Washing your car at home is an affordable and enjoyable way to keep your ride looking fresh without heading to the car wash every weekend. But if you want that pro-level shine, there’s a method to the madness. It’s not just about water and soap—it’s about using the right techniques and products.
At Detail by DMP, we’ve been in the game for over 30 years, supplying top-tier car care products to the pros. Now, we’re bringing that quality directly to you, so you can achieve showroom results in your own driveway. In this guide, we’ll show you how to wash your car like a pro using some of our key products: High Foam Auto Wash, Snow Foam Pre-Wash, and Mag Wheel Cleaner.
Why Washing Your Car Properly is Important :
Here in SA, dust, mud, and road grime can quickly build up on your car, damaging your paint if left unchecked. Washing your car the right way not only keeps it looking sharp but also helps protect it from our local elements. Using the wrong products or methods can lead to swirl marks, scratches, or even damage.
Step 1: Prepping Your Car for a Wash
Before you start, park your car in a shaded area (so the water doesn’t dry too fast and leave spots).
You’ll need:
- Two buckets (one for your soapy water and one for rinsing)
- A microfiber wash mitt
- A hosepipe or pressure washer
- Quality car wash products
Product Spotlight: Snow Foam Pre-Wash
Start off strong by applying Snow Foam Pre-Wash. This bad boy loosens dirt and grime before you even touch the car, cutting down on scratches caused by grit on your mitt. It’s like giving your car a proper rinse before the main wash.
How to Use:
- Spray the snow foam over the entire vehicle, covering all areas.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes while it breaks down dirt and insect debris.
- Rinse thoroughly with your hose or pressure washer.
Pro Tip: If you want maximum foam coverage, a foam cannon is by far the best way to go ! It ensures that your ride is covered from roof to rims.
Step 2: Cleaning Your Mags
Your wheels take the most punishment, not only from potholes, but brake dust and road dirt as well, so they need a little extra attention. This is where Mag Wheel Cleaner steps in to save the day.
Product Spotlight: Mag Wheel Cleaner
Designed to tackle brake dust, grime, and road dirt, Mag Wheel Cleaner is perfect for restoring your wheels to their former glory without damaging them.
How to Use:
- Spray Mag Wheel Cleaner generously onto your wheels.
- Use a dedicated wheel brush to get into all the tight spots and scrub away the dirt.
- Rinse with water to reveal the shine.
Pro Tip: Clean your wheels first, so you don’t splash grime back onto your freshly washed car.
Step 3: The Two-Bucket Wash Method
Now that your car’s been prepped and your rims are shining, it’s time for the main wash using High Foam Auto Wash. This is where the magic happens.
Product Spotlight: High Foam Auto Wash
Our High Foam Auto Wash delivers thick foam that traps dirt and makes it easy to rinse away without scratching your paint. It’s pH-balanced, safe for all types of paint, and leaves your car looking brand new.
How to Use:
- Fill one bucket with High Foam Auto Wash mixed with water, and the other with clean water for rinsing.
- Use your microfiber mitt to wash the car one section at a time, starting from the top and working down.
- After washing each section, rinse your mitt in the clean water bucket before going back to the soapy one.
- Once done, rinse the entire car with water to remove all foam.
Pro Tip: Avoid washing in circular motions! Stick to straight lines to reduce the risk of swirl marks.
Step 4: Drying and Detailing
You're ready to dry. This step is crucial to avoid those annoying water spots. Use a microfibre or Alcantara drying towel and wipe down all the panels until dry.
Optional: Ceramic Protection with Dynamic Ceramic Detailer
Want your car to look next-level shiny? Finish off with Dynamic Ceramic Detailer. This adds a protective, hydrophobic layer to your paint that helps water and dirt slide right off.
How to Use:
- Spray Dynamic Ceramic Detailer onto a microfiber towel.
- Buff the product into the paint for that high-gloss, smooth finish.
Pro Tip: Applying ceramic protection makes future washes easier and keeps your car looking cleaner for longer. A must for any serious car enthusiast!
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
To really make your car stand out, finish up with some Super Shine. This product enhances the look of all that sun damaged plastic on your car, giving you that showroom finish. And for those sleek, glossy tires, slap on some Clear Gel Tyre Shine for a long-lasting, dust-resistant shine.
Product Spotlight: Clear Gel Tyre Shine
Keep your tires looking fresh with Clear Gel Tyre Shine. It's long-lasting, dust- and water-resistant, and adds that perfect finishing touch to your ride.
How to Use:
- Apply Clear Gel Tyre Shine to an applicator sponge and evenly coat your tires.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to dry, or wipe off the excess for a more matte look.
Conclusion: Now You're Washing Like a Pro!
By following these steps and using Detail by DMP products, you’ll achieve a professional-level clean every time you wash your car. Not only will your car look next-level, but it will also be protected from the harsh South African elements.
Remember, regular washing keeps your car’s value intact and ensures it stays looking its best. With the right tools, you can maintain that showroom shine without leaving home.
Explore Our Range
Check out the full range of Detail by DMP products here and get ready to elevate your car care game with products trusted by professionals for over 30 years. Don’t just wash your car—Detail it.