August 8, 2021
9 Tips and Tricks for a Cleaner Car — In and Out!
Photo by kaboompics under Pixabay License
They say a clean car is a happy car, and we couldn’t agree more.
So, what’s one way to keep it happy? Giving it a nice and much-deserved bath!
Many drivers don’t like the idea of cleaning their cars, especially since it can take a lot of time and steps. They’d rather take it to the car wash and let the experts do it.
However, some vehicle owners do enjoy every second of cleaning their precious wheels. These people find the chore rather satisfying and therapeutic, helping them relieve stress as they’re focused on keeping their cars as fresh and spotless as possible.
If you belong to the latter group and you’re struggling on some aspects, like maybe you’re finding it hard to remove dirt completely, or you’re just interested to learn other ways to wash your car, then this guide is for you.
The best car wash can happen in your driveway. You’ll need all the car washing essentials. You also have to pick a good location — and by that we mean anywhere without direct sunlight. As for the ideal time, early morning or late evening works best.
Are you ready to wash and scrub your car like a pro? Veteran Car Donations presents these tips that will help you do just that, giving you professional results and all. Your neighbors might think you just bought a brand-new car!
- Choose the right products.
First, make sure that you’re using products that are specifically designed for washing cars. Avoid using other soaps, cleansers, or detergents you can find at home since they’re made for other functions. Applying them will only damage your car’s paint. For instance, if you use dishwashing liquid after running out of car shampoo, you’ll end up stripping the wax off your vehicle.
- Go for the wheels first.
Washing the wheels first is always a smart idea. You wouldn’t want your wheel cleaner drying on the car paint. Use a wash mitt, sponge, or boar’s hair brush to clean the wheels. Make sure, however, that they’re not the same ones you use for the rest of the car. Spray around the wheel wells and undercarriage to remove brake dust, dirt, and debris. Once you’re done, rinse each wheel thoroughly and set aside that now-dirty sponge or brush.
- Wash the exterior.
Next, focus on the exterior of your car. With a microfiber wash mitt and sudsy water from your soap bucket, start washing your car following a side-to-side motion (and never circular) all the way down.
After each panel, dunk your mitt into the “dirty water bucket” to get all the dirt off it. Then, take it out, squeeze the remaining water, put the mitt into the soapy bucket this time, and wash the next panel using the same motion. Repeat the cycle until you’re finished.
See to it that you wash from top to bottom, roof to lower sides. That way, you’ll prevent filling your mitt with dirt and grime from the lower parts of your car and causing scratches on the top.
- Rinse rigorously.
Once you’ve washed the entire car, it’s time to give it a thorough rinse using a hose or pressure washer. Start from the top again, working your way down and making sure that you don’t leave any soap behind. Remove as much loose dirt as possible as you go along.
Rinse the soap before it starts to dry on the paint so that it won’t leave water spots or residue. In case the weather’s hot or windy, you should work on a smaller section and rinse more often than usual.
- Pay extra attention to dirt buildup.
If this is your first wash after winter, you’ll want to focus on the buildup in the trim and moldings. Use a special product to pre-treat heavy dirt or mildew buildup. Have a separate bucket readily available to rinse your mitt before re-soaping.
- Get rid of harsh contaminants right away.
If you notice any elements like tree sap or bird poop anywhere on your car, remove them immediately, as they contain corrosive materials that can stain or damage the paint.
According to the Griot’s Garage Detailer’s Handbook, the best way to remove such contaminants is by saturating a 100% cotton towel with full strength car wash and wiping the affected area carefully. Paint cleaning clay also works.
- Prevent water spots.
Drying your car with a bath towel or any cotton towel can cause light scratches and swirl marks to appear in car paint. Instead, use a microfiber towel. Not only is it a much safer option, but it’s also seven times more absorbent than cotton. As for flat surfaces like the hood, roof, and trunk, you can use a water blade designed for cars.
- Wax your car.
Applying wax on your car after washing will bring out a much attractive and shinier appearance. Plus, it will protect it more effectively against elements and make cleaning easier for you the next time around. It might require more effort, but it will surely be worth it.
- Clean the interior.
Once your exterior looks spick and span, you may proceed to your car’s interior. Start by vacuuming any trash or other items that have been left behind. Wipe the windows and clean the dash, door panels, seats, and console using a damp cloth. Scrub the floor mats with a stiff brush, but be sure not to use too much soap.
Got a Spare Clunker in Your Garage?
Would you be willing to dispose of your old clunker for the benefit of the needy veterans in your community? If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then contact us at Veteran Car Donations and donate that vehicle to us.
We’ll auction off your donation and use the proceeds to support the vital life-improvement programs and services that our veteran-focused charity partners deliver to their beneficiaries. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to improving the living conditions of veterans who are homeless and jobless as well as those suffering from service-related disabilities and illnesses, including mental health disorders. They provide their beneficiaries with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
As our donor, you’ll get to enjoy the maximum tax deduction based on the selling price of your vehicle during its auction. We’ll send you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your car within days after its sale. You can then use this receipt to claim your tax write-off in the next tax season.
You’ll also benefit from our free pickup and towing service, which we will provide you at your most convenient date, time, and place.
We also have our team of specialists that will take care of the processing of all your donation paperwork.
Aside from the material rewards in store for you as our donor, you’ll also be privileged to enjoy a most satisfying donating experience, knowing that your act of charity will help transform the lives of our nation’s neglected heroes.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle regardless of its age or condition. Head over to this page to learn what else we accept aside from cars.
If you want to learn more about our vehicle donation program, feel free to visit our FAQs page. For inquiries or concerns, call us at 877-594-5822 or send us a message online.
Be an Instant Hero Today!
Photo by cottonbro studio under Pexels License
Our former soldiers are in dire need of support. A simple vehicle donation from you can go a long way in improving their lives and giving them a bright future. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 8th, 2023