How To Wash Your Car In Direct Sunlight

Washing your car in direct sunlight can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques, it can be mastered to achieve a sparkling clean finish. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and ensure your car looks its best.

Choose the Right Products for Effective Car Washing

When washing your car in direct sunlight, it's essential to use the right products to prevent water spots and streaks. Opt for a pH-balanced car wash soap and a high-quality microfiber wash mitt to gently clean the surface without causing scratches.

Pro Tip: Using a Wash + Wax Soap or a Soap with SiO2 will help to minimize the water spotting. Try Hydrosheet from Malco Car Products and see the difference. 

Prep Your Car Before You Start Washing 

Prior to washing, park your car in a shaded area to allow the surface to cool down. This will help prevent water from drying too quickly and leaving water spots. Additionally, consider using a pre-wash spray or foam to loosen dirt and grime, making the washing process more effective.

Work in Sections As You Wash Your Car

Divide your car into sections such as the roof, hood, sides, and rear. This will help you focus on one area at a time, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing the soap from drying on the surface. Rinse each section immediately after washing to avoid water spots. At Eagle Star Detail, we often use this method to great success. It may add a few more minutes to the work but the results are worth it and not having to spend time buffing out water spots will actually save you a ton of time. 

Use the Two-Bucket Method for A Better and Safer Car Wash

Implement the two-bucket method to minimize the risk of scratching your car's paint. Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing your wash mitt. This will help prevent dirt and debris from being transferred back onto the car's surface. We discuss the various car wash soaps and the most effective ones in our post Choosing the Right Car Wash Soap.

Consider a Waterless Wash for Your Car Wash

If finding shade is not an option, consider using a waterless wash solution. This method involves spraying the product onto the surface and gently wiping it with a microfiber towel, eliminating the need for rinsing. It's a convenient alternative for washing your car in direct sunlight.

Dry Thoroughly Following The Wash

After washing, use a high-quality microfiber drying towel to thoroughly dry the car's surface. Pay special attention to seams, crevices, and areas where water tends to accumulate. This will help prevent water spots and streaks from forming as the car dries.

Pro Tip: Dry the car using a leaf blower (be sure it is clean). The high speed forced air will help the car shed water that is resting on the surface very quickly. Follow up with a microfiber to get any remaining spots.

Apply a Protectant

Once your car is clean and dry, consider applying a spray wax or sealant to protect the paint and enhance its shine. These products can provide a layer of protection against the sun's UV rays and environmental contaminants, keeping your car looking its best.

Pro Tip: Get a spray detailer that is polymer based and use it as a drying aid. This way you are drying and protecting at the same time and the polymer will help protect the clear coat from water spotting.

By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively wash your car in direct sunlight while achieving professional-looking results. With the right products and methods, you'll be able to maintain a clean and glossy finish, even under the bright sun.

If you want to learn more car care tips, tricks and techniques visit our blog. Eagle Star Detail offers premium mobile detailing services, bringing professional car care directly to customers' doorsteps. With a focus on quality and convenience, we use top-of-the-line products and techniques to deliver exceptional results. With Eagle Star Detail, customers can trust their vehicles will receive the highest level of care, leaving them looking pristine and protected and water spot free. Contact Eagle Star Detail if you ever habve a question about Car Care and we will do our best to find you the best answer or technique. If you are in the Boise Metro area including Eagle, Star, Meridian and surrounding cities and are looking for professional car detailing near me or car detailing at home near Eagle, give Eagle Star Detail a try. We look forward to being your go-to auto detailing provider in Boise. 
 
 
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