How to wash a car by hand

Washing your car by hand yields much better results than driving though an automatic car wash. You can wash your car by hand easily in your front yard with just a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• <br>Hose
• <br>Sponge
• <br>Brush
• <br>Automotive soap
• <br>Towel or chamois

1. Gather your materials and put them within easy reach of your car. Make sure the water hose reaches around the entire car.

2. Add soap to the bucket and fill it with water. Rinse the entire car with water, but don't spray the car with a strong stream. Hold the hose toward the top of the car and let the water run down the surface.

3. Dip the sponge into the soapy water and wash one panel at a time. Rinse each panel after washing to prevent soap from drying on the car. Start at the top of the car and work down, rinsing the sponge frequently. Use a brush on tires and wheels.

4. Rinse the entire car again after washing it. Keeping the car wet until you are done helps keep the soap from forming a film on the car.

5. Dry the car with a clean towel or chamois. Extra steps, like adding tire shine or a wax protectant, can be done now.

Tips & Warnings

• Only use soap made for vehicles. Using any other type of soap or detergent will strip the protective layer off of the car's surface.
• Don't park your car in the sun while you wash it. The sun will dry the soap on the car, resulting in a dull finish or soap spots.