DIY Auto Detailing: How to Properly Hand Wash & Polish Your Car

It happens almost as soon as you drive your car off the lot: by the time you get home the paint already looks worse. After some more time, dirt and grime build up and the car needs a wash. So, you grab the bucket and the sponge and toil away. After finishing, you see streaks and marks; you’re convinced that your car will never look as shiny and vibrant as the first time you drove it. The truth is that is won’t—not if you keep washing it incorrectly. With the right technique, you can wash and polish your car without a trip to a professional or purchasing expensive equipment. Follow these steps to get the best look possible:

1. Wash at the Right Time

The paint should be cool when you start washing. This means not washing soon after driving and waiting until the day cools off. Otherwise, water will flash-dry and leave patches.

2. Get the Right Equipment

The trusty bucket and sponge combination will serve you well, provided they have been cleaned well. Ideally, have two; one with soap and one with normal water to rinse the dirt off into. You should also get a car-washing, microfiber mitt, which come cheap from any auto supply store. You will probably also need a good brush. These allow the tough and hard to reach angles to get as clean as everything else.

Do not use dish soap, as this can remove car wax along with dirt. Instead, buy soap specifically made for washing cars. You should also be using clay and polish made specifically for car detailing. These should also be available at most auto part stores.

3. Start with the Wheels

Starting with the wheels guarantees that wheel grime does not fly up and ruin the newly-washed body. Make sure that you know what finish your rims have before using product on them. Chrome, aluminum, and standard clear-coating all require different chemicals with different levels of abrasion.

4. Wash One Panel to the Next

Take the sponge and mitt, using them where needed depending on the contour of your car. Start at the top of the car and move to each distinct panel. These panels include the hood, trunk, and body segments. Wash each one with soapy water and rinse them off completely before moving to the next segment.

5. Drying the Car

Use the hose to spray the entire vehicle in an even mist. Yes, get the body wetter before you dry it. Though counterintuitive, it will yield a better result. Then, use the microfiber towel to blot the car dry in as few blots as possible.

Do not let your car air dry. Allowing the sun to take care of this step makes the dry uneven and leaves water spots all over the car. It is recommended that you use a microfiber towel for this step. Using normal household towels often leaves fine strands of fabric on the car, undoing all the work you just put into washing. A microfiber towel is more absorbent, does not leave this residue, and is gentle on the finish.

6. Break out the Clay

Clay specifically made for car polishing leaves the finish smooth to the touch. Most clay kits come with lubricant; apply this to the clay first and then on the car. Begin rubbing the clay against the car in light motions. If the clay changes color, fold it and use the light side again. By the end of this, the car should feel smooth like glass.

7. Apply the Polisher to Specific Areas

Once the car feels smooth, you can begin polishing out defects and marks. For marks, apply the polisher to the clean rag used if polishing by hand. A dual-action polisher is safe, easy, and will save a lot of time. You can polish by hand if you are not afraid of adding extra work. Apply in small areas at a time, focusing where marks and damage appear most. After no longer than a minute, wipe off while still wet. Do not be afraid to throw some elbow grease into it.

8. Finish Polishing

To finish, apply polish across the rest of the car in small areas. Work it off lightly with less force this time and remove each area while still wet before moving on. By the end, the car should appear glossy and vibrant.

With the proper time and technique, washing a car can revitalize it and make it look like new again. If desired, adding wax after polishing can make the vehicle stay brilliant longer. With a bit of targeted effort, your car can be something worth being proud of when you drive it. These steps will help you get the best results at home.