How to Wash Your Car Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide from Colebrook CSC Transporters

Washing your car isn’t just about keeping it looking good — it also protects your paintwork, prevents long-term damage, and maintains the value of your vehicle. At Colebrook CSC Transporters, we know that regular cleaning is essential to the care of any car, van, or campervan, especially if it’s used for work or travel.

Here’s our expert guide to washing your vehicle the right way, without damaging the finish.

Why it matters

Dirt, salt, tree sap, and other contaminants build up on your vehicle over time. If left untreated, they can dull your paintwork, lead to rust, and make future cleaning more difficult. A proper wash removes these safely and helps protect the surface with minimal effort.

What you’ll need

To wash your car properly, you’ll need two buckets, a wash mitt or soft sponge, car shampoo (not washing-up liquid), a hose or pressure washer, a drying towel or microfiber cloth, and an optional wax or sealant if you want added protection.

Step-by-step: how to wash your car safely

Start by rinsing your vehicle with water from top to bottom. This helps loosen surface dirt and prevents scratches during the wash.

Fill one bucket with clean water and another with a mix of car shampoo and water. Dip your wash mitt into the soapy bucket and gently clean one section of the car at a time, working from the roof down. Rinse your mitt in the clean water bucket before dipping it back into the shampoo — this helps keep grit off your paint.

Pay extra attention to lower panels, wheel arches, and bumpers where grime builds up. Use a separate cloth or mitt for wheels and tyres to avoid transferring brake dust and road debris onto the paintwork.

After cleaning, rinse the vehicle thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap. Then use a microfiber towel to dry it — this prevents water spots and streaks.

If you want to protect your paint further, apply a wax or sealant once the car is dry. This step adds shine and protects the surface from future dirt and UV damage.

When should you wash your vehicle?

We recommend washing your car at least once every two weeks, or more often during winter or after long journeys. Vehicles used for work or off-road driving should be cleaned regularly to avoid buildup of salt, mud, or chemicals that can corrode surfaces.

Keep your car looking its best

Regular washing is one of the simplest ways to care for your car. Done properly, it keeps your vehicle looking newer for longer and can reduce the chance of paintwork repairs down the line.

For more tips on vehicle care, or to book a professional clean or detailing service, contact Colebrook CSC Transporters today.