Two DIY carwash tips for best results
There are a few slices of heaven on earth in this life, and a clean car has to be one of them – getting in and out of a fresh, clean car is kind of the equivalent of new sheets on a made bed right after a shower at night. It makes something old feel new again, it’s comforting, you feel that little sense of accomplishment, and it’s just one of those things that make you feel like you’ve at least got one part of your life together.
And the science backs it too. Studies show that a clean car makes us feel better about ourselves because many of us see our cars as reflections of ourselves. Speaking on the psychology of cars, Melanie May, who holds an MSc. in Psychology from Trinity, writes in CompleteCar that white is seen as “pure, pristine and direct, and drivers of white cars are perceived to have the cleanest cars – and probably homes too”.
Everyone has their rhyme and reason for why and how they clean their vehicles, there isn’t necessarily a ‘right way to clean your car, but there are a few things that will help you get the most out of your car cleaning experience.
Here are two simple helpful tips on how to get the most out of cleaning your car.
The car wash bucket list
First thing’s first, you will need to have all the right stuff for cleaning your car. This list isn’t short, but the tools are easily sourced, most probably around your house somewhere.
What you are going to need:
A multi-nozzle hose that can go right around the car, a large sponge for the vehicle’s body, a brush to scrub the wheels and car washing liquid – people often use dishwashing liquid or other surface cleaners for their cars. Car washing liquids were invented for a reason; they are the best thing to use for your vehicle to protect the paint, keep the shine and give your car the best possible clean.
Dishwash liquids are often not PH balanced, which means they can damage your car’s paint.
Back to the list: window cleaner, two buckets – one with clean soapy water and another to rinse your sponge between each clean; the purpose of cleaning your car is defeated if you are dipping the sponge back into the dirty soapy water and spreading it around again. A vacuum cleaner for the inside of your vehicle, and lastly, a few microfiber cloths for drying and shining.
Location, location, location
Your car has to be situated in a shaded area away from direct sunlight and in an area that is easily accessed by the hose.
Moving your car out of the sunlight will make washing it a more straightforward process. This action helps to save your vehicle from getting those sticky dried soap marks that make your car look like it hasn’t been washed at all once everything is said and done. We’ve all been there. We’ve just finished drying and polishing our vehicles, and then we see them – the dreaded streaks, soap bubbles, and dark patches caused by evaporated water and soap. Moving your car out of direct sunlight when washing your car should eliminate the chances of that happening.
The actual method of cleaning the car is pretty stock standard to how most large surface areas are cleaned. Using the listed must-haves, your vehicle should come out looking as young as its last kilometre.
Just clean in sections, rinse as you go to stay as far away from dried soap patches as possible and engage your muscles while you shine your car with your microfiber cloths.
Put the work in and reap the benefits of feeling like you’re slipping into those fresh sheets for the next short while – at least until your car needs another spruce up.