How to wash your car at home to avoid scratches: the two-bucket method

It would seem that washing your car at home is a good way to save money. But in practice, many people face the problem of scratches and damage to the paintwork after such procedures.

However, this does not mean that you are doomed to always visit specialized car washes. Automotive expert Ben Custard talks about how to clean your car and minimize the risk of damage.

The paintwork of a car is a vulnerable area that is easily exposed to mechanical stress. When washing a car, the main enemy is sand, dirt, and other small particles that leave microscopic scratches on the surface. When you wipe the car with a wet sponge or cloth, they all turn into an abrasive that scratches the surface of the car even if it's not immediately noticeable. Over time, these micro-scratches can turn into visible defects.

How can you avoid scratches when washing your car?

Custard emphasizes that the two-bucket method is the best way to minimize the risk of scratches and other damage to the car body. The idea is to use two containers: one filled with car shampoo and the other with clean water to rinse a sponge or wash mitt. This allows you to remove residual dirt from the sponge after each pass without passing it to the car.

The expert recommends starting the washing process by thoroughly rinsing the car with water. This will help remove all the dirt particles that often lead to scratches. After that, you can apply a soapy solution to the surface of the car using a sponge or mitt.

According to Custard, it is also worth considering using a grit guard, a special mesh that collects dirt particles at the bottom of the bucket. This prevents debris from re-entering the sponge and, consequently, the car body, which significantly reduces the risk of scratches.

Tires

Another important aspect is cleaning tires, as they are one of the most contaminated parts of the car.

Use separate cloths for tires and body to avoid cross-contamination. It is also important to rinse buckets thoroughly after washing different parts of the machine to avoid getting dirt on the paint.

Polishing and waxing

In addition to basic washing, Custard recommends waxing and polishing the car. Most polishes can be applied to a dry body, and then you just need to polish the surface with a clean microfiber cloth. And wax, in turn, creates a protective layer that not only reduces the likelihood of dirt sticking but also gives the car a shiny look.

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