Whether you buy a car new or used, buying a car represents a considerable expense. It stands to reason that you will want to take good care of it so that it will last as long as possible! Any damage to your car, cosmetic or otherwise, will cost you money. When you wash the exterior of your car, you want to take care to not damage it. Here are some tips to help you wash your car’s exterior safely:

Car Wash Mitts

There are a variety of car wash mitts on the market. They can be made of sponge material, microfiber, or sheepskin. You want to choose a mitt that is soft and holds a lot of water and car wash soap. You also want it to rinse well as you don’t want spots left on your car when you wash off the soap. Avoid using rags, old t-shirts, and towels to wash your car as they are more likely to leave little scratches in your paint. Wash mitts made specifically for washing your car are your best bet. Don’t try to save a few dollars by using something you find under the sink or in the garage. You’ll spend more money having your paint job repaired.

Car Wash Shampoo

Just like with car wash mitts, you want to make sure the car wash shampoo you use is made to be used on the paint of a car. You don’t want to grab just anything from the house because all soaps have their individual purposes. Dish soap, for example, is designed to eat away at grease on your dishes. Those same ingredients will eat away at your car wax and dry out plastic and rubber parts on the exterior of your car. Always choose a shampoo that is made specifically for washing the exterior of your car. Don’t reach for the cheapest product. Not all car wash shampoos are created equally, so do your research and ask family and friends what they recommend.

Car Wax

You might be tempted to skip the car wax if you don’t care much about having a shiny and smooth looking car, but car wax is much more important than that. Car wax protects your car’s paint from dirt and other contaminants that will eat away at it. Consider wax the layer that will take abuse while protecting your paint job. By applying wax, you will be able to wash it less because debris will stick to it less. Wax is also UV protection for the paint on your car, so it won’t fade or peel too quickly.

Washing the Windows

You might be inclined to reach for the bottle of window cleaner you use around the house. After all, windows are windows, right? Wrong. Household window cleaners contain ammonia, which can damage the tint on your car’s windows, so only use a window cleaner made for cars.

Washing the exterior of your car is something that requires care and attention. It’s not something you want to rush or use inferior products with. Pick the best products and learn the proper techniques for washing your car and the exterior will look just like new for a long time!