases between them. You can even make a solution with vinegar and water to sanitize the seat belts and buckles. 

The car seats are some of the most frequently touched items in a vehicle, and they can get very grubby and stained over time from spills, coffee splashes, transfer from hand cream, and so on. A good way to keep your seats looking squeaky clean is to vacuum them once a week or so and wipe down the inside of them with a cloth or paper towel before driving. 

When it’s time to clean the seat upholstery, you can use a simple all-purpose cleaner made from three parts white vinegar and one part water, or a DIY all-purpose disinfectant. Both methods are easy to make, and they will both do a great job of sanitizing the seat fabric and making it look brand-new again.