One of the most important ways to maintain your vehicles appearance is properly washing your vehicle between detailing visits. There are two methods for doing this. The first is the traditional bucket and soap method. The next is the new method utilizing the waterless wash technology.

First lets talk about the traditional method. First the items you will need include water, soap, buckets, wash mitts, chamois, micro fiber cloths and shaded area.

1. Fill one bucket with clean water and a second bucket with soap and water. Use a premium car wash shampoo and follow the directions. Remember that when preparing the soap more is NOT better since the more soap you use the more wax or paint sealant you will be removing from your vehicle.
2. Rinse your vehicle with water from a hose or pressure washer with a fan setting. Rinse from the top down and be sure to spray off as much dirt as possible.
3. Next dunk a couple of wash mitts into your soap bucket and beginning with the upper half of the vehicle gently guide the wash mitt on the vehicle surfaces. Be sure NOT to use any pressure since this will cause micro scratches in your paint. After every one or two panels dunk your mitts into the bucket of water to keep them clean then re-dunk them into the bucket of soap.
4. After completing the upper half of the vehicle move onto the lower half.
5. After completing the lower half clean the wheels using the same method. We recommend that you use a different wash mitt or cloth to clean the wheels.
6. Next rinse the entire vehicle with water. We suggest that you use your hose without any sprayer. This will help aid in drying the vehicle since it helps to sheet water off.
7. Next dry the vehicle using your chamois and follow with a micro fibre cloth for a spot free shine. Ring out the chamois occasionally and use a new micro fibre cloth once the one you are using becomes damp.

Proper Vehicle Washing- Part II Learn the waterless method.