How to Wash a Car in the Driveway
- 1). Park your car in an area of the driveway where water will run off without puddling. Position the car away from anything you don't want sprayed with water. Put it in the shade to prevent water streaks from drying on the car. Roll up all the windows. Connect the garden hose to a spigot and attach a spray nozzle.
- 2). Hose down the entire car, starting at the roof, to remove any granular particles that could scratch the finish. Spray off all salt before hand washing your car in the winter. Use the hose to remove dirt and debris from the wheel wells and wheels.
- 3). Mix car washing soap and water in a bucket with the spray nozzle until it's sudsy. Avoid detergents such as dish soap and household cleaning products, because they will strip the wax off. Use the soap on a wool wash mitt, terry-cloth towel, sponge or soft brush to scrub the car. Start at the top and work your way down to the dirtiest parts of the car, and rinse the towel or brush often, to prevent scratching from dirt particles.
- 4). Wash one section of the car at a time. Remove dirt with gentle circular motions, don't grind debris into the car's finish. Rinse off the soapy water to remove the dirt. Frequently rinse off your sponge or mitt to stop scratches and swirl marks. Rinse the entire car thoroughly.
- 5). Use a clean terry-cloth or chamois cloth to remove water before it dries, leaving a spotty residue.
- 6). Use automotive spray-on cleaning products to remove tar and asphalt from the lower parts of the car. Wash the bottom body panels, wheels and lower fenders with a separate towel to avoid spreading grease, rubber and brake dust. Try bug-and-tar remover for stubborn grimy accumulations. Spray it on and wipe it off with a non-abrasive cloth. Use wheel cleaner for chrome, aluminum or metal alloy wheels and hub caps.