Avoid automated touch car washes, as the abrasive bristles can permanently scratch your car's paint. Never use dish soap or household cleaners, which strip away protective wax. Additionally, do not wash the car in direct sunlight, let soap dry on the paint, or use the same sponge for your wheels and your car's body.
Use car soap (never dish soap, which removes protective wax) Wash with clean microfiber cloths or a soft mitt, not sponges that trap dirt or brushes that can scratch the paint.
Maintenance & Care
Do not use automatic tunnel car washes, this will severely scratch and damage the finish. A traditional hand wash is recommended out of direct sunlight once the vehicle has cooled. We recommend washing the vehicle every 2 weeks or ~600 miles.
Yes, you can use Dawn to wash your car, but only in specific situations. Because it is highly effective at cutting grease, it will completely strip away any wax or protective sealants on your car's paint.
The best type of car wash for a new car is one that is gentle and won't cause any damage to the delicate paint finish. Touchless car washes, which use high-pressure water and gentle soaps, are a great option.
Touchless car washes are generally safer for paint because they avoid physical contact that could cause scratches.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is perfect for cleaning your dashboard. It's gentle enough to handle everyday dust and debris, yet strong enough to cut through sticky spills, residues, and oily fingerprints.
The best homemade car wash solution uses gentle household ingredients that clean without damaging your vehicle's protective wax. Mix 14one-fourth14 cup of liquid Castile soap with 14one-fourth14 cup of baking soda in one gallon of warm water. This DIY mix lifts dirt effectively and safely.
Nonabrasive dish soap can work in a pinch. Baby soap and pet shampoo are other alternatives. Both of these are gentler than liquid dish soap, and they will not remove any wax or paint protection from the car's finish. Use a ratio of one ounce of baby or pet shampoo per gallon of water.
Always use a dedicated, pH-neutral car wash soap. These formulas are specifically formulated to clean away dirt and road grime while leaving protective waxes and sealants intact. Never use household dish soaps, laundry detergents, or glass cleaners, as their harsh chemicals will strip the vehicle's wax and fade trim over time.
Some of the most frustrating substances to try and remove from your car are sticky ones. Asphalt, tar, bugs, and tree pitch can give you a real headache. Often, the soap and water treatment is not enough to really remove these annoyances from your vehicle.
Ceramic Coating vs. Traditional Wax: Both options boost your car's appearance, but ceramic coating lasts longer, stays cleaner, and stands up better to the daily grind. Its hydrophobic finish repels dirt and water, making every rinse faster and every drive look better.
Car Washing Tips After Polishing and Waxing
First, it is important to wait for the wax to dry completely before washing your car. This period usually ranges from 24 to 48 hours. When washing your car, avoid using high-pressure water, and if possible, opt for hand washing.
Black is universally considered the hardest car color to keep clean. Because the paint is so dark, it provides maximum contrast against light-colored contaminants like road dust, pollen, bird droppings, and water spots.
Once temps drop below 32°F (0°C), aka the freezing point, you're officially in risky territory. Washing your car when it is at or below freezing can cause water to freeze on contact with your vehicle, especially in tight spots like door jambs, mirrors, and locks.
The products used in professional exterior auto detailing services include high-quality pre-wash agents, pH-balanced car shampoos, clay bars for decontamination, polishing compounds, and durable protective coatings like waxes or sealants to enhance and preserve the vehicle's finish.
Follow these general steps to polish your car's paint, whether you're working by hand or using a power polisher.
Yes, you can use Dawn to wash your car, but only in specific situations. Because it is highly effective at cutting grease, it will completely strip away any wax or protective sealants on your car's paint.
Mixing an ounce of dish soap per gallon of water creates a powerful DIY car wash that can remove most contamination from the paint or glass. Bug removal: Mixing an ounce of dish soap per gallon of water will provide enough strength to remove a moderate accumulation of bugs.
Auto Finesse® Verso is our concentrated All Purpose Car Cleaner (APC) and degreaser - perfect for cleaning a vehicle's...
Most automotive experts recommend washing your car every 2 weeks to protect the paint and clear coat. However, the ideal frequency depends largely on your driving conditions, local weather, and how your vehicle is stored.
You don't need to wax your car constantly to keep it looking stunning. Through advanced automotive protection solutions like ceramic coatings, paint protection film, and professionally maintained routines, you can achieve—and retain—that glossy finish without compromise. These solutions go far beyond surface shine.
Use baby shampoo or mild hair shampoo mixed with water. They are pH-neutral and safe for your car's paint.
To reduce the risk of scratches, drivers should follow simple habits: