Thursday, September 11, 2014

I want to wash my car. What should I use?

Back before corrosive chemicals started to take over the Earth, there was a time when a person could just use the things they had to clean homes and cars. However, those times no longer exist. Instead, chemicals are everywhere and can be quite harmful not only to people but their investments. As a result many people wonder what they can use to wash their cars, sometimes asking the question, 'What should I use?' While this is a broad question, here are some general rules of thumb to think about while prepping yourself when washing your car.

Soaps. What soaps should a person use? Many would probably go run for the Dawn or Ajax for washing their cars. However, as the label says its says dishwashing liquid.  Unfortunately, while the dishwashing liquid will get the dirt off the car, it can ruin the paint. So the question again is, what do I use? Really any car washing detergent will suffice. Some of these even have bug removers in them and synthetic wax. There are professional types, but even a brand like Turtle Wax is fine.

Bugs. Bugs are usually an issue for those whose life is on the highway. However as was mentioned previously, some car washing detergents have bug remover in them. If you don't want to go that alley, there's another way. After you have washed your car and you are in the process of drying it make sure to wipe the front bumper really well with a microfiber towel and they should come up. It might take some elbow grease but try not to rub or scratch anything out. It could cause damage to your paint. So being gentle is everything. If its not coming up, good chances are, its already in your paint.

Interior cleaning. This is probably one of the most important elements of cleaning. Why? Well, its because we see it the most. Yet, something people neglect is dressing the vinyl. Why is that so important? Honestly, it helps protect your car from the uv rays the sun emits. Look for water based products, not oil based. Oil based products, with continued use, can cause damage to your vinyl. Again it wont happen overnight but it will cause it to look pretty awful after continued use.

Tires. Tires, believe it or not can have a huge impact on the overall look of your car. Its almost like going up to a home where the house itself, on the exterior, is nicely cleaned and power washed but the lawn is horrendous. Rims and Tires are a big deal. So try and pay some attention to them. PLEASE! The easiest way to make sure they're looking in tip top shape is by having your car washed regularly. Why? Well brake dust can collect and the longer it sits, the harder it is to clean. No joke. This will becoming extremely frustrating especially when you don't have professional grime and rim cleaner. Also, feel free to use oil based or water based dressing to get those tires looking awesome and protect them too.

So really there are a lot of things to keep in mind when trying to give your car a nice good washing, even down to the types of cleaning products to use. If these things are too much to remember, then just call a professional and have them deal with it. They'd be glad to do so.

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