Here are some tips to help you get started cleaning the outside of your car.
Before You Begin
Choose a shaded or indoor area that is relatively dust free
Close all doors and windows
Use proper vehicle cleaning soap to lather the vehicle
Use steel wool to scrub exterior windows
Rinse off as much dirt as possible by hosing down the entire vehicle from top to bottom first
Washing Vehicle
Lather a clean sponge (terry cloth) in soapy water
Gently wipe vehicle with sponge to loosen dirt
Start by cleaning the:
• roof, windshield, hood, rear window and trunk • right/left side (top then bottom) • back and front bumper • wheels and undercarriage
Rinse each section completely before moving to next section
Give the vehicle one final rinse (mist) with the hose
Wet and ring out the chamois cloth (shammy) or towel and dry the vehicle thoroughly (start at the roof and work your way down)
Give any metal or chrome an extra rubdown (after vehicle is dry) with steel wool to get rid of water spots
Wax
Wax your vehicle in a shaded area to prevent damage to finish
Look for vehicle wax which contains imported vegetable wax, which is safe for your vehicle’s finish
Mask off all parts that should not be waxed (textured moldings, bumper parts, etc...)
Three forms of wax: liquid, paste and spray (liquid wax is easier, doesn’t last as long as paste products)
Choose wax with a high Carnauba content
Spray waxes are very thin to be of any real use
Apply a single application of wax (too much results in hard to remove residue)
A damp rectangular kitchen sponge makes a good applicator
Apply second application on the nose and hood
Remove residue using only a very soft cloth (microfiber towels)
Use orbital buffer to speed up application process
Wax vehicle every two– three months (water should be bead on the car)
Tires
Pre-rinse the tires with water
Scrub the tires briskly with car soap and soft brush
Rinse the tires with water
Dry the tires with a soft towel.
Spray on a tire dressing to protect tires
Tips
Avoid the sun and trees (sap and leaves)
Use proper vehicle wash soap (household items may ruin vehicle’s finish)
After driving in salty conditions, wash your vehicle to prevent corrosion, fading and rust
Detail your vehicle once a year
Immediately rinse gasoline, oil, anti-freeze, transmission fluid and windshield solvent spills off your finish, but do not wipe
Be sure to wash the inside bottom edge of doors, lift gate, hood and trunk to eliminate the trapped dirt and moisture that can cause premature rusting