You need the right supplies to give your car a good wash:

-

 To keep you car looking its best, use only a liquid car wash solution

specifically made for cars.

Dishwashing detergent strips the wax from your paint. It’s far too harsh

to use regularly. If you must remove old wax from your car’s surface in

preparation for a complete detail, use a degreasing dishwashing deter-

gent like Dawn to strip the wax from the car’s paint.

• Don’t use dishwashing detergent more than twice a year.

• Only use dishwashing detergent immediately before waxing.

• Never use automatic dishwasher soap.

-

 Use lamb’s wool mitts that trap dirt within the fibers and keep it away

from the paint.

I recommend using two buckets and two mitts:

• One bucket and mitt for the grungiest parts, such as wheels and

the lower rocker panels

• One bucket and mitt for the upper part of the car

If you intend to use a single bucket and mitt, make sure you wash from

top to bottom — save the wheels and other dirty parts for last.

Don’t use an old sponge or rag to wash the car. These are far too likely

to drag imbedded particles across the paint and mar the finish.

-

 Don’t wash your car in direct sunlight. Water drops that dry on the car’s

surface etch the paint.

Ideal car washing weather is cool and cloudy, not hot and sunny.

-

 Dry the car with either

• A synthetic chamois product like the Absorber ($9–12 at most auto

parts stores)

• A waffle-weave chamois

If you want to impress purists, feel free to use a natural chamois. But a

natural chamois requires careful handling and storage, and it doesn’t

give better results than a synthetic chamois.

Stay clear of silicone water blades. They’re far too likely to drag leftover

dirt and dust across the finish.

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