20 Car Wash Tips to Keep Your Car Looking Its Best

  1. Avoid Washing in Direct Sunlight: Water and soap dry too quickly, causing streaks and spots. Wash in the shade or early morning.
  2. Use the Two-Bucket Method: One bucket for soap, one for rinse water—helps prevent scratching your paint.
  3. Use Microfiber Towels, Not Sponges: Microfiber lifts dirt gently, reducing swirl marks.
  4. Start From the Top Down: Wash your roof first and work your way down to avoid spreading grime upward.
  5. Add a Grit Guard to Your Buckets: It traps dirt at the bottom and keeps your wash mitt clean.
  6. Dry With a Microfiber Towel or Blower: Prevent water spots by drying your car properly instead of air-drying.
  7. Use Car-Specific Soap: Avoid dish soap—it strips wax and damages clear coat. Use pH-balanced products.
  8. Clean Your Wheels First (With Separate Tools): Wheels are the dirtiest—start here and avoid contaminating your wash mitt.
  9. Use a Separate Towel for Glass: Keeps your windows streak-free and avoids leftover wax smears.
  10. Wax Every 2–3 Months: Wax protects your paint, enhances shine, and makes future washes easier.
  11. Use a Foam Cannon If You Can: It helps loosen dirt before hand washing, reducing scratches.
  12. Don't Forget the Undercarriage: Especially in winter or after beach trips—salt and sand cause rust.
  13. Use a Leaf Blower to Dry Crevices: Prevents drips from mirrors and door handles after drying.
  14. Wash Your Car Regularly: Once every 1–2 weeks helps prevent long-term damage from bird droppings and sap.
  15. Avoid Automatic Brushes: Touchless or hand wash is better—automatic brushes can scratch paint.
  16. Clay Bar Every Few Months: Removes stuck-on contaminants and smooths the paint before waxing.
  17. Apply Tire Shine for a Finishing Touch: It makes the whole car look newer and cleaner.
  18. Use Glass Cleaner on Headlights: Helps restore clarity and improve visibility at night.
  19. Don’t Wash Right After Driving: Let the engine cool down to avoid soap drying too fast on hot surfaces.
  20. Keep Supplies Clean Between Washes: Rinse out mitts and towels after use to avoid reusing dirt and debris.

Not sure when to wash? Head back to the Homepage and check your weather.