Detailing Forum South Africa

Before you learn how to wash your car the right way, first read the following:

Reality is that if you do it wrong, you could do more harm than good.  Certain supplies and techniques could hurt the finish, leaving scratches or stains that will require extra work and money to fix.

The wrong way to wash your car!!!

DON'T - Use Dish Soap -  And if you were considering using dish-washing detergent to wash your car, it is not recommended.
"Dishwashing detergent is very effective at getting grease off dishes. Car wax and grease have similar properties, so if it's good for removing grease it's also good for removing wax."   Instead, use a specially-formulated car wash formula.

DON’T wait to remove dirt and grime building up on your car’s surface.  Some of these contaminants are knows to be rather acidic and can eat through your clear coat.  Rinse off dead bugs and bird droppings as soon as possible using water or some kind of instant-detailer product.

DON’T wash your car when the surface is hot. The soap and water will dry too fast, possibly dulling the finish.  

DON’T use an abrasive towel or rag to wash or dry as it could leave tiny hairline scratches in your car’s paint.  A lot of professional detailers use a lamb-wool mitt that allows dirt and debris to be worked up in the suds into the thick wool rather than staying on the car’s surface. A Microfibre Wash mitt will also work effectively. Be sure to keep the surface soapy, to provide enough lubrication to slide the mitt easily on the surface. 

DON’T keep using a sponge or mitt that you’ve dropped on the ground.  It can instantly pick up sand and other abrasive materials that you won’t see until it’s too late.  Also, DON’T use the same sponge or mitt to wash your tires and wheels.  The brake dust and road debris collected there makes it the dirtiest part of your car and you’ll just negate all the work you’ve done. Rather use 2 buckets, one for the Paintwork and one for the Wheels and rims.  Also rather use 2 different sets of wash mitt's, do not mix them up.

DON'T wash the complete car in one go - wash one area at a time.  Doing one section at a time will help keep the soapy water from drying before you have a chance to rinse it off. Wash each panel and then rinsed before moving to the next one.