How to Clean a Car Exterior – The Right Way
You can clean a car’s exterior using a few different methods. Using a car wash will remove any dirt or bird droppings from your vehicle. It will also remove any splattered bugs. After washing your car, you should make sure to clean the wheels and tires. After that, you can polish your wheels and tires to make them look new.
Baking soda
Using baking soda to clean the exterior of your car is an easy and inexpensive way to remove grime. This natural cleaner is gentle enough to remove the most stubborn stains without harming the paint job. You can use 1/4 cup of baking soda with a cup of warm water. You can use this mixture to scrub all parts of your car, including wheels and tires. After the cleaning, rinse the car thoroughly with a hose.
Baking soda is also a great odor absorber, so you can use it to eliminate odors in your car’s interior and exterior. You can also use it to scrub wiper blades to keep them in good condition. It also works great to freshen up mats and upholstery. You can also spray the mixture over these areas to eliminate odors.
While the process of applying baking soda to your car’s exterior isn’t completely necessary, it’s still a good way to get rid of tar, tree sap, and bugs from the paint. It can also get rid of blemishes and scratches. For the best results, mix a small amount of water and baking soda with a soft brush. Make sure not to scrub too hard as this can harm your car’s clear coat.
Liquid hand wash soap
Liquid hand wash soap is a good, all-purpose cleaning solution. It can be used to clean almost anything, including a car’s exterior. However, it does not work well on some surfaces. For these areas, you may need to use a more powerful product.
One method of cleaning a car’s exterior is with a two-bucket wash. One bucket is filled with soapy water, while the other holds plain water. After using the soap, wipe the surface of the car with a microfiber cloth. If you want to save time and money, you can use car wax instead of ordinary hand-wash soap. This solution can significantly cut down on the overall time spent detailing a car.
Dishwashing liquid is also a good alternative to regular car wash soap. It is tough on dirt and grease but gentle on the hands. The foaming action helps lift dirt and grime from the paint finish without damaging the finish. However, it is important to note that overzealous use of dishwashing liquid can leave an ugly residue on the vehicle. To avoid this, dilute it with three parts water.
Another alternative to hand-wash soap is to use baby soap. This soap has a mild lather and is easy to rinse off. It does not leave any harmful residue on the paint, but it works well for moderately dirty surfaces.
Foam cannon
When washing your car with a foam cannon, you need to use the correct soap and water mixture. This will help prevent scratching. When used in combination with a wash mitt, the foam will remove surface dirt and build a protective lubrication layer. The foam cannon is not intended to replace the two-bucket method of washing your car. However, if you have a dirty car and are unsure about the best way to wash it, a foam cannon will make your job much easier.
A foam cannon is a pressure washer attachment that you attach to a garden hose. It produces a high-foaming stream and is compatible with most garden hoses. You should have around 40 PSI of water pressure to use a foam cannon. To use it effectively, you need to first clean off loose dirt with a hose.
The foam cannon requires a special soap solution. You can purchase liquid soap for this purpose. Just be sure that the amount of soap is adequate. A solution with too much soap can cause unsightly deposits and clog the canister. When using a foam cannon, always use the right nozzle to get the best results. It is also important to adjust the pressure knob on the foam cannon. You will need to apply more pressure for heavily stained vehicles than for routine cleaning.
Wheels and tires
When cleaning a car exterior, it is essential to remember not to forget the wheels and tires. Although these parts are not the focal point of the vehicle, they receive a lot of dirt and grime from everyday driving. Most people do not spend enough time cleaning these parts, and this neglect can be damaging to the car over time.
To clean tires and wheels, use a wheel cleaning product that is designed for this purpose. Various brands make different products, and you can use them in combination with each other for the best results. The best wheel cleaning products are formulated to be safe for all kinds of tires and wheels.
After cleaning the tires and wheels, you can apply a protective coating to the rims. This will protect them from brake dust and give them a glossy look. However, there are some who do not want to spend extra time applying this coating. If you do not want to spend the extra time, you should still clean the rims frequently.
If you don’t have a high-pressure hose, you can use a rag to clean the rims with a DIY solution of water and car-washing soap. Soap a microfiber towel with this mixture and scrub the tires in circular motions. Start from the outer edge of the rims and work your way in. Don’t forget to rinse the wheels and tires well after cleaning. Otherwise, they may end up etched.
Vinegar
Vinegar is known to be acidic, which can cause damage to car paint. However, it can be diluted with water to make it safe for exterior car cleaning. A proper vinegar-water solution contains a 3:1 ratio. It acts as both a cleaning agent and a deodorizer. It is a powerful cleaning agent that can effectively remove mold and grime from a car’s exterior. If you do not want to use vinegar, you can also try washing your car with baking soda. Baking soda will not damage the paint, clear coat, or wax layer of your car.
In addition to using vinegar to clean a car’s exterior, you can use it to clean the car windows. Dirt and air pollutants often get stuck on car windows, making them unsightly and unappealing. Using vinegar as a cleaning solution will remove the dirt and grime that can affect visibility. To use vinegar to clean a car window, you need to prepare a vinegar-water solution and then spray it onto the windows. Next, wipe the windows with the solution using vertical and horizontal strokes.
One tip when using vinegar to clean a car’s exterior is to rinse thoroughly after using it. If the solution is too acidic, the vinegar could corrode the paint and cause a paint problem. Always rinse thoroughly and wipe the area dry to prevent further damage. Vinegar can also strip away the wax from your car, and you may need to re-wax the car afterward.
Degreasers
Car exterior degreasers can be a simple solution to dirty exterior surfaces. This type of chemical cleaner is used for several reasons. First, degreasing the exterior of a car will help you detect leaking components, and the cleaning will also increase the engine’s cooling efficiency. This will also prolong the life of your engine and hoses. Another advantage of degreasers is that they can be diluted in a spray bottle for the exact strength you need.
When choosing a degreaser, make sure it’s safe for your car’s exterior. For example, the Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser is citrus-based and safe for painted surfaces. However, it’s important to keep in mind that citrus-based products can etch aluminum.
Degreasers can also be used for cleaning the interior of a car. These products can easily remove grease and grime but be careful with the type you buy. Using the wrong type of cleaner can ruin your car’s paint or burn it off. It’s also crucial to use a microfiber wash mitt to ensure that no wax is removed. There are also many concentrated car wash soaps that can remove the wax on your car.
If you don’t want to risk getting degreaser on your car’s interior, you should use a degreaser that’s specifically for cars. These cleaners work on both the interior and exterior of cars and are designed to get rid of road film, light grease, bugs, and dirt. They can be used on engine parts, grills, rocker panels, and tires. Moreover, they can also remove fabric stains.
Cleaning mitt
When you are washing your car, it’s best to use a quality cleaning mitt that is made of microfiber. This material is gentle and absorbs dirt without scratching the paint. There are several types of mitts available, so make sure to choose the right one for the job.
Avoid using dishwashing detergent or other household cleaners when washing your car’s exterior. These chemicals may strip the protective wax on your car’s paint. Instead, use a car wash product that is specifically designed to remove dirt and other particles. These substances can cause scratches, so it’s important to use a gentler cleaning solution. Start washing your car’s roof and windows before moving on to the rest of the car. For best results, you should use two buckets to wash your car. Use one bucket to pour the soapy water on the car, and the other bucket to rinse it off.
You can also buy an inexpensive cleaning mitt that is made from microfiber. The Chemical Guys Chenille Premium Mitt is a good choice if you’re looking for a quality one. Its microfiber is made from premium quality and absorbs water seven times its weight. The mitt also has an elastic cuff that fits snugly around your wrist.
