Mastering the self-service car wash

"Those foam brushes will ruin the paint on your car"

I'm almost certain this is the advice most people will receive when they first purchase a new car.

You see, the self-service car wash presents a double-edged sword: a quick and cost-effective way to maintain your car's cleanliness but at the same time you're risking potential damage if it's not done correctly.

However, a Brisbane-based car detailing expert Jack Dew (@detailking [↗️]) seems to have cracked the code, offering a blueprint for an efficient, cost-effective and safe car wash process that's taken TikTok by storm. His bio further proved his confidence as "The King of Detailing 👑".

The viral video which has amassed 6.5 million views so far proves that there are plenty of people who don't actually the best practice when it comes to cleaning your car yourself... until now.

How to DIY at your local car wash

At the heart of this expert's method is a streamlined, five-step routine designed to maximise cleanliness while protecting the vehicle's integrity—all within a ten-minute timeframe and around $10.

Let's take a closer look at each step.

Tackle the tyres first

Tyres can be the dirtiest part of the car and require special attention. Use a dedicated tyre cleaner, but apply it carefully to avoid splashing onto the car's paint, which could cause damage. And don't take our word for it, the machine itself notes not to get any of the solution onto any other part of your car.

Applying the cleaner directly to the ground first can help control the spread and ensure not to get any of it on the paint.

5

The Pre-Soak Phase

Following the tyre cleaner, the next step involves a generous application of pre-soak solution over the entire vehicle. This helps loosen dirt and grime, making the subsequent washing steps more effective. Jack suggests you "spray it on the ground" to watch for the solution to change colour ensures you're using the right products without harming the paint.

One commenter noted that contactless washing didn't work to clean marks off her car to which the creator responded that the "chemicals should loosen the dirt, scrubbing is never good". But if those pesky marks need the extra nudge that a "wash mit and bucket" is the safest option.

5

Foaming Brush With Care

Perhaps the "most controversial step" at any self-service wash is the foaming brush. The key here is to thoroughly rinse the brush with soap via the water nozzle before using it on your vehicle to remove any debris that could scratch the paint.

Jack notes that some people use the brush to remove mud off their car, which could end up being spread onto yours, causing scratches. He recommends using the brush solely on the wheels to avoid any risk to the car's actual body and proceeds to rinse it off before moving to the next step.

5

Splatter Wax for the Finish

Applying a layer of wax not only adds a gleaming finish to your vehicle but also provides an additional layer of protection until the next wash. He calls it "arguably the best part" of the process.

Once the splatter wax has been applied he follows it up with a high pressure wax to ensure the vehicle is protected. After rinsing the vehicle off with water, water drops will bead down the car

5

Drying Off

The final step involves hand drying your vehicle with a clean, soft towel. This is crucial for avoiding water spots and ensuring your car looks its best. Starting from the top, work your way down to prevent drips on already dried areas.

As an expert detailer, Jack noted that he doesn't get much time to clean his own car after working on clients vehicles all day, so the self-service car wash allows him to safely and quickly get the job done during a quiet evening.

If the experts are saying it themselves, maybe the foaming brushes are better left alone, I think to myself, while using the foaming brush.