Proper Car Washing and Drying Technique
This is the Proper Car Washing and Drying Technique to your vehicle a simple guide to help you make your car clean and shine like a pro! We recommend you to follow this guides on washing your car to maintain its beauty and also to avoid scratching or damaging the paint. Most of the line marks that disfigure your vehicle are likely caused by poor washing. Weekly washes and careful hand-drying can be the best care to your vehicle. Improper proper car washing and drying technique will cause unsightly lines, swirls and scratches in car paint requiring compounding or polishing at the very least. You can eliminate these problems and save yourself extra work and money by following our few simple tips on Proper Car Washing and Drying Technique to your vehicle.
Washing Your Car and Used Tools
First it is important to never wash your car in a direct 
sunlight place. Pick a shady spot. Second it’s very important also to choose tools that are gentle on the paint, yet still effective in removing stains & dirt. As a rule goes sponges and mitts that are plush or have a deep nap are better than flat weave towels or dense sponges. For example, a Natural Sea Sponge has numerous deep compartments where dirt and debris can accumulate. The natural fibers themselves will not scratch the paint and they will essentially pull contamination into the sponge’s openings, away from the paint. Always use the softer side of the sponge for washing. Rinse new sea sponges thoroughly before use to remove any shell fragments or sand.
Another option is a Sheepskin Wash Mitt. Sheepskin is extremely soft and plush. The fibers are gentle on the paint while the nap is deep enough to accommodate loose dirt and sand so they do not rub against the vehicle. Because wool is natural, it does not last as long as a Microfiber mitt. However, for luxurious softness, you can’t beat the texture of wool.
Micro-chenille wash mitts are another paint-safe option. Microfiber’s combination of polyester and polyamide make it capable of scrubbing the paint without scratching or swirling. It traps dirt and grit within the fibers rather than leaving them on the surface of your vehicle. Be sure to rinse the mitt frequently to wash off these particles.
Proper Washing
Follow these Proper Car Washing and Drying Technique.
1. Wash the wheels and tires first. If you splash the wheel cleaners or dirt onto your 
vehicle, you can simply wash it off as you wash your vehicle. Use a cleaner that is safe for all wheels, like Wolfgang Tire & Wheel Cleaner. It is water-based and has no corrosive chemicals, which is safer for coated wheels and rubber. Agitate with a wheel brush to clean wheels without scratching. Wash each wheel and tire one at a time and rinse thoroughly before moving on to the next one. NOW EMPTY AND RINSE ALL CLEANING MATERIALS including your Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Sponge and your wash bucket.
2. Now you’re ready to wash. Let’s start with clean water and a freshly rinsed container and our Micro-chenille Wash Mitt. It’s important to use a car wash that is rich in lubricants. The purpose of the car wash is to remove contaminants and lubricate them so they do not scratch the paint as they slide off the vehicle. Dish detergents are not ideal because they remove protective coatings. P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo, McKee's 37 Power Wash and Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo are all fantastic choices. They do not remove wax and provide ample lubrication of gritty particles.
3. How do you prevent line or swirl marks? Use two buckets. Fill one bucket with soapy water and fill the other with clean water. Each time you’re ready to reload your sponge with soapy water, dip it in the clean water first, to rinse out the grit and contamination you’ve just removed from your vehicle. Then dip it in the soapy water and continue washing.
An even better option is the Grit Guard. This plastic grid sits in the bottom of a 5-gallon wash bucket and stabilizes the water. Contamination and particles settle to the bottom of the bucket and the clean wash water remains at the top.
4. Always rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you begin washing in order to remove loose
debris. Then begin washing at the top of the vehicle. Wash down the vehicle as opposed to front to back. Remember that the lower panels are dirtiest. You want to clean the windows and the upper panels before cleaning the lower half of the vehicle so that you don’t transfer grit to the top half of the vehicle. Rinse and reload your Sponge often to prevent cross-contamination. Rinse your vehicle frequently as you work, especially in hot weather.
For stubborn spots, like bugs or tar, use the Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Sponge to gently remove sticky contaminants without scratching. To soften the sponge, soak it in warm water for 3 minutes. Always use it with soapy water to lubricate the sponge. If you choose to use a spot cleaner, spray it on before washing and reapply wax to the treated area after you’ve dried the vehicle.
5. When rinsing, you don’t have to blast your car clean with the water hose. Free-flowing water (no nozzle) will allow the water to sheet off of your vehicle for a more thorough rinsing.
Drying Your Car
Never skip drying! Proper Car Washing and Drying Technique to your vehicle after washing is necessary to prevent water spots.
Water spots are caused by mineral deposits that etch the outline of a drop of water into your vehicle’s paint. All water has minerals, whether it’s from the hose or the sky. As the water evaporates, the minerals remain on the surface and they will eventually, invariably create water spots.
Drying Tips
1. Dry the windows and mirrors first. A series of careful firm strokes with your California
Water Blade will remove any remaining water.
2. Use the large The Supreme Guzzler to remove the majority of water from your vehicle. This towel measures 20”x 40” and it absorbs seven times its own weight in moisture. Go back over the vehicle with a smaller towel, like the The Guzzler(16”x 24”) to catch any water the large towel may have missed. This quick two-step 
process will leave your vehicle bone-dry and ready for wax.
3. Once the outside is dry, wipe down all your door jambs. Open the trunk and hood to wipe the jambs. Our Cobra Microfiber Starter Kit can get your vehicle dry and spotless with the best in LINT-FREE drying technology.
4. Dry your wheels using a towel or chamois that is designated just for this purpose. Don’t use this towel on your paint to avoid cross-contamination. You may also use this towel to wipe off surfaces under the hood. Wash this towel before you use it again.
These are the Proper Car Washing and Drying Technique simple tips and guides to help you clean and washing your car by hand. We offer car wash and auto detailing services for your need. Check out our Services Page to see our wide range of car services. We offer Express Car Wash Services and Full Service Car Wash completed while you wait.