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There’s nothing quite like that fresh car feeling. Whether you’re trying to keep your car looking its best or working to up its resale value, learning how to wash your car with a thorough deep clean makes all the difference.
Doing a proper clean at home takes a little more than just a rinse, so we’ve put together our ultimate step-by-step guide to help you clean your car inside and out. From the tools you’ll need to the best order to tackle the job, we’ve got you covered.
What’s Included In This Article?
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Car?
Most cars could do with a lighter wash every couple of weeks, especially during the wetter months when road salt, grime and mud can build up quickly. A full car deep clean, covering both the interior and exterior, should ideally be done every three to six months to protect your car’s paintwork and resale potential.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you get started, it’ll make your cleaning job easier if you get everything together in advance. Here’s what we recommend grabbing:
For The Exterior:
Two buckets (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
A hose or pressure washer
A wheel brush (and wheel cleaner if you have stubborn grime)
For The Interior:
A vacuum cleaner with attachments
Upholstery or leather cleaner for seats
Microfibre cloths
Not sure which products are right for your car? Browse our full range of car cleaning supplies and accessories to find everything you need in one place.
The Ultimate Guide To Deep Cleaning Your Car
Work through each of the steps below for a proper clean that covers every inch of your car, inside and out.
How To Clean Your Car’s Exterior
Step 1: Rinse the car thoroughly
The dirtier your car, the more likely you are to scratch it. Make a start first by rinsing your car with a power washer or a regular hose to get as much dirt off the car as possible. Start from the top of your car and work all the way down.
Step 2: Tackle the wheels
Wheels are the dirtiest part of the car, so it’s best to clean them before properly washing the rest of the bodywork to avoid splashing any dirt back onto your clean car. You can use a pressure washer or a wheel brush for this. If your wheels are particularly grimy, apply an alloy wheel cleaner and let it settle, then scrub them with a wheel brush and rinse.
Step 3: Go back over with the two buckets
Fill one bucket with warm water and car shampoo, and another bucket with clean water for rinsing your mitt or sponge. Wash the car from the roof down, working in sections with gentle, straight strokes. Each time you’ve washed a section, dip your mitt or sponge into the rinse bucket first to remove any dirt before going back into the soapy water bucket.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Finally, spray wash the car thoroughly from top to bottom. Make sure you clean all around the car, including the door jams and fuel caps. Then gently dry your car with a clean microfibre towel.
Step 5: Clean the windscreen and mirrors
Spray glass cleaner onto a microfibre cloth – not directly onto the glass – and wipe the windscreen and wing mirrors, buffing for a streak-free finish.
Step 6: Apply wax or polish
Once the car is completely dry, applying wax or polish will add an extra layer of protection and give the paintwork a great shine. Following the product instructions, apply in small circular motions and buff off with a clean microfibre cloth.
How To Clean Your Car’s Interior
Step 1: Remove everything and declutter
Start by taking everything out of the car, including the floor mats, any loose items in door pockets and cupholders and any rubbish. This will give you clear cleaning access for every surface.
Step 2: Vacuum everywhere
Vacuum the entire interior, making sure to go over the seats, doors, carpets and boot. Use a crevice attachment to get into the gaps between and under seats and in the tricky areas around the handbrake and the cupholders.
Step 3: Clean the hard surfaces
Apply an interior or all-purpose cleaner to a microfibre cloth and wipe down all hard surfaces. For an even deeper clean, you could even use a soft brush to get into the grooves around air vents and buttons. Take care not to spray any cleaning products directly onto screens or electronics.
Step 4: Clean the seats
Now for the seats. For fabric seats, apply an upholstery cleaner (always following the specific product instructions) and work it in gently with a soft brush before dabbing away with a clean cloth. For leather seats, use a dedicated leather cleaner to keep the material protected and avoid any cracking.
Step 5: Clean the floor mats
Give the floor mats a good scrub with a brush and soapy water, then rinse them and leave them to dry before putting them back in. For carpet mats, you could also use a dedicated upholstery cleaner for any tougher stains.
Looking for more expert car detailing advice? We’ve covered everything from how to use a clay bar on your car to how to remove scratches from your car, so you can keep your car in top shape.
FAQs
Can I Wash My Car With Washing-up Liquid?
We’d recommend avoiding using washing-up liquid to clean your car. The chemicals in household washing-up liquid are designed to cut through food grease, and so can strip away the protective wax coating on your paintwork. Always use a dedicated car shampoo to protect your car’s finish.
What’s The Best Weather For Washing My Car?
Sunshine and hot weather aren’t ideal for car washing as your soapy water will dry quickly, leaving streaks and water marks. The best weather for cleaning your car is a dry overcast day or a mild day with plenty of shade.
Can I Use A Pressure Washer To Clean My Car?
Pressure washers can be very effective when it comes to car cleaning, but only when used correctly. Keep the nozzle at least 30-60cm away from the paintwork and opt for a wide-angle nozzle rather than a concentrated jet to avoid any damage.