This article will explain the best method for safely and effectively washing your vehicle. Professional Detailers will agree that the safest and most most common method for washing a car is the “two bucket” method. Certainly, there are some variations on this method – such as the new towel per panel method and the foam cannon. However, this article will focus on the two bucket method.
What is the “two bucket” method for washing a car? As the name implies, this method requires the use of two buckets. These buckets will contain the soapy water in one and the rinse water in the other. Additionally, a grit guard should be placed at the bottom of each bucket. The idea is that you rinse your washing mitt after each panel is cleaned. By using the separate rinse bucket and the grit guards, the dirt falls to the bottom and gets trapped away from your clean, soapy water. Let’s dig into the items required.
The Hardware:
- Two 4.5 gallon buckets, such as these Chemical Guys Buckets
Preparation:
Insert your grit guards into the bottom of each bucket. These should fit well in the bottom of the bucket and not crooked or loose.
Add your favorite car wash soap to one bucket, per the manufacturer’s recommended amounts.
Fill both buckets with water from your hose. For best results, or if you have hard water, the water supply should be filtered.
After both buckets are filled, use the hose to rinse the car and remove any loose dirt or debris. You are just looking to get the panels wet to help promote lubrication when washing.
Start Washing:
Use the hose to rinse your wash mitt, then dip the mitt into the soapy water bucket. Agitate the wash mitt against the grit guard at the bottom of the bucket.
Start at the roof of the vehicle, making sure it’s still wet from the rinsing. Using the soapy mitt, work in straight lines, flipping the mitt over after each pass. You will only wash the roof at this point. If the vehicle is extremely dirty you may use the rinse bucket more than once to clean off the wash mitt by agitating it against the grit guard in the bottom of the rinse bucket.
Use your hose to rinse each panel after applying the soap.
Make sure to ring out the mitt before putting it back into the soapy water. Repeat the steps above for the windshield and back glass.
From here, I prefer to start at the back of the car and work my way down, and then to the front of the car.
I will start with the top of the trunk, rinse, and then do the back of the trunk. Please note that it is very important to start at the top of the panel and work your way across the panel in straight lines, parallel to the ground. With each horizontal line you will flip the mitt over and move the next line closer to the ground. The area of the panel which is closest to the ground is the dirtiest, so never wipe a low area and the move back up to a higher area. This will virtually guarantee scratches and swirl marks.
Work your way from top to bottom, and the back of the vehicle to the front, one panel at the time, rinsing the mitt between each panel, and using the hose to wash off any excess soap on each panel.
At this point all of the panels should now be clean and free of visible dirt. Go back over each panel and address any areas which you may have missed.
Give the whole vehicle a rinse from top to bottom with clean water and a fine, low pressure spray pattern.
Next, you will dry the vehicle. Drying the vehicle is almost as important as washing the vehicle. To dry the vehicle I recommend these drying towels. You will want at least two, or more of these towels.
Starting at the top of the vehicle, spread the towel across the surface of the roof and, grasping by two corners, pull the towel towards you. Continue to use this method until all of the upper surfaces of the vehicle are relatively dry.
Next, dry the windows in the same manner you used for the roof and windshield. Be sure to wring out any excess moisture from the towel as you go.
The towel should still be totally clean at this point. If it is not, go back to the washing step and get the vehicle clean. Drying a dirty car will cause scratches and swirl marks.
You will now work on each panel in the same way you washed them, moving horizontally, overlapping each stroke from the top of each panel to the bottom. Do this until each panel is dry.
Next, open the trunk and wipe the seals where the trunk lid meets the body. Dry any water that got under the trunk lid.
Do the same thing under the hood as well. You may want to read our guide on Detailing Your Engine Bay for more tips on getting your engine clean.
Next, open all of the doors and carefully clean the door jams with a damp, soapy microfiber towel and then dry with a clean, dry microfiber towel.
Go back over the whole car and clean up any remaining drips or water spots.
Congratulations, your car is now clean! By following these methods you can avoid common issues such as swirl marks, paint contamination, scratches, and more. Your vehicle will continue to look great for years to come.
For the next steps in maintaining your car’s finish see our guide on How to Claybar your car, and How to Wax your car.
