Are you sick of paying someone to wash and clean your car? Looking to save some money on car ownership costs? Learn how to wash your car at home like a professional! You only need a few bits of equipment and an hour to spare. When you wash your car at home, it can be very rewarding, and you’ll feel better showing off your hard-earned work on the road. Our latest blog in our ‘How to..’ series discusses how you can wash your car at home just like a professional!
Why is it better to wash your car at home?
The main benefit of washing your car at home is the cost savings. It costs considerably less to clean your car at home than it does to pay a valeting service. When you wash your car yourself, you’ll also get a greater sense of satisfaction and clean it to your standards. This means you can ensure your car is cleaned to the highest level and gives you more control. Commercial car washes, such as the ones found at supermarkets, may also use chemicals which can actually damage your car’s paintwork. When you wash your car at home, you’re in control of the products you use and can help prolong the life of your car.
Car washing at home – quick tips!
- Don’t clean in extreme heat or direct sunlight. Find a shaded, cool spot.
- Pre-rinse your car to help lift any surface dirt.
- Use the two-bucket method.
- Clean in straight lines to avoid swirl marks.
- Don’t neglect the wheel and wheel arches.
- Don’t let it air dry, use a dry microfibre cloth.
- Use a make-up brush to get in the nooks and crannies.
How to wash your car at home:
1. Gather your supplies.
Before you get to work, save time by getting all your supplies together first. You’ll need some sort of water source, either 2 buckets for tap water, or a pressure washer or hose. The buckets will also come in handy to wet your sponges, even if you have an external water source. You’ll also need a sponge, microfibre cloth, and some form of car shampoo or car cleaning kit. For the inside, you’ll need a Hoover, a dust cloth and some dashboard cleaning wipes. If your upholstery is dirty, you could also consider using a fabric-safe interior shampoo.
2. Pre-rinse your car.
The pre-rinse stage is really important before you start actually cleaning your car; either use a bucket with a clean sponge to cover the whole exterior, or use your pressure washer to get rid of some of the loose dirt and debris. If using a Snow Foam product to lift any stubborn dirt, this is also a good time to apply it.
3. It’s time to wash!
Using the two-bucket method, fill one bucket with water and your car shampoo (follow the instructions for more details) and then fill another bucket with clean water. Wash your car with the shampoo from top to bottom and panel by panel to ensure full coverage. To really wash your car like a professional, don’t wash your car in circular motions; instead, use straight lines to avoid swirl marks. Rinse the sponge in clean water after every panel to get rid of any dirt and avoid scratching the paintwork. Remember to pay close attention to parts which you may overlook, such as the wheels, mirrors, inside the door sills and underside of the boot door.
4. Don’t forget to dry.
It can be tempting to let your car air dry; however, you could be undoing all your hard work! Air drying can leave visible water marks on your car, and especially on your windows. Grab your microfibre cloth (or two) and use them to gently sweep over the whole body of the car. A soft microfibre cloth can help to protect your paintwork whilst absorbing most of the water and avoiding any streaks or water marks.
5. Move on to the interior.
Washing your car like a professional would not be complete without a full interior clean! Remove all floor mats first and get rid of any rubbish you’ve been collecting in your vehicle. This is a good time to declutter any excess weight you’ve been driving around. More weight in the vehicle can use more petrol so you may even save money when you next fill up!
Grab the hoover and suck up any dirt, dust, and debris. Remember to get in all those nooks and crannies which you may usually overlook to help get that professional feel! For the dashboard, use a dry, soft cloth to clean away the dust, and then use dashboard cleaning wipes to make it look all shiny and new! Before popping the mats back in, give them a good hoover and get rid of any dirt.
6. Tackle stains.
Stains are common to find in your car, especially if you’re travelling with children. Stains and marks can be unsightly, but thankfully, they can easily be removed. Using a car interior shampoo, you can remove stubborn stains and freshen up your seats, carpet, or upholstery. It can be as easy as spraying the affected area with the product, leaving it to settle and wiping it away. However, always follow the instructions to ensure proper use.
7. Make it smell nice.
The final step in how to wash your car like a professional is to make it look and smell like a brand-new car! Invest in a good air freshener and hang it in your vehicle. Car perfume is also now available, which can help your car smell like your favourite perfume or aftershave! It also makes a great little Christmas gift for car lovers.
More from our ‘How to…’ series:
How to compare your car for summer.
Whether you’re off on a summer road trip, a UK staycation, or a trip through the Eurotunnel, make sure you’re ready for anything.
How to change your windscreen wipers.
Not only can worn windscreen wipers be an annoyance, but they can also damage your windscreen! Find out how to change them.
How to pass your driving test first time.
Usually, around 50% of drivers will pass their driving test on the first go, so increase your chances of passing your driving test with our simple tips!