Here are a few short tips on how you can complete a “DIY” car wash if you don’t have a detail shop near you or if you just don’t mind getting a little messy.

Step 1 Rinse Before Washing

If you apply pressure to your dry paint with soapy water, you’ll just grind the surface dust and road debris into your finish paint. Professional detailers always start with clear clean water rinse to remove as much environmental fallout as possible.

Step 2 Use Correct Soap

Dawn, Gain, Sun Etc are dishwashing soaps usually used when you want to DIY at home. However these soaps are to harsh and they suck the important oils out of your vehicles paint Which in return shorten the life of your paint.

Step 3 Sponge Vs Microfiber Mitt

Sponges capture and hold dirt into their large pores. You can wring it out, but the dirt will stay put. This causes you to wash your vehicle with a sponge full of dirt. You may as well use sandpaper which has the same affect. (Just kidding!!!! Don’t use sandpaper). A professional Detailer will use a microfiber mitt because the grit falls out when you rinse.

Step 4 Two Bucket Method

To assure you are using clean water on your vehicle use the two bucket method. One for clean soapy water and one for rinsing. After each wipe, dunk your dirty wash mitt in the “Rinse water bucket” and swirl it around to remove dirt and grit. Proceed with dunking your mitt into the soapy water and continue to wash. Dump the dirty rinse water before moving on towards the rest of the vehicle. Please keep in mind that a separate bucket will be needed for rims.This will assure your soapy water stays clean.

Step 4 Dry Time

Throw that chamois towel to the side and use a microfiber. Chamois towels soak up water and don’t pick up any grits that are left after rinsing. Instead they grind those particles into your paint. A microfiber collects particles, removes grits and after a rinse you can continue drying.

I hope these tips were helpful. If you don’t want to DIY, no worries! Visit us at our shop located on 416 North Ave Newport News, VA 23601. We will be more than happy to recondition your vehicle. For more information on our services visit us at www.justindetail.com or give us a call at (757)739-7009. Stay blessed!