DO IT Better:
When’s the last time you washed
your car? Clarification: That’s actually
washed your own car, using a
hose, sponges and elbow grease.
Although drive-through car wash facilities
are quick and relatively inexpensive
(and convenient during winter months to
remove road salt), washing your own car
lets you focus on the details. It’s both physically
and financially wise. Some say it’s
therapeutic and makes you feel good. And
if you have children, it can be downright
fun to let them help.
Here are some basic
recommendations
to wash your own vehicle:
1. Gather supplies
a. Large natural sponges or cleaning
mitts. If the wheels and lower body
are very dirty, use a separate
sponge or mitt.
b. Three buckets – one for soapy water,
another for rinsing the sponge when
it gets dirty and a third to wring out
the sponge or cloth after cleaning. Make a clean bucket of soapy
water after washing the wheels, which are typically the dirtiest
part of a vehicle.
c. A hose with a removable spray attachment.
d. Car wash shampoo/soap. Avoid household products like dish detergent
or hand soap, which can damage the paint or clear coat
surface. You may also want to invest in a special cleaning product
for the wheels. Also try to choose cleaning products that do not
harm the environment if absorbed into the ground.
e. Clean lint-free microfiber towels for drying. Some people still like
traditional leather chamois, although this is open to debate
among car enthusiasts.
2. Avoid washing your car on a hot day, when the heat will evaporate
the water too quickly. Park the car in the shade, or wash it at dusk
– and it must be near a running water spigot. If you’ve been out
driving, let the car cool down.
3. Hose down the car to loosen or remove surface dust, dirt and mud.
4. Mix the soap bucket with the ratio of water and soap recommended
on the car soap container.
5. Wash wheels and rims first, using a separate sponge or cloth.
Wheels can be contaminated by tiny bits of metallic brake dust that
can scratch the car’s finish. Do not use the dirty sponge or cloth on
the rest of the vehicle. You can also use a soft brush to scrub dirt off
the wheels.
6. Pretreat any tough stains on the painted surface. Use a bit of undiluted
car wash soap to loosen sap, bird droppings or smashed bugs.
How to Wash
Your Own Car
BY JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS
7. Starting at the top of the vehicle, wash and rinse one section at a time,
moving the sponge or mitt back and forth, not in circles, which can
scratch the paint. Wring out the dirty sponge or cloth in a designated
bucket to be dumped in the sink afterward, then rinse in the clean water
bucket. If you drop the sponge on the ground, rinse it thoroughly
to remove dirt, which can scratch the finish. If either bucket gets dark
and dirty, replace with fresh soap and/or water.
8. To rinse soap from the car, some experts recommend removing the
hose nozzle and letting water flow over the car, to minimize pooling.
Divert the water so it does not reach the sewer drain.
9. Make sure all soap and foam are washed from the car before drying.
Dry the car using soft towels, top to bottom. The lower panels and
wheels should be dried last, to prevent scratches.
10. Wash headlights, taillights and windows (inside and out) with glass
cleaner and a clean towel.
11. Clean the interior dashboard with a microfiber cloth to catch dust
and dirt. Use a damp cloth to clean cup holders, door handles, seat
belts, steering wheel and other surfaces that get especially dirty.
12. Vacuum the interior floor, including car mats. Recline the seats and
vacuum the upholstery and crevices.
13. If your car is older, you may want to wax or polish the exterior finish
when the vehicle is completely dry. A newer vehicle will likely still
have a good clear coat surface.
14. Launder and dry all cleaning clothes separately, not with your
clothing.
15. Finally, take your sparkling car out for a spin!
64 MAY 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE 2020
/TheJournalNJ.com