Keeping your car clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about protecting one of its most exposed and valuable surfaces. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple, effective car-washing routine, focusing mainly on the exterior, with a few essential interior cleaning steps included.
Think of your car’s paint as its skin. It needs regular cleaning and the right products to stay healthy, scratch-free, and looking its best.
Before you get started, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Two buckets (approximately 15–20 litres each)
- Two microfibre wash mitts (one for the wheels, one for the body)
- Two microfibre drying towels (again, one for the wheels and one for the body – no chamois)
- Car-specific wash soap (avoid Sunlight or other household detergents)
- A source of clean water for filling buckets and rinsing the car
Our approach
Start by filling both buckets with clean water. One bucket will be used for your soap solution, and the other as a rinse bucket for cleaning your wash mitt as it gets dirty.
Fill the rinse bucket to the top. For the soap bucket, fill it about two-thirds full, add the car wash soap, then top it off to create a nice layer of suds.
When washing the car, always work from top to bottom. The lower sections of the car—especially the wheels and sills—are the dirtiest, as they collect road grime, brake dust, and traffic film. The front of the car is often the second-dirtiest area, particularly if you’ve done long-distance driving or driven at night and picked up bugs.
Cleaning
Now for the enjoyable part—the wash itself. Clean the car in small sections, starting with the roof and gradually working your way down. After a few wipes, rinse the wash mitt in the rinse bucket to remove dirt, grit, or debris such as leaves before reloading it with soap.
Repeat this process until the entire body is clean. If you’re washing in direct sunlight, rinse the car periodically to prevent the soap from drying on the paint. Once you’re done, give the car a final rinse to remove any remaining soap.
After the body is clean, move on to the wheels. Use your second wash mitt here—you don’t want wheel grime contaminating your paintwork during future washes. If you only have one mitt, it’s not the end of the world, but you’ll quickly notice just how dirty the wheel mitt becomes after cleaning the first wheel. Wash and rinse each wheel individually, repeating the process for all four.
Drying
Still with me? Good. Drying is an important step, as it helps prevent water spots on freshly washed paint.
The quickest and easiest method is using a leaf blower to remove most of the water, followed by a quick walk-around with a microfibre towel to catch any remaining droplets. If you don’t have access to a leaf blower, simply dry the car by hand using your microfibre towels—one for the body and one for the wheels.
Pro tip: If your budget allows, consider using a drying aid. These spray-on products help water sheet off the surface more easily and often add a light layer of protection, similar to a wax.
Cleaning the interior
Regardless of whether your car has cloth or leather seats, the first step is a thorough vacuum. Focus on seats, carpets, and those hard-to-reach gaps where crumbs and sand tend to accumulate.
For cloth interiors, a general household cleaner will usually do the job. Use one cloth to apply the product and another clean cloth to wipe the surface dry.
For leather interiors, it’s best to use an automotive-specific leather cleaner from a reputable brand. These products typically clean and condition the leather at the same time.
Pro tip: Always test any new product on an inconspicuous area first—especially on leather.
If your leather seats feel stiff or look dry, apply a leather conditioner or balm. Work the product into the leather, and if the material isn’t too far gone, it should become softer and more supple. Finish by wiping the surface with a clean cloth.
Most of these steps can also be applied to other interior surfaces such as the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels.
Glass cleaning note: Avoid using regular household glass cleaners containing ammonia on tinted windows, as they can damage the tint.
Final Thoughts
A proper car wash doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right tools, a logical process, and a bit of patience, you can keep your car looking great while minimising scratches and wear. Stick to these basics, wash regularly, and your car will reward you with a cleaner finish and a far more enjoyable driving experience.
By Hanno Mostert, in association with CHANGECARS.
