How to wash your car at home the right way? A Complete DIY Guide

Our cars can get dirty quite easily. Plying every day on the roads makes their surfaces catch dirt and grime, which results in their appearance getting dull and lifeless. Moreover, taking your car to the car wash can prove to be expensive, especially when you need to bring it in every week for a wash.

This is where a garden hose comes in handy. A garden hose can be a quick and easy way to clean your car in the comfort of your driveway. However, you need to know the right procedure for washing your car with one as this will make your task easier.

Thus, in this blog, we shall discuss a complete guide to wash your car at home with a hose. So, let’s get your beloved vehicle cleaned the right way.

Benefits of Car Home Wash DIY

There are several advantages of a car home wash. Read on to find out the top benefits a DIY car washing can offer.

1. Cost savings

Washing your car at home can be more cost-effective than taking it to a professional car wash, especially if you already have the necessary supplies like soap, buckets, and sponges.

2. Convenience

You can wash your car at any time that suits you, without having to travel to a professional car wash. This can be especially convenient for you if you have a busy schedule.

3. Customization

When washing your car at home, you have complete control over the products and techniques used. You can choose specific soaps, waxes, and other detailing tools which will be tailored to your car's needs.

4. Attention to detail

Washing your car yourself allows you to pay close attention to every part of your vehicle, ensuring that it's cleaned thoroughly. This will also include any hard-to-reach areas.

List of Things needed for washing your car at home

Below are some of the items you will need to wash your car at home. Make sure you have everything in place before you start the process to make your job easier.

1. Car wash soap

Choose a specially formulated car wash soap rather than dish soap, as it's gentler on your car's paint.

2. Water source

Access to water, either from a hose or buckets filled from a tap, is essential for rinsing and washing your car.

 

3. Two buckets

Fill one bucket with soap mixed with water for washing and the other with clean water for rinsing your washer mitt or sponge to prevent dirt from being transferred back onto the car's surface.

 

4. Garden hose

A garden hose will connect to your water source and help you spray a jet of water onto your car’s surface. Make sure you invest in a quality garden hose like our BluSeal Rubber Garden Hose, which is both lightweight, durable and can handle both hot and cold water. If you're unsure about which garden hose to choose, explore our latest blog featuring the top 10 best garden hoses to buy in 2024

5. Hose reel

A hose reel will help you manage your garden hose and will allow you to wind and unwind it easily. You can check out the BluSeal Stainless Steel Water Hose Reel. It comes with a rubber garden hose and is corrosion-resistant, which means you can use it for washing your car without worrying about it getting rusted or corroded over time.

6. A spray gun

A spray gun or tip is a part that you attach to the tip of the garden hose. It helps you with the flow of water and also regulates the force in which it comes out. Try pairing your garden hose with the Avagard 9 Mode Metal Spray Gun. You get 9 adjustable spray patterns with it along with a durable metal construction, that too with a 1-year warranty.If you're unsure about which spray gun to purchase, explore our latest blog featuring the top 10 best spray guns to buy in 2024.

 

7. Microfiber Car Drying Towel

The care you exhibit and the tools you use during the drying process are super important because if you use the wrong towels, you risk damaging (scratching) your paint. You don't want to use anything other than a quality microfiber car drying towel to get the job done correctly.

 

Setting Up Your Home Car Wash Station

1. Choosing the Right Location

When selecting the outdoor space for your home car wash station, consider the following tips to ensure there is proper drainage.

Flat Surface - Choose an area with a flat surface to make washing easier and to prevent water from pooling.

Away from Drains - Avoid washing your car near drains to prevent soap and chemicals from entering the water supply.

Grass or Gravel - Washing your car on grass or gravel can help filter runoff and prevent water from flowing directly into storm drains.

Near a Water Source - Position your car wash station close to a water source, such as an outdoor tap, to easily access water for rinsing.

2. Assembling Your Equipment

Below are some tips to gather essential tools and supplies for your home car wash DIY.

Car Wash Soap - Choose a gentle car wash soap to protect your car's paint.

Two Buckets - Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing.

Washer Mitt or Sponge - Use a soft washer mitt or sponge to clean your car's surface.

Avagard 9 Mode Metal Spray Gun - This versatile spray gun offers multiple spray patterns for different cleaning tasks.

Wheel Brush -  A wheel brush helps clean brake dust and grime from your wheels.

Microfiber Towels - These are essential for drying your car after washing.

3. Installing the Car Wash System

Follow these steps to set up the BluSeal Rubber Garden Hose and BluSeal Stainless Steel Water Hose Reel:

Attach the Hose Reel - Install the hose reel on a sturdy wall or post using the provided hardware.

Connect the Garden Hose - Connect one end of the BluSeal Rubber Garden Hose to the water outlet and the other end to the hose reel.

Secure the Hose - Ensure the hose is securely attached to the reel to prevent kinks and tangles.

Adjust Spray Gun Settings - Choose the desired spray pattern on the Avagard 9 Mode Metal Spray Gun.

 

Mastering the Car Washing Technique

Now let’s get to the part where you master the technique of car washing at home. Follow the tips mentioned below and soon your car will be squeaky clean in no time at all.

1. Prepare your vehicle

Before you start to wash your car, you should prepare your vehicle to make sure you have a smooth car washing process.

Check your car for any visible dirt or debris, especially in hard-to-reach areas like door jambs and undercarriage. You can also use a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt particles or debris from the surface.

2. Use the Avagard 9 Mode Metal Spray Gun

Below are some tips to adjust the spray pattern on the Avagard spray gun.

Twist the nozzle on the spray gun to select the desired spray pattern. You can also use a wide spray pattern for rinsing and a focused pattern for tougher stains or dirt buildup.

3. Wash Your Car Safely And Effectively

Begin washing your car from the roof and work your way downwards to prevent dirt and debris from dripping onto already cleaned areas. Dip your washer mitt or sponge into the soapy water bucket, then rinse it in the clean water bucket to prevent scratching the paint. Then use the microfiber towels to dry your car after washing, starting from the top to the bottom.

Why is a Garden Hose Ideal for Car Washing?

A garden hose can be your best choice for car washing at home, instead of opting for a pressure washer. This is because a garden hose will allow you to gently spray water onto your car’s surface. However, a pressure washer will exert more force which can damage the surface of your car and also chip away paint.

Moreover, a garden hose is more affordable than a pressure washer and is a great option if you aren’t looking to use specialized equipment to wash your car. In addition to this, garden hoses are simple to use and require minimal setup, unlike a pressure washer.

Achieving Professional Results

If you want to achieve a professional result after cleaning your car, then you need to take a soft microfiber cloth. Once the car is completely dry, use the cloth to gently wipe the surface of your car. Make sure you cover every nook and cranny of your car.

The microfiber cloth will ensure that the surface of the car gets polished after every wipe. Also, remember to pat dry the surface, instead of rubbing the microfiber cloth on the surface.

After drying, inspect your car for any remaining water spots or streaks. Use a clean microfiber towel to gently buff away any imperfections so that you can get a flawless finish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you follow the steps outlined above for washing your car, the chances are that you won’t face any issues whatsoever. However, some problems can still arise, for which we have listed the solutions below.

Water Spots

If water spots appear after drying, you can remove them by spraying a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water onto the affected areas and wiping them with a clean microfiber towel. Alternatively, you can use a water spot remover specifically designed for automotive surfaces.

Streaks

Streaks can occur if the car is not dried thoroughly or if the wrong type of towel is used. To prevent streaks, ensure the car is completely dry and use clean, soft microfiber towels for drying.

Scratches

Scratches may occur if abrasive materials or improper techniques are used during washing or drying. To avoid scratches, use a gentle touch and high-quality, non-abrasive materials, such as microfiber washer mitts and towels

Final thoughts

Thus, as you can see from the tips mentioned above, washing your car at home can be an easy task. However, you need to properly gather the tools required for the job, and follow the tips mentioned to have an effortless and efficient cleaning experience.

So, the next time you find your car dirty, instead of heading to the car wash, just grab a garden hose and start cleaning your car at home. Once you get the hang of it, you will never need to visit the car wash again.

The next time you plan on washing your car at home, do check out the hoses we have. Our water hoses will make your car washing experience more effective and easy.