Cars are a big investment, and for many, a car is their most prized possession, so it’s important to take care of them. While regular washing and waxing can help to keep your car looking its best, there are a number of additional methods and car cleaning products that help you achieve even better results. This article will go over four car cleaning tips and tricks to help keep your paintwork spotless.
Learn the Two-Bucket Method
The two-bucket method is a highly efficient method for washing your car without scratching the paint. In its simplest form, all you have to do is fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water. Dip your wash mitt or sponge into the soapy water and wash one section of the car at a time. Rinse the mitt or sponge in the clean water bucket before dipping it back into the soapy water. This will prevent dirt and grit from becoming trapped in your car’s paintwork and possibly causing scratches. Buying a grit guard for your buckets will also help to trap even the smallest particles of dirt and debris in the bottom of the bucket, ensuring they don’t mix in with the water and cling to your sponge or wash mitt.
Use Microfiber Towels
One of the most underrated yet arguably most valuable car cleaning products is a good microfiber towel. A microfiber towel is the best way to dry your car and remove any excess products such as car polish or wax from its surface. Microfiber is soft enough that it won’t scratch your car’s paint, yet durable enough that it can cut through any heavy products that have caked onto the paintwork. Microfiber towels are also super absorbent, making them ideal for drying your vehicle and avoiding unsightly water spots that occur as a result of air-drying.
Wash in the Shade
Washing your car in the shade is a lesser known trick that can help keep the paintwork intact. But the main reason why washing your car in the shade is so important is that it will help to prevent any soap or other car cleaning products you’re using from drying on the paintwork. If soap or other cleaning products dry on the paint, they can become especially difficult to remove and can leave behind marks and residue on your car’s paintwork.
Use a Clay Bar
A clay bar is a small, solid bar made of clay that’s used to remove contaminants from the surface of a car. The clay bar is rubbed onto the surface of the car and will remove things like tree sap, tar and bugs. Clay bars are highly effective at removing contaminants from car paint and should be your go-to car cleaning product if you’re having trouble removing dirt, debris or bird droppings from the surface of your vehicle. Clay bars will also leave your car with a smooth and clean finish, meaning the bar won’t affect the results of waxing or polishing.
