There is something satisfying about having a freshly washed car; plus, washing the car yourself can be a great way to save money. However, tradition has foisted some bad car cleaning habits upon us that can harm our car’s exterior. This can cost us more in the long run, especially when it comes time to sell your car. To avoid this, we have compiled a list of some of the worst things you can do when cleaning your car on a budget.
Not Washing Your Car Enough
There aren’t always enough hours in a day to spare for washing your car, and it’s not always clear why we should bother with it. But the dirt, salt, and brake dust that accumulate on our cars after driving can damage your car’s paint job and potentially even cause corrosion, which will hurt your car’s resale value and potentially damage the exterior. That’s why most experts recommend washing your car at least once every two weeks depending on how often the car is used.Using a Rags and Old Cloths
Old rags and cloths are usually the most readily available tools; however, if you use a rag or cloth, soap and dirt can become trapped in the fibers and scratch the car’s surface. Look into different types of cloths, mitts, or sponges made for washing cars; these tools can be obtained at relatively low prices and will better protect your car’s exterior.Washing With One Bucket
The analogy that people often make for washing a car is mopping a floor. When you mop a floor, it’s good to have a bucket for soapy water and a bucket for clean water to rinse the mop off with. You dunk your mop in the soapy water, wash the floor, and then rinse the mop in the rinse water to get the dirt off it before putting it back in the soapy water again. That way, we aren’t washing the floor with the same dirt we just picked up. The same idea can be applied to cars by using a bucket for soapy water and a bucket for rinse water.Washing in the Sun and Letting It Air Dry
When we imagine washing our car, we often imagine washing it in the summer sunshine, letting the warm air dry the car for us. However, washing your vehicle in direct sunlight can bake the soap onto your car, leaving you with unsightly stains and watermarks. Letting the car air dry can also lead to watermarks on the car which is why you should dry the car by hand.At the end of the day, one of the worst things you can do when cleaning your car is not knowing how to do it—luckily, this is an easy fix. When you’re equipped with the right knowledge, it’s possible to have a shiny, clean car that you can feel good about driving even without breaking the bank.
