Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the following items:
- Car wash soap (not household detergent e.g. fairy liquid!)
- A bucket (or two for a two-bucket method)
- Microfiber cloths or wash mitt
- A soft-bristle brush (for wheels and tyres)
- Glass cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner
- Interior cleaner (safe for your upholstery type)
- Tire shine (optional)
Step 2: Start with the Exterior
- Rinse the Car: Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off loose dirt and debris. Start from the top and work your way down.
- Wash the Car:
- Fill one bucket with soapy water (using car wash soap) and another with clean water.
- Use a microfiber wash mitt, dip it in the soapy water, and clean the car in sections, starting at the top.
- Rinse the mitt in the clean water bucket before reapplying soap to prevent scratching.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once all sections are washed, rinse the car completely, making sure no soap residue is left.
- Dry the Car: Use a microfiber towel or a drying cloth to prevent water spots. Pat dry instead of rubbing to avoid scratches.
Step 3: Clean the Wheels
- Use a wheel cleaner or soapy water and a soft-bristle brush to scrub the wheels and tires.
- Pay attention to brake dust and grime buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a separate cloth.
Step 4: Focus on the Interior
- Remove Trash and Clutter: Take out all items and trash from the car. Don’t forget under the seats and in the cup holders.
- Vacuum:
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the seats, carpets, and floor mats.
- Use crevice tools for hard-to-reach areas.
- Wipe Down Surfaces:
- Use an interior cleaner suitable for your dashboard, door panels, and center console.
- A microfiber cloth works best to avoid streaks.
Pro Tip! Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down your dashboard for a dust-free and streak-free finish. Avoid soaking the cloth, as excess moisture can seep into buttons and vents. For tougher grime, spray a small amount of dashboard cleaner onto the cloth (never directly onto the dashboard).
- Clean the Upholstery:
- For fabric seats, use a fabric cleaner to remove stains.
- For leather, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep it soft and crack-free.
Step 5: Clean the Glass
- Spray glass cleaner on the inside and outside of your windows and mirrors.
- Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth in circular motions to avoid streaks.
Bonus Tip: Clean your windows in the shade or during cooler parts of the day. Sunlight can dry the cleaner too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
- Tyre Shine: Apply tire shine for a polished look (optional).
- Quick Wax: Use a spray-on wax for added protection and shine.
- Final Check: Walk around the car to ensure no spots were missed.
Pro Tips for Beginners
-
Work in the shade to avoid soap and water drying too quickly.
-
Use separate cloths for different areas (e.g., wheels, body, interior) to avoid spreading dirt.
-
Start with the cleanest areas and move to the dirtiest (e.g., wash the body before wheels... Uou will thank us later).