Car Washing & Drying - a double-edged sword

Now that most of you are familiar with basic waxing technique and the W I D E difference between waxing and polishing, it's time to talk about and discuss the single maintenance activity that offers the biggest benefit to your car's appearance, it's keeping your car clean through regular washing.

Washing can be a double-edged sword, though, as even the mildest soaps can remove the protection from your car's paint, causing premature oxidation. Detergents can dull your car's finish even faster. For many years, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and many other fine-automobile makers recommended using only pure water to wash your car.

Cleaning Tips:
Many enthusiasts and quality detailers use a two-bucket wash system. The first bucket holds your soapy water, and the second bucket holds rinse water. The rinse water bucket is used to rinse your wash sponge or mitt prior to dunking it in the bucket of soapy water. This method has two practical benefits. First and foremost, it keeps dirt and grit out of your soapy water where it could cause damage to your car. Second, it makes the suds in your soapy water last longer, because your car wash shampoo does not have to react to dirt you're putting back into the water.

- Make sure your car is cool: If possible, work in the shade. A hot surface causes the wash and rinse water to evaporate too quickly, increasing the likelihood of water spotting. One trick is to park on a slight incline. This allows rinse water to run off moldings, trim and recessed areas better. Start by thoroughly wetting the car's finish with a medium spray of water to remove loose grit and surface dirt.

- Wash the tires and wheels first: If you wash the car body first, the water will dry and spot your car before you can properly finish washing the tires and wheels. Do not use the same wash water on your car's paint as you used on your tires and wheels. Throw the dirty water out and refill your buckets.

- Use a car wash shampoo specifically formulated for automotive use: Look for a shampoo containing surface conditioners and gloss enhancers. The surface conditioners act as a lubricant, allowing sand and abrasive grit to slide off in the rinse water without scratching the surface. Quality car shampoos cost a little more, but are worth every penny. If you have a dark car and constantly fight swirl marks, upgrade your wash shampoo, wash mitt and towels.

- Use a quality wash tool: Use a chenille wash sponge, sheepskin wash mitt or microfiber wash mitt for washing. These tools have a large number of fine filaments that draw dirt and grime away from the surface being cleaned into their internal structure. Synthetic (flat-sided) sponges and washcloths can trap dirt, grit and grime on the surface, which can scratch your car's paint. Cotton chenille wash mitts and pads are also excellent, as they hold lots of soapy water and are gentle to your paint.

- Wash from the top down and rinse the car often: Frequent rinsing is especially important if the car is excessively dirty. If you are washing on a warm day, keep the whole car wet to prevent spotting. I use a final rinse of free-flowing water (nozzle off the hose), allowing the water to sheet off the car. This makes drying faster.

Drying Tips:
Before drying, your car should be freshly rinsed and free of visible dirt, grease and oil. Here's the proper way to dry your car.

- Remove the hose nozzle from your hose, and turn the water on with medium pressure. Rinse your car, allowing the water to flow freely over the surface (do not spray the water). The free-flowing action will cause the water to sheet off, carrying 80% or more of the surface water with it. Allow the car to drip dry for a minute while you get your drying tools.

- If you have a paint-safe squeegee, use it on the windows first. Follow the squeegee with a synthetic chamois or a microfiber drying towel.

- Use a clean drying towel or synthetic chamois to dry the remainder of the car. Start at the top of the car and work down. If you're using a large drying towel or chamois, throw it out over the flat surface areas and slowly pull it toward you across the surface of the car. Shake and turn your drying towel frequently. To prevent streaking, fold your chamois or towel into a square for wiping.

- Once the exterior is mostly dry, open the doors and wipe down the jambs, sills and seal areas. Be sure to dry under the doors, or your sills will get wet again as soon as you close the doors.

- Use a terry detailing towel to dry your tires and wheels. Do not use your good chamois or drying towel on the tires and wheels, as it will become soiled.

- Open the trunk and hood, and wipe down the jambs and seals. On the engine, use the damp towel you used to dry the tires and wheels to remove dust and light oil from the top of the engine and engine compartment surfaces. While the hood is open and you have a towel, check your oil. After you finish wiping down your engine, put the dirty towel in the wash. Don't use it on your car again until you wash it.