Perhaps one of the most accurate litmus tests for car lovers is whether he or she considers washing and waxing a pleasure or a chore. Fortunately, with the right preparation and technique, great results can be had by all. Here’s how to wash and wax a car.
How to wash a car
Some people overcomplicate washing a car, and others think simply blasting it with a hose will get the job done. Still others, such as senior producer Joel Feder, delineate the pros and cons of a home wash versus a touchless or automated wash. Here’s what you need to know.
Get your supplies
The best car wash and wax for your car depend on a number of factors, including the type of car you have and your comfort level with washing and waxing your own car. Get together a clean bucket, a few clean and soft wash mitts or sponges and a soft brush for cleaning the wheels. Grab non-acidic wheel cleaner and car washing soap, not dishwashing liquid or any other kind of soap. Most any soap will clean the dirt off your car. Only car washing soap does so without harshly stripping the wax from the surface.
How to wash a car like a pro
How to wash a car like a pro
How to wash a car like a pro
How to wash a car like a pro
Find the right place
Car washing and waxing must be done in the shade to keep the products from prematurely drying and creating unsightly results. What’s more, the car’s body needs to be cool to the touch, so just pulling into shade from the hot sun won’t make a difference.
Clean with clay
Clay bars and liquid paint cleaners won’t necessarily work their way into your weekly car washing regimen, but are worth considering for periodic treatment, particularly when you notice contaminants stuck to the surface of your car. Whichever method you choose, it’s a simple way to effectively remove surface contamination that washing might not address.
Soak before soap
With the car cool and in the shade, give it a good spray top to bottom before you take the soapy sponge to it. Dirt will loosen or fall, lessening the chance of scratches once the sponge comes into play.
Work in small areas
Speaking of top to bottom, that is the order in which you should work. Begin with the roof and head down from there. Soak, wash and rinse an area at a time. Doing this keeps water running down the car, picking up more dirt along the way.
Clean wheels and tires
Give the sponge or mitt a break and take a soft brush to the wheels and tires. As with the body, wheels need to be cool also. Cleaners will work far better and there won’t be a chemical reaction kicking off harmful fumes as they do with hot surfaces. Wheel finishes are fragile as well, so use a non-acidic cleaner, one wheel at a time. Though sequence is purely a preference, consider cleaning them first. Doing this before the rest of the car can prevent any splattered wheel cleaner from prolonged contact with the car’s paint.
Rinse early and often
That goes for the car, obviously, but especially goes for your sponge or wash mitt. Plunging it straight from the car back into the bucket only traps more dirt in the bucket, sort of like taking a shower versus a bath. Rinsing more often minimizes the dirt you redistribute onto your car.
Dry properly
Dry right away so you don’t get water spots all over the car you just washed. There are a multitude of drying products from towels to soft rubber squeegees, available in all price ranges.
How to wax a car
A couple generations ago, waxing was more literal, applied straight from the metal can onto the car. Today’s paint jobs can be as complex as the cars that wear them, so a traditional paste wax could compromise the finish. Fortunately, up-to-date liquid waxes and treatments are available and perform effectively. Some come in a spray bottle for instant results, while others simplify further and are blended with the car wash soap. When shopping, consider your car’s finish and purchase accordingly. A quick periodic waxing between semi-annual buffing and polishing can extend the protection and shine.
Get car wax supplies
Gather foam or microfiber applicators to spread the wax, plus clean microfiber cloths or lint-free towels for removal. Cotton swabs or a soft-bristled toothbrush are handy for catching accumulated wax in tight spots around emblems and trim. As for the wax itself, look to your owner’s manual for recommendations on wax formulations, not to mention cautions against certain types that may harm the clear coat or finish. With that knowledge, you can select a wax that delivers the best protection and results. Finally, don’t overlook the intangibles you need: focus, patience and enough time to wax a car correctly.
Apply wax in circular motions
With your applicator, apply wax in a circular overlapping motion, concentrating on a single section at a time. You’ll want enough product on the pad for sufficient coverage, but not so much that you saturate. Resist any temptation to let the wax fully dry onto the surface in hopes of adding protection, as you will most likely leave scratches trying to remove it all.
Remove the wax with a soft cloth
With your clean cloth or towel, use a portion of it to start removing the excess wax. Then, use another clean section to finish the area. Repeat this two-step process across the rest of the car, and change towels often enough so as not to redeposit wax onto the car. If you spot any wax you missed around nameplates or badges, this is a chance to gently remove it with the swabs or toothbrush.
Repeat in due time
The frequency to wax a car hinges on several factors. How you drive and store your car, the wax you use and your personal preference will all come into play. Doing this at least a few times a year will keep your finish looking fresher and protected from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to wash and wax a car?
Cars should be washed in the shade, fully dried, and waxed in the shade. Make sure sponges and towels are clean.
Should I wax my car after every wash?
If you’re considering a car wash with wax or without, that’s a personal preference. While some purists believe a fresh wax job is an essential step of a car wash, there are certainly scenarios in which it’s acceptable to wash a car without it. For example, if your car has a recent wax job but gets hit with bird droppings, mud, or other messes, it’s certainly preferable to wash your car immediately instead of waiting until you have a chance for the full wash and wax regimen.