Cleaning your car yourself in 6 steps. How to do it well and effectively and where is the best place?

Tips

Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

Washing your car is one of the basic activities that give it an elegant and beautiful look. It is best to perform this procedure yourself so as not to expose the car body to damage that could occur in an automatic car wash. At the same time, it is one of the cheapest methods of keeping a car body in good shape.

From the article you will learn:

• why it is worth cleaning your car yourself;
• how to prepare for washing your car yourself, taking into account legal regulations;
• what dirt is the same for each season;
• why it makes sense to clean your car regularly;
• what is the best way to clean plastic vehicle parts;
• what to look for when planning to clean your car yourself;
• what products to choose to achieve satisfactory deals.

Is it worth washing your car yourself? You need to know!

Regularly cleaning your car is essential if you want to keep your paintwork in good condition for longer. Dirt that accumulates on the surface of your car can lead to scratches and damage. Washing your car also helps prevent corrosion, which often starts in invisible places. It is worth washing your car regularly to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Washing your car is an activity that you can do in several ways. The most popular ones are automatic and touchless car washes. Unfortunately, these solutions have their drawbacks. That is why cleaning your car yourself may be the best choice.

If you decide to clean your car's body and interior yourself:

• You decide what products you want to use and how you will clean your car;
• you will avoid the risk of scratches and micro-damage to the paintwork;
• you will reach even hard-to-reach places that require thorough cleaning;
• you do not risk serious damage to plastic, chrome and glass elements.

If you want to clean your car yourself, you can go to places like touchless car wash. Then you can effectively and safely clean your car without the risk of unsightly scratches appearing on the paint surface.

If you want a perfect look, it is worth investing in a thorough car wash at home. Cleaning the car interior in this way makes the interior look like new. Additionally, cleaning plastic elements makes the interior more aesthetic and pleasant to use.

Car Interior Cleaning and Beyond – What You Need to Remember

It's worth washing your car regularly, but it's important to do it properly. Dishwashing liquid is not suitable for cleaning car bodies because it can dull the paint and accelerate corrosion. Some liquids contain vinegar or other aggressive ingredients that can damage metal parts. Instead, choose car cleaners that are specifically designed for paint and plastic parts.

When washing your car yourself, remember a few basic rules. Use soft sponges and microfiber cloths to avoid scratching.

For cleaning the car interior, choose dedicated products – universal products can destroy the car upholstery or discolour plastic elements. A thorough car wash also includes washing the car windows and cleaning the plastic elements on the dashboard.

Remember these 4 simple rules when you decide to vacuum your car yourself or wash your vehicle completely yourself.

1. Do not use household cleaning products – dishwashing liquids or bleach can damage the paint and accelerate corrosion.
2. Use car cleaning products – they have the right composition and protect the paint and interior elements.
3. Car interior cleaning – use dedicated products for washing fabric and leather car upholstery.
4. Avoid brushes with hard bristles – they can scratch the paint and damage the car body.

Read also: What to wash your car with? Brush or sponge?

You should equip yourself with the necessary car accessories: a bucket, a sponge, shampoo, microfiber cloths for drying and polishing, and latex gloves to protect our hands.

Did you know that…? Independent washing electric cars is identical to the case of classic combustion cars. You do not need to use special safety rules or special agents to clean the car's body and interior.

Washing Your Own Car and Cleaning Products – What Do You Need?

Washing your car yourself is a great way to save money and take care of your car's appearance. Just a few basic steps will give you a great result. It is important to use products designed for paint to avoid scratches.

Before washing, rinse the car with water to remove larger dirt. Then reach for the appropriate products:

• shampoo with wax – adds shine and protects the paintwork;
• active foam – removes difficult stains;
• rim cleaner – dissolves deposits from brake pads;
• microfiber – for streak-free drying;
• spray wax – for additional protection.

After washing your car, remember to thoroughly rinse off any residue and dry the bodywork. Regular washing will extend the life of the paint and make your car look like new.

Cleaning body parts and the season

Washing the interior and exterior of your car should be done in completely different conditions, depending on the season. The same applies to washing car windows - when it's freezing outside, you simply can't do it properly

Spring is a time for trips out of town, but also for tree pollen. Pollen and tree sap settle on the paint and can damage it. It's worth washing your car regularly to avoid difficult-to-remove dirt.

If you are wondering what shampoo to choose for a black car – choose a shampoo with wax. It effectively removes dust and protects the paint from scratches. It is also worth remembering to wash car windows and clean plastic elements – this will make the car look like new.

Don't forget about the interior. Washing your car yourself also includes cleaning the interior of your car - use gentle agents to clean the upholstery and plastic parts. Regularly cleaning your car will prolong its life and make driving more enjoyable.

It is worth remembering that washing the car in spring should be on every driver's calendar.

(photo: My Car)

Washing windows, cleaning carpets and the whole car – SUMMER

In the summer, your car becomes your daily companion – for commuting, trips and holidays. Unfortunately, dried insects on paint and windows are a common problem. It is worth washing your car regularly to avoid difficult-to-remove dirt.

To clean your car in the summer, use shampoo with wax. Effectively softens dried insects and allows them to be easily removed from the car body and license plates. This will help you avoid streaks on the windows and problems during road checks.

Don't forget about the interior. Cleaning your car yourself also means cleaning the interior of your car - clean the upholstery, wash the windows and take care of cleaning the plastic parts. Regular washing will make your car look good and last longer.

(photo: My Car)

Autumn and winter, or washing your car in difficult weather conditions

Washing your car in the fall and winter can be a challenge, but regular cleaning helps keep your car in good condition. In autumn, rain and mud quickly settle on the bodywork, creating stains. Use a shampoo with wax, which not only removes dirt but also protects the paint from moisture.

Cleaning plastic parts and windows will prevent dirt from settling and improve visibility. Also, make sure to clean the car's interior - moisture and mud quickly lead to unpleasant odors.

In winter, the biggest threat to the car body is road salt. Wash your car regularly to prevent corrosion. Wash the wheel arches and lower parts of the doors thoroughly, because this is where the most salt collects. After washing, apply a layer of wax, which will create a protective barrier against frost and dirt.

Cleaning the inside of your car will help keep it clean and free from moisture. Washing your car yourself in the fall and winter is a simple way to keep your car in good condition for longer.

It is worth remembering here that washing the car in winter is definitely a good idea. It's also worth considering spring car cleaning, to prepare them for the new season.

(photo: My Car)

Cleaning and washing your car with shampoo and wax in 6 steps

Well, okay then what to wash a car with? Best with shampoo! Here is the recommended method of use Moje Auto car shampoo with wax. It effectively and efficiently removes dirt such as dust, road deposits, mud and polishes the bodywork. It is efficient - a 1,3 l package is enough for 40 washing cycles.

Moje Auto Car shampoo with wax

Where to buy View product

Moje Auto Virage Car sponge "Butterfly"

Where to buy View product

My Auto Virage Microfiber for drying the bodywork

Where to buy View product

STEP 1: We start washing with a simple activity. We rinse the car with water under pressure to get rid of dried mud, sand and gravel. This is important because it will avoid possible scratches to the paint.

(photo: My Car)

STEP 2: Before use, shake the bottle so that the active ingredients contained in the product are distributed throughout its entire volume, which will allow the product to work better.

STEP 3: Mix 100 ml of shampoo with 10 liters of warm water. It is important to follow the recommendations on the label. Thanks to this, we will be more satisfied with the results. Too little product may result in unsatisfactory cleaning effectiveness. In turn, too much, and the product will accumulate on the washed surface. This will result in streaks and stains.

(photo: My Car)

STEP 4: We wash the car with a sponge, using circular movements. We start with the roof, then wash the sides of the vehicle. Thanks to the wax content, the shampoo nourishes and polishes the paint. Constant washing helps maintain the shine of the paint. Cleaning with wax shampoo is simple, and the concentrated formula removes stubborn dirt quickly and leaves an orange scent.

(photo: My Car)

STEP 5: Rinse the cleaned surface with water, starting from the roof. This must be done carefully so that no detergent residues remain on the bodywork. This could result in streaks, spoiling the entire effect.

STEP 6: Time for drying the car. Wipe the body dry. This stage of care should not be skipped. Water, which is necessary during washing, can leave streaks. This can be done with a microfiber or chamois cloth or a water squeegee. After drying the vehicle, the effect of washing is immediately visible. The body is clean and shiny and additionally protected against harmful external factors, such as UV radiation.

(photo: My Car)

Where to wash your car?

When we know what products to use to wash the car ourselves, depending on the level of dirt in each season, we still need to know where we can and cannot carry out the washing process ourselves. The car can only be washed in places designated for this purpose.

This rule should be understood literally. For washing a car in front of a block of flats, or even on your own property if it is not adapted for this, you can get a ticket. It will be given by a passing police patrol who notices it, or will be called to intervene by the person reporting the violation of the law. The fine can be as much as PLN 500.

A place suitable for washing a car should be understood as, for example, a private property that has a sewage system into which dirty water flows or an appropriate non-draining tank.

This is to prevent dirty water from seeping into the ground. When washing a car, you must not violate the provisions of the relevant act, which contains regulations regarding self-washing of the car.

(graphic: My Car)

In Article 4 of this Act you can read, among other things, that:

1. The commune council, after seeking the opinion of the state district sanitary inspector, adopts regulations for maintaining cleanliness and order in the commune, hereinafter referred to as the "regulations"; the regulations are an act of local law.
2. The regulations specify detailed rules for maintaining cleanliness and order in the commune regarding:
   1. point c) washing and repairing motor vehicles outside car washes and repair workshops.

Car Upholstery and Body Cleaning – Expert Opinion

In practice, washing car upholstery, comprehensive car cleaning and safe car exterior cleaning is not difficult. You just need to know how to do it properly and what products to use so as not to damage any of the paint, plastic or chrome coatings.

This does not mean that washing the car yourself is not an option. Simply put, before we decide to do so, we should familiarize ourselves with the full content of the regulations and ensure appropriate preparation so as not to violate them, and only then start washing the car. This is how Michał Lisiak, an automotive expert and owner, comments on the entire situation Motorewia.pl.

- Very often one may get the impression that the law is not created to make our lives easier. Just to make it as difficult as possible. The driver must take care of his car to protect it against corrosion. Regular cleaning also improves driving safety by making the driver see better and be more visible.

According to the legislator, washing your car yourself on your own property is unecological. Because pollutants washed from the car get into the ground with dirty water. Following this line of reasoning, rainfall should be prohibited by appropriate special law. Because rain also washes away pollution. Moreover, not only from cars, but also from houses and industrial plants. Interestingly, the law does not prohibit washing the house or paving stones in front of the house. But you are no longer allowed to drive a car.

What pollutants from car washing get into the ground with water?

According to information found on the Internet, these are liters of oil, grease or other operating fluids. Would you agree with this statement?

– Someone who writes such things has never seen a car up close in his life. The car's systems are tight. And that's one of the reasons why you pay for technical inspections every year so that a diagnostician can check their tightness.

In many municipalities, the law prohibits vehicle repairs outside repair shops. What losses will the ecosystem suffer in a clash with a driver who repaired his car by replacing the air filter, light bulb, headlight, door, spark plugs or air flow meter? What was released into the atmosphere or ground during such repairs?

In many municipalities, the law prohibits washing the car in places that do not have a hardened, tight surface and that sewage is not discharged into the municipal sewage system or into septic tanks (i.e., implicitly, septic tanks). What can be done? You can build a special place for washing your car, lined with paving stones (or equivalents) with a properly leveled linear water drain leading to a sewage system, septic tank or sewage treatment plant. You can build such drainage in the garage and connect it to the sewage system.

Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to improvise. You can buy several square meters of thick construction foil. Drive on it while washing the car. Shape it to create something like a water drain after washing. For example, for a construction bucket buried in the ground, which can be purchased for a dozen or so zlotys. The Polish driver has to think hard. On your own plot. To wash your own car. You should also remember to use biodegradable cleaning agents.

What pollutants from car washing get into the ground with water?

According to information found on the Internet, these are liters of oil, grease or other operating fluids. Would you agree with this statement?

– Someone who writes such things has never seen a car up close in his life. The car's systems are tight. And that's one of the reasons why you pay for technical inspections every year so that a diagnostician can check their tightness.

In many municipalities, the law prohibits vehicle repairs outside repair shops. What losses will the ecosystem suffer in a clash with a driver who repaired his car by replacing the air filter, light bulb, headlight, door, spark plugs or air flow meter? What was released into the atmosphere or ground during such repairs?

In many municipalities, the law prohibits washing the car in places that do not have a hardened, tight surface and that sewage is not discharged into the municipal sewage system or into septic tanks (i.e., implicitly, septic tanks). What can be done? You can build a special place for washing your car, lined with paving stones (or equivalents) with a properly leveled linear water drain leading to a sewage system, septic tank or sewage treatment plant. You can build such drainage in the garage and connect it to the sewage system.

Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to improvise. You can buy several square meters of thick construction foil. Drive on it while washing the car. Shape it to create something like a water drain after washing. For example, for a construction bucket buried in the ground, which can be purchased for a dozen or so zlotys. The Polish driver has to think hard. On your own plot. To wash your own car. You should also remember to use biodegradable cleaning agents.

Car cleaning – summary

Thoroughly washing your car yourself requires a lot of time and work. However, no one will do it as thoroughly as we ourselves. In this way, we prevent unnecessary scratches and dulling of the paint, and we will enjoy a beautiful-looking car for a long time. The above tips are intended to make this seemingly simple care procedure easier.

So cleaning your car yourself is not complicated. You just need to remember the applicable regulations and get safe products that will help remove dirt without the risk of damaging the body or upholstery.

In practice, cleaning the car body and washing car upholstery is easier when you have the necessary equipment and at least basic skills in this area. Otherwise, it is easy to damage the elements, and then there is no other option but to take the vehicle to an auto detailing service.

Also read other blog entries:

• My Car Shampoo with wax
• Moje Auto Virage Rectangular, double-sided car sponge, brown"
• Virage Set of 4 microfiber cloths
• My Auto Virage Microfiber for drying the bodywork
• Moje Auto Virage Microfiber for windows and mirrors