This is an easy step-by-step guide to cleaning a car. These simple steps to follow are a surefire way to make your car shine in no time. For best results, wash your car in a shady spot or on a covered day to prevent stains from forming as the water evaporates.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the Exterior
Step 1. Collect the cleaning products and place them near you, so you know where to find them
Step 2. Park your car in a shaded area and allow the paint to cool if possible
Step 3. Pour some soap into a bucket, leaving the tap open until the water becomes soapy and bubbly
Use specific car wash soap. Other cleaners risk removing the wax as well.
Step 4. Rinse the car to remove dust and dirt
Step 5. Put a soft cloth in the soapy water and start cleaning the machine in small sections
Start from the top and continue downwards.
Step 6. Always rinse the cloth or sponge with the pump before putting it back in the soapy water
Step 7. Rinse the car with the pump and clean water, after cleaning a section
Step 8. Clean the wheels with a small cloth and soapy water
Step 9. Rinse the wheels and remove all the soap
Step 10. Dry the car with a cloth
Step 11. Apply polish to a clean pad
This ensures that the polish will remove the oxidation that the wax cannot remove.
Step 12. Polish the entire car with a soft cloth and then apply the wax by hand
(It's a good idea to have a high quality wax-up for a good shine).
Step 13. Apply tire polish and avoid spraying too much
Step 14. Use a finish protection product such as Back-to-Black and apply it to the parts
Part 2 of 2: Cleaning the Interior
Step 1. Vacuum the carpet on the floor, seats and use an extension with a narrow end to work in small cavities
Step 2. Clean the windows with a non-ammonia-containing glass cleaner and a soft, dry cloth
Roll down each window a little to get rid of the "grime" at the top. Use crumpled newspapers to polish the glass when it is dry.
Step 3. Clean the dashboard, steering wheel and interior trim with a damp cloth or mild detergent
It can be useful to use cotton to reach small spaces, such as the coin grid.
Advice
- To clean windows without expensive cleaners, use a solution of half water and half vinegar and scrub them with newspaper. This will leave the windows shiny. A paper coffee filter can also be used. This leaves no scratches in the windows.
- To help keep your car clean, use garbage bags hanging from the back of your seat.
- Use sandpaper on delicate parts of the car. Helps prevent mold and rust. Remember that nothing beats a good scrub to remove dirt.
