It’s important to keep your car clean both inside and out. Not only does it make it look nicer, but it also helps to protect the car from the elements. When you don’t clean the outside of your car, it not only starts to look dirty, but it can also start to smell bad. In addition, if you don’t clean the outside of your car, the dirt and dust can damage the paint job.
Whether you are a car lover or simply use your vehicle to get from A to B, it is only natural that you might have some questions about keeping it clean. For example, what soap can I use to wash my car? And should I use soap or water first?
Cleaning the outside of your car is important because you need to get rid of all of the dirt, grime, mud, and debris that gets stuck on your car. You should also be aware that what you use to wash your car can damage it so it’s best to avoid dish soap, hand soap, and laundry detergent. You could always turn to professionals to do the job for you, with service providers like Soap Opera Mobile Detail (https://soapoperamobile.com/) readily available to tackle even the dirtiest of vehicles and make them like new. However, if this is a task you’d want to do by yourself, then make sure you are prepared for it! Here are four car care tips for cleaning the outside of your vehicle.
1. Hose your car down with clean water first
When hosing down your car, make sure to use clean water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of your car. If possible, consider getting a pressure washing hose from a Hydraulic Supplies store. Make sure you set the pressure low before you wash your vehicle.
Work in sections
Working on your car in sections will allow you to clean each area thoroughly. Working one section at a time also allows you to see what has been cleaned and what areas may need more attention.
This step is great for cars that are particularly dirty or have heavily soiled spots where the dirt won’t easily come off after washing. You want to clean off all of the surface dirt before washing your car so that when you’re applying cleaners, nothing will become dislodged onto other areas while you’re working on them.
2. Next, use a soft cloth and soapy water to wash the car
Once everything has been rinsed off, go over what needs to be washed with a car wash soap. Make sure you’re using what is best for your specific car. Most people today prefer newer cars that are made to withstand whatever soap they want to use, but it’s always best to check with the manual before proceeding any further.
Pour the cleaner onto the sponge or towel and start washing what needs to be cleaned. It might take a while if you have an older car but go over what looks dirty until it looks clean again.
Use car wash soap sparingly
One of our most frequent pro tips is to use car wash soap sparingly when washing your automobile by hand. If you put too much soap on the paint surface, it can create an extra-slippery film that causes water droplets to lose their shape. This makes it harder to remove dirt from the surface as you’re rinsing it off, and what’s worse is that if these droplets mix with your car wash soap, they may never rinse off completely.
Can I wash my car with dish soap?
Yes, as a last resort, you can wash your car with dish soap, but it’s not recommended. Dish soap is designed to remove grease and oils from dishes, so it may not be as effective on the dirt and debris on your car.
Are you still wondering which product to use for the car wash? It’s a good idea to have a Cleaning bundle of car shampoos, all-purpose household cleaners, or window cleaners. Using these products could help you to wash your car easily and also retain the shine.
BONUS TIP: A spray bottle filled with a mixture of vinegar and water will protect your car’s paint
Spotted some dead bugs or bird droppings on your vehicle? You can dissolve them away by spraying any stains with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This method can also dissolve salt stains on your paint, but it will leave behind some white residue which you can wash away with clean water.
3. Use a brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime that may be stuck on the car
Using a brush can be an effective way to clean the outside of your car. When you’re choosing a brush, make sure that it’s not too big or too small – it should be about the same size as your hand. You’ll also want to make sure that the bristles are soft so that they don’t damage the paint on your car.
To use the brush, start by wetting it down with some soapy water. Then, use it to scrub away any dirt or grime that is stuck on the car. Be sure to pay extra attention to the hood, the roof, and the wheels, as these are typically the dirtiest parts of the car.
You might even want to use a wheel cleaner to remove any built-up grease. Once your wheels are back to their best, apply a layer of wax or polish to protect the surface and keep them looking shiny.
Brushes can also clean the windows of your car. Just make sure that you do the windows before you attempt to wash the rest of your car; otherwise, there might be some streaking.
Here’s how to use a brush effectively:
- Thoroughly wet down both sides of the window
- Dip your brush in soapy water
- Scrub each pane (both inside and outside) with it.
- When finished scrubbing each pane, rinse the glass with clean water until all soap is gone.
- Then give the glass a final wipe with a towel before moving on to the next pane.
However, if your vehicle is quite old and has been sitting for a while, it may be difficult to remove all of the dirt and dust in one go. So it could be a much better option to use services like Neptune Mobile Car Wash & Detail to have it cleaned and look brand new. It would be extremely beneficial, especially when you intend to sell your car. That way, it won’t look old, and the buyer won’t be able to cut costs with regard to how dirty it looks.
4. Use a hose to spray down the car and remove any leftover dirt or soap residue.
Using a hose is also the best way to remove any leftover dirt or soap residue. Be sure to use a spray nozzle on the hose so that you can aim the water directly at the car and avoid getting the surrounding area wet. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally ruin what you’ve already cleaned by washing new dirt or soap onto the car.
Drying a car is an important step in keeping it looking clean. Additionally, drying off your car properly can also help prevent water spots. After your car is clean, use a soft cloth to dry the entire car, including the windows, mirrors, and door handles. If you don’t have a soft cloth, you can use a chamois or terry cloth.
Cleaning your car’s exterior like a professional is easier than you might think
The four tips provided above are a fantastic starting point for cleaning the outside of your car. The more time spent on a car’s exterior, the less chance there is of it getting dirty again soon after being washed – which saves you both time and money.
Which of these cleaning techniques have you tried? Let us know what your favorite methods are and what cleaning products you prefer to use. Ultimately, remember that even the most inexpensive soap can clean up some serious messes if used correctly.
