Of course, you could drive through the car wash, which is easy and quick, but not the very best way to get and keep your car clean. The absolute best results come from washing by hand, but how? Let us explain.

Well, that car wash. Not everyone has the patience and time to give their car a thorough cleaning. But washing a car is something anyone can do, and it doesn't have to be as time-consuming as you might think. Washing the car by hand also helps you learn more about your car. You reach places where the car wash can't reach, but you also discover small damages or dirt on the car more quickly. So let's not keep you waiting any longer, and read on for our handy tips.

Tip 1: Wash your car regularly.

A heavily soiled car takes more time to clean than a lightly soiled one. By washing your car regularly, you save a lot of time washing it, and besides, there are more and more car wash boxes in the Netherlands where you can also bring your own washing supplies and use a high-pressure washer.

Tip 2: Wash your car in a cool place.

Did you know that a cold car is easier to clean than a warm car? Therefore, wash your car in the shade, and preferably when it has cooled down properly. The warm paint can cause the shampoo and water to evaporate and dry quickly, which means it won't work optimally.

Tip 3: Rinse the car first with water.

Before you start using car shampoo, it's always a good idea to rinse the car first with a garden hose or pressure washer. This rinses off a lot of the loose sand and dust layer from the paint. Without this pre-rinsing, you'll actually rub the sand layer into the paint with the wash glove or sponge, which can cause scratches.

Tip 4: Use a Pre-wash Foam.

To loosen dirt effectively, use a Pre-Wash foam like the Extreme Foam Cleaner. The cleansing foam that you apply with the foam cannon (detachable attachment) of the pressure washer ensures that the dirt is properly loosened and pre-treated. This way, you prevent swirls and wash scratches on the paint. Furthermore, foaming your car is also super fun to do.

Tip 5: Use an insect remover.

Dead insects like wasps, mosquitoes, bees, and flies have a high acidity level. If these dead bodies remain on the paint for too long, they will embed themselves and leave imperfections in the paint. Apart from that, dead insect residues on the windshield can also cause a haze, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially when the sun is low. With an Insect Remover, you make removing insect residues much easier.

Tip 6: Use 2 buckets.

When you wash your car, it's good practice to use 2 buckets, preferably both equipped with a grit guard. One type of filter. Fill one bucket with shampoo and water, and this will be your wash bucket; the other bucket contains only water and will be your rinse bucket. So, the wash bucket has your clean soapy water, and the rinse bucket is used to rinse out your wash glove or sponge. Then work from top to bottom. Start washing the roof and hood of the car, then the doors, the front and rear bumpers, and finish with the lowest parts of your car. The idea behind this is that by washing the dirtiest parts of the car last, you use cleaner water and soap for the larger part of the car than if you started with the dirtiest parts. Also, don't be tempted to pour the buckets over the car after washing it. By doing this, you're actually throwing the dirt you've just removed from the car back onto it. Therefore, rinse your car afterward with a high-pressure washer or garden hose.

Tip 7: Dry your car with a drying towel.

Many water sources contain calcium. If you let the water on your car dry, there's a chance that calcium rings will appear on the paint. Not a pretty result. Therefore, dry your car with a drying towel. These microfiber towels are specially designed to absorb a lot of water easily. By drying your car, you prevent calcium residues. In addition, you also prevent new dirt from sticking to your freshly washed, wet paint. So, your car stays beautiful longer.

Tip 8: Enjoy your freshly washed car longer.

Your car is now completely washed and dry, a splendid and radiant result. You surely want to preserve this proud moment for a long time. It's time to treat your car afterwards by applying Speedwax, a truly handy spray wax. This helps to apply a water- and dirt-repellent layer to your paint. It brings out the colors in your paint and adds even more satisfaction to your wash.

Tip 9: Don't forget the wheels.

If you've washed the entire body of the car, it's a shame to leave it on dirty wheels. With a Wheel Cleaner and Tire Shine , you ensure that the wheels and tires of your car are completely fresh again, so that the outside of the car looks brand new.

Tip 10: Also give the interior some attention.

How often does it happen that the entire outside of the car is washed, but the inside is still a mess? Therefore, also clean your interior when you clean the car. Use a cleaner that suits your upholstery and also clean the plastic parts of, for example, your dashboard and doors thoroughly. Also, the inside of your windows should be cleaned thoroughly from time to time. Use a special Glass Cleaner and the right cloth to achieve a crystal clear and streak-free result.

Tip 11: Be proud.

You've put time and energy into washing your car, a fun task you can be proud of. Your car is now shining brightly again. And let's face it, it was definitely worth the effort!

With these tips, you've made your car shine brilliantly, and you'll enjoy your beautiful car even longer, while saving some money. So, will you do it yourself again next time, or will you go back to the car wash?