Proper Washing, Drying Technique and Car Wash Tips
 

Proper Washing, Drying Technique and Car Wash Tips

Are you washing your car, or just damaging the paint?

Most of the swirl marks are likely caused by improper washing techniques. Thorough but gentle weekly washes and careful hand-drying can be the best care you can give your vehicle. Improper techniques will cause unsightly swirls and scratches in the paint, requiring compounding or polishing at the very least. You can eliminate these problems and save yourself extra work by following a few simple tips when washing and drying your vehicle.

Are you washing weekly or weakly?

Weekly washing is best because some contaminants quickly do serious long term damage to paint if they are allowed to remain. Two such organic compounds are bug splatter and bird droppings. These bio-hazards contain complex proteins that bond to the surface and nourish biological processes and organic acids that penetrate and break down the surface eating into your clear coat if not removed promptly. Weak spots in the clear coat make your vehicle susceptible to corrosion and discoloration.

Another problem contaminant is brake dust. It contains metal shavings from the rotors and adhesives used in the production of brake pads. Try to picture the dirty plume of brake dust and roadway chemicals that travels along with a moving vehicle. This fog of chemicals showers the lower portion of your vehicle with a clinging, nearly invisible mist. Brake dust itself, is highly corrosive and very sticky. Washing your vehicle once a week will remove these contaminants before they have the opportunity to do unsightly permanent damage.

Wash Tools

First, never wash in direct sunlight. Pick a shady spot. Second, it’s very important to choose tools that are gentle on the paint, yet still effective at removing contamination. As a rule of thumb, sponges and mitts that are plush or have a deep nap are better than flat weave towels or dense sponges. For example, a Natural Sea Sponge has numerous deep compartments where dirt and debris can accumulate. The natural fibers themselves will not scratch the paint and they will essentially pull contamination into the sponge’s openings, away from the paint. Always use the softer side of the sponge for washing. Rinse new sea sponges thoroughly before use to remove any shell fragments or sand.
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Another option is a Sheepskin Wash Mitt. Sheepskin is extremely soft and plush. The fibers are gentle on the paint while the nap is deep enough to accommodate loose dirt and sand so they do not rub against the vehicle. Because sheepskin is natural, it does not last as long as a microfiber mitt. However, for luxurious softness, you can’t beat the texture of sheepskin.
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Our Micro-Chenille Wash Mitts are also good choices because they clean easily and they last longer than sheepskin or natural sea sponges. The plump fibers hold lots of soapy water for lubrication and the fibers are soft on any surface. Choose from four micro-chenille mitts: Gold Plush, Supreme 530, Super Plush, and Black Onyx.
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Boar’s Hair Brushes are another option that enthusiasts are raving about. These paint-safe brushes are made with real boar’s hair! They hold a tremendous amount of soapy water and they provide excellent scrubbing ability. Plus, the hairs release dirt back into the wash water easily, so it doesn’t wind up back on your vehicle.
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To rinse your vehicle, use the Industrial High Flow Fireman's Nozzle on any standard water hose. It features adjustable spray patterns, an easy shut-off handle, and a durable zinc body.
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Proper Washing

1. Wash the wheels and tires first. If you splash wheel cleaners or dirt onto your vehicle, you can simply wash it off as you wash your vehicle. Use a cleaner that is safe for all wheels, like Wolfgang Tire & Wheel Cleaner. It is water-based and has no corrosive chemicals, which is safer for coated wheels and rubber. Agitate with a Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush to clean wheels without scratching. Wash each wheel and tire one at a time and rinse thoroughly before moving on to the next one. NOW EMPTY AND RINSE ALL CLEANING MATERIALS including your Wolfgang Complete Wash System with Dolly.
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2. Now you’re ready to wash. Let’s start with clean water and a freshly rinsed container and The Bone Wash Sponge.

It’s important to use a car wash that is rich in lubricants. The purpose of the car wash is to remove contaminants and lubricate them so they do not scratch the paint as they slide off the vehicle. READ MORE....

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