New Headache Saving Car Wash List
We all know that cleaning our cars can be a pain, but not if you do it right! Whether you're trying to protect your car's paint job or just looking to avoid the hassle of washing and waxing, this blog post is for you. We'll show you 10 mistakes to avoid while cleaning your car so that your ride always looks shiny and new.
Don't use regular dish soap.
If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals that are not good for the paint job on your car, then this is one mistake that you should always avoid! Dish soaps contain harmful ingredients like ammonia and phosphates which can eat through your car's protective coat if it sits too long in the water while washing the vehicle. Instead, opt for a pH-balanced or all-in-one car wash solution.
Dry cleaning with compressed air should be done away from delicate bodywork.
The oil residue left behind by dusting causes corrosion over time - especially around painted surfaces where damage could be difficult to spot until later down the road. Using an oil absorber beforehand will help remove any dirt particles without leaving behind oil residue. If you're using a power washer, make sure to not aim the nozzle at your windows. The powerful spray can send water inside which causes streaking and fogging of the glass, further requiring a window cleaner or toothpaste! This mistake is especially common for those who use high-pressure cleaners with rotating nozzles that spin around in all directions.
Don't forget to clean the interior!
Just like the exterior, the inside of your car needs some attention every once in a while. Dust and dirt can build up over time on dashboards, door panels, and seats - so make sure to give them a good vacuum or wipe down with a damp cloth. And if you have leather seats, be sure to condition them every few months using a specialized product to keep them looking new. Use proper materials for cleaning. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless.
Using newspaper as a makeshift dustcloth or window cleaner will only do more harm than good - not to mention that it just looks plain messy. Ensure all of the necessary materials readily available before you start cleaning. For example, if you're waxing your car, make sure to have a clean microfiber cloth on hand so that the excess wax doesn't ruin any of your towels or clothing.
Don't use too much water!
You might be inclined to give your ride a good spray down after rinsing off all of the soap and grime but don't go overboard with it - especially if you live in an area where there is hard water. If this happens, minerals like calcium can attach themselves onto metal surfaces which causes rust spots over time as well as corrosion leading up to potential issues for electrical components such as wiring and batteries.
Don't forget about those tire sidewalls
As mentioned earlier, dirt often accumulates along these surfaces since they are rarely cleaned after driving through puddles from rainy days or mud splashes on dirt roads. Use wheel brushes explicitly made for getting into crevices between rims and tires and detailing clay bars to remove any grime stuck onto rubber tires before washing.
Don't forget about the wheels!
Washing your car is only part of the equation - you also need to make sure that your wheels are clean. Brake dust and road salt can do a number on them over time, so it's essential to give them a good scrubbing now and then with a degreaser and brush. If you have a set of ceramic-coated wheels, be especially careful when cleaning them as certain products can damage the coating.
Use a designated area for car cleaning.
This may seem like common sense, but it's easy to get carried away and start cleaning your car in the driveway or garage without thinking about the consequences. Not only will you get mud and water all over the place, but any chemicals that you're using (such as window cleaner) could potentially harm concrete or asphalt surfaces. It's best to have an outdoor space where you can wash and dry your car without worrying about making a mess.
Don't clean your car in direct sunlight!
As tempting as it might be to work on your ride when the sun is shining brightest, try to avoid doing so whenever possible. The heat and UV rays can cause your paint to fade over time, so it's best to wash your car when the sun isn't out in full force.
Don't use too much soap!
You might be thinking that more soap is better since you want a nice, thick lather when washing off all of the dirt and grime from your ride... but using too much can do more harm than good - especially if you have hard water. If this happens, minerals like calcium can attach themselves onto metal surfaces which causes rust spots over time and corrosion leading up to potential issues for electrical components such as wiring and batteries.
Be careful with products designed specifically for ceramic-coated wheels.
As mentioned earlier, these are typically applied by spraying them on before polishing them off with a soft cloth. However, not all products are created equal, and some can damage the coating if not used correctly. It's always best to do a little research on the product before using it so that you don't end up ruining your wheels.
Wash your car regularly!
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. The more often you wash your car, the less dirt and grime will accumulate, which means less of a chance for any long-term damage to occur. Try to give your ride a good scrubbing at least once a month (more often during winter when road salt is prevalent).
If you live in Wisconsin are looking for the best auto detailing in Milwaukee, head over to Detail Doctors. We are a reliable name for Milwaukee auto detailing and ceramic coatings. Feel free to explore our site, click on all the tabs and learn more about our products and services. With over 30 years of combined car, boat, and motorcycling experience, there's no question why Milwaukee chooses Detail Doctors as their number 1 car detailing and ceramic coating destination for the ultimate protection against the four seasons-highest satisfaction, guaranteed!
