10 Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Car
Every car owner wants to maintain their own cars, not only to save money but also to fully understand their cars and know what to do in case of emergencies. With a little practice, you can go from newbie to professional if you study and observe what you need to learn. There are a lot of products nowadays that guarantee to revive the long-forgotten shine and charm of your car, and after you clean, the result will look almost like professional work!
Why Should You Wash Your Own Car?
Aside from saving you money, it also saves the environment. You use less water when you wash your own car compared to going to a drive-through. It would mean that you get to use the water afterward to clean the house or maybe water the plants instead of the water being drained to the sewers. Aside from being green, DIY car washing is also a nice way to protect your investment, meaning you will be more careful with the scrubbing and washing because you’re not leaving your car in someone else’s responsibility.
How Often Should You Wash Your Car?
Do you live in dusty areas or by the ocean? If that’s the case, you need to wash it at least once a week. There are areas wherein dust can thicken in just a few days. If you also use your car a lot for heavy lifting and chores, you really have to clean inside and outside so it stays in optimal shape and performance. If the weather keeps changing at random, it’s better to keep your car clean and wipe off the rain that might stain or cause rust if neglected. Keep it shiny and happy with some TLC and thorough cleaning once a week. If your car doesn’t have a proper parking space with a roof, expect to do more servicing than you’re told.
The following are common mistakes you’re not aware you’re doing:
- Using dish soap. There are some people who use dish soap in cleaning the interior and exterior parts of a car, and it can damage the layer of waxes and finishes. It sometimes dulls the paint as well. Always opt for car shampoo instead of using other alternatives.
- Washing under the sun. Washing your car directly under the sun means the soapy water on the body dries quickly, and it means patchy stains on the exterior. Clean it in a shady area, or opt for a finer day instead.
- Not using separate buckets for soap and rinsing. You shouldn’t use the same sponges or mitts for soaping and rinsing. They would scatter the suds if you meant to clean them off. Use microfiber cloth instead of a sponge for your interior. This will make sure that the steering wheel, gearshift lever, mats, and WeatherTech floor liner don’t get scratched, and it picks up the debris as well.
- Forgetting to clean the tires. Why bother cleaning the tires when they’re going to be dirty again, right? They’re actually as important as the rest of the car. Tires have a lot of tiny rocks wedged in between them, and the caked mud might make the surface of the tire smooth, which might lead to accidents. Take the time to clean the tires properly, and rinse them off as well. This will make the car look entirely squeaky clean.
- Using an ordinary rough towel to dry the car. Don’t use a rough towel as it might scratch the paint or other surfaces if it picks up small rock debris. Instead, use a microfiber cloth to dry your car thoroughly.
- Being lazy. Yes, some people are too lazy to clean missed spots properly that they just wipe with a towel, making things worse. Do your car some justice by washing every inch of it properly as it works hard to provide you optimal service.
- Applying wax or polish directly. Put it on the applicator instead and wipe it properly on the car’s exterior. Remember what Mr. Miyagi taught you—wax on and wax off in a circular motion.
- Applying too much wax. Adding another layer of wax isn’t doing anyone a favor. It’s just a waste of product. After adding the second layer, you’re done!
- Forgetting to polish. This is the thank-you you give to your car for the service; it worked hard for you. Make your vehicle shine brighter than all the others.
- Using ammonia-based glass cleaner. Using this damages the layer of finish on glass and any surfaces of the car. Stick to microfiber instead.
Check out this guide on the best pressure washers as having the right equipment for washing your car will make this process easier and give your car a clean and tidy look for a long time.
