For some, cleaning your car is a job you relish, whilst for others, it’s one that you put off until the dirt piles up and you can’t ignore it anymore!
Whichever camp you’re in, learn how to clean headlights, the engine bay, windscreen and remove bugs and bird poo with easy-to-follow advice from the experts at Eurorepar in our ultimate guide on how to wash and clean your car exterior. Get ready to make your vehicle shine like it’s brand new.
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The best way to wash a car
Washing a car on your own can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But, don’t worry. Grab yourself a bucket of warm water, a clean cloth and sponge, car cleaning products like shampoo or car wax – and some clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty! Then, follow these step-by-step instructions on cleaning your car for a proper top-to-bottom scrub.
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Use a hosepipe
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Before you can get on with cleaning your car, help to shift initial dirt off with a hosepipe, working from the roof down.
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High-pressure hoses are also great for blasting dirt and grease off, but remember that they can damage paintwork if they are held too close or used over already chipped paint. So, attach a nozzle that reduces the pressure of the water and use it with caution.
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Shampoo the bodywork
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Once surface dust and dirt have been removed, you can get to work shampooing. Add car shampoo to a bucket before filling with warm water – make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle for the recommended measurements. We advise against using dish detergents as they can remove your car’s protective coating.
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Then, dunk your sponge in and start getting into all those nooks and crannies, rubbing in circular motions and repeating where necessary.
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You may want to split the car into segments and wash the shampoo off as you go to avoid it drying and leaving any streaks.
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Tackle the wheels
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Your wheels are often where the most dirt accumulates as they are closest to the road; iron oxide that comes off the brake pads can build up a thick layer of dirt that can be difficult to remove.
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If a spray with water and a rub down with a sponge doesn’t do the trick, opt for a wheel cleaner that will break down the particles and make stubborn dirt easier to remove. Repeat as needed until your wheels sparkle.
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Rinse with water
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Once you’ve finished shampooing, rinse the soap suds off with a hosepipe.
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If you notice any stubborn marks at this point, give them an extra scrub with your sponge before rinsing again.
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Wipe it down
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Next, find a microfibre cloth or chamois leather and give the whole car a good wipe down to make it shine. We recommend avoiding old towels or cloths as these can create scratch marks or a watermarked finish.
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How to clean headlights
Despite your best cleaning efforts, your headlights can become foggy. This is partly due to dirt and a reaction between the exposed plastic and the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can give your lights a yellowish hue. Not only does this look unattractive, but it also affects how well your bulbs work. Wondering how to restore car headlights? Keep reading for two easy ways to keep them looking brand new.
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Use a headlight cleaner kit
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To keep car headlights in tip-top condition, you can buy a special headlight cleaner or restoration kit and follow the instructions.
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Start by giving your headlights a good clean with water and car soap, before tapping around them with duct or masking tape to protect the paintwork. Take some sandpaper and start sanding down the headlight in horizontal strokes, keeping the surface wet as you do this, or you could scratch the plastic. Then, once you’re happy with the sanding, dry the area and apply some polish to a microfibre cloth and rub it in circular motions. Finish by applying a UV sealant to the headlight as you removed the old oxidized sealant when you sanded it down – this will protect the lense from hazing over again.
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Try Toothpaste
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You can also use toothpaste to restore your headlights (bear with us!). It’s a mild abrasive, so apply a small amount to a soft rag and rub it in circular motions across your headlights to remove any residue, before wiping clean. You’ll be amazed at the result.
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How to clean the engine bay
Engine bays differ from vehicle to vehicle, but the basic cleaning principles remain the same.
Before you begin, we recommend warming your car up for two minutes to make it easier to shift dirt and grime - but make sure the engine isn’t hot as this can be dangerous. Remove the battery and cover any sensitive electrical components like the engine with a plastic bag to keep them from coming into contact with water. Also, avoid getting water on the ignition wires, engine oil, or spark plugs.
Next, remove any dirt or debris like leaves with a brush or a hoover. Then, wet clean the bonnet and the outside of the engine bay using a hose or a damp cloth. Don’t use a pressure hose as this could damage the equipment. If you’re wondering how to clean oil off your engine, try spraying a degreasing spray over the engine bay and leave it to work for five minutes before massaging it in with a soft microfibre cloth.
Remove any plastic bags from the engine and use cleaning wipes to carefully wipe away as much grease and oil as you can from the engine itself. Resist the urge to use a hosepipe here as it’ll do more harm than good. Put the car battery back in and you’re done!
How to remove bird poo from your car
Bird poo can leave a nasty mark on your car due to its acidity or if you try to scratch it off too aggressively – not to mention it doesn’t look great!
To minimise any damage done, remove bird poo from your car as quickly as possible; we recommend checking your vehicle daily. The good news is that most bird poo can be removed with water and a gentle scrub. First, soften it by leaving a warm damp cloth on the area for a few minutes, then work in circular motions to remove any residue, remembering not to press too hard. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid touching it directly and wash any cloths you’ve used straight away.
How to remove bugs from your car
Unfortunately, bug splats require a little more than just water or shampoo to remove. However, resist the urge to use harsh or abrasive products as these can damage your paintwork.
Our technicians say that the easiest way to remove bugs from cars is to invest in bug spray, wipes or aerosols. Following the instructions on the product, apply it to the bumper or windscreen and leave to soak in for a few minutes before rubbing it off with a soft clean cloth. Avoid using oil-based products on your windscreen as they will leave a residue. Then, rinse the area with water and it’ll look as good as new.
How to wax your car
For a truly flawless finish, follow our advice on how to wax your car; we recommend buying a specialist car wax - either a spray, liquid or paste. After washing your car thoroughly, apply the product to a microfibre cloth and massage gently into the bodywork before buffing it away for maximum shine. Repeat if needed. Car wax will add a protective layer to your paintwork and keep it looking glossy and showroom-fresh.
How to clean car windows and windscreen
Keeping your car windows and windscreen clean is more than a superficial thing; it’s essential for your visibility and safety on the roads.
The best way to clean car windows is to use either a special car window cleaner or an ordinary window cleaner. Apply a few sprays and use a soft clean cloth (lint-free cloths work best) to wipe in every direction. Do this until all of the solution has dried for a clear, streak-free finish.
When cleaning your windscreen, follow the same steps but wipe in a vertical then horizontal pattern to avoid getting streaks. Remember to move your windscreen wipers to clean around them and give both of your wing mirrors a good rub down too.
We hope that our comprehensive guide on how to wash and clean your car has answered any questions you may have had about cleaning your car. We look forward to seeing more spotless vehicles on the roads!
If you think that your car requires some extra attention, book an MOT test or car service at one of our professional garages around the UK to ensure that it is roadworthy. Find your nearest Eurorepar centre, here.
