Home & Garden
7 common mistakes we all make when washing the car
If you’re taking the time to scrub down the car, it makes sense to do it the right way. From when to wash to what to use, we’ve got you covered.
- Washing in the hot sun – While pulling out the buckets and sponges at lunchtime may be appealing, washing your car when the sun is high in the sky is a recipe for water spots and streaks. This is due to the water drying to quickly on the surface. Try washing in the morning or late afternoon instead.
- Using dishwashing liquid or other non-specific soaps – Dishwashing liquid and other slightly abrasive soaps are a big no-no for car washing. These kind of products are formulated to act against things like grease hence they are far too harsh on your car’s exterior.
- Haphazard scrubbing – A good car wash follows a system. Washing from top to bottom prevents dirty water dripping down onto previously cleaned parts of the exterior and minimises the chance of streaks.
- Forgetting the tires – You really don’t want to think too hard about what the tires of your car have been through over the course of a week or month. Forgetting to give them a good hose down also means trapped dirt and muck can be drawn up into other parts of the car. A good rinse down with the hose usually does the trick.
- Letting the hose run while washing – While this doesn’t directly impact your actual washing experience, it’s a terrible waste of water. Make sure you switch the hose off while scrubbing and/or rinsing. The environment will thank you!
- Neglecting the floor mats – Just like your tires, the floor mats see a lot of action. They also attract a significant amount of germs. Removing them for a thorough vacuum and sitting them in the sun for a period is the best way to keep them spick and span.
- Forgetting the dashboard – Wondering which part of the car is the most germ infested? You might be surprised to learn that it’s your dashboard! Wiping down with an anti-bacterial wipe on a regular basis is the best way to keep germs at bay.
Related links:
4 stains you shouldn’t use water to clean
More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s
8 DIY alternatives to wrapping paper