Washing your car might seem simple, but a few innocent missteps can do more harm than good. Many drivers unintentionally damage their vehicle’s paint, trim, or interior with the wrong products, poor techniques, or skipped steps. A clean car looks great, but only if it’s cleaned the right way.
If you’re spending time keeping your vehicle looking its best, here are some of the most common cleaning mistakes to avoid—and how to get better results with less effort.
Using Dish Soap or Household Cleaners
One of the most common errors is reaching for whatever soap is under the sink. Dish soap might cut grease on plates, but it’s too harsh for automotive finishes. These cleaners can strip away protective wax coatings and dry out rubber seals, leaving your car more vulnerable to sun damage and fading.
Stick with a pH-balanced car wash soap specifically designed for vehicles. It’ll lift dirt without harming the finish and preserve any wax or sealant already on the paint.
Washing in Direct Sunlight
It might be more convenient to wash your car on a sunny afternoon, but direct sunlight speeds up the drying process, which often leads to water spots and streaks. As the soap dries faster than you can rinse it off, it can leave behind residue and make your hard work look less than polished.
Instead, aim to wash your vehicle in the early morning, late afternoon, or in a shaded area where you can rinse and dry the car before the water starts to evaporate.
Using the Same Towel for Everything
That one rag you grabbed from the garage? It’s probably doing more damage than you think. Using a single towel or sponge for the whole car increases the risk of scratching the paint, especially if you unknowingly trap dirt and drag it across the surface.
Use separate microfiber towels for different parts of the vehicle: one for washing, another for drying, and others for windows or interior surfaces. Always rinse and shake them out regularly during the wash process to avoid dragging grit across the paint.
Ignoring the Wheels and Undercarriage
People often spend time making the paint shine but neglect the wheels, wheel wells, and undercarriage, where dirt, road salt, and brake dust build up the most. Over time, this grime can lead to corrosion or permanent damage, especially in places like Concord, NH, where winter roads are treated with salt and sand.
Start your wash routine with the wheels and lower areas using a separate brush or towel. That way, you won’t transfer brake dust or grit to the rest of the vehicle.
Forgetting to Dry the Car Properly
Letting your car air dry might seem easy, but it’s a recipe for water spots. Minerals in the water stay behind on the surface as it evaporates, leaving dull marks that are hard to remove.
Use a clean, soft microfiber drying towel or a dedicated car dryer to remove water after rinsing. Gently blot or glide across the surface instead of rubbing, which can reduce the risk of swirl marks.
Skipping the Interior
While the outside of your car gets the most attention, the inside needs care too. Dusty dashboards, grimy vents, and stained upholstery not only look bad—they also wear down your car’s surfaces over time.
Avoid using household glass cleaners or harsh chemicals inside the cabin. Use products made for automotive interiors, and don’t forget to clean hidden areas like cupholders, seat seams, and the space between the console and seats.
Overusing Shine Products
It’s tempting to make everything look glossy, especially tires and dashboards, but too much product can attract dust or create a greasy finish. Some over-the-counter tire shines can even cause sling (product splattering on your fenders when you drive), while some interior sprays can cause glare if applied too heavily on shiny surfaces.
Use these products sparingly and follow the directions—usually, a light coating is all you need for a clean, finished look.
Accomplished Auto – Full-Service Car Care in Concord, NH
Taking care of your car’s appearance is important, but don’t forget what’s under the hood. If it’s been a while since your last inspection or maintenance visit, let the team at Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, give your vehicle the attention it needs. Schedule your next service today and keep your car in the best shape.