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!
Hi there, I have a 2018 subaru wrx and needed detailing, and front windshield tint remove, how much will it be?
Hey 👋. What’s a good email or phone number to send you information
Hey, my wife has a 2003 Ford Mustang. We’ve owned it since 2007; in 2015 we contacted Macco in Hampton on Pembroke ave, and got a hi-end matching paint job (clear code mix with paint), been mirror glossy ever since ($2k and told that will out last the car) Recently talking to them, they claim the original owner sold it off and nothing they can do.. Well until the last year or two. The sides are still like mirrors but the top sides of the car are dull. My Wife washes the car all the time keeping it clean including spray shine products. She is very unhappy that we haven’t been able to find someone that can Wax her car and get the shine back (she wont let me try, says I don’t know what to do, lol). Every place we check they all say they only Ceramic coat ($500 ~ $1000), cant even give a reasonable quote, they want us to drive to them knowing they are going to push for the number I cant afford. She’s outside again washing her car again, bit@hing again not wanting to even drive it anymore. Just based on what I’ve told you, does it sound like a Good Wax would bring the shine, or only Ceramic coating? and what are your costs on your services. It a standard base model 2003 ford mustang (very small, I’m a average guy and have trouble sitting in this car). I can send pictures, you’ll see very mirror like on the sides. Also she keeps a car cover over it on bright sunny days, and always has since she got the new paintjob. I suspect the cover moving around some during windy days may have rubbed on the top and hood and trunk area, if the paint is the issue. Adding my info below.