How to Wash a Car

If people have started writing "wash me" in the dust on your car window, it's time to wash the vehicle. Experts recommend washing your car at least once a month to help prevent corrosion. Here's how.http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/bodymain.html#wash 

1. Get a soap specifically for car washing.http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-wash.html 
2. Use a bucket to mix the soap with cold water.http://www.quickandsimple.com/how-to/organize-clean/wash-car 
3. Get a wash mitt that you can wear like a glove, that will hold the soapy water and help you get into tight spots around your car.http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-wash.html Consider a double-sided mitt with a soft side and a mesh side you can use to wash windows and lights.
4. Consider a spray cleaner or protectant specifically designed to clean the type of wheels and wheel covers on your car.http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435998
5. Gather a few drying tools like a sheepskin chamois, paint-safe squeegees or microfiber towels to dry without scratching.http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-wash.html
6. Buy a car wax that's safe for clear coat finishes if you plan to wax your car once it's clean.http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9013136&contentId=6004059
   

1. Choose a shady spot to wash your car instead of in direct sunlight.http://www.quickandsimple.com/how-to/organize-clean/wash-car2. Remove any items you may be wearing like belts, rings or other accessories that can scratch the car as you wash it.http://www.quickandsimple.com/how-to/organize-clean/wash-car 
3. Rinse the car first with water from the top down to wash off any loose dirt.http://cars.about.com/od/adviceforowners/ss/howtowash.htm 
4. Wash the car from the top down to reduce the risk of scratching the paint with a dirty mitt.http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435998 
5. Work in sections, rewetting a section if it has dried. Submerge the mitt in the soapy water often to remove dirt that can scratch your car.
6. Change the soapy water in the bucket two to three times during the wash.http://www.quickandsimple.com/how-to/organize-clean/wash-car 
7. Wash the spots where dirt can build up, like inside the wheel wells and under bumpers.http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/bodymain.html#wash 
8. Go over the entire car with a soapy mitt a final time to prevent water spots.
9. Wash the tires and apply protectant if desired. Use a dirty wash mitt or brush to wash the tires, not the same one you'll be using on the car's surface.http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435998 
10. Rinse the soap from the car with a hose.

1. Dry the car as soon as possible after washing.http://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/wash.htm2. Ensure your towel is clean to prevent scratching.http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435998 
3. Dry the top first and then move to the hood, trunk and sides.http://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/wash.htm 
4. Lay the chamois or towel atop the car to soak and blot water from the surface without scratching the car.http://www.autoeducation.com/carcare/wash.htm 
5. Use a microfiber towel to dry areas like inside the trunk, hood and doors where water can accumulate and later drip onto other surfaces.http://cars.about.com/od/adviceforowners/ss/howtowash.htm 

Help preserve the finish of your clean car and protect it from the sun and other environmental effects by waxing it.

1. Wash the car right before waxing and ensure the car is still in a cool, shady spot.
2. Apply wax to a sponge to spread on a small section of the car.http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/car_wax.html 
3. Cover the car with a thin layer of wax using circular motions. Avoid getting wax on surfaces like black window trim, and seals or matte plastic that will be stained white with the wax.http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/car_wax.html 
4. If you do get wax on these surfaces, remove it with a spray window cleaner.http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9013136&contentId=6004059 http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/car_wax.html 
5. Let the wax dry for a couple of minutes, until it has a cloudy look.
6. Use a clean and dry towel to buff the wax off the car, turning the towel often so you're working with a clean section each time.http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/car_wax.html