Properly Wash Your Car At Home | How I wash My Toyota RAV4

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates the correct way to wash a car, using a Toyota RAV4 as an example. It emphasizes using quality soap like McGuire's Wash and Wax, and advises against dish soap. The process involves washing in straight lines, starting from the roof down, and using separate mitts for the rims and tires to avoid scratches. After washing, a chamois and spray-on wax are used for drying and protection. The video concludes with detailing tips and tire shine application, cautioning against car washes that can damage the paint.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Use a quality car wash soap like McGuire's Wash and Wax, not dish soap.
• 🪣 Prepare two buckets: one with soapy water and one with clean water for rinsing.
• 🚿 Rinse the car to remove loose debris before washing.
• 🧼 Apply soap to the car in a straight line motion, following the vehicle's contours to minimize micro scratches.
• 🌞 Be mindful of the weather; wash smaller sections on hot days to prevent spotting.
• 🧤 Use a microfiber wash mitt for a gentle and effective clean.
• 💧 Keep the car wet while washing to prevent soap from drying on the paint.
• 🔄 Rinse each section thoroughly after washing before moving to the next.
• 🌀 Use a separate mitt for washing rims, tires, and wheel wells to avoid scratching the paint.
• 🚘 After washing, use a chamois and spray wax to dry and protect the car's surface.

Q & A

What type of soap is recommended for washing a car according to the script?

A quality soap formulated for washing vehicles is recommended, specifically mentioning McGuire's Wash and Wax as a preferred option.

Why is it important to use two buckets when washing a car?

Using two buckets helps to prevent dirt and dust from being redeposited on the car. One bucket is filled with soap and water, while the other is for rinsing.

How should one wash their car to minimize the visibility of micro scratches?

One should wash their car with straight lines following the contour of the vehicle, rather than in circular motions.

What type of wash mitt is suggested in the script for washing a car?

A basic microfiber wash mitt is suggested, which can be found on Amazon.

Why is it necessary to rinse off the vehicle before washing?

Rinsing off the vehicle before washing helps to remove loose debris and prevents it from scratching the paint during the washing process.

What is the recommended order for washing different sections of the car as per the script?

The recommended order is to start from the top down, beginning with the roof to the window moldings, then the hood and fenders, doors, rear of the vehicle, and finally the rims, tires, and wheel wells.

Why is it advised to use a separate mitt for washing rims, tires, and wheel wells?

A separate mitt should be used to avoid picking up rocks or debris that could scratch the car's paint.

What is the purpose of using a chamois and spray-on wax after washing and drying the car?

Using a chamois and spray-on wax leaves a light coat of wax on the car, providing protection in between wax applications.

What is the final step recommended in the script to enhance the car's appearance after washing?

The final step is to apply tire shine after ensuring the tires are completely dry, and then wipe off any overspray with a microfiber.

What is the script's advice regarding car washes for maintaining car paint?

The script advises against using car washes, even touchless ones, because they can use harsh chemicals that strip the wax and protective layer from the paint.

How can viewers show appreciation for the video and get more content like this?

Viewers can give the video a thumbs up, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment if they would like to see a video on how to wax a car.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Car Washing Basics

The video script starts with the presenter demonstrating how to wash a car using a Toyota RAV4 as an example. The presenter emphasizes the importance of using quality soap formulated for vehicles, specifically recommending McGuire's Wash and Wax. The script advises using two buckets, one with soapy water and the other with clean water, to avoid dirt and dust from settling. The presenter also explains the correct washing technique, which involves washing in straight lines following the car's contours to minimize micro scratches. The process begins with applying the soap to the car and then washing from the top down in sections to prevent spotting, especially in hot weather. The presenter uses a microfiber wash mitt for the task.

Keywords

💡Quality Soap

Quality soap, as mentioned in the script, refers to a type of car wash soap that is specifically formulated for cleaning vehicles. It is important because it ensures that the soap will not damage the car's paint or finish. In the video, the presenter recommends McGuire's Wash and Wax, suggesting it as a high-quality option that works well for washing a car.

💡Buckets

Buckets are essential tools in the car washing process. The script advises using two buckets: one filled with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing. This method, known as the 'two-bucket method,' helps prevent dirt and debris from being reintroduced onto the car's surface, which could cause scratches.

💡Microfiber Wash Mitt

A microfiber wash mitt is a soft, lint-free mitt used for washing the car's surface without causing scratches. The script mentions using a basic microfiber wash mitt found on Amazon, highlighting its importance in gently and effectively cleaning the car without causing damage to the paint.

💡Straight Lines

Washing with straight lines, as opposed to circular motions, is a technique recommended in the script to follow the contour of the vehicle. This method helps reduce the visibility of micro scratches that can be caused by the abrasive action of circular washing.

💡Rinsing

Rinsing is the process of removing soap and dirt from the car's surface after washing. The script emphasizes rinsing off the vehicle before starting the washing process to remove loose debris and rinsing each section after washing to prevent soap from drying on the car, which could lead to spotting.

💡Sections

Breaking the car down into sections for washing is a strategy outlined in the script. This approach helps ensure thorough cleaning and prevents the soap from drying on the car, which can cause spots. The presenter starts with the roof and works down to the window moldings, then moves on to other sections like the hood, fenders, and doors.

💡Chamois

A chamois is a soft, absorbent cloth used for drying the car after washing. The script mentions using a chamois to dry the car, which is effective in absorbing water without scratching the paint. It also leaves a smooth finish on the car's surface.

💡Spray-On Wax

Spray-on wax is a product that provides a protective layer on the car's surface. The script describes using a spray-on wax after drying the car, which not only adds a layer of protection but also leaves a light sheen, enhancing the car's appearance.

💡Microfiber

Microfiber is a type of fabric used for cleaning and detailing cars due to its softness and ability to pick up fine particles without scratching. The script mentions using a microfiber cloth to wipe down the door jams and to remove overspray from tire shine, demonstrating its versatility in car care.

💡Tire Shine

Tire shine is a product applied to tires to give them a glossy, clean appearance. The script advises applying tire shine after ensuring the tires are completely dry to avoid a dull or uneven finish. This step is part of the final detailing process to enhance the overall look of the vehicle.

💡Touchless Car Wash

A touchless car wash is a type of automated car cleaning system that uses high-pressure water and chemicals to clean the car without physical contact. The script warns against using such car washes, even the touchless ones, as they can use harsh chemicals that may strip the wax and protective layer from the car's paint.

Highlights

Use a quality soap formulated for washing vehicles, not dish soap.

Mcguire's wash and wax is recommended for its effectiveness.

Utilize two buckets: one with soapy water and one with clean water.

Avoid circular motions; wash with straight lines following the vehicle's contour.

Start washing from the top of the vehicle and work downwards.

Rinse the vehicle before washing to remove loose debris.

Use a microfiber wash mitt for a gentle and effective clean.

Keep an eye on the soap to prevent it from drying on the vehicle, especially in hot weather.

Wash smaller sections if the weather is hot to avoid spotting.

Use a separate mitt for washing rims, tires, and wheel wells to avoid scratching the paint.

A chamois and spray-on wax are used for drying and adding a protective layer.

Apply a quick detailer spray to the door jams for added shine.

Finish with tire shine, ensuring the tires are completely dry first.

Avoid car washes with harsh chemicals that can strip the paint's protective layer.

The presenter offers to make a video on how to wax a car if requested.

Encourages viewers to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe for more content.

Transcripts

today i'm showing you guys how to wash

your car by demonstrating on my toyota

rav4 washing a car may seem simple

enough but there are some things that

you want to keep in mind because there

is a right and a wrong way

first make sure to use a quality soap

formulated for washing your vehicle

no dawn dish soap there's many options

out there i really like this mcguire's

wash and wax and it seems to work great

you're going to need two buckets make

sure you rinse them out before you use

them because dirt and dust can settle

when they're sitting in your garage fill

one with soap and water and the other

just water

i see a lot of people washing their

vehicles in circular motions but you

actually want to wash with straight

lines following the contour of your

vehicle this will reduce the visibility

of micro scratches that are caused by

washing the vehicle

start by putting the recommended amount

of soap in the bucket

i pretty much just eyeball it and fill

it with water until i get the desired

amount of suds

today i'm using a basic microfiber wash

mitt that i found on amazon

next rinse off your vehicle to get any

loose debris off before you begin the

washing process

don't forget the wheel wells

begin by washing from the top down i

like to break the car down into sections

the first section is from the roof down

to the window moldings including the

windshield and back glass

depending on how hot it is outside you

may need to wash smaller sections to

reduce spotting

as you wash keep an eye on the soap and

make sure it's not beginning to dry on

the vehicle

since we chose to film this on a hot

sunny day matt's going to be keeping the

car wet while i wash the vehicle after

completing a section rinse it and give

your mitt another dip in the bucket then

proceed to the next section remembering

to follow the contour of the body

next i do the hood and fenders

and then the doors

[Music]

and then i do the rear of the vehicle

wash behind the gas cap and wash the

lower trim panels

now it's time to wash the rims and the

tires and the wheel wells

make sure you have a separate mint to do

these so you don't pick up any rocks or

debris that can scratch your paint

grab a chamois and i like to use a spray

on wax which leaves a light coat of wax

as you dry to protect your car in

between wax applications

after i'm done washing and drying the

vehicle i grab a microfiber and this

quick detailer spray and i wipe down the

door jams

[Music]

finish off the look with some tire shine

but make sure the tires are completely

dry before you apply it

[Music]

wipe off any overspray with the other

side of your microfiber

[Music]

if you want to keep your paint looking

the best it can never take your car

through the car wash even the touchless

ones use harsh chemicals that can strip

the wax and protective layer from your

paint if you'd like to see a video on

how i wax my car let me know in the

comments thanks so much for watching if

you found this video helpful make sure

you give it a thumbs up consider

subscribing if you aren't already and

i'll see you guys in the next video