How To: Wash A Car With Out Damaging The Paint

Washing a car is a simple task.  However, many people damage their paint by scratching it or making swirl marks when washing.  If you are going to take the time to wash your car, make sure you follow these simple tips to prevent paint damage.

Step 1 Dirt Is Your  Enemy - Don't Shrub It Around On Your Paint

The dirt is what actually leave those ugly scratches and swirl marks.  So start off by rinsing the car good to remove as much of the dirt as possible before washing.

Step 2 Wash Your Mitt and Bucket

Now that your car is rinsed, be sure to wash your mitt and bucket to assure all dirt is removed from them.

Step 3 Wash Jambs, Tires and Under Hood First

This will prevent smearing the dirt into the outside paint surface when washing.  However, have another mitt and bucket dedicated for this.  Rinse car again to remove all loose dirt and soap from jambs.

Step 4 Clean The Inside

Dirt from inside the car can get on your cleaned paint surface if you wait until last to clean outside.  If you have an air compressor, you can use that to blow some of the dirt out, followed by vacuuming and wiping down interior.

Step 5 Now Wash The Outside

Using another wash bucket and mitt dedicated for washing the outside, wash the car.  Wash and rinse as needed.  Never allow the soap to dry on the paint surface. 

Step 6 Rinse

Once washed, rinse the car followed by a low pressure rinse.  The low pressure will allow the water to bead and roll off better, which will require less drying.

Step 7 Dry Car

Now you can dry the outside of the car.  Then dry your jambs.  Do not use a rag used on jambs on the outside of the car, as it may have picked up some dirt.  

If you follow these steps, you will have less chance of dragging dirt over your paint finish when washing, which will reduce the risk of damaging the paint surface with scratches and swirl marks.