The Benefits of Car Washing Beyond the Basic
Car washing is a great way to get rid of clinging dirt, debris and bird droppings. But a clean vehicle also offers many long lasting benefits.
Use a microfiber wash mitt to avoid scratching the paint. Rinse frequently and work in lines to avoid redirtying the areas you just washed. Wash the tires and wheels first, then the body.
Exterior
Cars are often the pride and joy of their owners. Keeping them looking their best helps to maintain value and enhance fuel economy by reducing drag and making it easier for air to flow over the car's surfaces. A well-kept exterior also protects the interior from environmental damage and keeps the paint color vibrant.
In modern carwashes, whether tunnel, in-bay automatic or self-serve, detergents and other cleaning solutions are used to loosen and eliminate dirt and grime. The cleaning products used in these facilities are designed to be gentle on the paint, unlike household cleaners that may contain harsh ingredients. These cleaners are also designed to be safe for the environment. They don't use hydrofluoric acid like some older carwashes did, instead using safer chemicals that are better for the earth.
Before washing the car, it is important to make sure the vehicle is parked in a shady area and that the surface of the car is cool. If it is hot, the soapy water can evaporate before rinsing and leave streaks behind. It is also important to move quickly around the car so that the soap doesn't dry on the paint and cause a scratch.
Start by rinsing the vehicle thoroughly with a hose without a spray nozzle to remove any loose dirt and grime. Then, fill a bucket with a couple capfuls of concentrated car cleaning solution and enough water to dissolve the product. Dip a sponge or mitt into the solution and begin to wash the car, working one section at a time. Rinse the soapy water off after each section and continue to rinse as needed to minimize swirl marks.
Be sure to pay special attention to the tires and lower areas of the car such as the rocker panels. These areas often have extra "crud" that can stick to your sponge or mitt and scratch the paint elsewhere on the car if not removed. When you are done, rinse the wheels and tires with a hose to remove any remaining solution.
Once the car is completely clean, it is recommended to use a vinyl and rubber protectant on all the plastic, rubber and vinyl parts of the vehicle. Pour a dab of the protectant onto a clean rag and wipe down the door and window moldings, trim, rearview mirrors, and tires. Wipe the rag periodically to keep it clean and avoid getting the protectant on any other parts of the vehicle. Wait for the rag to become dry and then buff with another clean rag to reveal a brilliant shine.
Interior
The frequency of interior car cleaning depends on the driving conditions and lifestyle. Drivers with kids and pets likely need to clean their cars more frequently, while commuters who spend long hours behind the wheel should consider a thorough detailing at least twice a year to remove grit and grime tracked inside over the winter and summer. In addition to removing surface-level dirt and debris, an interior detail will also refresh upholstery, eliminate odors and protect against future damage.
Holiday Car Wash begins with vacuuming the entire vehicle, including the trunk and cargo area. After that, use a crevice tool and brush attachment to get the dust out of hard-to-reach spots like the middle console, cupholders, door panel seams, and air vents. Depending on the level of interior care required, this step can be combined with a trim vacuum or wash.
Next, sanitize all the high-touch surfaces, such as the steering wheel and door handles, with disinfectant wipes or isopropyl alcohol. If the car has leather seats, wash them in warm water and a few drops of laundry detergent.
Now that the seats are clean, it’s time to vacuum again. Don’t forget to move the front seat back and vacuum under the seats, as well as the space under the dashboard in the center.
Once the interior is as clean as possible, wipe down all the dash panels and doors with a microfiber cloth. Don’t skip over the middle console, gearshift, and steering wheel, as they are the most frequent touch points in a vehicle.
To prevent dirt and grime from resettling, consider using a protective wax or sealant on the dashboard, wheels and door jambs, according to Family Handyman. This will help the surfaces to resist scratches and stains for longer, giving the car a better appearance over time.
Once the exterior and interior have been cleaned, it’s a good idea to perform any repairs or modifications that are needed. A professional can do this for you or your car wash can offer the service as an add-on. This will ensure that your customers are completely satisfied with their newly detailed car and are more likely to share the good news about your business.
Tires
After you’ve scrubbed the paint, cleaned the glass and vacuumed the interior, it’s time to turn your attention to the tires. Dirty and scuffed car tires not only detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle, they can also affect the performance of the vehicle.
Regular cleaning of the tires will help to enhance their lifespan, saving you potential replacement costs. Accumulated grime, including abrasive substances like road salt and brake pad dust, can also accelerate the degradation of the rubber, leading to pitting and cracking.
Use a separate bucket and sponge for your tire cleaning, and preferably a non-abrasive bristled brush, rather than an aggressive scrubber. Also, be sure to use a wheel brush that’s compatible with the type of wheels on your vehicle. Using one that’s meant for mag wheels on chrome or painted wheels can damage the finish.
Apply a tire degreaser that’s specifically designed for tires, and allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down grime. Scrub gently in a circular motion with a non-abrasive brush, and be careful not to scratch the sidewall. Rinse thoroughly, and dry with a towel dedicated to the tires.
Some tire cleaners need to be buffed with a special tool after rinsing to achieve the best shine. If yours does, be sure to read the directions carefully to ensure proper application and buffing.
Serious damage, such as a gouged or nicked sidewall, should be examined by a professional before proceeding with the washing and drying process. If the damage is severe, consider replacing the tire to avoid injury or damage to other components of the vehicle.
If you’re unable to afford new tires, a good quality tire dressing can add some much needed sheen and help the rubber resist further degradation. Be sure to select a product that doesn’t contain any silicone or formaldehyde. Lastly, be sure to test the product in an inconspicuous area before applying it to your vehicle. You don’t want to risk damaging the paint or clear coat, even if it is only temporary.
Glass
When you think of car cleaning, you probably envision glittering chrome and spotless wheels. However, it’s important to not overlook the glass on your vehicle. Windshields, windows, and touchscreens accumulate gunk over time. Dirty glass can impair your vision, and can also make it hard to see when you’re driving at night.
The best way to clean your windshield and windows is to use automotive glass cleaner. You can buy this at most auto stores, and it is specifically formulated to remove grime and leave a streak-free shine. When using this, it is best to work out of direct sunlight. This will prevent the glass cleaner from evaporating too quickly and leaving a residue behind.
Start by spraying a small amount of the cleaner onto a microfiber towel. Then, wipe the surface of each window. After you’ve wiped the area, apply moderate pressure and gently rub away any dirt or film left by the cleaner. Next, dry the window with a fresh towel. Make sure to change the towel often so that you don’t re-contaminate the window with dirty towels.
Once the windows are dry, you can wipe down the dashboard and seats if needed. Make sure that you use a lint-free towel to avoid leaving any particles. Professional auto detailers almost always use microfiber towels for this job because they are lint free and have a slightly abrasive surface that helps to fight stubborn dirt like bug splats.
It’s also a good idea to keep a package of auto glass cleaner wipes in your glovebox for touch-ups. These can be used to wipe away bird droppings, tree sap, or smoke film from the glass. You can also use them to clean headlight glare and fog.
You should also keep a microfiber towel in your car for wiping down the interior mirrors. They will collect fingerprints and grease, so it’s a good idea to clean them often. You can also apply a windshield treatment to protect your glass from future damage and to help reduce the amount of water and road grime that sticks to it.
Car washing is a great way to get rid of clinging dirt, debris and bird droppings. But a clean vehicle also offers many long lasting benefits. Use a microfiber wash mitt to avoid scratching the paint. Rinse frequently and work in lines to avoid redirtying the areas you just washed. Wash the tires and wheels…