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How can I clean a really dirty car exterior?

I went to a music festival with some friends yesterday and parked in a grass parking lot. It rained all day and by the time we left, the grass lot had transformed into a giant mud pit. My car is a mess and desperately needs a clean. What’s the best way to clean a filthy car exterior?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The rain sounds like a drag, but I hope you and your friends enjoyed the festival!
To give your car a deep clean that leaves it looking brand new, grab the following items:
  • Garden hose
  • Two or three buckets
  • Car wash detergent
  • Wash mitts
  • Sponges
  • Soft towels that won’t scratch the vehicle
  • Scrub brush
After you collect the necessary materials, use these step-by-step instructions to clean a really dirty car exterior:
  • Park in the shade and roll up the windows
  • Fill the buckets with water and add detergent to all but one. The bucket containing only water will be used to rinse your mitts and sponge
  • Hose off the vehicle to remove loose dirt and debris
  • Use one bucket containing detergent to clean the wheels using the scrub brush and a sponge or mitt
  • Dump out the dirty water as necessary
  • Wash the rest of the car with soapy water and rinse your sponge or mitt often
  • Work from top to bottom and hose down each area once clean
  • Hose down the underside of your car
Now that the actual washing is done, dry the vehicle using soft clean towels, wax the vehicle, and apply water repellent to the windows.
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