When washing your car, it’s essential to follow the correct steps to prevent any damage to your vehicle’s paintwork. In this article, we’ll outline the 10 most common mistakes to avoid when washing your car.

Mistake #1: Using Household Detergents Instead Of Car Shampoo

Using household detergents like dish soap or Fairy Liquid can negatively impact your car’s paintwork. These detergents contain heavy degreasers that strip away any waxes or ceramic sealants applied to your vehicle undoing all the time and money spent on protecting your paint.

Mistake #2: Washing Your Car Under Direct Sunlight: Risks And Remedies

Washing your car under direct sunlight or while it’s still hot can cause irreversible damage. The chemicals can dry too quickly, bonding to your paint and leaving unsightly marks that may require professional removal, which can be costly. To avoid this, wait for a cooler day or wash your car in the shade.

Mistake #3: Neglecting The Two Bucket Wash Method: How It Prevents Paint Scratches

Traditionally, using one bucket was the standard for car care, but nowadays, it’s recommended to use two. One bucket holds the shampoo, and the other is for rinsing your wash mitt. After your mitt contacts the paint and traps any dirt, you rinse it in the rinse bucket.

If you was to put it back in the shampoo bucket, you risk mixing dirt back into the clean water, which could transfer back onto the paint defeating the whole point of washing your car. To learn more about this, check out our detailed article: What is the Two Bucket Wash Method?

Mistake #4: Overlooking Wheel And Tyre Cleaning Before The Car Body

You might be eager to dive straight into washing your car’s paintwork, but it’s always best to start with the wheels. Here’s why: If you wash the paint first and then tackle the wheels, all the dirt from the wheels will just splash back onto your freshly cleaned paint.

By starting with the dirtiest area your wheels you can clean them thoroughly without having to worry about dirt spoiling your freshly cleaned surface, saving you the time and effort of having to go back over areas you’ve already cleaned. This simple order helps you achieve a more efficient and effective wash.

Mistake #5: Reusing Dirty Wash Mitts or Sponges: A Recipe For Swirl Marks

It’s essential to keep your equipment clean and ready for use. A common mistake is reusing dirty wash mitts or cloths when washing your car. Using unclean tools can quickly lead to scratches and swirl marks, as embedded dirt particles scrape against the paintwork. So remember to always rinse and clean your wash mitts, cloths, and towels after each use to ensure a scratch-free, shiny finish on your vehicle.

Mistake #6: Applying Excessive Pressure on Contaminants: Safe Removal Tips

The sight of bird droppings or road tar might tempt you to wipe them off quickly, but this can do more harm than good. For these stubborn contaminants, it’s best to let the right chemicals do the heavy lifting. Products like citrus pre-wash and dedicated tar removers are designed to break down and lift these impurities effortlessly. Avoid applying excessive pressure with a cloth, as this will just cause scratches—let the products do the hard work for a safe and damage-free clean.

Mistake #7: Inadequate Rinsing: How Residual Soap Causes Paint Damage

You may be eager to reveal that showroom shine after all your hard work, but it’s crucial to rinse off all car wash shampoo residue thoroughly. As mentioned earlier, especially in warmer weather, leftover chemicals can dry and leave marks on your paintwork. After rinsing, take a quick walk around your vehicle to check for any missed spots, ensuring a mark free and flawless finish.

Mistake #8: Skipping The Drying Process: Preventing Water Spots Effectively

We know it might seem time-consuming to go around your car with a drying towel, but for the best results, give your car a quick dry. When water is left to sit, it can cause water spots—small blemishes that appear across the surface. While these can be removed with our Fast Detailer, drying your car straight away saves time and ensures a spotless finish.

Mistake #9: Skipping Wax Or Sealant After Washing: How to Protect Your Car’s Paint

To lock in all that hard work, finish with a wax or ceramic-based product like our Ceramic Foam or Ceramic Sealant. These products create a durable barrier against UV rays, iron particles, road tar, and bird droppings. Plus, their hydrophobic properties cause water to bead up and roll off, reducing the chance of water spots—and it looks cool too!

Mistake #10: Inconsistent Car Wash Schedule: Finding the Optimal Frequency

The last common mistake is not washing your car regularly. It’s best to stick to a schedule that works for you. We recommend a maintenance wash every 1-2 weeks, but if that’s too frequent, adjust as needed. Just remember—the longer dirt sits on your paintwork, the harder it is to remove and the higher the risk of scratches and swirls.