How do you wash a car properly on the outside?

Question

I am starting a car washing company in my village and just wondered what is the best way to wash the car on the outside? Normaly when i leave the water to dry off it just turns dirty and leaves streaks. Any ideas?

Answer 1

First, rinse off with a soft spray, don't start with a hard stream.
Fill a bucket up with water and a car cleaner liquid. Then us a soft sponge or 100% cotton cloth to wipe the car down starting with the roof. Make sure to rinse the sponge as you go and rinse of each area as you finish. Don't let the soap or water dry. After you've completed the last spot do the tires. (Some people do the tires first)
Make sure to dry the car off. Again, don't let water dry on the car.
Clean the windows and lights with a glass cleaner.
Then shine and protect the plast parts with a cleaner. Use a tire shine to shine the tires. This will make the car look awesome! It has a great effect.

Last, make sure you use Meguiar's Quick Detailer to polish the car.

Answer 2

Keep the Outside Clean

Regularly wash the outside of your car to help ensure it has a long life. A clean car protects against dirt, salt and other contaminants picked up from the road every day. When possible, wash your car once a week and follow the guidelines below when you're ready to suds up:

Wash your car in a shady spot or on a cloudy day.
If a car is not kept cool while washing, the water will evaporate too quickly and could possibly leave spots.

Use suds specifically formulated for washing a car.
When you use a car wash shampoo or soap, you'll know it's made for a car (instead of dishes or your hair). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper shampoo to water ratio.

Start with the wheels, and wash them thoroughly.
Use a lot of soapy water and a scrub brush to scour the wheel and rubber tire to remove deep down dirt. Rinse, then use a sponge or washcloth to do a follow-up cleaning. Take extra care of your wheels and tires — they're the part of your car closest to the road and are subject to the corroding effects of brake dust.

Use something soft to wash the surface.
Good choices include a natural sea sponge, cotton chenille pad or sheepskin mitt. These materials have a large number of fine filaments that draw dirt and grime away from the surface.

Wash from the top down, and rinse the car often.
Use a final rinse of free flowing water (nozzle off the hose) to allow the water to sheet off the car.

Try polishing dry glass with crumpled newspaper.
Unlike paper towels, newsprint does not leave lint behind, and the ink acts as a polish on already dry glass.
Wax and Polish Go a Long Way

A regular application of wax is the best way to protect your car from the elements. Rain, snow, road salt, pollution and the inevitable bird droppings can all compromise your car's thin finish. Here are a few general tips to ensure that your car looks great every time you wax:

Thoroughly wash your car's exterior, as described above.

Use a pre-wax cleaner.
A pre-wax cleaner will remove blemishes such as tar, water spots and insect remains. It also may deep clean the paint and remove the remains of your previous coat of wax. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply the wax to one body panel at a time with a damp cloth or manufacturer-supplied applicator.
If you're just looking for a nice appearance and good protection, synthetic waxes, which are easily applied and very durable, will do the job. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding exactly how to apply the wax (i.e., in a circular versus straight motion).

Allow the wax to dry on the body panel, then buff it to a smooth shine.
The wax usually dries in a few minutes, and you can use a smooth terry cloth towel to buff the panel.

In most cases, a single coat of wax will make your car look great and ensure it is properly protected from the elements.
However, for an exceptional shine, you may choose to apply a second coat of wax. Allow sufficient time for the wax to cure — usually 12 to 48 hours — between applications.

Wax often enough to keep your car protected.
Natural waxes typically need to be reapplied every six to 10 weeks (depending on the type). Synthetic waxes will last six to nine months between applications.

Answer 3

Using plenty of water, hose the entire car, starting at the top (avoids streaking); make sure the car's surface is cool and try to do the wash in a shaded area. Use a good quality sponge and plenty of dedicated auto wash soap. Start at the top, do each panel and hose it off after each panel is done. Use a quality wheel cleaner (I prefer Meguiar's) on the wheels; apply it, scrub if necessary, then hose it off. Dry the vehicle using a chamois and then apply polish and/or wax if desired. Use Armor All on tires and vinyl surfaces. Good luck on your new venture.

Answer 4

you NEED to start at the top of the car and work your way down all the way to the tires because if you start at the bottom and go up then when you do the top it will leave streak marks on the car b/c all the top dirt will go all over your clean bottom
use soapy water and srub and stuff
when your done just rinse it really good and hopefully that wont leave streak marks
then when your dont just dry it with a towel to avoid the sreak marks

hope i helped
good luck w/ your company

Answer 5

the best way to do this is to hose it all down, get a soap which you like the smell of. (preferablly specifically for car washing) work it in focusing on the dirty areas with a sponge. leave it for a bit than get your sponge wet and work in again. after this hose it down again. leave to dry preferably in the sun

Answer 6

wash the car with soap and water and then dry it with a proper towel.

Answer 7

You can avoid streaks by doing it in the shade instead of the sun...

Answer 8

with a towel, water and soap

Answer 9

See the "wash and wax" video
http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/mediaplayer/mediaplayer_clinics.asp

Answer 10

i do mine the old fashioned way

i take it to the river and beat it with a rock