Going to the local car wash is quick, but it doesn’t always do the job as thoroughly as washing by hand.1 Here are six steps to keep your car looking its best.

1How to Wash Your Car Like a Pro, Popular Mechanics, 2018.

1. Rinse off the exterior

Park in a shaded area since direct sunlight speeds up the drying process, leaving behind streaks and deposits. First, remove any loose debris, such as leaves and twigs, to prevent scratches. Next, with a hose on medium pressure, rinse off the surface of your car from the top down before applying any soap.1

1How to Wash Your Car, Consumer Reports, 2017.

2. Lather up and dry one section at a time

Use a specially formulated car cleanser. Avoid household cleaning agents, which can harm the protective wax coat. Mix the soap with water and apply with a soft sponge, cloth or lamb’s wool mitt in a straight motion (scrubbing in circles can be abrasive). Use a separate sponge and a stronger cleaner, like a de-greaser, for the wheels and tires. Before moving on to another area, rinse off any soap before it dries, and wipe the section with a soft, terry towel to prevent water marks.1

1How to Wash Your Car, Consumer Reports, 2017.

3. Polish, wax and buff

Protect rubber molding or trim by covering edges with masking tape.1 Before polishing, remove any microscopic dirt in the top layer of the car’s paint with a clay bar. Use spray-on clay lubrication with the bar and work section by section.2 Glide the clay in a back-and-forth motion in one direction only. Polish using a mild, one-step product to remove scratches. Then wax with a pad, applying thin layers to repel contaminants and give the paint a noticeable shine. After the wax dries, buff with a microfiber towel.3

1What to Tape on a Car Before Polishing, Detailed Image, 2018.
2How to Properly Use a Clay Bar, Detailed Image, 2018.
3How to Wax a Car Properly, Gear 4 Wheels, 2018.

4. Wash the glass

Clean the inside of your windows and mirrors with glass cleaner and a glass-specific microfiber cloth. Wash horizontally and dry vertically to prevent streaking.1

1How Often to Clean Inside Your Car – and the Right Way to Do It! Today, 2017.

5. Wipe down hard vinyl

A microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaning solution can wipe away dust and dirt from any vinyl surface: the dashboard, steering wheel, shift lever, center console, door handles, side compartments, seat belts and cup holders.

FYI: Leather cleaner can be used on vinyl seats, but vinyl cleaner should not be used on leather seats.1

1How Often to Clean Inside Your Car – and the Right Way to Do It! Today, 2017.

6. Vacuum and shampoo the interior

Shake out the floor mats and vacuum them separately. Next, apply a foaming carpet cleaner with a stiff bristle brush to scrub cloth upholstery and remove stains. Use circular motions to loosen dirt and get a deep clean.1

1How to Clean Car Seats, Tub O’ Towels, 2018.

To recap:

Keeping your car spotless not only makes it look better, it can help preserve its value.1 All you have to do is:

  • Rinse off the exterior
  • Lather up and dry one section at a time
  • Polish, wax and buff
  • Wash the glass
  • Wipe down hard vinyl
  • Vacuum and shampoo the interior

And that’s it! Your car is now sparkling.

1Top 10 Ways to Get Top Dollar for Your Car, Investopedia, 2018.

Going to the local car wash is quick, but it doesn’t always do the job as thoroughly as washing by hand.1 Here are six steps to keep your car looking its best.

1. Rinse off the exterior

Park in a shaded area since direct sunlight speeds up the drying process, leaving behind streaks and deposits. First, remove any loose debris, such as leaves and twigs, to prevent scratches. Next, with a hose on medium pressure, rinse off the surface of your car from the top down before applying any soap.1

2. Lather up and dry one section at a time

Use a specially formulated car cleanser. Avoid household cleaning agents, which can harm the protective wax coat. Mix the soap with water and apply with a soft sponge, cloth or lamb’s wool mitt in a straight motion (scrubbing in circles can be abrasive). Use a separate sponge and a stronger cleaner, like a de-greaser, for the wheels and tires. Before moving on to another area, rinse off any soap before it dries, and wipe the section with a soft, terry towel to prevent water marks.1

3. Polish, wax and buff

Protect rubber molding or trim by covering edges with masking tape.1 Before polishing, remove any microscopic dirt in the top layer of the car’s paint with a clay bar. Use spray-on clay lubrication with the bar and work section by section.2 Glide the clay in a back-and-forth motion in one direction only. Polish using a mild, one-step product to remove scratches. Then wax with a pad, applying thin layers to repel contaminants and give the paint a noticeable shine. After the wax dries, buff with a microfiber towel.3

4. Wash the glass

Clean the inside of your windows and mirrors with glass cleaner and a glass-specific microfiber cloth. Wash horizontally and dry vertically to prevent streaking.1

5. Wipe down hard vinyl

A microfiber cloth with an all-purpose cleaning solution can wipe away dust and dirt from any vinyl surface: the dashboard, steering wheel, shift lever, center console, door handles, side compartments, seat belts and cup holders.

FYI: Leather cleaner can be used on vinyl seats, but vinyl cleaner should not be used on leather seats.1

6. Vacuum and shampoo the interior

Shake out the floor mats and vacuum them separately. Next, apply a foaming carpet cleaner with a stiff bristle brush to scrub cloth upholstery and remove stains. Use circular motions to loosen dirt and get a deep clean.1

To recap:

Keeping your car spotless not only makes it look better, it can help preserve its value.1 All you have to do is:

  • Rinse off the exterior
  • Lather up and dry one section at a time
  • Polish, wax and buff
  • Wash the glass
  • Wipe down hard vinyl
  • Vacuum and shampoo the interior

And that’s it! Your car is now sparkling.

Cleaning your car should be part of your regular maintenance routine. Learn more about exactly when you should check on certain parts of your car’s frame, body, engine and tires.