How to wash your car effectively at home

With all the temperature swings we have in Quebec, your car may not always be looking its best. Luckily, a good wash is usually all you need to get it back to that “like-new” shine.

Here are 6 steps for making your car shine inside and out!

1 - Empty out your car

Before you start washing your car, park it in a shaded area. If you wash your vehicle in direct sunlight, the water will evaporate quickly and can leave water stains.

First, clean all the garbage and recyclables out of your vehicle and set aside the essential items you want to put back in. Don’t forget to take out your kid's car seats. Once you’ve taken everything out, you’ll be ready to wash the inside of your car.

2 - Wash the inside of your vehicle

Washing the inside of your car regularly will not only make for more pleasant trips, it’ll help keep your car in good condition and make it easier to sell.

First, vacuum the inside of your car. If you have kids, you’ll be surprised at what you find in the backseat! If your seats are removable, go ahead and take them out. Carpet stains are pretty common, especially after winter.

To clean them, it’s best to use a product designed for that purpose. If you can't get rid of the stains, don't hesitate to call in a car cleaning expert.

3 - Choose your cleaning products

It’s sometimes hard to figure out which products are best to clean your car effectively. The stores are full of products designed to make your car shine, but with so many choices, it can be hard to navigate through them.

There really isn’t one ideal product. If you want to save time, you can use a product that includes both soap and wax. If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, look for environmentally friendly products.

4 - Rinse the car

Before you start washing your car, it’s a good idea to rinse it off first. Don’t forget the areas that most likely to get dirty like the wheels and the fenders. It’s important to rinse all this dirt off, because it can scratch your vehicle during the wash.

5 - Start cleaning

Now it’s time for the soap. Use a bucket and a sponge or a glove designed for car washing. Mix the soap and water until they’re blended together. Wash your car starting at the top. You can also use a second bucket that has only water in it. That way you can rinse your sponge to get the dirt off.

Don’t forget to wash the tires and the seals around the doors and trunk, as these areas get exposed to a lot of dirt.

Once your car is clean, you can use a clay bar to remove impurities that can build up on the surface of your vehicle. When you use it on your car, you should also use a lubricant. There are different models available, don’t hesitate to ask your detailer. Once you’ve finished, don’t forget to rinse your car.

6 - Dry your vehicle

Once your car is clean, don’t forget to dry it. It’s best to use soft cloths that won’t scratch your car.