There
are more car cleaning products on the market today than ever and I know you are
most likely overwhelmed anytime you try to find the best stuff to use on your
car or truck (even if it’s not a show piece).
I have been told all of my life that you should never use normal dish
soap to clean your car that it is too harsh and will damage your paint and/or
strip all of the wax on your car off.
Well, I’m not sure if that is true or not, but I have always used a soap
specifically designed for cars. The
products I use when I hand wash my car are not the highest priced stuff in the
store, but I do use ones that give you lots of soapy suds. Always make sure you let your car cool and
try to wash it in the shade if possible.
The best way to wash your car is to use two different wash mitts (I
never use any type of sponge……it can trap dirt or grime to easy). Use one mitt to clean the car from the top
down and wash it in sections, that way you can wash a section and then quickly
rinse it off (not letting the soap dry).
Use the second mitt to wash the lower section of your car and the tires
and wheels. This second mitt will always
be the one that removed most of the road grit and grime from the lower
sections. You never want to use this one
on the main areas of your car like the hood or top. Don’t even put the second mitt in the bucket
until you are finished washing the upper sections of the car. Some folks even use a second bucket for this
mitt. Make sure you rinse the car off
completely with lots of water to remove any soap.
2013
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta………Photo
courtesy of Road and Track
Here is
another tip that adds a little time but is worth the effort. I use one of the synthetic chamois cloths
similar to the ones the Olympic athletes used to dry off with after getting out
of the pool events. This allows you to safely
dry the car and remove all of the water that has beaded up on the paint……water
spots look awful and collect more dirt.
Then all you have left to do is put some shine on your tires and you are
ready for the local cruise-in!!
I hope
these simple tips will help you keep your ride clean……….stay tuned for another
blog soon that will guide you how to wax your car and give it that show
shine!!Joseph