Washing your car: which would you rather do?

I think we have the same mindset on this one, GemmaR. But, I beg to differ on the part where you said not washing your car personally is being lazy. I do let the professionals wash my car once in a while, especially when I'm busy and the car badly needs some washing.

Hi, pageturner! If you don't mind me asking, how do you exactly wash your car? Care to share? Maybe I could learn a thing or two from you.

I don't know what to say, pageturner. Your car is like royalty with all the pampering you did with it. I think you should try putting up your own professional car detailing shop with your skills. I'm not so good with telling details but anyway, here goes. Just like you, I always make sure I do my washing in a shaded place and I also begin from the top then going downwards. I use a sponge since its less prone to cause scratching and its more convenient to use than a cloth. After I'm done with the body, I will proceed to the wash the wheels. And after that, I use a pressurized water to wash the chassis. Waxing then follows. I buff it till it's shining like its former glory, back when I first bought it. Of course, I won't forget about vacuuming the inside after I'm done waxing. By the way, Pageturner, I did learn a lot from your post. Thanks a lot!

I doubt it, usemyname. You seem to know a lot about this sort of thing. As for me, first, it is important that the car be in the shade. No direct sunlight! Next, I start at the top and go down the vehicle. One of my biggest pet peeves is that others just start anywhere on the car, and end up doing the top later. This makes no sense to me. I start at the top and wash it well. I usually wash the top at least two times, then work my way down, making sure that there are no pebbles or particles of the sand in the sponge or cloth as these will scratch the finish. If I drop the washing clothe/sponge on the ground, I will get a new one. I wash under the vehicle as well, especially in the wheel wells, but also under the vehicle. Sometimes I set up the sprinkler and put it under the vehicle and let it wash the undercarriage for some time. Then I will crawl under and wash more. Likewise, I wash the engine compartment, but am careful in this regard. I drive a 4x4 so I have a bit more clearance for doing this. I wash the body in all the open doors and the back door. I spend a lot of time on the wheels and on the tires. I have brushes and clothes for these that are separate from washing the body of the vehicle. I wash the windows, inside and out. No streaks! I apply the RainX to all the windows so the bugs and other things won't stick to the glass. (If I am using the liquid wax from the pay car wash (I do this every once in awhile) I will also apply the wax to the windows.) After I am satisfied with the wash, I move on to the wax. Again, must be in the shade!! I am very meticulous about the waxing. After the washing, I will remove the top from the vehicle and commence to waxing. I use various implements and brushes to make sure I can get all of the wax out of all of the places. I will buff the vehicle until it is like the liquid glass. I will wax every part of the body, including in the engine compartment and inside the doors. I forgot to mention that prior to all of this, I usually wash all the inside windows first. As the top comes off my vehicle, after I have washed it I will remove the top and then it is easier to vacuum inside and do the inside detail work. How do you wash your car, usemyname?

Indeed! Not to mention the calories you will burn while doing it. It's win-win situation for you, babystar1!

Hey jai, Now i own a bike with me but i can get a car from my friends i them. I used to wash my bike myself with shampoos. Shampoos make my bike clean and tidy. Don't you make sure of shampoos to clean the your vechile?

wonder, of course I use shampoo and special lotion to hide dents.. what i am saying is...there are parts that needs machine cleaning...like under the vehicle- how can you imagine me going under my car to clean it?

@jaihoo2009 You meant the chassis right? I tried washing the chassy one time with a pressurized water at home. But, I have to agree with you on this one, that there are some places that are so hard to reach unless you have your car lifted by a hydraulic lift or any other means. @wonderboy I'm not sure if you're referring to a car shampoo or hair shampoo. Car shampoos do give your car that much desired showroom shine and it cleans better than just soap and water. But, hair shampoo? Now that could totally mess up the paint job.

They will do their best for the price you're paying them, cloud31. Having the car wash people clean your car is a good idea since they're fast and efficient because of the machines and tools they are using. I'm glad you're happy with their services.

Good for your, dannybosilkov! I usually do that also when I'm too busy.

It sounds like you have a lot of fun during the process of washing your bike with your cousins, thewonderboy.