Washing my Coated Car

The number 1 question we get after one of our Vital details is "How do I keep my car this way?" Especially so after a Ceramic Pro treatment. So we wanted to put together a quick guide to aftercare for these specific details. The first thing to remember here: avoid HARSH and stay CLEAN. Put back the "soft cotton" rags you are using to scrub your pits, and the Dawn stays in the kitchen! Here’s a list of things you need to get started.

Supplies

• Buckets: Get 2 for wash and rinse, 3 if you want a separate wheel bucket.
• Grit Guards: Essential for reducing dirt transfer in your buckets.
• Wash Mitt: Recommended Qty: 2 (e.g., Incredipad or similar microfiber mitts).
• Microfiber Towels: You can never have enough (e.g., General Purpose Microfiber Kit, Waffle Weave Drying Towel).
• Brushes/Applicators: Boars Hair Detail brush for body and wheels, plus assorted exterior and wheel brushes.
• Soaps/Wheel Cleaner: Use a coating-friendly car soap without waxes or fillers (e.g., Shift, EcH20, CarPro Reset, Sonax Full Effect).
• Quick Detailers: For touch-ups throughout the week (e.g., Throttle, EcH20, Optimum No Rinse).
• Drying: Blow drying is ideal, but a Waffle Weave Drying Towel works well, too.

Location

Choose a shaded area of your driveway or a local self-serve car wash.

Setup

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

Steps

1. Wheels

Start with wheels to avoid water spots. Spray down wheels and tires, apply wheel cleaner, agitate with brushes, and rinse thoroughly.

2. Body

Rinse from top to bottom. Use a clean mitt and follow a rinse-wash cycle, focusing on the roof first and then moving downward. Don’t forget gas caps and side-view mirrors.

3. Finish

For coated vehicles, blow drying is recommended. Use a waffle weave towel to ensure all water is removed.

Throughout the Week

Keep a microfiber cloth and a quick detailer like Throttle or EcH20 for touch-ups on dust, bird droppings, or bug splats.