How many people do you see washing their vehicle on Saturday mornings? Some proud car owners do this task religiously every week. Some may think washing a car is as simple as pouring some dish soap into a bucket, filling it with water, and washing it with a long handled brush that is full of stiff bristles that can easily scratch the delicate paint of a vehicle. Achieving a professional quality detail though, can be a very tough and time-consuming task.
The materials to wash the outside are a high flow water hose with a good spray nozzle. The nozzle is better to wash the wax off with, and plus there is much less wasted water. Any type of bucket should be sufficient as long as it is leak-proof. A high quality wash and wax, preferably a name brand, is a must. The bucket should be filled about half way and a capful of wash and wax should be added. The most crucial material is the wash mitt. This is the utensil that actually touches the paint of the vehicle. One made of natural fibers is best because it actually lifts the dirt into the mitt so it does not scratch the paint. A good tire dressing is needed to make the tires black and shiny. The drying part is left to a shimmy so no spots will be left. To clean the inside a high performance vacuum is a necessity to suck all the dirt out. An assortment of rags is needed to clean the windows and apply protectant to the dash. A glass cleaner that is ammonia free is an essential so that it will not mess up the tint on windows. If the vehicle is equipped with leather, a cleaner and a protectant is needed.
The paint needs to be cool and covered with water first. Small patches need to be washed and rinsed starting with the highest point so no drying will occur during the wash. A circular motion should be used to wash the paint. After the paint is completely washed, the wheels and tires need to be cleaned. This is usually done with a separate bucket so brake dust is not washed onto the vehicle.
