The summer is almost here, and it’s time to wash your car. If you’re a newbie to car detailing and cleaning, there are some things you should know before you start. As a professional car detailer, I’ve learned many tips that will make your life and the life of your vehicle easier. Here are some of my favorite tips for beginners to help make your next car detailing a breeze.
Begin with the interior
Start with the inside when you are doing interior and exterior detail. It’s annoying to do a complete wash, wax, and clean only to find that dust and dirt fly onto your newly-cleaned vehicle. This may seem like an insignificant change, but it will make a huge difference for someone cleaning their car for the first time.
The best tip for cleaning your car: Use microfiber towels instead of sponges
Sponges and ordinary towels are not suitable for your car’s paint. These things may feel soft on the surface, but they can be quite abrasive to your car’s paint. This is the most important tip for a newbie looking for information on car cleaning.
The right microfiber towel will make your car washing process more accessible in several ways.
To begin with, bathroom towels and sponges can’t lock and trap dirt. These items won’t pick it up; they move about the surface. This can cause swirls and scratches on your paint.
Even clean paint can be scratched by cotton towels and sponges! They are made to scrub, and because of this, they can be too harsh for paint.
Third, microfiber towels have a unique weave. No exposed fibers will contact your car’s paint because it is looped. These filaments are what often leave a scuff mark. These ends are hidden by the looped design of microfiber towels so that they won’t scratch up your car.
Buy a wheel brush that is designed for your vehicle
Amazon has these for under $15, and they will save you a lot of pain in your hands. Detail is essential when it comes to cleaning your car. You want to make sure that the wheels are clean. It can be an absolute nightmare to try and clean wheels manually. It takes a lot of work to get into the tight spaces. The sharp edges on the brake caliper and wheel openings can cut your hands.
You can use a wheel brush to reach these difficult-to-reach places and get the same clean results without straining your hands.
Use a dry aid before waxing
Drying aids are often referred to as waterless wash products. They act as the final rinse before waxing. Apply a few sprays to the drying aid before you use your microfiber towel to dry the car. Many options are available, including brands such as AMMO NYC and Meguiar’s.
It will leave a streak-free shine, compared to using a towel. You can now wax your car without worrying about residual moisture.
