Even though it's not the most exciting part of driving, cleaning your car plays an important role in maintaining it, improving resale value, and beautifying the vehicle. Depending on what equipment you have available, there are many ways you can wash your car. For a simple and cheap car wash, you can use a regular bucket, sponge and car shampoo. But you can also step it up a gear by investing in a pressure washer and a range of fancy cleaning products like specialty polish and wax for a deep shine. Find out below how you can wash your car yourself! With our tips, cleaning will be done quickly and easily.
The legal situation in Germany
If you're thinking about washing your car at home, you should check with your local municipality to see if this is allowed. You can sometimes do this, but only with clear water. But be careful: In Germany, the general rule is that cars are not allowed to be washed on public streets and squares, nor on your own private property.That's why you driveIt's best to go to a self-service car wash.
Using the right materials and techniques
If the car is not washed properly, scratches and marks can occur. If you don't use the right materials, the exterior of the vehicle can be damaged, requiring you to invest more time, energy and money.
Choose the right weather for cleaning your vehicle
The possibility that it might rain might seem like a risk to avoid, but cleaning your car on a cloudy day is actually much better than in direct sunlight. Washing your car in the sun might seem like the best thing to do, but the heat dries your car too quickly, which can lead to water stains on the body. The heat also reduces the effectiveness of your cleaning products. If the sun is shining and you need to clean your car, find a shady spot to do it or choose early morning or late afternoon. Then the sun is not as strong and there is more natural shade to work in.
You need 2 buckets
Fill two buckets with water. One bucket is for soaking the sponge, the other is for rinsing the sponge. Fill one of the buckets with the special car cleaner/shampoo according to the instructions. Do not use dishwashing detergent or hand soap to clean your car. These harsh household cleaners can strip the wax from your car.
Wash your car yourself: Remove insects
There are special sprays that remove insects and other contaminants. Before cleaning, spray the car and windshield with a spray and allow it to take effect briefly (as described on the packaging instructions).
Do your own car wash: pre-cleaning
Wash your car with the pressure washer. Thoroughly rinse the entire surface of the vehicle before applying shampoo. Be sure to remove any loose dirt and debris to avoid scratching the car. Remove leaves, twigs and other large debris by hand. The correct distance between the nozzle should be between 10 and 30 cm.CleanYour car from top to bottom.
Wash your car properly: soap it
The brush on the self-service wash box should be rinsed well before use. You can rinse them briefly with a high-pressure cleaner beforehand.
How to wash your car yourself?
As an alternative, you can use your own car shampoo. Take your buckets, start at the top and work your way down. The dirtiest parts of the car are usually at the bottom. If you work your way up from the bottom, you would move the dirt onto the surface of the vehicle. Do not move the sponge in circles,but wash itin lines. Rinse the sponge frequently in the second bucket with the clean water. If your sponge falls on the floor, be sure to clean it, otherwise the dirt particles on it may scratch your car.
Rinsing the vehicle
There is softened water in the self-service facilities so you can rinse the car properly.
Clean the rims properly
Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners and dishwashing liquids as they can ruin the finish of your rims. Spray the rims with a special rim cleaner and start cleaning one at a time from top to bottom. You can also use a soft-bristled wheel cleaning brush. Rinse the rims thoroughly with water until all dirt is removed.
Don't forget the windows
The windows should also be thoroughly cleaned inside and out.Here you will findsome tips and tricks on how to clean windows at home, which can also help you when cleaning your vehicle.
Wash your car yourself: Sealing is very important
Wax your car. Waxing not only increases the shine of the vehicle but also protects the paint. Wax adds a protective layer so you don't rub directly on the paint when removing dirt.
Finally – drying
Then dry the surface of the vehicle with microfiber towels to avoid water stains. Don't forget to also wipe down the door jambs, trunk, and hood. Once one towel is saturated, take another. Also dry the rims with a soft cloth.
Now you're done and the car shines. You can refuel andlike to drive economically!
