How to Wash a Car

Dirty cars are without a doubt unsightly and the key to a successful car washing is working from top to bottom and one side at a time. Confused? Here are a few easy steps to get your car looking like new.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Chamois Cloth
• Car Wash Mitt
• Car Wash Brush
• Car Wash Soap
• Garden Hoses
• Rags
• Large Sponge
• Large Bucket

1. Choose a shady spot, preferably away from trees that are dripping sap or dropping leaves.

2. Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

3. 

   Put one capful of car soap into a bucket and fill it 3/4 of the way with warm water. Set the bucket aside.

4. 

   Hose any excess dirt off the car, beginning at the roof and working down to the tires.

5. 

   Lather a sponge or terry cloth rag in the bucket of soapy water and sponge the roof of the car. Spray off excess soap when the entire roof has been cleaned.

6. 

   Repeat for all four sides of the car, washing one full side including windows, fenders and tires and rinsing completely before going to the next side.

7. Give the car one final rinse with the hose to get rid of any water spots when all four sides have been washed and rinsed.

8. Take a chamois leather ("shammy" leather) or towel and dry the car thoroughly by setting the towel flat against the surface of the car and dragging it along the surface to pick up any water spots. Start at the roof and work your way down to the tires.

9. 

   Wash the windows with a rag soaked in plain water and dry them with a dry rag, or use window cleaner and pieces of balled-up newspaper on both the inside and the outside of the windows.

10. Give any metal or chrome an extra rubdown to get rid of water spots.

11. Clean the interior if you have time (see "How to Clean a Car's Interior," under Related eHows).

Tips & Warnings

• Wear old clothes for this task.

• Soap dries fast. Wash one side at a time to keep the soap from drying on your car's paint.

• Wet and wring out your chamois leather before you dry; it will absorb water better.

• Do not use dish soap. Dish soap is designed for dishes. Use car wash soap.

• Make sure you do not get any rocks or other debris in your rags or towels, this will scratch your finish.