HOW TO: WASH CAR

Welcome to our very first HOW-TO section. At Magshine Detailworks, we are all about educating people on how to care for their cars. 

We are going to teach you the basic tenets about washing your car (a motorcycle guide is in the pipelines), so you can wash your car just like the pros. 

Washing your car yourself isn't just about saving money, it's about preventing long-term damage to your car's paint. While automatic car washes or petrol station washes are convenient, they can often leave micro-scratches or what we call "Swirl Marks" on your clear coat. Yes, swirl marks are actually scratches. Worse of all, these car washes might even cause heavy hairline scratches.

Because we understand that most car owners are not detailing enthusiasts, this guide will be broken down into two phases: The Basics (for everyday folks) and The Extras (for the DIY detailing enthusiasts)

This guide will only cover the common wash methods using shampoos, and chemical solutions. A separate guide on how to do a Rinseless Wash is also in the pipelines. So stay-tuned.

Let's begin.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Let's start by gathering your essential tools of the trade:

• Two water buckets: One for soapy water, one for clean water. You don't need fancy detailing grade buckets. Even cheap buckets from Mr.DIY are good enough unless you're a DIY detailing enthusiast.

Pro tip: A grit guard for the clean water bucket can help separate and suspend micro dirt and grime. They are what actually causes the swirls and scratches during a wash.

• Wash media: Whether you like microfiber mitts, chenille mitts, microfiber towels, or a specialised car wash sponge, always choose high-quality. Remember that you might potentially drag micro dirt and grime all over the car. So having something high-quality is crucial in helping prevent micro imperfections as much as possible. Buy multiple pieces and separate them for the upper body and lower body of the car to prevent cross-contamination of the mentioned dirt and grime.

Reality check: There is no 100% sure way of preventing swirls marks during a car wash. We can only try to avoid them as much as possible. That is the reality. 

• Detailing brushes: You will need a soft bristle brush for painted or sensitive surfaces, and something harder for non-painted surfaces like the fuel cap.

Reality check: Even the softer brush will mar or scratch, because automotive is incredibly sensitive.

• Dedicated wheel cleaning tools: You will need some soft and hard bristle brushes to tackle different parts of the wheels and wells. We highly recommend medium hard flag-tipped brushes or the spokes, smaller brushes for the nooks and cranny, and finally a long brush or woolie for the wheel barrels if you can access them.

Pro tip: Brake dust is abrasive in nature. So you will want something softer for black or matte coloured wheels.

• Drying Towels: You should never skimp on towels. Cheap or low quality towels will scratch your paint during the drying stage. We recommended thick and plush "twisted-loop" drying towels for maximum efficiency. 

Pro tip: Do not use drying towels meant for body and paint on the wheels. Always use separate towels for dirtier areas like wheels, or bottom parts of the car. So buy more.

CHEMICALS AND SOLUTIONS

Let's make sure you got the chemicals and liquids right:

• Car Shampoo: Always use a high-quality pH-neutral car shampoo. High-quality shampoos not only clean better, but also provides better lubrication during the wash.

Reality check: High-cost does not equate to quality. 

• Dedicated wheel cleaner: While you can absolutely use car shampoo for the wheels, a specialised wheel cleaner will be more effective. Do not use iron removers, acidic or alkali wheel cleaners unless you know what you are doing. Always test your wheel cleaner on a conspicuous area during the first use to avoid discoloration or damage.

Pro tip: Dish soap is actually a very effective, cheap and safe wheel cleaner. But avoid dish soap on the paint as it will strip protective waxes or sealants if you have them applied.

• Glass cleaner: A good quality streak glass cleaner make glass cleaning a breeze. But they are not compulsory.

Pro tip: Aerosol sprays may work better than liquid sprays depending on humidity and environment.

• Tyre Shine: This is the finishing touch to any car wash or detailing. 

Pro tip: We recommend water-based tyre shine for ease of use.