DIY: Car Wash & Detail
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As a general rule, a car should be washed once every two weeks. Factors, such as 1) weather, 2) location, 3) how much you drive and 4) personal preference, may have you washing your car more frequently.
Time needed: 2 hours and 30 minutes
DIY: Car Wash & Detail Steps
- Designate an area for your car wash and detail.
If possible, avoid an area with direct sunlight. If the car becomes dry with water or soap spots, your car will look “spotty” instead of clean or shiny. Also, make sure your designated area has access to a hose and if applicable, an outlet for any electric device.
- Gather all products and tools.
Lay out or locate everything you will be using to wash and detail your car.
- Fill a bucket with water.
Tip: Make sure your bucket contains a dirt trap. A dirt trap captures dirt and grit for a scratch-free wash.
- Rinse the entire car with water from the hose.
- Clean all tires and rims with tire cleaner and a brush.
- Attach a foam gun to the hose and spray the car down.
Fill the foam gun with your favorite car wash soap.
- Rub down the car using a microfiber wash mitt.
For the best results, rinse the microfiber wash mitt off in the bucket once dirt is noticeably on the mitt.
- Rinse the car off with water from the hose.
- Dry the car with microfiber towels.
Before beginning, make sure the microfiber towels are clean and debris-free to avoid any minor surface scratches to the car.
- Clean the interior and exterior sides of all windows with glass cleaner.
- Apply a thin coat of wax to the car.
Use a microfiber applicator to easily apply the wax to the car.
- Begin vacuuming and dusting the interior of the car.
Once complete, look for any stains that you may have not noticed earlier. Apply a stain remover to each stain and then use a brush or microfiber cloth to work the stain out.
- Apply leather cleaner and conditioner to any leather interior areas.
- Lastly, deep clean the floorboard, mats and fabric seats with a steam cleaner.
Ahead, we share the tools and products to stock up on for your next DIY Car Wash and Detail. Note: For car wash products, it is hard to top the quality delivered by the Chemical Guys. This is why you will see many of their products recommended below.
1
Chemical Guys, 16 Piece Arsenal Builder Car Wash Kit
This car wash kit by the Chemical Guys provides almost everything you will need for a detailed car wash. The kit includes: Butter Wet Wax, Honeydew Snow Foam, Diablo Wheel Gel, Silk Shine Dressing, Signature Glass Cleaner, Speed Wipe Detailer, Detailing Bucket with Dirt Trap, Torq Foam Blaster Foam Gun, Microfiber Wash Mitt, Short Handle Brush, 4 Microfiber Towels and a Dressing Applicator. Per the company, this kit has a value of over $200.
This product duo cleans and restores leather seats, steering wheels, shift knobs and door panels. As a bonus, the products are versatile for use around the home and office (think, leather boots!). The duo may be used on all types of fine natural leather, durable sealed leather and synthetic leather materials. Note: Always test a small area before applying the product to the entire area.
The Vacmaster Professional is a light-weight, portable wet/dry vac with superior suction and power. It lives up to the name, Beast!
This detail brush set is great for removing dirt and dust from the smallest of areas.
If you do not already have a hose, an expandable hose is the way to go. It is easy to lift and store. Also, this hose comes with a 9 spray pattern, spray nose -perfect for washing dirt off your car.
Lightning Fast Stain Extractor is a powerful spot and stain remover for fabrics, upholstery, and carpet. Use this stain remover to eliminate tough spots and stains from dirt, grease, coffee, soda, wine, and pets.
Bug & Tar Remover safely removes bugs, tar, grime, tree sap and bird droppings from bumpers, windshields, headlights, plastics, chrome, grilles, and painted surfaces. Further, it reduces the amount of scrubbing needed to remove bugs and grime, which reduces the chances of scratches to your car while washing.
These applicators work great for applying waxes, sealants, glazes, and dressings. Each one is inside-stitched two times to ensure that the edges never touch the surface of the car's paint. This results in reducing surface scratches and improving the application of product.
This carpet cleaner works by removing embedded dirt and stains from the bottom up. It is easy to use and store. This product is great for the car and the home.