It’s no secret that keeping your car clean both inside and out is important. It makes it look nicer, and it also helps protect the vehicle from rust and other damage. We’ll cover some basic items you need for cleaning your car at home. We’ll talk about what each item is used for and how to use them properly. So if you seek a way to save money on car washes, read on!
Get a Couple of Buckets, Soap, Sponges, Rags, and Brush
You will need one bucket for soap and water and another for rinsing. You can use a hose, but buckets will help you conserve water. Fill one bucket with warm water and dish soap. Fill the other bucket with just plain water. Buckets also help store the dirty water as you clean it so that you can dispose of it properly when finished.
Sponges or rags are necessary for cleaning the car. You will want at least two, one for the wheels and one for the body. Choose sponges or rags that will not scratch your paint job. A soft rag is best for the body, while a sponge can help you get into the wheels’ crevices.
You will also need some squeegee or brush to clean the windows. A squeegee is best, but a soft brush will work if you do not have one. Do not use anything stiff that could scratch the glass.
Wash Your Car from Top to Bottom
Start by washing the top of your car. Wet the entire surface, and then apply your soap. Start at the top and work your way down, using a sponge or rag to scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Next, move on to the wheels. Once again, wet the surface and apply soap. Scrub the wheels with a brush or sponge, paying special attention to the crevices. Rinse thoroughly.
Get a Few Microfiber Towels
You will need at least two microfiber towels for drying your car – one for the body and one for the windows. Microfiber towels are soft and will not scratch the paint or glass. To dry the body of your car, start at the top and work your way down, using a back-and-forth motion. To dry the windows, use a criss-cross movement. Finally, use a clean towel to wipe down the door jambs and any other areas that you may have missed.
Use a Glass Cleaner
You need a good glass cleaner to clean the inside and outside windows. Spray the cleaner onto the towel rather than directly onto the glass for the inside windows. This will prevent streaking. You can spray the cleaner directly onto the glass for the outside windows. Be sure to use a lint-free towel to avoid leaving streaks.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Use a handheld or full-size vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and debris from your car’s interior. Start with the floor mats and work your way up to the seats and headliner. Pay special attention to the cracks and crevices where dirt likes to hide. If you have a leather interior, be sure to vacuum it.
If you need car services, look no further than Lakeland Ford, serving Lakeland, FL. We offer a wide range of services that will meet your needs, and our team of experienced car mechanics will get the job done right. So why wait? Make a service appointment today.