18 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Washing Your Car, But Probably Do

Car washing seems straightforward: just soap, water, and a sponge, right? Wrong. There are countless mistakes you unknowingly make that can harm your vehicle. Scrubbing too forcefully, for example, may result in scratches, or a wrong drying technique can lead to swirl marks or even faded paint. Let’s discuss more such over-looked car washing blunders you might be guilty of and how to avoid them. 

Using Dish Soap or Detergents

Dish liquid or soap is not right for washing cars. It can wash away the protective coating and sealant, making your car susceptible to scratches and fading. So, while that sudsy lather feels satisfying and handy, it’s actually bad for your car’s health. Instead, opt for car-specific soap or shampoo. It will ensure that your vehicle remains shiny for quite a long period.

Washing in Direct Sunlight

Washing a car in an open area during the day might seem like a quick way to get the job done. However, it’s the worst thing you can do to your vehicle. The intense heat rays cause the water and soap to evaporate quickly, leaving behind ugly spots and streaks. For a cleaner car look, it is recommended that you wash your car in the shade, early in the morning, or later in the evening.

Using a Single Bucket

You may need a large volume of water to wash your car, especially if there’s dirt all over the body. Using a single bucket may create dirty lines on the surface. So, when washing your car, and especially if you are doing it by hand, ensure you use one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water to avoid damaging the car’s exterior.

Using Sponge

Sponges are great for doing dishes but for car cleaning? A big NO! Their porous structure acts like a magnet for dirt and grit. Scrubbing the car with a sponge creates microscopic scratches that accumulate over time, dulling the vehicle’s finish. You may need to use soft microfiber towels to protect the paintwork. 

Overusing Pressure Washers

When cleaning the car using a pressure washer, ensure that you use low pressure to avoid scratching the paintwork. As pressures rise, the surface can be scratched or harmed without doing much to remove dirt. Ideally, the pressure should range from 1200 to 1800 PSI or 80-110 bar to avoid damaging the exterior coating. 

Ignoring Wheel Cleaning

Wheels collect dirt and dust from constantly touching the ground. To guarantee proper cleaning and prevent damage, choose a cleaner appropriate for the wheel material, such as Diablo wheel gel or Adam’s Polishes wheel cleaner. These mild chemicals preserve the wheels’ look and extend their longevity.

Not Drying the Car 

You may be in a hurry to reach somewhere in a clean car. However, skipping the drying phase can waste all your effort. First, rinse your car completely to remove all soap residue and then dry it well to avoid wet stains that can permanently harm the paint. You can use a microfiber cloth, chamois, or another absorbent for this purpose. It’ll ensure there is no moisture trapping between the parts.

Skipping Waxing

Waxing and polishing your car is very important because it shields the paint from fading and rusting. In other words, this step helps maintain the facade of your vehicle and keeps it from losing much of its value if you decide to sell it in the future.

Using Ammonia-Based Glass Cleaners

Ammonia cleaning may be extremely harmful to car rubber seals and window tinting. To avoid paint scratches, use automotive glass cleaners, which are mild on most car surfaces. You may consider branded cleaners such as Chemical Guy’s streak-free, Windex glass cleaner, Simoniz Anti-glare glass cleaner, etc. 

Relying on Waterless Solutions

Waterless car wash solutions promise to clean your car without needing to use water. The main downside is that, while they remove watermarks, they are not as good at cleaning the vehicle as regular car washes. Waterless vehicle washes contain chemicals that might remove your paint’s protective car wax covering, making it exposed to scratches and swirl marks. 

Using Household Cleaners Inside

Sometimes, household cleaning products are too strong and should not be used on the interior of cars. Try out multiple car cleaning solutions. They will clean your car carefully and without causing any harm.

Washing in Circular Motion

Circular motions when washing your car might seem like a good idea. However, it may result in tiny scratches and swirl marks. Darker paint colors make these markings more pronounced. To avoid these problems, wash your car with straight, back-and-forth strokes rather than circular ones.

Choosing Drive-Thru Cleaning 

If you need to wash your car quickly, drive-thru car washes might be very appealing. Unfortunately, improperly maintained drive-thru car washes may have exposed brushes and spinners that can scrape your car’s paint and harm exterior components. So, choose drive-thru options carefully.

Drying With Towel or Air-drying 

The improper drying procedure might leave scratches and swirl marks on your car’s paint. Avoid using an old towel or air drying since they might create stains. Instead, use a microfiber drying towel to gently pat the surface for a clean, scratch-free finish. Proper drying maintains your car’s appearance and, in turn, its resale value.

Using Hot Water

Using hot water to wash or de-ice the car may crack the windshield and harm the paint coating. The water may evaporate and remove wax deposits, leaving white water stains on the surface. To avoid damaging both the glass and the paint on the vehicle body, one should use lukewarm water or the right de-icing solution.

Polishing Vigorously 

Excessive pressure while polishing might harm your car’s paint and leave swirl marks. On the other side, insufficient pressure may not be enough to eliminate flaws. To get the best results, use steady, moderate pressure. This balanced method delivers a clean, shining finish without damaging your vehicle’s surface or leaving any visible marks.

Using Abrasive Brushes

Cleaning brushes with strong bristles can scratch your vehicle’s body, harm the paint, and leave ugly stains. Instead, use soft, microfiber brushes or gloves to clean car parts. This eliminates potential damage and keeps your car looking great.

Washing in Rain 

It is better to avoid washing your car in the rain because it can cause the formation of water spots and staining. Even rainwater is far from pure, and in the process of evaporation, it leaves brown stains and spills. These can be very stubborn and may degrade the vehicle’s shiny coat if not wiped off. So, you must plan a car wash on a clear day or in a dry area to keep the vehicle looking neat.