HOW TO (PROPERLY) WASH YOUR CAR
For many vehicle owners, the weekend act of washing a car by hand is a therapeutic act as beneficial for the person's state of mind as to the vehicle's appearance. That's good, because frequent washing is also the best way to maintain a new-car finish. But as simple as washing your car may seem, there are some things to watch for so that you don't accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Here are some basic car-washing tips.
NOTE: At The Finer Details, we are always happy to offer FREE advice and help in every aspect of your vehicle's appearance. Want tips not listed here? Want a referral for another automotive service? Just want to talk tech? We can help, and it's all free! Try that at your local car wash. Call us and our experts can help you.
 Tip #1
Using the Right Tools: Always use supplies and chemicals that are designed for automobiles. Never use dish soap or other household chemicals to wash your car. Use microfiber sponge mitts to wash. Use micro fiber towels for every job. Most of these products are readily available at Wal-Mart or Target.
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Tip #2
Fabric Softener is Evil!: When you wash your microfiber towels in your washer and dryer, NEVER use fabric softener. This will make your windows and paint hazy. Even the small amount of left over fabric softener in your washer can create this problem. To fix this, wash your towels in hot water with a fragrance and softener FREE laundry soap. Wash your towels by themselves and add a cup of bleach each and every time.
Tip #3
How Not to Scratch While You Wash: Always use a Grit Guard in the bottom of your bucket. Click here 
to see a grit guard. Use a standard 5 gallon bucket. Use a small amount of car wash soap and fill it only half way. Then use a microfiber sponge mitt to wash your vehicle. Clean all your sponges, towels and chamois in the washer after each time. Never leave them in the bucket for the next wash.
Tip #4
If it's Black, Wax it More: If you have a black car, first, get it polished. You'll be amazed at the difference. Even new cars come from the factory with paint imperfections- get them polished out by a professional. Then, keep it waxed. You can never wax it too much. If it is kept outdoors, wax it once a month. Wax is your paint's "sacrificial" layer. You can also use a clay bar kit prior to waxing. This prepares the paint surface for waxing and will make you car look better and your wax last longer. Novice clay bar users, beware [see tip #10]. Follow the directions carefully. Click here to see a clay bar kit.
Tip #5
Utilize the Gas Station Car Wash: What? You heard us correctly! We all know they don't do a good job at making your car pretty, but the gas station car wash is a great way to wash of the fine debris that can damage your paint. Use it just after a rain to clean off those harmful particles. Just make sure it is a TOUCHLESS car wash.
Tip #5b
TOUCHLESS ONLY! Never under any circumstances use a car wash with brushes or hanging cloth strips. Even though the materials may claim to be safe on your paint, it's the rocks and other debris from the car before you that gets
you and damages your paint. They can scratch and dent your vehicle. Ouch! Search the Internet for articles about scratches done at the car wash.
Tip #6
Leave Machine Polishing to the Professionals: You might be tempted to buy an orbital or circular buffer and polish your paint. But it takes lots of practice to be good at this. There are also many tips and tricks that detailers know to keep from damaging paint. If you want to take on this task, be careful; or just leave it to a professional. A quality polishing service should take about 2 hours and cost $100-$200. If someone claims they can do it in 15 minutes for $40, beware! If you would like a free lesson on how to polish correctly, call us.
Tip #7
Use a Separate Bucket for Wheels and Tires: Never use the same bucket to wash the body of your car and the wheels/tires. Invest in a second bucket and mark them "Body Only" and "Wheels/Tires". Make sure
to use a grit guard in both buckets.
Tip #8
Most Generic Cleaners Can Damage Aluminum Wheels: Use an approved wheel cleaner to clean or pre-treat your wheels. You may not know what your wheels are made of, so play it safe. Read the back of the bottle and make sure it is safe for aluminum wheels. Here is a sample product you can use.
Tip #9
Beware the Droppings: Wash off dead bugs, egg, bird droppings, and tree-sap as soon as possible. These droppings can damage your paint. Some can even eat right through the paint in a very short period of time. If tree sap is dried, use acetone to remove, then wash your car immediately.
Tip #10
If You Drop it, Don't use it: If you drop your sponge, chamois or towel on the ground, don't use it, period! Keep an extra one of each on hand and don't use the dropped one again until you've washed it in the washing machine. The smallest particles from the ground can get on your paint and scratch it. If you are using a clay bar and you drop it, throw it away and buy a new one- no exceptions!
Tip #11
Dry it Right, but You're Still Not Done: Dry your vehicle with a chamois or soft terry towel. Never let it air dry or just drive it around the block. This will create water spots. Even after drying, you will still have some water spots and slight streaks. Use a spray wax to do the final touch. Meguiar's makes many products for this purpose
including Quick Detailer, Final Inspection, Last Touch and Synthetic Spray Detailer.
Tip #12
Chamois and Polishing Pads Don't go in the Dryer: If you are using a chamois and/or polishing pads, never put them in the dryer. Let polishing pads air dry and return your chamois to its protective tube after washing.
Tip #13
Call The Finer Details for all your detailing needs, paint restoration, overspray removal of flood damage restoration. We'd be happy to help you. Click here to go to our Prices and Services page.
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