7 tips for washing your car like a pro

By way of introduction, a quick word about roller washing: although it's the simplest and quickest way to wash your car, and it's also relatively inexpensive, roller car washes are risky for your bodywork. Not all cleaning stations are equipped with microfibre rollers. Washing with rollers therefore risks causing micro-scratches to your bodywork... And then, by cleaning with your hands, you're the only one in charge! Don't they say you're only as good as your own hands?

For a sparkling bodywork, a sponge won't do the trick for 2 reasons: it retains too much dirt on the surface you're rubbing with, and it's not always gentle enough for your car's pretty coat. So we're back to microfibre (ideally in glove form).
Bardahl's 2-in-1 bodywork microfibre even has the advantage of cleaning with one side and buffing directly with the other.

Washing your car properly is a bit like washing up: you don't rinse a clean plate in water that foams! One of the two buckets should therefore be used to mix the water with the washing shampoo, while the other bucket can be used to rinse your microfibre in clear water. And when the clear water turns to dark colours, don't hesitate to change the water.

While the principle of car cleaning is comparable to washing up, the same cannot be said for the choice of products. Vehicle bodywork deserves special attention. Specialists like Bardahl develop formulas that respect paintwork and varnish. This is particularly true of our Shine Shampoo, which is of course gentle on the skin. It cleans, degreases, is easy to rinse and contains shine-enhancing agents - it's a real winner!

Once again, it makes perfect sense. But we'll say it again: once you've thoroughly wetted the whole car, you can start cleaning with your microfibre, starting with the roof and finishing with the bottom. To avoid streaking, it's sometimes best to wash small areas first, then rinse straight away.

The rims can be washed last, as this requires new tools: another cloth, a brush or a sponge, as required, and a special rim cleaner. With Bardahl Rim Cleaner, brake dust disappears effortlessly.

So you've decided to wash your car in the sun at around 20 degrees? Not a good idea! That's the best way to leave traces of shampoo or blow-dry. That's why it's also best to wash your car in small areas.

For the tricky drying stage, there are two solutions: a clean, suitable microfibre cloth or a chamois. But for the most meticulous, protection at the end of the wash is even more important.
If your bodywork is in top condition, with no scratches or visible signs of wear, use our Express Shine Spray, which is quick and easy to use. But if your car's coat has already been through a lot, with a few micro-scratches here and there, Bardahl has also thought of you: the Renovating Polish eliminates micro-scratches, while the Superficial Scratch Remover paste in a tube, in all colours, attenuates even deeper scratches.