Wash your car yourself: How to wash your car properly

For you, your car is not just a means to an end. It is your faithful companion in many ways, an expression of your style and often a bit of pride. Therefore, it deserves to be treated with care and attention. A crucial aspect is proper car washing. But how exactly do you wash your vehicle so that the paint is protected, all dirt is efficiently removed and a radiant shine is achieved without having to go to the car wash every time?

Washing is an important part of the car care process. It is important to use the right cleaning products to clean the car thoroughly and gently to protect the paint from damage. In this blog post you will learn more about how you can wash your car yourself and why the right cleaning products are so important.

The preparation – everything starts before washing

Before you actually start washing your vehicle, thorough preparation is crucial. As with so many things, the following applies here: good preparation is half the battle.

1. Choosing the right place:

The choice of where to wash can have a significant impact on the final result. Avoid direct sunlight as this will cause the water and detergent to dry too quickly, which can lead to water stains. A shady spot or a garage is ideal.

2. Prepare tools and products:

Before you get started, you should make sure that you have all the necessary tools and products at hand. This includes buckets, a high-quality wash mitt, car shampoo and various cloths. Using specialized car care products instead of traditional household cleaners protects your paint and ensures better results.

3. Let the vehicle cool down:

If your car comes straight out of the sun or from a long trip, let it cool down first. Hot paint can react with cold water and cause stains or even damage.

4. Identify and remove coarse dirt:

Before you get to work with water and shampoo, it is advisable to remove coarse dirt such as bird droppings, resin or insect residue in advance. There are special cleaners that remove such dirt without damaging the paint.

5. Wheels first:

The rims and tires are often the dirtiest parts of a car. Therefore, start with a separate rim cleaning before washing the rest of the vehicle. This way you prevent dirt and brake dust from getting onto the freshly washed body.

The preparation may seem time-consuming at first, but it ensures that your car is not only clean but also undamaged at the end. In the next section, we'll dive deeper into the actual washing process.

Why the right cleaning products are important when washing your car

Cleaning products for car washing are not only important but also essential. With the right products, you can extend the life of your vehicle while maintaining its value. This is because some cleaning products and procedures can cause damage to the paint surface. They can also attack the car's surface coating and result in poor paintwork. This is why it is important to use the right cleaning products that are specifically designed for car washing. These cleaning products are able to protect your vehicle's paint while extending its lifespan. They can also help you minimize the risk of scratches and dirt and give you a clean and attractive look. This means that the right cleaning products are essential when washing your car in order to achieve good, long-lasting results.

The washing process – step by step to a shiny result

When washing your car, both the right technology and the choice of the right products play a crucial role. For example, a good wheel rim cleaner is essential to remove stubborn dirt. The decision whether you wash in a laundry box or at home can also influence the result. For an effective and gentle car wash, we recommend the car wash set from 21CARS . This set contains 10 selected care products to keep your vehicle in top shape, including products for polishing and treating scratches. But now let’s get to work!

1. Apply two-bucket system:

A must to wash your car properly. One bucket for the foaming car shampoo and the other for plain water to rinse the wash mitt. This minimizes the risk of dirt particles being transferred back to the car and possibly causing scratches.

2. Wash from top to bottom:

Start at the roof and work systematically downwards. The rule is simple: start where there is the least dirt.

3. Thorough rinsing:

Foam, shampoo residue and loose dirt particles should be completely removed. A high-pressure cleaner can be used for this - but always carefully and at a sufficient distance from the vehicle.

4. Dry vehicle:

Air drying is not always the best choice. An absorbent microfiber cloth or a special drying cloth prevents unsightly water stains and is also gentle on the paint.

5. Attention to details:

After the basic cleaning comes the detailed work. With a detailer you can give your car the final touch and make it shine in the truest sense of the word.

A proper washing process can seem like a laborious task at first glance. But with the right equipment, a little care and systematic approach, it will be a successful experience - and your car will thank you!

The interior – care and cleaning of the vehicle interior

Once the exterior shine has been restored, we turn our attention to the heart of your car: the interior. This is where a lot of dirt often accumulates, from dust to crumbs to unpleasant smells. Interior care should therefore not be neglected:

1. Rough cleaning:

First, you should remove all loose objects and coarse dirt from the vehicle. A handy vacuum cleaner can be very helpful, especially in the cracks and corners.

2. Caring for seats and upholstery:

Depending on whether you have leather seats, fabric seats or other materials in your car, you will need different care products. A special leather care product is recommended for leather seats to keep the material supple. An upholstery cleaner can work wonders on fabric seats.

3. Clean dashboard and plastic parts:

The dashboard and other plastic parts in the vehicle can be treated with special plastic cleaners. Not only do these give a clean look, but they often also offer UV protection.

4. Clean windows:

Streak-free windows are not only visually appealing, but also safety-relevant. There are special car glass cleaners that clean without leaving any residue.

5. Air freshener:

To counteract unpleasant odors, you can install an air freshener in the car. But be careful: choose a subtle scent that is not too overpowering.

6. Regular refresher:

Even if you can't do a complete interior cleaning every week, it's worth regularly wiping the surfaces with a microfiber cloth and vacuuming the floor. This means the vehicle stays fresh and inviting for longer.

Remember that regular interior maintenance not only ensures a pleasant atmosphere, but also preserves the value of your car. After all, a well-maintained car not only pleases the driver, but also leaves a positive impression on passengers and potential buyers.

The different care of car parts

The right cleaning products when washing your car are very important to protect the car parts and extend their lifespan. The wrong cleaning products can even cause damage to the car parts, which can result in expensive repairs. That's why it's essential to use the right tools and cleaning products to maintain and protect the car parts. Use high-quality care products: A high-quality care kit can make all the difference. Our recommendation: the car wash set from 21CARS . It combines all the essential tools and care products you need for effective and gentle cleaning.

Another important aspect is that the right cleaning products make car washing faster and more efficient. They make it easier to remove dirt and ensure a clean and shiny result. You should also make sure you have the right products in your car care kit. There are a variety of products specifically designed to care for auto parts to ensure optimal care and protection.

Always remember that regular care not only improves the appearance of your car but also maintains its value. With the right tools and a consistent care routine, your vehicle will always be in top shape.

The effects of bad products on the car

It is important to use the right cleaning products when washing your car to minimize the effects of bad products on the car. For example, poor cleaning products can damage the car's paint coating, resulting in discoloration, stains and even scratches. Aggressive ingredients can also dull the shine of the car and shorten the life of the car parts. In addition, poor cleaning products can damage the engine, which can lead to serious damage. Therefore, it is important that you use the right cleaning products to minimize the effects of bad products on the car. It is advisable to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer when using cleaning products, as they are specifically designed to protect the car's paint and improve its performance. You should also use the right tools and equipment to achieve the best results.

How to find the best products for your car

It is important that you choose the right cleaning products for your car because they are crucial to the outcome of your car wash. With the right products, you can reliably clean your car and protect its paint at the same time. You can also reduce the risk of scratches and other damage with the right cleaners. Another benefit of using the right products is that they make car washing much more efficient, giving you more time. You can also rest assured that you are not applying any harmful substances to your car, which is especially important if you use eco-friendly cleaning products. Overall, it is very important that you choose the right cleaning products for your car. This way you can wash your car more efficiently and protect the paint at the same time.

Our 21CARS conclusion

Car washing is much more than just a cosmetic measure - it contributes significantly to maintaining the value and longevity of your vehicle. Whether it's removing stubborn dirt, protecting the paint or subsequent care: every step plays a crucial role. One should not underestimate the difference the right tools and products can make.

The car wash set from 21CARS is a particularly recommended option for giving your car the care it deserves. Ultimately, thorough and regular cleaning not only pays off in a shiny appearance, but also in a car that will reliably accompany you for many years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We wish you a good and safe journey – and of course an always shiny vehicle!