Washing Your Car the Right Way

The number 1 question we get after one of our Vital details is "How do I keep my car this way?" So we wanted to put together a quick guide to aftercare for your vehicle. The first thing to remember here: avoid HARSH and stay CLEAN. Put back the "soft cotton" rags, and keep the Dawn in the kitchen! Here's a list of things you'll need to get started.

Supplies

• Buckets: Get 2 for wash and rinse, or 3 for a separate wheel bucket.
• Grit Guards: Essential for reducing dirt transfer in your buckets.
• Wash Mitt: Recommended Qty: 2 (e.g., Dragon Hybrid Car Wash Pad).
• Microfiber Towel: You can never have enough (e.g., Mr. Everything Utility Towels).
• Brushes/Applicators: Choose various sizes for all areas (e.g., Boars Hair Detail brush).
• Soaps/Wheel Cleaner: Use a car-specific soap (e.g., Citrus Wash & Gloss by Chemical Guys).
• Claybar: Essential for decontaminating the paint surface.
• Wax/Sealant: Finish with your preferred protectant (e.g., Hydrosilex Recharge).

Location

Choose a shaded area of your driveway or a local self-serve car wash for the best results.

Setup

Fill all buckets with water, place grit guards, add soap to the wash bucket, and prepare your tools.

Steps

1. Wheels

Spray down all wheels, agitate dirt, and clean exhaust tips if necessary. Start with wheels to avoid water spots later on.

2. Body

Rinse top to bottom, washing with a clean mitt, and rinse frequently. Pay attention to details like gas caps and side mirrors.

3. Clay

Use clay and lube to remove contaminants. Light friction is all that's needed—knead clay frequently for best results.

4. Finish

Dry with microfiber towels, apply wax/sealant, and maintain your car's shine with a quick detailer throughout the week.