Washing a car may seem straightforward, but it’s crucial to follow proper methods to avoid scratching, swirling, or marring of the paint. The purpose of washing an automobile is to remove Dirt and Grime that accumulates on paint from daily driving.

It’s important to note that using a garden hose alone to rinse an automobile before washing is not recommended. This method poses a risk of scratching the paint because dirt and grime are not effectively removed from the paint with just water. Instead, it’s advisable to use a Rinseless Wash Solution or other appropriate products to ensure thorough cleaning and minimize the risk of damage to the paint. Rinseless wash solutions encapsulate the Dirt and Grime, and when rinsed with a garden hose or a pressure washer, they properly remove the Dirt and Grime particles from the Paint, reducing the possibility of scratching, swirling, or marring.

When washing a car, it’s essential to use a Microfiber Towel or, even better, a Microfiber Hand Mitt. It is important to note that there should always be a Lubricant between the Paint and the Microfiber Towel/Mitt being used.

The first step in washing an automobile is to apply a pre-rinse to the entire vehicle. Please take a look at some of the pre-rinse products that we use at SparkClean Detailing LLC, under the Pre-Rinse Products Category. At SparkClean Detailing LLC, we’ve extensively tested various pre-rinse products and found McKee’s 37 N-914 to be an outstanding Rinseless wash product. However, even though McKee’s 37 N-914 is safe to use in direct sunlight, it’s generally best to avoid washing a car under direct sunlight whenever possible.

Washing a car in direct sunlight can cause the products being used to dry much faster, potentially leading to damage to the paint. If washing a car in direct sunlight cannot be avoided, it’s crucial to work in very small sections to ensure that the products have sufficient time to be properly applied and rinsed off without drying on the paint surface. Regardless of whether you’re applying the McKee’s 37 N-914 in sections or to the entire car, the product must be allowed to dwell on the paint, not dry. Once the McKee’s 37 N-914 has dwelled for a minute or two, rinse the car with either a garden hose or a pressure washer.

It is important to note that in order to properly wash an automobile, a leaf blower, preferably with a soft rubber tip, is going to be required for drying. Once a car is rinsed with water, it’s crucial to understand that water contains minerals. If you use any type of towel to dry the car without using a drying aid lubricant (which is not required at this point), the risk of scratching the paint is very possible.

Understanding the Three Bucket System and Choosing pH Neutral Soaps

Most auto detailers utilize what is known as the Three Bucket System, a crucial practice to prevent scratching, marring, and swirling during car washing. To learn more about the Three Bucket System and its benefits, please refer to our blog post located [here].

For DIY enthusiasts, acquiring three five-gallon buckets is essential. One bucket is designated for cleaning the wheels and tires, another for clean rinsing water, and the third for the soap mixture.

If you’re entrusting the task of washing your car to someone else, it’s imperative to inquire about the type of bucket system they use.

Another crucial consideration is the soap used for washing. Soaps for car washing should be pH neutral to avoid damaging the paint. Dishwashing soap should never be used, as it can be harmful to the automobile’s paint. For further details on why dishwashing detergent is damaging to a car’s paint, please refer to our blog post [here].

At SparkClean Detailing, we exclusively use pH neutral soaps for washing automobiles. Explore our selection of pH neutral soap products in the pH Neutral Soaps category.