Washing is a fundamental process for cleaning the car. In fact, this phase is absolutely not to be underestimated, indeed, with the correct products and techniques it is possible to immediately minimize imperfections and bring the vehicle to a better appearance. Before starting this process, however, it is necessary to prepare appropriate products, tools and equipment.
The washing process consists of two phases, the touchless degreasing pre-wash , that is, without touching the surfaces but using only the cleaning power of the chemical products used and the high-pressure washer, and the finishing wash with a glove and/or sponge.
/// PREWASH (phase 1)
The pre-wash is strictly linked to the type of dirt found on the bodywork. In this phase it is possible to eliminate almost all the impurities without touching the surfaces, thus avoiding the creation of further imperfections. The pre-wash must be carried out using an alkaline pH detergent. For example: Lift , MultiX , Twister Comfort , Exterior Multi Cleaner .
- Lift : foaming pre-wash ideal for removing large quantities of dirt.
- MultiX : powerful and effective, suitable before applying coatings or for normal maintenance.
- Twister Comfort : perfect degreaser to remove patina and smog. Safe on cars protected by coating.
- Exterior Multi Cleaner : ready-to-use cleaner ideal for cleaning the exterior of the car, removing any type of road dirt.
The method of dispensing the product to your vehicle can be done in two ways:
- Spray : it is possible to dispense the product directly onto the surface using nebulizers.
- Foam : use the foam lance rather than foam sprayers allowing the detergent, in this case heavy, to detach the impurities from the surface of the vehicle, speeding up the washing process.
For this phase we recommend IK Sprayers nebulizers and MTM Hydro and Idrobase foam lance systems .
While the foam is working, with the help of a brush you can take care of the deep cleaning of details, such as the front grilles, rims, tires, wheel arches, seals, handles and gaps. After that you can move on to removing the cleaning foam that, in the meantime, has dissolved the dirt, using a pressure washer.
/// WASHING (phase 2)
This phase is essential to remove the last remaining dirt residues. The washing phase requires a glove or sponge and therefore mechanical action by the operator.
Washing can be done with two types of shampoo if necessary, based on the type of dirt to be removed, even in combo following the second order:
- Acid pH : perfect for eliminating mineral deposits, such as water, limescale and mud stains, products such as: Descale are ideal.
- Neutral pH : if the car is not very dirty or is washed frequently, a neutral detergent may be sufficient to remove the dirt present. Some products we recommend are Reset and Cherry Wash .
The washing phase is usually carried out using the bucket following some basic rules:
- Pour some water.
- Pour in the shampoo that best suits your needs, following the indicated dilutions.
- Completely fill the bucket, in order to obtain thicker foam.
Double bucket technique with grid
This technique is used to avoid accumulation of dirt on the glove and/or sponge after soaping the car. Therefore, inserting the sponge into the bucket to collect new shampoo risks dirtying the water. To avoid this from happening, it is useful to keep a second bucket filled only with water, which will be used to rinse the sponge before dipping it into the bucket containing the detergent.
An additional benefit is given by the use of the bucket grid ( Dirt Lock ) that separates the water from the contaminants that would otherwise cause damage to the bodywork. Each time you dip the mitt or sponge into the bucket, the dirt flows under the grid and leaves clean water at the top, keeping the mitt or sponge always clean and avoiding scratches on the paint.
The choice of glove or sponge to use for washing is also important, microfiber is the most used material because it allows you to absorb large quantities of water while remaining delicate on the surface. When washing, it can be useful to have two gloves/sponges, the first to use to wash the lower part of the car which is dirtier, the second to use to wash the upper part.
Once this procedure is complete, it is time to rinse the vehicle before proceeding to drying .
/// DRYING
Drying is the final and most important step in washing a vehicle, because in this phase obvious defects can arise. To obtain a perfect result, there are several techniques that can be used:
- Water cloth technique: initially use a light jet of water which helps to remove most of the water drops remaining on the bodywork
- Microfiber cloths: The type of cloth you use for drying must be chosen very carefully. Microfiber is unbeatable in this regard because the fibers create a sort of shield for dirt particles. When drying the vehicle with a microfiber cloth specifically for drying, it is important to start from the top, working downwards and avoiding applying pressure.
- Air blower or compressed air: helps to blow away residual water from the spaces between body parts, seals, mirrors, windows.
- Quick detailer: the use of this product, precious during the drying phase, in addition to simplifying the drying of the car, provides additional protection, reducing the probability of creating scratches on the bodywork and maintaining the bright and deep colour.
