[Car Tips] How to properly clean your car? Professional car washing steps
Absolutely! As a Hong Kong car editor, I'm disappointed to see so many owners take care of their cars, yet simply "rinse and wipe" them down after washing. Proper car washing not only keeps your car looking new, but more importantly, it protects the paint, prevents rust, slows down aging, and saves money on refueling. This time, I'll teach you the most detailed, authentic, and professional car wash tips in Hong Kong, whether you wash your car yourself or at a professional car wash!
Why should you wash your car properly?
- Protect your car paint : Incorrect car washing methods can scratch the car body, and in the long run, the paint will lose color, become dull, and even develop fine lines.
- Preventing rust : Hong Kong is rainy and humid. If you don’t clean the bottom and door edges of your car thoroughly, water and mud will easily accumulate, leading to rust.
- Improve the visual experience : A clean and well-managed car will add points no matter whether you are looking at it yourself or selling it.
- Reduce maintenance costs : The car paint is kept in good condition, so there is no need to repaint it so quickly, saving a lot of money.
The correct steps for washing your car (Professional version)
Prepare tools
- Two buckets (double bucket car wash method)
- Car wash sponge or microfiber mitt
- Car shampoo (don't use household cleaners)
- Soft-bristled car wash brush (for cleaning wheels/undercar)
- Clean large towel/chamois
- Tire/wheel cleaner
- Detailing Brush
- Wiper water (glass cleaner)
- Waxing supplies (if necessary)
- High-pressure water gun (if available/self-service car wash)
Detailed steps
1. Prepare and choose a time and place for your car wash
- Avoid washing your car under strong sunlight : Water stains and foam will dry quickly when washing your car under strong sunlight, leaving watermarks/spots.
- Choose a cool place : garage, indoor parking lot, dusk/early morning are better.
- Self-service car washes : There are many self-service car washes in Hong Kong, which are well-equipped, water-saving and convenient.
2. Rinse
- Use a high-pressure water jet to rinse the entire car : starting from top to bottom, thoroughly remove any dust and dirt. Don't wipe it off by hand right away, as this will scratch the paint!
- Pay special attention to the bottom of the car and wheel arches : these areas are most likely to accumulate mud and sand, especially after rain or after driving on muddy roads.
3. Clean wheels and tires
- Wash the wheels first : avoid cleaning the car body after washing the car body.
- Spray with a special wheel cleaner : Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to dissolve the stains.
- Use a soft brush/detail brush to clean : including the wheel hub, screw positions, and the outer periphery of the brake caliper.
- Rinse well : Make sure no detergent residue remains.
4. Two-Bucket Method
- One bucket of car wash solution and one bucket of clean water.
- After wiping each area of the car body, rinse the gloves/sponge with a bucket of clean water, and then use a bucket of car wash liquid to apply foam.
- Purpose : To reduce the amount of mud and sand that repeatedly adheres to the vehicle body and to reduce the formation of fine lines.
5. Car body washing
- From top to bottom : roof → window → door → rear → front → bottom skirt.
- Use a car wash mitt to gently rub in circles : Do not rub too hard, just let the water and foam flow to reduce scratches.
- Rinse after each wash to prevent the foam from drying and leaving streaks.
6. Clean the details
- Use a detail brush to paint the car logo, door handles, fuel filler cap, and seams : these areas are most prone to dust accumulation.
- Be careful with the mirrors and glass edges : you can use a fine-bristled brush with car wash liquid.
7. Rinse the entire vehicle thoroughly
- Use a high-pressure water gun to rinse from top to bottom again to ensure that all foam, detergent, sand and dust are washed away.
8. Drying
- Use a large absorbent towel or chamois cloth to blot dry : Gently wipe from top to bottom to absorb the water, do not rub.
- The seams of the car, the edges of the doors, and the trunk opening should be sucked dry to prevent water accumulation and rust.
- Wipe the glass again with detergent to reduce watermarks and improve vision.
9. Clean the interior of the car (if necessary)
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets and seat crevices .
- Wipe the inner cage rubber parts/rubber plates : Use a slightly damp towel or a special cleaner for the inner cage.
- Leather chairs should use leather cleaning and care products .
10. Waxing/coating (optional step)
- Waxing can improve the gloss and add a protective layer : it is generally recommended to do it every 1-2 months.
- The coating effect is longer-lasting, but the price is higher .
- Make sure the car body is free of sand and dust before waxing/coating .
Car Washing Tips in Hong Kong
- Car washing during rainy season : Hong Kong is a rainy city, and after the rain there is a lot of mud and sand under the car, which makes it easy to rust.
- Pay attention to environmental laws : Do not dump car wash wastewater into the drain. Self-service car washes generally have dedicated drainage facilities.
- Use water sparingly : Water prices in Hong Kong are not unfair, and the two-bucket method is both clean and water-efficient.
- Be careful when parking : Parking under trees is prone to bird droppings and tree sap, so it is best to clean them up as soon as possible to prevent them from corroding your car's paint.
- Replace car washing supplies regularly : Car washing gloves and towels become dirty and hardened, easily scratching the car body, so they need to be replaced regularly.
Common mistakes (Editor sincerely reminds)
- Using household detergent/washing powder to wash the car : It is too alkaline and will damage the car paint.
- Use a bucket of water to wash the entire car : the more you wash, the dirtier the bucket becomes, and the mud and sand will scratch the car body.
- Dry wipe bird droppings/dust : Be sure to rinse with water first, otherwise it will leave marks or scratches.
- Wiping the glass with a low-quality towel/newspaper will leave scratches or paper scraps.
Editor's personal car wash experience
- Washing it yourself is the safest option : you can check the condition of your car inch by inch and detect any new scratches.
- Choose a professional car wash : the cheaper the better. You should see if they use special sponges, a double bucket method, and clean towels.
- Make good use of self-service car washes : They are available in many areas of Hong Kong. For $20-$40, you can use a high-pressure water gun, foam machine, or vacuum cleaner.
- Wipe the windshield wipers regularly to prevent the glass from being scratched and blurred in rainy days.
Summarize
Proper car washing is beneficial for your paint, body, and overall mood. Hong Kong's humid climate, high air pollution, frequent rain, and limited parking make it even more important for car owners to learn professional car washing procedures and maintain their vehicles regularly. Remember, car washing isn't about speed; it's about thoroughness and safety!
If you have any car washing questions, favorite car washes, or want to know more car care tips, feel free to leave a message and ask us! Let's all keep our cars looking new and stylish every day! 🚗✨
