How To Properly Wash & Detail Your Car

Everyone loves the look and feel of a brand-new car, right? Now imagine if your car always felt new, even after months or even years of use. The key is car washing and detailing! If you’re not familiar with the term, detailing a car is a process that helps keep your vehicle in top condition (cosmetically). It comprises several tasks, typically performed by experts, that restore your car’s showroom look.

Though many opt to leave the car washing and detailing to the professionals, there are some tasks you can take on at home. So if you want to know more about how to detail a car or the best way to wash your beloved vehicle properly, we at Jim’s Car Detailing are happy to offer a simple guide on how to wash and detail your own car.

The best way to wash the car at home

If you want to ensure your car stays in pristine condition, you need to follow a step-by-step approach that professional detailers use. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to wash a vehicle and detail it effectively.

Gathering the right equipment

Before you start washing a car, it’s essential to have the right tools and products for car detailing and washing on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Two buckets (one for soapy water, one for clean water)
• A pH-neutral car shampoo
• A microfibre wash mitt
• A soft bristle wheel brush
• A grit guard (to keep dirt from contaminating your clean water bucket)
• A clay bar for decontaminating paint
• A foam cannon (optional but great for pre-wash)
• A drying towel or chamois
• Glass cleaner for windows
• Interior vacuum with crevice tools
• Upholstery shampoo or leather conditioner
• A dual-action polisher (for polishing and waxing)
• Car wax or ceramic coating for added protection

Wash the wheels first

The best way to wash the car is to start with the wheels. The wheels are almost always the dirtiest part of any vehicle. They’ll probably require more time, attention and scrubbing than the rest of your car, so it’s best to get them out of the way first. You may need to refill your buckets with water and soap as you clean to keep everything fresh.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash the wheels and tyres:

Step 1: Rinse off loose dirt

Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off loose dirt from the wheels. If you have a foam cannon, apply a layer of foam to help break down contaminants before scrubbing.

Step 2: Prepare soapy water

Fill one bucket with water and mix in pH-neutral car shampoo. Place a grit guard at the bottom of the bucket to trap dirt. Fill the second bucket with clean water to rinse your brush and wash the mitt.

Step 3: Scrub the wheels

Dip the soft bristle wheel brush into the soapy water and gently scrub each wheel, focusing on the spokes, outer rim and lug nuts. You can also use a microfibre wash mitt for hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the brush in the clean water bucket before dipping it into the soapy water to avoid reintroducing dirt.

Step 4: Clean the tires

Use the wash mitt or brush to scrub the rubber tyres, as they accumulate dirt and road grime. Be thorough around raised lettering and tread patterns.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly

Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse away all the soap and loosen the grime. Ensure all residue is removed to prevent streaking.

Step 6: Dry the wheels

Use a drying towel or chamois to wipe down the wheels and tyres, preventing water spots. If necessary, use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove excess water from tight spaces.

Step 7: Apply protection (optional)

If your wheels need extra protection, apply a wax or ceramic coating to help prevent rust and repel dirt and brake dust. Buff with a microfibre towel for a smooth finish.

Step 8: Do some final touches

If the wheels still feel rough, use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants. Clean the wheel wells if necessary.

Clean the exterior

Once your wheels are clean, it’s time to wash the rest of the exterior. Remember to start with your roof, then your windscreen, upper sides, rear end, front bumper and so on. Following this order will help best preserve your car’s paintwork. And don’t forget the windows!

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Rinse the car

Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off the entire car, starting from the top. Focus on removing loose dirt and debris to prevent scratches when washing.

Step 2: Apply soap

If you’ll be using a foam cannon, coat the car in foam and let it sit for a minute to break down dirt. If you’re washing the car by hand, dip your wash mitt into the soapy water and begin washing.

Step 3: Wash the roof

Start at the highest point — the roof. Use straight-line motions rather than circular ones to reduce the risk of swirl marks.

Step 4: Clean the windscreen and windows

Move down to the windscreen and side windows. Be thorough around the edges where dirt tends to accumulate.

Step 5: Wash the upper sides

Continue washing downwards, working on the upper half of the doors, side mirrors and pillars. Rinse your wash mitt in the clean water bucket before it goes back into the soapy water.

Step 6: Clean the rear end

Scrub the trunk, rear bumper and taillights. Pay attention to crevices where dirt collects.

Step 7: Wash the front bumper

Move to the front bumper, grille and headlights. These areas often have bug splatter and road grime, so give them extra attention.

Step 8: Clean the lower sides

Wash the lower sections of the doors and side skirts. Since these areas pick up the most dirt, rinse your mitt frequently.

Step 9: Rinse again

Thoroughly rinse the entire car (starting from the top) to remove all soap and residue.

Step 10: Dry the car

Use a drying towel or chamois to gently dry the surface. Work in sections to prevent water spots.

Cut and polish

A professional cut and polish service includes more than just washing a car and wiping down the vehicle. If you want your clean to be expert-quality, you can do a clay bar treatment to remove dirt and enhance the paintwork.

You should also perform a single-stage cut (with a buffer) and polish to remove light scratches. This can seriously elevate the look of your vehicle, but it’s one of those tasks you may want to leave to a professional to avoid accidentally damaging something.

Here’s a simple walkthrough:

Step 1: Do a clay bar treatment (optional but recommended)

Ensure the car is clean and dry before starting. Lightly mist a clay bar lubricant onto a small section of the car. Glide the clay bar across the surface to remove embedded dirt. Fold the clay often to expose a clean side. Wipe the area with a microfibre cloth before moving to the next section.

Step 2: Perform a single-stage cut

Attach a cutting pad to a dual-action polisher. Put a small amount of cutting compound on the pad. Work in sections, spreading the compound evenly before turning on the polisher. Use light pressure and move in overlapping motions to correct light scratches. Wipe off the excess compound with a clean microfibre cloth.

Step 3: Polish the paintwork

Switch to a polishing pad and apply a small amount of polish. Work in the same overlapping motion to restore shine. Buff the surface with a microfibre towel for a high-gloss finish.

Vacuum the seats and floor

If you look inside your car right now, you’ll probably notice crumbs, dirt and small bits of debris on the floor and in the seats. To remove these, professional car detailers have a vacuum cleaner specially designed to access hard-to-reach spots.

You may have a difficult time if you attempt to use a regular vacuum on the inside of your car. So if you plan on detailing a car on your own from now on, a hand vacuum may be a worthy investment.

Here’s how to do it, step by step:

Step 1: Remove floor mats and loose items

Take out the floor mats and shake off loose dirt. Set aside any items cluttering the floor or seats.

Step 2: Use a vacuum with crevice tools

Attach a crevice tool for tight spaces like seat edges and between cushions. Work from top to bottom, starting with the seats before moving to the floor. Use a brush attachment for fabric seats to lift embedded dirt.

Step 3: Vacuum the floor and mats

Thoroughly vacuum the carpet and mats. If necessary, use a stiff brush to loosen stubborn debris before vacuuming again.

Clean the interior

Next, you’ll want to shampoo the upholstery and polish all the glass. For the best results, cleaning the window from both the outside and inside is essential.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Shampoo the upholstery

Apply upholstery shampoo to fabric seats and carpeted areas. Scrub gently with a brush and let it soak in for a few minutes. Wipe away excess moisture with a microfibre towel or extract with a wet vacuum. If you have leather seats, use a leather conditioner instead of shampoo.

Step 2: Polish the interior glass

Spray a small amount of glass cleaner onto a microfibre cloth. Wipe the interior windows in straight lines. Repeat for the exterior glass to ensure a spotless finish.

Additional tips for keeping your car clean

Now that we’ve covered the auto detailing how-to, here are some more tips for keeping your car clean.

• Wash in the shade — Always wash your car in a shaded area to prevent water from drying too fast, which can result in water spots and streaks. Direct sunlight can also make soap dry faster, reducing its effectiveness.

• Use a grit guard — Placing a grit guard at the bottom of your wash bucket can help trap dirt and debris, which prevents it from being picked up by your wash mitt and scratching your car’s paint.

• Apply a protective coating — Regularly applying wax, sealant or ceramic coating not only enhances your car’s shine but also creates a protective barrier against dirt, grime and environmental contaminants.

• Keep a detailing kit handy — Store a small detailing kit in your car with essentials like microfibre cloths, quick detailer spray and interior wipes.

• Use seat covers and floor mats — Protect your car’s interior by using seat covers and durable, all-weather floor mats.

• Empty trash frequently — Keep a small trash bin or disposable bag in your car to collect waste.

Have other questions about the best way to wash a car? Our FAQs below should offer all the answers you’re looking for, from washing your car like a professional to making your car shine like glass!

Jim’s Car Detailing will make your car look brand-new

There are several reasons to choose Jim’s Car Detailing for your mobile car detailing needs. With our ultimate detail from $325 service, you can customise your car detailing and washing to suit your budget. You could also opt for a full interior deluxe car detail or our very budget-friendly $149 mini detail cleaning.

If you don’t have a typical vehicle, don’t worry. Our fully trained, fully insured and police-checked staff can perform expert detailing for trucks, caravans, boats and more. If you’re interested in scheduling our services and enjoying our Jim’s Work Guarantee, please don’t hesitate to call 131 546. You can also request a free quote at your next convenience.

FAQs

What is the correct order to wash a car?

You should always start by cleaning your wheels. However, some prefer to start with interior cleaning and detailing their car, as this gives the seats and carpets more time to dry out. If this idea is more appealing to you, there’s nothing wrong with taking this route instead.

How do you clean a car professionally? 

If you want to wash your car like a pro, you should start with the wheels and then wash the rest of the car’s exterior from top to bottom. That means starting with the roof, the hood, the rear, the upper halves of both sides and then the lower halves of both sides. Once you finish cleaning a section, take a moment to rinse it off with just water. If soapy areas dry without being rinsed, your car could end up covered in soap stains.

Here are a few extra tips on auto detailing and how to make your car look professionally cleaned!

• Rinse exterior surfaces before cleaning them.
• Wash the wheels first.
• Invest in a microfibre wash mitt.
• Avoid circular motions when washing a car, as doing so may lead to swirl marks.
• Clean the car from top to bottom.
• Wash quickly so that soap doesn’t dry on the paintwork.

Another tip that perhaps requires more information is to avoid washing a car on a particularly sunny day. If you wash your car when the sun is out, the heat can cause the exterior to dry faster. If you’re not moving quickly enough, this can cause soapy spots to dry before you have a chance to rinse. This can lead to unattractive stains or swirl marks.

How can I wash my car without swirl marks?

Learning how to clean a car without swirl marks can be difficult, as swirl marks are mostly unavoidable when washing your own car. However, there are some techniques you can use to minimise them. First, you should only use quality soap and wash mitts. You’ll also need to rinse every surface before you wash it to remove debris. Finally, try to move your mitt in straight lines rather than circular motions, as the latter technique can result in unsightly swirl marks.

How do I make my car shine like glass?

To make your car shine like glass, you’ll need to apply a good polish. This will help smooth out scratches and remove minor blemishes on your vehicle’s paintwork. After applying the polish, you should add a protective layer of wax for good measure. Car wax is what really gives a vehicle that gorgeously glossy shine.

What do car detailers use to clean seats?

Expert car detailers alter their approach depending on the type of car seat. For leather car seats, many wipe them down with cleaning wipes or use a mild soap with a damp cloth. Pros will also follow up with a protectant to condition the leather.

For cloth car seats and vinyl upholstery car seats, an all-purpose cleaner spray will do. Some opt to use carpet cleaning products on cloth seats with more severe stains. Please note, with all of these methods, drying the seats by blotting with an absorbent cloth is the final step. If you’d like to create your own natural cleaning solution, simply mix about a tablespoon of dish soap, a cup of vinegar and a gallon of hot water into a bucket.