The Importance of Proper Car Washing Techniques

Throughout many of the articles produced by the authors of the Detailed Image Ask A Pro Blog, you’ll find a consistent message: Proper washing and drying techniques and materials are paramount to keeping your car looking its best! This applies whether you are doing it yourself, or if you’re having your cars maintained by “professional detailers”. Just because you’re paying for a service, it doesn’t mean that they’re using the safest techniques, tools, or materials.

Several months ago I spent about 20 hours perfecting a Ferrari 360 Spider that had been improperly washed for years. When it left our studio it was as close to a perfect finish that was safely possible.

Here you can see what the finish looked like before polishing. This is what paint looks like when proper wash / dry methods are not used:

This is what the finish looked like after it was polished…notice the huge difference in clarity and color now that all of the swirls and defects have been removed.

I got a chance to see this same car yesterday, and was amazed at how bad the finished looked once again after a few short months of improper washing techniques. This can be avoided when proper wash techniques are used.

To serve as a reminder for all of our readers, I have included links to some reference articles on the proper care and maintenance of your car.

How To Properly Wash and Dry a Car (Without Causing Swirls)

The Grit Guard 2×4 Wash Method

Proper Microfiber Care

How To Care for Sheepskin Wash Mitts

Follow these guidelines and you’ll significantly reduce the possibility of inducing swirls and other damage to the finish of your cars!

I hope this helps.