Some of the most fun memories of childhood are helping your parents wash the car. As an adult, it can satisfying to take care of your vehicle, to say nothing about being less expensive. Invest in the right tools, such as a car duster with wooden handle, to make taking care of your car easier between washes. Here are some tips for the best DIY car wash and some of the best cleaning tools to keep your car’s exterior and interior pristine.
Tips For Best DIY Car Wash
When you wash the exterior of your car, clean out the interior as well. Check any cleaner that you use in your car to make sure its safe for the surface. Avoid products with bleach or peroxide. A gentle detergent and warm water will often work fine to clean the surfaces. Don’t scrub too hard, as you might damage the surface with friction. To clean the exterior, you’ll want to gather your supplies:
- Soft sponge or absorbent microfiber cloth: nothing abrasive
- Buckets: one for soapy water and another for clean
- Soap: a cleanser formulated for cars, dish soap can be damaging to the paint
- Water source
- Towels to dry the car: microfiber towels work well
- Finishing wax or polish
- Window cleaner
If you can work out of direct sunlight, it will keep your car from drying and spotting. Wet the car first. Work on the wheels first, because they’ll probably require the most work. If your sponge falls to the ground, get a clean one. Small granules of dirt from the ground can cause scratches to the exterior. Work in sections around the car. Pre-treat any difficult stains or areas with grime. Rinse each section before moving on to the next. Towel dry the exterior to avoid sunspots caused by air drying. Use a finishing wax when the car is completely dry.
Best Pre Wash Tools
Before washing your car, it can be good to use a car duster to wipe off any dust and grime that can scratch the surface. The best car dusters are the original ones that have paraffin wax-coated filaments to catch dust and dirt and keep it off your vehicle. If your windshield is covered in dirt or bugs, using a foaming cleaner on the glass can help you get it back to its original sparkle without as much elbow grease.
Take Care of Your Car Duster
Car dusters last for a decade or longer, if you take care of it. For information on how to clean a car duster, read the instructions that come with your duster. Generally, shake it out after use and place it in a safe place where the filaments won’t get dusty. You don’t have to wash the duster unless it gets grimy. You’ll want to wash the duster by hand, on the handle. Use cool water with a gentle detergent, such as Woolite. Rinse the duster well and let it air dry. It might take a couple of days. Using heat, such as drying it in the dryer, can damage the wax coating and make your car duster less effective.
Shop for car cleaning products that will leave your vehicle in great condition.