I may receive a commission if you purchase something mentioned in this post. See more details here.
Washing a car at home is not about technique, rather it is about what you know. You know your car is dirty and you desire to get it clean, but what tools do you have to make it clean? Get ready because car cleaning is not just about the washing, rather it is about cleaning the whole car.
Most think that car cleaning is about the exterior only, but that is not why cars at your local car dealerships look so good. Washing a car is one aspect, cleaning a car is a whole other. The end result of at-home car cleaning will have your car looking as good as if not better than those on your local dealership lots.
6 summer car cleaning tips you need to use will help you achieve a good looking car from the inside out.
NO Matter The Vehicle
Just like old man winter is destructive to car interiors and exteriors, Sweet Ms. Summer is just as rough on our stuff! The blaring sun, the sandy feet, puddles, ice cream treats eaten in the car and dirt that dusts your cars all wreak havoc on the exterior and interiors.
Cleaning a car keeps the look and shine polished and prime for those moments when the sun glistens across your vehicle. Treat your car right!
Don’t be lazy and head to the car wash, because all you will be taking care of is the exterior. Get your buckets, sponges, towels, chamois, tire cleaner, vinegar and more ready to car clean.
There’s nothing like a bit of outdoor weather to brighten your spirits and remove the mess from your vehicle. Push the limits of your home car care it’s easy.
You Made A Deal With Yourself
Whether you drive a crossover, a hybrid, a coupe, a sedan, they all need to be cared for. Think back to the day you purchased that vehicle. It was beautiful and shiny, don’t you want that car with you always?
The day you drove your vehicle off your local dealer’s lot, you vowed to keep it looking great and running well. Hold up your end!
Love The Sun But…
Never wash your car in the sun, you will get water spots and worse swirls (been there, done this, not nice!). Earlier in the AM is the best time to wash a car and before you have driven it because the heat of the engine is also not your friend when washing a car.
Do wash your car in the shade and rinse as you go. You still can get water spots if the water sits too long, even in the shade! If you go to the self-wash places, stay tucked in the bay to dry, as long as no one is behind you.
Leave The Bleaching To Hair Only During the Summer.
In all seriousness, bleaching anything is not the best advice, but never bleach your car wash towels, mitts, etc. Next, keep your car wash towels, washed and dried separately from other wash. Further, never use fabric softener on any of your car drying products, smears will results. No thanks!
All of these tips will help you keep your car rags in tip-top shape. Of course, you can buy great car rags like these if you are in need. ShamWOW is one of my personal favorites!
Unconditional Love
Unconditional love for your vehicle includes conditioning those leather seats at least once a month. Sun is not material’s friend so condition it. Additionally, condition leather trims as well.
Alternatively, I use and prefer these disposable leather care wipes. Use them, toss them! Who needs more rags to clean? Not me!
See Things More Clearly
Have you noticed a haze on your windows, a film? Driving around with the windows open is fantastic, but dirt enters. Even if you don’t open your windows that ‘fog’ will appear. Your new best friend from paper towel to window will be straight up white vinegar.
Just enough to do the job and streak-free windows appear. If you are not using paper towels for application use a 100% cotton cloth that has NO fabric softener on it.
Consider car window wipes are amazing and fast to use. Use, wipe, toss.
TIP: We use baby burp cloths. They are used to create streak-free window cleaning! 100% cotton baby burp clothes to be exact. NO, I am not kidding, these make for perfect streak-free cleaning!
Roll With Me Baby
Hello, did you do the wheels and rims? The number one most overlooked part of car washing and cleaning are the wheels/rim area. Use a brush that is approved for your wheel/rims area so you do not scratch them, but does clean them. This is awesome!
The difference is amazing. Do one and not the other just to get a feel for the difference. It’s ah-mazing, right? Keeping things simple is best, and consistent maintenance is better.
Brush Over To Clean
Car Wash Brushes have come a long way for at-home use. Find one that will not scratch your vehicle. A long arm reaches get where you normally can’t unless you have a ladder (no thanks!). Of course, these are great for bumpers too, however, do those after you clean everything else.
These car care tips will help you through the summer! You can also use them in the winter, to keep your car in the clean!
This post contains affiliate links, which means danavento.com may receive a commission on the sale if you use the link to make your purchase. This does not change the price of the product. This income directly offsets the cost of web hosting and maintenance so we greatly appreciate your support. The links help you find the best of the best, have fun shopping!
