It’s a chore that many people dread.
And now it turns out you’ve probably been washing your car wrong.
Experts from Which? have revealed how to clean your vehicle effectively – and why you should never do it on a sunny day.
‘With the weather finally starting to warm up, what better time to give your car some TLC?’ the consumer champion said.
‘It’s a job that’s surprisingly easy to get wrong, though.
‘Car washing is a common way for drivers to damage their own cars.
‘Done incorrectly, it can result in scratched or marked paintwork.
‘However, with the correct equipment and proper technique, you can keep your car looking its best in the short and longer term.’
It’s a chore that many people dread. And now it turns out you’ve probably been washing your car wrong (stock image)
1. Never wash your car in bright, direct sunlight
You might think that a sunny day would provide the perfect opportunity to clean your car.
However, Which? warns that this can leave your car with ‘ugly water marks’.
‘Water on your car’s bodywork will evaporate much more quickly than you can dry it when the metal is hot, which will leave ugly water marks,’ it said.
‘If it’s particularly warm, the soap could also dry out before you’ve rinsed it, which will make it much harder to clean off.’
Instead, Which? advises waiting for a cooler part of the day and cleaning your car out of direct sunlight.
‘Once your car is clean and shiny, if possible avoid positioning it under a tree, where it will get covered in sticky sap and bird poo, or near sources of dust such as building sites,’ it added.
2. Avoid automatic car washes
They might be convenient, but if you really want to look after your car’s paintwork, avoid automatic car washes (stock image)
They might be convenient, but if you really want to look after your car’s paintwork, avoid automatic car washes.
‘The fast-spinning rollers can collect dirt and grit from previous cars, which may cause fine scratches or “swirl marks” in your paint,’ Which? said.
‘These are more noticeable on dark-coloured cars, but will make the paint on any vehicle appear duller over time.’
Unfortunately, the self-service jets aren’t much better, according to the experts.
‘The brush will have been used by countless others and then left on the ground, so it will likely be full of grit, which could scratch your paint as your rub it over your car’s bodywork,’ Which? added.
The best way to wash your car is to opt for a clean bucket and sponge, car shampoo, and an outdoor water source like a pressure washer or hosepipe.
3. Don’t use washing-up liquid or kitchen sponges
Washing-up liquid and kitchen sponges should never go near your car, according to Which?.
Washing-up liquid and kitchen sponges should never go near your car, according to Which? (stock image)
‘Your car will have been designed to protect you in an accident, but its paintwork can be surprisingly delicate, and using the wrong cleaning equipment can cause damage,’ it said.
Washing-up liquid will initially make your car look clean and shiny, but repeated use can affect the paint’s protective clear coat.
Meanwhile, abrasive dish sponges can quickly ruin the paintwork.
Instead, Which? advises investing in the ‘right gear’ – including a hosepipe, proper car shampoo, a wash mitt, two buckets, a grit guard, and a microfibre towel.
4. Don’t scrape off bird poo
If a bird has relieved itself on your car, try to avoid scraping this off with a hard, sharp-edged device, as this can scratch your paintwork.
‘It’s best to clean it off as soon as possible (before it dries) – although this isn’t always an option if the bird in question makes a stealth attack while you’re away from the car,’ Which? said.
‘If it has dried on, drench a cloth in hot water and place it over the affected area for a few minutes.
‘This should soften the poo sufficiently that it can be wiped off.’
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time for the cloth/hot water method, you can buy bird poo cleaning wipes which quickly break it down for easy removal.
5. Don’t forget to polish and wax
It sounds like an unneccesary step, but Which? advises taking the time to polish and wax your car.
‘Polishing should be done before waxing, although it won’t always be needed,’ Which? said.
‘Polishes eat into the top layers of paint very finely to reduce the appearance of blemishes and fine scratches.
‘Waxing, on the other hand, adds a protective layer to the paint while giving a shiny finish.
‘Polish and wax are both easy enough to apply, but require a consistent hand and plenty of patience for the best results, so take your time.’
6. Ditch the ‘cockpit shine’ products
If you’re really going all out and decide to clean the interior of your car, Which? advises steering clear of ‘cockpit shine’ products.
While these make your plastics looks shiny, they’re often greasy to the touch – which isn’t just unpleasant, but also a potential hazard if it gets near your steering wheel, gear stick or pedals.
‘There are plenty of potions available that claim to bring out the best in your car’s interior, but the truth is you can do most of the work with a simple vacuum and dust, followed by running a damp cloth over most of the surfaces,’ Which? concluded.
